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A Virtuous Woman
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughRuth is described as a virtuous woman, translating the Hebrew phrase 'ešet hayl, which means woman of worth, strength, or noble character. This phrase appears in Proverbs 12:4 and Proverbs 31:10, where it refers to an excellent or virtuous wife. Boaz praises Ruth's kindness for choosing him over a younger man and notes that everyone in Bethlehem holds her in high esteem for her virtue. Her actions, though potentially seen as scandalous, are deemed honorable by Boaz due to her reputation for virtue. Ruth's virtuous nature is evident in her diligent work in the fields, her kind treatment of Naomi, and her wise and loyal words. These characteristics align with the description of the virtuous wife in Proverbs 31, suggesting Ruth as a model for this ideal.
God's Real Transformation
Sermon by Mark SchindlerJesus is transforming His Bride into something beautiful, mirroring His godly character. He is preparing us to carry out our responsibilities.
Imagining the Garden of Eden (Part Eleven)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's selection of Eve as a companion to Adam took into account the need for a helper as a counterpart—like himself, but standing opposite as complementary.
The Politicalization of Motherhood
Sermonette by Mike FordMothers are crucial in developing the baby's nervous system during the first three years, something that husbands, fathers, or day care centers cannot do.
Remembering Who We Are
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidWhen we consider the awesome contrast of what we were before God called us and what we are now, we cannot allow ourselves to commit spiritual fornication.
Proverbs 31 and the Wife of Christ (Part Three): Esther
Sermon by Mark SchindlerTrue virtue, strength, and worth come only from God and are developed through faith, obedience, humility, and reverent fear of being unfaithful.
Our Help
Sermon by Bill OnisickThe woman was created to be a strong, equal, complementary partner. Marriage was intended to mirror the intimacy between Christ and the church.
Bad Is The New Good For Girls!
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsA woman's success in the world is less a function of her appearance than it is of her competence. What a woman can do ultimately matters more than how she looks. A woman might look like a super-model, but if she shows up for work three hours late, doesn't answer her phone calls, and can't do the work she's assigned to do, then she won't be successful no matter how good she looks.
The Perfect Wife
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Virtuous Woman, as described in Proverbs 31, reveals a stark contrast to the worldly view of a biblical wife as an oppressed slave. Instead, she is portrayed with honor and praise, possessing worth beyond measure. Her life is filled with opportunity, blessing, great fulfillment, and satisfaction. This depiction aligns with God's view of a perfect wife, showcasing the positive aspects of following His instructions.
Wonderful Women
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAccording to God's vision of the institution of marriage, when man and wife follow the rule of submission and sacrificial love, patriarchy is a blessing.
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Twelve)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAs husband and wife are commanded to become one flesh, members of the Bride of Christ become spiritually unified through the indwelling of God's Spirit.
Will You Marry Me? (Part One)
Article by StaffThe Bible is full of marriage symbolism. We have been invited to participate in the very Marriage Supper of Jesus Christ—not just as a guest, but as the Bride!
The Role of Women
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsEven though feminist leaders have attacked the Bible for allegedly denigrating and demeaning women, God's Word emphasizes the honor and dignity of women.
The Bride of Christ (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerOur daily choices build character that will endure divine testing. By aligning with God's divine order, we do our part in yielding to this active preparation.
Can You Handle the Truth?
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloWe must be willing to allow God to make changes in our thinking, even when those changes discomfort the beliefs to which we have acclimated ourselves.
Proverbs 31 and the Wife of Christ (Part One)
Sermon by Mark SchindlerRevelation 19 and Proverbs 31 teach that the bride's value, strength, and virtue come entirely from God, yet must be lived out through righteous action.
The Eternal Privileges of the Bride
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJust as a bride gains a new identity, name, and inheritance through marriage, God's chosen saints, share Christ's very life, glory, and eternal prospects.
Parenting (Part 3): Mothers
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe mother provides a gentle, cherishing quality to child rearing compatible with the strength provided by her husband.
Displaying Gentle and Patient Conduct
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod's people must follow the spirit of the law regarding the treatment of others, being humble, sincere, and gentle, esteeming others before themselves.
Honoring Mom
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingTruly, a mother's love knows no bounds. The special bond between mothers and their children provides an insight as to how Jesus Christ loves us.
Proverbs 31 and the Wife of Christ (Part Two)
Sermon by Mark SchindlerProverbs 31 is far more than an idealized portrait of womanhood or a generic symbol of the Church; it is divinely placed, constituting a weekly Sabbath plumb line.
Where Is My Rolls Royce? (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Mike FuhrerWe need jobs to make ends meet and have a little extra left over. Scripture lays out some general guidelines of what kind of work we should do.
Christ as Righteous Judge
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughBoaz is a type of Jesus Christ. Boaz' actions toward Ruth give us insight into the character of our Savior, particularly in His office of Judge.
Displaying a Good Conscience: Politeness
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsTrue politeness is not mere social formality but a sacred expression of Christian virtue. Genuine courtesy flows from love, humility, patience, and integrity.
Created to Do God's Will and Work
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod requires us to work and not deliberately seek welfare or food stamps, but He also does not want us to obsess on acquiring riches.
Proverbs 31 and the Wife of Christ (Part Four)
Sermon by Mark SchindlerFrom the very beginning to the end of God's perfect plan to create mankind in His image according to His likeness, choice has always been given to us so that we can learn to faithfully be the trustworthy companion of Jesus Christ, as seen in the Proverbs 31 wife of Christ. The Proverbs 31 woman exemplifies the absolute trust and virtuous character that we are called to develop, reflecting a relationship of perfect alignment with God's truth. God expects us to make the right choices within a world making all the wrong choices, preparing us for the return of Jesus Christ in the remarkable privileged position of being His perfectly prepared helpmate. Our struggle is to stay faithful to choices that align with God's will, resisting the deadly choices of the society around us, as we humbly prepare to be of service in accordance with His word. The story of Ruth further illustrates this virtuous character, as she submitted to God's every word with outgoing concern for others, even those she did not know. Boaz, recognizing her virtue, proclaimed her as a woman of virtue, highlighting her as a type of those called out of this world to be part of the virtuous wife of Christ. The most important lesson from Ruth is that those handpicked by God must follow what is right in His eyes, making daily choices that declare God as King. The Proverbs 31 woman, Ruth, and Esther are tied together as examples of the Church of God, the coming bride of Christ, preparing through choices that honor the King of kings and adhere to the foundation of God's truth.