The third chapter of Ruth contains what is perhaps the most confusing scene in the whole story. Why does Naomi instruct Ruth to behave the way she does, and what can we learn from Ruth and Boaz’s actions in the story?
(Preaching through Ruth. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on May 3, 2026.)
The image of the church as branches of a tree or a vine is one of the less common in Scripture, but it is instructive nonetheless. What does this analogy teach us about our relationship with Jesus and our job as his followers?
(Preaching on the church. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on May 3, 2026.)
The image of the church as a flock of sheep is perhaps the least flattering one in all of Scripture. This comparison goes back a long way, to God’s relationship with the Israelites and their leaders. What can we learn from Israel’s use of this analogy, Jesus’s adoption of it, and the early Church’s continuation of its use?
(Preaching on the church. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on April 26, 2026.)
The second chapter of Ruth introduces a new pivotal character to the narrative; the wealthy and honorable Boaz, described in the ESV as “a worthy man.” What made Boaz so worthy, and what should we learn from his attitudes and behavior?
(Preaching through Ruth. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on April 19, 2026.)
The image of the church as a “body” is one of the most common word-pictures in the New Testament. Why is it so prevalent, and what does it mean for how we think about and act in God’s kingdom?
(Preaching on the church. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on April 19, 2026.)
Ruth 1 is a devastating chapter, as the narrative jumps right into tragedy in Naomi’s life and her response to that tragedy. What do we learn about Naomi’s mental and spiritual state, and what can we take away from her conversations with her daughters-in-law?
(Preaching through Ruth. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on April 12, 2026.)
We begin a series on “images of the church” in the New Testament, different word-pictures or analogies for God’s people, with temple language. What is significant about the word “temple,” and how does it apply to the church?
(Preaching on the church. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on April 12, 2025.)
We begin our study of Ruth by considering the context in which the story takes place; the time of the judges. What were the important features of this period of Israelite history, how does the story of Ruth fit into it, and more broadly how does Ruth’s story fit into the larger context of God’s redemptive work throughout history?
(Preaching through Ruth. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on April 5, 2026.)
It is not an understatement to say that the resurrection of Jesus is the most important event in all of history. Based on Paul’s exposition of it in 1 Corinthians 15, why is it so important, and what should it mean to you and me?
(This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on April 5, 2026.)
If spiritual thinking begins with considering eternal concerns (judgment, the character of God, “spiritual” treasure), what does it look like in practical, everyday terms? How should spiritual thinking manifest in this present, temporal life?
(Preaching through Luke. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on March 29, 2026.)
Watts in the Word 