1. FIXING THE FAMILY: “IN LAWS” 1.There are at least 6 people to every marriage. 2.Marriage makes two people one (Gen.2:24) -We have a choice to MESH or COLLIDE histories. histories.

2. FIXING THE FAMILY: “IN LAWS” RUTH 1:16-18 1.Naomi, a Jew, goes to the land of Moab with her two sons Malhon & Chilion because there is a famine in Beth-lehem-judah. -Moab is heathen land; the famine is where the people of God live in Bethlehem. -Judges marks the period where every man (God’s people) did what was right in his own eyes; NOBODY OBEYED GOD. -When we disobey God, there will be famine/lack in our lives!

3. FIXING THE FAMILY: “IN LAWS” RUTH 1:16-18 2. Naomi’s sons married Moabite women. -Orpah & Ruth -The fact that a Jew marries a Moabite says that they married interracially. -GOD DOES NOT SEE COLOR IN MARRIAGE. -COLOR IS NOT A PROBLEM IN GOD’S EYES #Galatians 3:28 -Being Unequally Yoked Is a Problem # 2 Cor.6:14

4. FIXING THE FAMILY: “IN LAWS” RUTH 1:16-18 3. What feelings might Naomi been feeling knowing that her sons married interracially? -Maybe: hurt, anger, disappointment, etc. 4. HOW WOULD WE REACT AS PARENTS KNOWING THAT OUR CHILDREN MARRIED SOMEBODY WE DID NOT WANT THEM TO MARRY? -It is the parent’s job to raise the child in the way of Christ; not our own way. -WE MUST TRUST GOD AFTER THIS!

5. FIXING THE FAMILY: “IN LAWS” RUTH 1:16-18 5. 5. VS.16 After Ruth’s husband dies, she has a choice of whether or not to go back to Moab or stay with her mother in-law. -Ruth says to Naomi, “Your people will be my people and your God will be my God.” -She did not just marry the person; she married the family. -WHEN WE MARRY, WE MUST SEARCH THE PERSON AS WELL AS THE FAMILY. -Why marry if we can’t embrace the family?

6. FIXING THE FAMILY: “IN LAWS” RUTH 1:16-18 6. 6. For Ruth to feel comfortable making the decision to stay with her mother in-law, Naomi MUST HAVE embraced Ruth even though she was from a different RACE/BACKGROUND. -Parents must embrace the children’s partner in marriage even if they are from a different background. -When we don’t, we only make it hard for our children and ourselves.