Cling to What is Good
Pastor Rebecca Gore
In a powerful sermon titled "Cling to What is Good," the congregation was encouraged to embrace faith and perseverance in the face of life's challenges. The message was rooted in the story of Ruth and Naomi, illustrating how faithfulness and trust in God can lead to redemption and blessings.
Key Themes
Openness to God's Power
The service began with declarations of openness to God's power, healing, and goodness. The congregation was invited to prepare their hearts to receive what the Holy Spirit had to offer, emphasizing a collective readiness to embrace God's presence.
Embracing Worship and Praise
Worship was a central theme, with an emphasis on the power of praise. The pastor reminded the congregation that worship is a gift to God, a way to express gratitude and acknowledge His faithfulness. Through singing and raising a "hallelujah," believers were encouraged to proclaim victory over their circumstances.
The Story of Ruth
The sermon delved into the story of Ruth, highlighting her unwavering faith in the face of adversity. When Naomi urged Ruth to return to her family, Ruth chose to stay, clinging to Naomi and her faith in God. This decision marked a turning point, illustrating the power of choosing faith over familiarity.
God's Provision and Redemption
Ruth's story is a testament to God's provision. Despite her circumstances, Ruth found favor in the fields of Boaz, a relative of Naomi's late husband. Boaz's kindness was a reflection of God's grace, providing for Ruth and Naomi in their time of need. This narrative underscores the belief that God sees and provides for His people, even when hope seems lost.
Faith in Action
The pastor urged the congregation to be active participants in God's work, to be His hands and feet in the world. By seeing and responding to the needs of others, believers can demonstrate God's love and grace. This call to action is a reminder of the role of the church in embodying Christ's compassion and generosity.
Reflection and Trust
The sermon concluded with a reflection on God's faithfulness, encouraging the congregation to remember His past goodness as a foundation for future hope. Psalm 103:1-2 was cited, urging believers to praise God and remember His benefits. The pastor emphasized that waiting on God's timing requires trust and patience, but His promises are sure.
Personal Testimony
A personal testimony was shared, illustrating the transformative power of choosing to cling to God during difficult times. The pastor recounted their own experiences of loss and provision, demonstrating how God's faithfulness can lead to unexpected blessings and opportunities.
Encouragement to Seek God
The sermon concluded with a call to seek God actively, to trust in His plans and timing. The congregation was encouraged to write down areas where they desired to see God's redemption, fostering a spirit of expectation and faith.
In summary, "Cling to What is Good" was a call to embrace faith, worship, and action, trusting in God's unfailing love and provision. Through the story of Ruth and personal testimonies, the sermon illustrated the transformative power of faith and the importance of remaining steadfast in the pursuit of God's promises.
Study Guide: Cling to What is Good
Reading
Romans 12:9: "Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good."
Jeremiah 29:6-11: "Take wives and have sons and daughters... For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
Ruth 1-4: The story of Ruth’s loyalty, faith, and redemption.
Psalm 103:1-12: "Bless the Lord, O my soul... He does not deal with us according to our sins."
Psalm 13: A cry for help and a declaration of trust in God’s salvation.
Romans 5:3-5: "Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings... because God’s love has been poured into our hearts."
Psalm 78:35: "They remembered that God was their rock, the Most High God their redeemer."
Warm Up
Think of a situation where you had to trust in something or someone when the outcome was uncertain. What emotions did you experience, and what was the result?
How do you define "goodness" in your life? How do you determine what is genuinely good versus what merely appears to be good?
What are some recent experiences where you had to make a choice between what was easy and what was right? How did you feel afterward?
Scripture Exploration
Examine Romans 12:9. What does it mean to "abhor what is evil" in today’s context? How can this be applied to everyday decisions?
In Ruth 1-4, identify the turning points in Ruth’s story. How did each decision she made reflect her faith and commitment?
Reflect on Jeremiah 29:6-11. How do these verses speak to you in times of uncertainty or change? How can they provide comfort or direction?
Analyze Psalm 103:1-12. What are the benefits of remembering God’s goodness and mercy? How does this shape your understanding of His character?
Personal Reflection
How does Ruth’s story challenge or inspire you in your current life situation? What aspects of her character do you admire?
Connect Psalm 13 with a personal experience of waiting on God. How did you find strength in trusting Him despite the circumstances?
Consider Romans 5:3-5. What role does suffering play in your spiritual growth? How can it lead to hope and faith?
Explore Psalm 78:35. How can remembering God as your rock and redeemer influence your perspective on current challenges?
Personal Application
Identify a specific area in your life where you need to "cling to what is good." What practical steps can you take this week to hold fast to this principle?
How can you support someone who is facing a challenging situation similar to Ruth’s? What actions can you take to be a source of hope and encouragement?
Develop a plan to actively seek God’s guidance in areas where you feel uncertain. How can prayer and scripture play a role in this process?
Reflect on the impact of living out the principles of Romans 12:9 in your community. What are some ways you can contribute to fostering an environment of love and goodness?
Set a goal to share your experiences of God’s faithfulness with others. How can your testimony encourage someone who might be struggling with doubt or fear?
Discussion Questions
Icebreaker:
Share a moment from this week where you felt particularly blessed or grateful. How does this relate to the sermon's theme of clinging to what is good?
Theme Reflection:
Pastor Rebecca Gore emphasized the importance of choosing faith and clinging to what is good, even in difficult times. How do you personally interpret this message, and what are some practical ways you can apply it in your daily life?
Scripture Connection:
Reflect on Romans 12:9, "Let your love be without hypocrisy, abhor what is evil; cling to what is good." How does this verse challenge or inspire you in your current season of life?
Personal Application:
The sermon highlighted the story of Ruth and her decision to cling to Naomi and God’s promises. Have you ever faced a situation where you had to make a difficult choice to cling to faith amidst uncertainty? Share your experience and how it shaped your spiritual journey.
Theological Implications:
Pastor Rebecca mentioned God’s unfailing love and His plans for good, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11. How does understanding God’s nature as a redeemer and provider influence your trust in Him during challenging times?
Community Impact:
In what ways can our church community support each other in "clinging to what is good"? Discuss potential outreach or support initiatives that align with the sermon's message.
Call to Action:
Pastor Rebecca encouraged us to remember and testify about God’s goodness in our lives. What is one specific testimony of God’s faithfulness you can share with someone this week to encourage them?
