John Piper Reveals Timeless Cultural Themes in the Old Testament Story of Ruth Sex. Race. Scripture. Sovereignty. The book of Ruth doesn't shy away from addressing them all head on. Though it recounts events from 3,000 years ago, this ancient story of a poor widow seeking protection in a foreign land holds surprising relevance for Christians in the twenty-first century. In Sex, Race, and the Sovereignty of God (previously titled A Sweet and Bitter Providence), John Piper explores unchanging truths and inspiring hope in the life of Ruth. Topical: Dives into cultural issues including biblical examples of manhood and womanhood, ethnic diversity and harmony, and God's mysterious purposes in suffering Understand God's Providence in Ruth's Story: Follows her mother-in-law Naomi's anguish and loss, Ruth's relationship with Boaz, and her family's ultimate lineage to David Study Key Biblical Themes: Explains the sovereignty of God, the sexual nature of humanity, the gospel of God's mercy for the undeserving, and the glory of God's grace