On this pre-Thanksgiving Sunday, Pastor Brent begins our 2025 Advent sermon series in the book of Ruth. Key theological themes in Ruth include Suffering and Pain; Trust and Commitment; Redemption and Restoration; and Unworthy and Worthy. In this opening passage, Pastor Brent sets the stage with “Troubles” (vv. 1-2) and “Tragedy” (v. 3-5). A key to this passage is that “God’s lovingkindness, his wisdom, and his gracious forgiveness enter into the story in the midst of our foolishness and lack of faith!” He concludes by addressing head-on a few of the troubles of our current day (assassinations, wars, personal tragedies) and asserts that rather than quick takes and social commentary, what we need most as a church family is maturity in Christ, contending for the faith, and resting not in human wisdom but in God’s power. As we talk about Ruth and the Redeemer over the next few weeks, we need to recommit ourselves to “the centrality of the gospel, the sacred teaching of God’s Word, the allegiance to God’s kingdom above all, and glorifying risen Lord Jesus.”