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(04/28/2024) Eddie Lo

A Classical Story of True Love

 

Scriptures: Ruth 1:6-18

Introduction: Today’s passage is an appropriate application to our April 7th’s discussion about Jesus’ restoration of Peter. Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love me?” Remember? Jesus used the Greek word “agape”, referring to the highest form of love that God has shown us. And Peter responded by saying, “Yes, Lord, You know that I love you.” But Peter used another word— “phileo”, a lower form or level of love. This morning, we are going to discuss a love story in the Old Testament that is a perfect application and illustration of what we learned about the agape love in the Gospel of John, but the term is Hesed in the Hebrew language.

A. True Repentance Is Backed by Corresponding Action. (vs. 6-9)

1. It takes enormous faith for Naomi to make the back-to-God decision. (v. 6)
2. Offering selfless sacrifice is only possible from a forgiven sinner. (vs. 7-9)

B. The Level of Love That One Can Give Is Determined by A Conscious Choice. (vs. 8-17)

1. Naomi chose to be a model for faith, hope, and love. (v. 9)
2. Orpah chose a level of love that misses the blessing of God. (v. 14)
3. Ruth chose Hesed through her faith, hope, and love. (vs.16-17; cf. Ro. 8:25)

C. Blessings Ensues When the Highest Level of Love Is Fulfilled. (v. 8)

D. Conclusion & Reflection

1. Faith is essential and required to gain the favor of God. (Chro 7:14)
2. Hope endures when sustained by God. (Prov. 23:18)
3. True Love comes from God and is expressed through our love for each other. (Jn 13:34-35)
4. Love is the greatest virtue. (1 Cor. 13:13)

Speaker: Eddie Lo

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. West Coast Christian Conference (WCCC) 2024: In lieu of having our summer conference, this year we encourage brothers and sisters to attend West Coast Christian Conference 2024 together. It will take place from 7/24 to 7/28 (Wednesday to Sunday) at Biola University.  The registration window for WCCC 2024 is from 4/15/24 to 5/15/24, or until capacity is reached. Registrations can be completed at the conference website https://www.westcoastchristianconference.com/2024/registration.php. The capacity usually fills up in about two weeks so please register early. If you attended WCCC in the past, you may use your security code when registering on their website. However, if you have never attended WCCC or need a new security code, please get in touch with Richer Shaw, Alan Ngo or Caleb. We will obtain one for you.  You can find out more about the conference by visiting West Coast Christian Conference 2024.

2. In-Person Meeting: Welcome back! English group, Chinese group and children Sunday School is back to in person meetings. Our meeting schedule has changed, Sunday morning starts 9:15AM with Breaking of Bread followed by worship and message at 10:00AM. Please refer to the schedule for details.
3. Prayer Meeting: Prayer Meetings are Tuesdays from 8:00 to 9:15PM, joining via Webex for the combined session of the meeting (Meeting number: 6 2 7 5 6 4 2 7 4 Password: 4 0 0 0). We are using Zoom for the English group session, please reach out to Richer for login information.
4. Bible Reading Plan: For 2024 Bible-in-a-year reading, we will follow “More Jesus Reading Plan 365” and will read through the Bible in a year. With a reading plan, we can keep one another accountable in our Bible reading. For more details or to join the plan, click here.
5. Offering: If you would like to make offerings, you can drop it into the offering box or send your checks to: Home of Christians, L.A., PO Box 507, Monterey Park, CA 91754.
6. Feature Pages: Checkout our worship YouTube channel for our latest music productions. Also checkout the two new webpages on the Chinese site featuring hymns and the sharing of our brothers and sisters.
7. Howto: There are several ways to watch the HOC Sunday Sermon. Here are two methods

See our sermons page for past sermons.