Ruth: Loss, Love & Legacy - Bible Study for Women (Revised & Expanded) with Video Access

by Kelly Minter

Most of us like a good rags-to-riches story, especially one that includes a bit of intrigue and a moving tale of love. We can easily get lost in a narrative where, at the beginning of the story, heartache reigned, but it was soon replaced by joy. Perhaps we’re drawn to these tales because they not only provide an escape, but hope. Many of us struggle through seasons of bitterness, tears, and loss, wondering if there could ever be a happy ending to our stories. The story of Ruth affirms that yes, there is hope. However, it's not found in a happy ending scribed by a novelist’s pen, but in the power and protection of a sovereign God who never takes His eyes off of us for even a moment. In this 7-session study from Kelly Minter, we'll examine Ruth's journey of unbearable loss, redeeming love, and divine legacy. We'll see how God proves Himself faithful as the One who rescues, revives, and restores. First released in 2009,  this study is now updated with fresh content and new teaching videos from Kelly.

Leader helps for group discussion 6 weeks of personal study to be completed between the 7 group sessions 7 teaching videos, approximately 25–30 minutes per session, available via redemption code for individual video-streaming access, printed in Bible study book 

Understand how God’s law was and is meant to lead to life and flourishing for His people. ​Learn to trust God’s providence even when redemption in your circumstances may seem impossible. Trace shadows of Jesus, the Messiah to come, in Ruth’s story and Boaz’s role as her kinsman redeemer.
Video Session Introduction (18:35)—In her introductory teaching, Kelly provides background information for the book of Ruth and insight into what life was like for the people of God during a dark time in their history. Ruth’s story offers encouragement in our own dark places that God is still working among His people today. Session Two Journeys (31:53)—Kelly teaches the book of Ruth is a picture of God’s grace and faithfulness. Through the examples of Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth, Kelly helps us see that the way we respond to God in our grief matters. We’re also reminded that God is not limited by our impossible circumstances. Session Arriving (36:39)—After a very long journey, we follow Ruth and Naomi as they arrive in Bethlehem. As this part of their story unfolds, so does our understanding of God’s heart for the lost and hurting. Kelly reminds us that God blesses everyday obedience and faithfulness to Him, as seen in the “chance” encounter between Ruth and Boaz. Session An Encounter (31:23)—In this session, Kelly highlights how the heart of God is on display through Boaz. Boaz’s leadership of his property and his care for Ruth and Naomi show his love for the outsider—the vulnerable, broken, and hurting. Kelly encourages you to remember that God doesn’t merely love you; He sees you, and He redeems you. Session A Proposal (34:07)—With vibrant imagery and helpful biblical context, Kelly explains the journey Ruth took to meet with Boaz on the threshing floor and Boaz’s commitment to be Ruth and Naomi’s kinsman-redeemer through marriage to Ruth. God used Ruth’s obedience to transform her life. Kelly Are you willing to follow God in the next right step of obedience, too? Session Redemption (35:51)—The marriage of Boaz and Ruth is a celebration of the love, faithfulness, and redemptive power of God in the lives of Naomi and Ruth. Kelly teaches us it is also a reminder that there is nothing in our lives that God cannot redeem. Session Legacy (35:29)—Kelly closes the study with the reminder that Ruth and Naomi’s story doesn’t end when the book of Ruth ends. Theirs is a story that leaves a lasting legacy through Ruth’s son, Obed, and eventually through Jesus. Kelly’s final challenge is that we would be people like Ruth, people who make godly choices that leave a legacy of God’s faithfulness when we’re gone.

Genres: Faith, Nonfiction, Christian, Religion

176 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2022

About the author

Kelly Minter is passionate about God’s Word and believes it permeates all of life. The personal healing and steadfast hope she’s found in the pages of Scripture fuel her passion to connect God’s Word to our everyday lives. When she’s not writing or teaching, you can find her tending her garden, taking a walk with friends, cooking for her nieces and nephews, riding a boat down the Amazon River, or walking through a Moldovan village with Justice & Mercy International. Kelly holds a master’s degree in Biblical and Theological Studies from Denver Seminary.

A few of Kelly’s past Bible studies and books include: Esther: Daring Faith for Such a Time as This; Encountering God: Cultivating Habits of Faith through the Spiritual Disciplines; and The Blessed Life: A 90-Day Devotional through the Miracles and Teachings of Jesus. To see a full list of Kelly’s Bible studies and books, visit kellyminter.com/store.

Reviews

[Rachel]

I really enjoyed doing this Bible study at my new church. I recommend it to anyone. Ruth is a wonderful book of the Bible and one of my favorites.

