Most people associate the book of Ruth with loyalty or tragedy — but what if its true power lies in the prayers woven throughout the story? Discover how every major turning point in Ruth hinges on prayer, God's unwavering response, and the kingdom-wide implications of those answered prayers.

In this eye-opening episode of In With the Old, we explore the often-overlooked prayers in Ruth — from Naomi's blessings to Boaz's covenant-invoking blessings, and the elders' prophetic declarations. You'll learn how these prayers are more than words; they are calls for divine action that ultimately shape salvation history itself.

We break down:

• How Naomi’s blessing in chapter 1 foreshadows Ruth’s ultimate redemption
• The significance of blessings and prayers as covenant invocation in biblical times
• How Boaz’s blessings and Ruth’s responses set the stage for the messianic line
• The profound way God responds to broken-hearted prayers, turning Naomi’s despair into divine blessing

By tracing these threads, you'll see that ignoring prayer means missing out on God's most powerful means of working behind the scenes in your life. Through Ruth, you’ll discover that even your most desperate prayers are part of a divine plan — a plan unfolding for your ultimate good, and for God's kingdom. This episode is perfect for believers craving fresh insight into prayer’s place in God's story, or anyone feeling overlooked or broken. If you’ve ever wondered whether your prayers really matter, prepare to be encouraged: Ruth’s story proves they do — and they’re part of something much greater. Dive in and see how God’s answer to prayer can change your life, just as it did in the story of Ruth.

In this episode of @inwiththeold, Dr. Tim Howe discusses God's consideration for the poor in the Mosaic Law. Tim discusses the alternative sacrifices the poor could offer, the special tithe God asked people to give to the poor and needy, and the laws of gleaning that ensured the food had both the dignity of work and a means to survive. God's desires His people to reflect His special love and care for the poor around them.

The Return of the Kingdom: A Biblical Theology of God's Reign

On this episode of @InWiththeOld , discover how the concept of God's kingdom runs from Genesis to Revelation, shaping biblical theology and the believer's life today. Join Dr. Stephen Dempster in exploring the Old Testament's deep roots of kingship, God's sovereignty, and the promised future fulfilment of His reign.

Key Topics

The biblical concept of kingship from Genesis 1 and 2, emphasizing divine rulership and human authority

Tracing kingdom themes through the Old Testament: from Eden to the new heavens and earth

How the Old Testament anticipates and shapes the understanding of Jesus' mission and the New Testament teachings

The two phases of the kingdom: already inaugurated in Christ but not yet fully realized
The spiritual battle between God's kingdom and the kingdom of Satan

Practical applications: living in light of the already-but-not-yet kingdom through the Spirit and justice

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction to "The Return of the Kingdom" and its significance

00:52 - Dr. Dempster's journey into Old Testament studies and faith

05:03 - The biblical concept of kingship from Genesis 1 and 20

6:19 - The kingdom themes in Genesis and their significance for biblical theology

09:46 - The end goals in Revelation: New Jerusalem and restored creation

11:33 - The spiritual and eschatological dimension of God's kingship

12:37 - Jesus' use of kingdom language in the Lord's Prayer and its Old Testament roots

14:18 - Prophetic visions of the coming reign of God in Isaiah, Zechariah, and others

16:24 - The delay of the kingdom's full fulfillment and God's patience

18:52 - The cultural and spiritual realities of Satan's kingdom and Christ’s victory

23:24 - The ongoing spiritual battle and the role of exorcism, miracles, and the church

28:33 - Balancing the recognition of spiritual forces without overemphasizing the diabolical

30:45 - Connecting Old Testament themes to the Gospels' portrayal of Jesus as the King

34:00 - How Matthew’s genealogy and structure highlight Jesus as the fulfillment of Davidic kingship

36:35 - The themes of servant leadership and the upside-down kingdom in Luke

41:46 - The overlooked but vital Old Testament passages on God's attributes (Exodus 34)

44:54 - God's self-revelation and the nature of Yahweh's mercy, justice, and hesed

48:46 - The significance of Exodus 34 in understanding God's character and the fulfillment in Christ

50:04 - Living in the tension of the in-breaking yet not fully established kingdom in our daily lives

55:56 - Practical ways believers can embody kingdom values now—justice, mercy, humility

56:38 - The hope of Christ's return and the ultimate establishment of God's perfect reign

You can find Dr. Dempster's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Return-Kingdom-Biblical-Theology-Essential/dp/0830842918/

1. Is Samson a hero or villain in the book of Judges?
2. Does God commend lying in Exodus 1?
3. Do you have to know Hebrew to truly understand the Old Testament?

Join us in this overview of the Book of Ruth. In this episode, we see how the beautiful story of Ruth comes to life with relevance for the modern Christian. Discover the character of Ruth, a woman of loyalty and resilience, as she navigates life's challenges in a foreign land.

Come with us as we explore the themes of love, faith, and redemption. Join Drs. Tim and Brian as we embark on a journey through the Book of Ruth, unraveling its timeless lessons and drawing connections to our contemporary world. Don't miss out on this exploration! Subscribe, share, and immerse yourself in the transformative power of biblical storytelling.