Episode The Gospel of Ruth | Week 1
What if the book of Ruth is more than just a love story? Join us and discover how the story of Ruth, Boaz, and Naomi is a powerful example of God’s ability to bring beauty out of broken lives.
Chapter 1
The Old Testament book of Ruth traditionally has been viewed as a beautiful love story. But is it really? In this Discover the Word study, Mart DeHaan, Elisa Morgan, and guest Carolyn Custis James encourage you not to read the story as a 21st-century American. Join them as they begin a study of the radical and surprising story of Naomi and Ruth. It’s a game-changing discussion called “The Gospel of Ruth.”
Chapter 2
It’s been said that the best way to understand someone . . . is to walk a mile in their shoes. So, in this Discover the Word conversation, Mart DeHaan, Elisa Morgan, and guest Carolyn Custis James invite us to strap on the sandals of Naomi as we journey through the book of Ruth. In many ways the book of Ruth is Naomi’s story.
Chapter 3
Where is God when life falls apart? It’s an honest question we all ask in times of suffering. And in this edition of Discover the Word, Mart DeHaan, Elisa Morgan, and special guest Carolyn Custis James study how the Old Testament story of Ruth and Naomi answers the question . . . Where is God when bad things happen?
Chapter 4
Scripture doesn’t sugarcoat suffering. The Bible is fearlessly honest when it shows us real-life responses to painful situations. Be part of the Discover the Word group as Mart DeHaan, Elisa Morgan, and special guest Carolyn Custis James study a biblical character’s candid reaction to her trials . . . and God’s loving response to her pain.
Chapter 5
When we ask God honest questions . . . He sometimes answers us in unexpected ways. In this Discover the Word conversation about “The Gospel of Ruth,” Mart DeHaan, Elisa Morgan, and special guest Carolyn Custis James discuss how God answered the prayers of a hurting mother… through the words of her daughter-in-law.
About This Episode
- Show Notes
Receive
What do we do when life doesn’t follow the Cinderella script? How do we respond when the life we get doesn’t seem to have the happily-ever-after ending that we hoped for?
Traditionally, the Old Testament book of Ruth has been viewed as a love story. But there’s so much more to the story than meets the eye. As we dig deeper into the stories of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz, we get a picture of God’s ability to make much of broken lives, and how He calls men and women to serve together to build His kingdom.
How can the story of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz encourage you as you face hardships in your life?
Reflect
- Based on Ruth 1:1–5, how is Naomi’s story similar to Job’s story of suffering? How was Naomi’s situation perhaps even more dire than Job’s?
- How does the end of Naomi’s story in Ruth 4:13–17 remind us that God gives us beauty for ashes?
- How can we relate to Naomi’s laments in Ruth 1:6–13 and Ruth 1:20–21 when we’re going through times of sorrow, grief, or hardship?
- Based on Ruth 1:14-18, why did Ruth refuse to leave Naomi? Who was she really clinging to?
Respond
(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God)
“Dear God, thank You that You are close to the brokenhearted. Help me turn to You even in the midst of any sorrow or pain I’m experiencing. Help me feel Your comfort and love during any trials I face.”
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This Week's Featured Resource
The Gospel of Ruth
The Gospel of Ruth: Loving God Enough to Break the Rules covers more than just the Ruth you thought you knew. This book, by Carolyn Custis James, includes startling new insights from a well-worn story that will help you discover life-changing implications for today.