[Ruth]

Excellent study. Kelly looks at Ruth’s story and relates it to our own losses, loves and legacies.
Most important of all, she connects Ruth’s story with our eternal redeemer and King of Kings,
Jesus. Kelly has a strong theological background and education. That background layered with her delivery and talent for writing, hilarious sense of humor, and deep understanding of welcoming friends and strangers, sharing meals and stories is what makes her my favorite. You will laugh and cry, learn and grow, and have a delightful time all along the way.

[Karen]

Loved this study by Kelly Minter. She really exposes the struggles of Naomi and Ruth and the path of redemption God planned for them.

[Stacy]

Our ladies small group Bible study at church chose this for our spring study. We've done several of Kelly Minter's studies before and I've always enjoyed them (the bonus recipes are always a nice touch!). She wrote an earlier study of Ruth, but this is the updated and new and improved version. I've read many fiction books on Ruth and Naomi as well as the actual book of the Bible many times, but had never stopped to ponder many of the points in this study. I feel like I learned a lot :) This was a slower paced, kinder and gentler study and our group thoroughly enjoyed it!

[Karen]

I did this Bible study with a group of women this summer and am glad I did it over the slower pace of summer so I could dive in and savor each day's homework and reflection. Kelly Minter is an excellent Bible teacher and I learned so much more about the book of Ruth, a familiar story to me, than I had ever even considered in the past. A book/Bible study that teaches me something new about God and opens my heart and eyes to change is always 5 stars.

God, I'm not only willing, I'm willing to be willing. Amen.

[Teresa Biggie]

It was our fall bible study program.
The videos were awesome. Kelly has a passion that comes across in her videos. Sometimes I wish she told us more about her life.. it sounds fascinating and I wonder about incorporating the other students into the videos.. why did they think?

Ruth is short bible book but this book goes very deep into it.. looping Old Testament verses to New Testament verses and the biblical time that this story takes place and their vocabulary and their lifestyle and puts it all into context. It gave my group some pretty good discussions .

[amanda]

Had great expectations of this study having heard great things of Kelly Minter, but overall the homework was repetitive & most people wound up not completing most of it. The sermons were informative though!

Personally I also just don’t think Kelly’s personal accounts stood out to me, thus found it difficult to stay engaged.

[Kay Bissette]

The book and the video series were excellent. She made Ruth come alive and the ancient story is applicable to today. It was my first Kelly book. I will study more. Also for all the southern Baptists who said women can’t preach, they need to hear Kelly proclaim God’s word in this study. She was excellent!!!

[Kathleen Molve]

Ugh! Life got in the way of me reading this Bible Study book consistently. Kelly Minter has a way with words that makes this book easy to read and easily understood. She’s real and probably could understand anyone’s problems. I love the genealogy connection in this book! How many years did it take??? 🤗 I highly recommend!

[Elizabeth]

This is one of my favorite books in the bible and Kelly Minter is such a good bible study teacher. Just love the things she points out - including things I hadn't thought about before like Ruth changing clothes. Definitely recommend!

[Jessica Spoon]

Wonderful in-depth study on the book of Ruth. I love how Minter really dives into the history during that time. Doing so really highlights the significance of this story and points to our true kinsman redeemer. Highly recommend this study!

[Ann Evans]

A wonderful study!

[Robin]

Such a good Bible study. Kelly points out many things that I would read over and not think about.

[Cynthia Prosser]

Another tiresome workbook. Content OK, but honestly, we are not in 2nd grade anymore.

[Allison Durant]

Such a great and in-depth Bible study on the book of Ruth!

[Alexandra]

I always enjoy the Bible studies from Kelly Minter!!
Ruth was a good choice!

[Desiree]

Great Bible Study about the book of Ruth even if you’re already familiar with it.

[Gigi Johnston]

One of the best Bible studies I’ve ever done. Love Kelly Minter.

[Lynn]

Walk in the shoes of a true woman of faith! Ruth challenged me to step out in faith in terms of trusting in the Lord.

[Kristy Horn]

Best Bible study!

[Mona Field]

Good bible study book

[Melissa Howard]

Great study with my church group of ladies. We loved the added recipes & plan to have a feast after our study with a few recipes to try!

[Erica]

Ruth: Loss, Love and Legacy was a well-written, highly thought-provoking Bible Study by Kelly Minter.

While I had done Bible Studies on the Book of Ruth before, this study helped me see the book not just as a story of Ruth, but the story of God and His heart for the lost, the outsider, the vulnerable, the grieving and the needy. The study also focused on the themes of covenant love/loyalty and redemption. I also appreciated that the author made connections to other parts of the Bible to really tie all of the lessons together.

All in all this was a great study that I would highly recommend. It is designed to be read over seven weeks and also includes weekly video lessons to further participants’ understanding of the text.