#14: Cleaving to Naomi

<ul><li> Email: [email protected]</li><li> https://apostolicinternational.com/ </li><li> Statement of beliefs: https://apostolicinternational.com/statement-of-beliefs </li><li> The sermon: https://apostolicinternational.com/sermons/CLEAVING_TO_NAOMI.pdf </li><li> The sermon is centered around the story of Ruth and Naomi from the book of Ruth. Naomi is a symbol of the Great Commission given by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20, where believers are commanded to go and teach all nations. It is important to recognize the value of the Gospel and cleave to it, just as Ruth recognized the worth of Naomi and refused to let go. Ruth was committed to Naomi, so much so that she made a declaration to stay with her and follow her wherever she goes, even to the extent of adopting Naomi's people and God as her own. There is a parallel between Ruth's commitment and the disciples' willingness to follow Jesus when He called them. As believers, we need to allow the Gospel to lead and guide them, rather than determining its course ourselves. We must love all people of Jesus, regardless of divisions caused by race, culture, class, politics, or other issues in the world. The sermon also addresses the concept of dying to self and communal/national identity, stating that believers should be willing to give up personal plans and embrace the global mission of spreading the Gospel. It references biblical prophecies about global migration and mingling of different people in the last days, seeing it as a sign of the impending return of Jesus. The core message of the Gospel is presented briefly, stating that there is one God who manifested in a body, died on the cross for the forgiveness of sins, rose again, and poured out the Holy Spirit. The response to this understanding is repentance, baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. The sermon concludes by highlighting Ruth's willingness to die to herself and her identity, which led to blessings for herself and future generations. It encourages listeners to cleave to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and become vessels through which all nations can be blessed.</li></ul>