Redeemer: God's Lovingkindness in the Book of Ruth--A 6-Week Bible Study with Video Access

IVP Bible Study Experience

by Dorina K. Lazo Gilmore-Young, Mingerink Octavia (illustrator)

A Different Kind of Love Story

The story of Ruth is usually viewed through a Hallmark-tinted lens: girl suffers hardship, girl overcomes hardship, boy meets girl, they fall in love, and then everyone lives happily ever after.

But there's so much more to Ruth's story!

Bible teacher and retreat leader Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young invites us to view the book of Ruth through a different lens—one that helps us recognize how this story proclaims God's heart for the vulnerable, including widows, orphans, immigrants, refugees, and the poor. As Ruth's story unfolds, we discover that God is the main character and that he is the true Redeemer, for Ruth and for us today. This six-week Bible study features

• Videos directly from Dorina to start each weekly group session
• Biblical teaching that proclaims God's love for the marginalized,
• Individual reflections for each day of the week for deeper study and sustained engagement throughout the week.

Join Dorina for the next six weeks and be captivated by God's magnificent love!

These Bible studies offer you a fresh opportunity to engage with Scripture. Each study includes:

• weekly sessions for a group of any size
• access to weekly teaching videos
• five days of individual study and reflection each week

The refreshing, accessible, and insightful content from trusted Bible teachers will encourage you in your faith!

Genres: Faith, Christian

176 pages, Paperback

Published February 11, 2025

About the author

Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young is a sought-after speaker, podcaster at Eat Pray Run, teacher, coach, runner and foodie. Dorina is also the author of the award-winning picture book, Cora Cooks Pancit and has an MFA in Children’s Literature. She has published additional children's books, devotionals, Bible studies, non-fiction and poetry.

Dorina specializes in helping people discover God's glory through unexpected life circumstances. She writes about faith, food, culture, grief and running. Her articles and essays have been published at (in)courage, Proverbs 31 Ministries, Propel Sophia, Everyday Faith magazine, The MOPS blog, and in more than 20 newspapers. Dorina also leads as the president of Redbud Writers Guild and director of Lead Loved ministry for women.

Dorina and her husband Shawn are raising three daughters to love cultural diversity, travel, and good food. Connect with Dorina at www.DorinaGilmore.com or @DorinaGilmore on Instagram.

Reviews

[Keren Dibbens-Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Redeemer” is an excellent Bible study on Ruth. It is well-written and thought out, and comes from a genuine heart that has deep insights into Ruth and Naomi’s struggles. It draws threads together from throughout the Bible as well as from stories deeply embedded in our culture about tragedy and how God redeems it, and us through it. It’s a multi-media, group friendly, original and above all, compassionate take on a book that is often skimmed past. I’ve not finished reading yet, but this will certainly be part of my Lenten reading for 2025 and I’ve a feeling I shall come back to it often.

[Lucretia Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This study goes beyond the usual love-story narrative, inviting us to see God's heart for the vulnerable—widows, orphans, immigrants, and the marginalized. Dorina masterfully weaves biblical teaching with personal reflection, making space for both group discussion and individual growth. The weekly videos add an engaging touch, making this a rich, accessible study for anyone longing to experience God’s redeeming love in a deeper way. Highly recommended!

[Rachel Britton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Bible Study is deeply moving for anyone on a journey from pain, hopelessness, and grief to recognizing God's loving kindness and protection in their lives. The study not only encourages reflection on God’s goodness but also challenges us to consider the struggles of others, especially those who are vulnerable.

I was drawn to the study because of its emphasis on God's heart for widows, orphans, immigrants, refugees, and the poor. I wish it had more depth regarding the vulnerability of individuals within immigrant and refugee communities. However, the author could not have foreseen when writing the increasing challenges individuals face in today’s political climate. Despite this, the study remains a powerful reminder of God’s care for those in need and His redemptive work in our lives.

I love how the study uses artwork, video, and text.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and comprehensive study from the Biblical book of Ruth, perfect for groups or individuals. The author draws our attention to this admirable and faithful young woman, helping us understand the plight of vulnerable women in our own communities. As participants, we are also given the opportunity to examine ourselves for any similar turning points in our lives or moments when we feel unseen. Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young is the perfect person to write this study as someone who suddenly found herself to be a young widow with three young daughters while clinging closely to God throughout her ordeal. This study is full of heart and wisdom, promising to touch everyone who commits to studying this woman’s hard, historical story.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been fortunate enough to have an advance copy. This is an over and above Bible study. In the videos Dorina gives us a glimpse into her story and relates it to the book of Ruth. She doesn’t only lead us as we dive into Ruth she also centres us in the Bible as a whole. There is space for your comments and thoughts and it’s capped off with beautiful illustrations. There is so much in this book, it points us to the Jesus and his marvellous grace. Dorina generously weaves her story, Ruth’s story and the story of the king of kings, while encouraging us to look at how our own lives also fit in to marvellous enriching tapestry of Gods loving kindness.

[Sharla Fritz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I have read the book of Ruth many times, Dorina K. Lazo Gilmore-Young gave me a fresh perspective. Like Ruth, the author became a widow at a young age and her viewpoint helped me see the tragedy and loss in Ruth's story in a deeper way. However, Gilmore-Young continually offers hope with the theme Redeemer--Boaz, the redeemer of Ruth and Jesus, the Redeemer of our souls. The book has a beautiful and easy-to-use layout. I especially appreciated the artwork and the instruction to slow down to focus on each visual depiction of Ruth while meditating on the biblical story.

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Bible study for broken hearts in need of hope and healing. The author does a wonderful work of weaving faith and spirituality throughout this book ("Redeemer: God's Lovingkindness in the Book of Ruth"). She is skilled in pointing people who read this Bible study to the God who sees all, knows all and loves humankind with all of His Heart. The author uses Bible stories mainly in the Book of Ruth to encourage readers to lean on Jesus Christ and trust Him to help you survive this life on Earth all the while looking forward to your home in Heaven.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I appreciated the most in this study of the Book of Ruth was the emphasis on God's heart for women, widows, the foreigner, and the marginalized. Too often the story of Ruth is told without these crucial elements of the story.

Dorina is a warm and personable speaker and the videos add much to the story. She also shares her own experience as a widow and remarriage.

It's not an in depth verse by verse study, but it's full of practical application and good group discussion prompts. I'd recommend for a women's Bible study.

[Mari Hernandez-Tuten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Redeemer is a book that will deeply move you, meet you on your journey of grief and joy, and challenge you. I appreciated the biblical scholarship, the various themes of loss, friendship, and redemption found through the study. Dorina walks us through Ruth's biblical account of loss, friendship, and redemption and graciously weaves her own story of loss as she challenges us to see God's providence, provision and grace.

[Shawn Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author dives into Ruth through the lens of a widow herself. She unpacks the grief stories of Naomi and Ruth and how God uses Boaz to redeem them. God's heart for the vulnerable is evident. This Bible Study also offers reflection questions and weekly video teachings as well.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fresh and needed study on the book of Ruth! Dorina's wisdom shines through as she helps us see this common story through a different, whole, biblical lens. The study itself is STUNNING with its pictures and visuals. I would recommend this study to anyone.

[Heidy De La Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Bible is so good, I love that it has videos included, I love the art inside, and I'm going to do this twice!! So refreshing!

[Elena Limoges · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so appreciated this beautiful new book on a beloved portion of scripture. It digs deeper into themes God’s compassion on the marginalized as well as the love story of Ruth and Boaz.