Sermon Tone Analysis

Los Angeles Times - by SANDY BANKS NOV. 19, 2019 - When Grace Heals: Why Do Humans Turn to Religion in the Face of Tragedy?

Gospel Churches in Santa Clarita Offer the Hope of the Gospel in a Hurting Community.

The story is an attempt by a secular journalist to explain from their worldview why people go to churches during times of crisis.

But what happened is amazing.

NOV. 19, 2019

The massive vigil at Santa Clarita’s Central Park on Sunday night had the fervor of a church revival and the trappings of a pep rally.

There were tears and cheers, prayers to heal the community and promises to never forget.

In the five days since two Saugus High students were shot to death and three wounded by a gun-wielding schoolmate, Santa Clarita’s schools may have been closed but its churches were open and busy.

Churches, cathedrals and synagogues became impromptu gathering spots for heartsick residents.

They offered more than spiritual guidance; they ministered to practical needs.

The church was where frightened young witnesses waited after the shooting until police officers could interview them; where mental health counselors were available within hours of the tragedy; where a trauma expert met with hundreds of grieving families to answer two central questions: How do you return to normal?

What do we do with so much pain?

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I was struck, watching coverage of the shooting’s aftermath last week, by how many Saugus students referenced “God” and “prayer” in their interviews.

It didn’t come off like a “thoughts and prayers” cliché; more like a spontaneous expression of confidence in God.

Over the next few days, faith-based values fueled a wave of good works in the community.

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How do you return to normal?

What do we do with so much pain?

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Over the next few days, faith-based values fueled a wave of good works in the community.

Charity was embodied by the daily “meal trains” arranged by neighbors of families whose children were shot.

So many people volunteered, families won’t have to worry about meals for months.

Generosity was reflected in the flood of donations in the collection box — which Grace Baptist will share with the mother of the boy who shot the students, then killed himself.

“His mom is certainly a victim in this,” pastor David Hegg told my colleague Harriet Ryan.

“She’s lost a son.”

That’s what happens when grace, not anger, is your fuel.

I felt that at the vigil in a way I never expected, when a stranger sidled over to me, wrapped her arm around my shoulders and pulled me close.

I must have looked forlorn, standing there alone, wiping tears from my cheeks as I was taking notes.

When grace is your fuel

Even in pain and tragedy, God is there.

Even in difficulty, God is at work.

No matter how difficult the situation, God’s grace, the love of our savior Jesus, the comfort of the Holy Spirit, is always available

Even in pain, God is

() - let’s read:

- She let her widowed daughter in law go out into the world without protection.

But God protected her.

- She convinced her daughter to try and seduce a godly man.

But God had a better way.

- They saw what looked like an impossible obstacle to God’s will.

But God was in control.

But God had a plan.

But God protected her.

But God had a better way.

But God is in control.

- She let her widowed daughter in law go out into the world without protection.

But God protected her.

- She convinced her daughter to try and seduce a godly man.

But God had a better way.

- They saw what looked like an impossible obstacle to God’s will.

But God is in control.

- They left before God answered .

She came back bitter.

But God had a plan.

- She let her widowed daughter in law go out into the world without protection.

But God protected her.

- She convinced her daughter in law to try and seduce a godly man.

But God had a better way.

- They saw what looked like an impossible obstacle to God’s will.

But God was in control.

But God had a plan.

But God protected her.

But God had a better way.

But God was in control.

(1) Boaz the hero is a lot like ___________ our hero.

(3:18-4:1)

(1) Boaz the hero is a lot like Jesus our hero.

(3:18-4:1)

When you do God’s will God’s way you can go with confidence.

Boaz went quickly and dealt directly.

When you do God’s will God’s way you can go with confidence.

Boaz went quickly and dealt directly.

Jesus taught with authority, Jesus forgave sin, Jesus acted with godly determination

(2) Boaz was willing do what the ____ __ ___ ________ (4:2-10)

(2) Boaz was willing do what the word of God commanded (4:2-10)

In we see Boaz and another relative discuss what it means to be the kinsmen redeemer.

Naomi and Ruth are both widowed and impoverished.

Boaz wants to help but he is not the nearest relative.

Stop for a second:

In Old Testament times there was also the practice of yibbum (Hebrew) or levirate marriage (latin for husband's brother).

The oldest brother would take responsibility for his brother's widow.

If he refused the widow would take off one of his sandals in a ceremony called halitzah ().

Deuteronomy 25:5-10

).

Then there was the kinsmen redeemer of