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