Enter the Story of Ruth Like Never Before through This 6-Week Bible Study
Ruth was a vulnerable, widowed woman starting over in a foreign land. While Naomi was returning to community, Ruth was setting herself up to be the odd one out her whole life. What gave her the strength to do it? Could it be that she sensed all along that her journey away from Moab was a journey toward home?
The … home?
The story of Ruth is a remarkable tale of bravery, calling, and God’s provision, and it will come to life in new ways as you dig deep in this 6-week Bible study. Tessa Afshar, author of award-winning biblical and historical fiction, teaches you how to study the text, discern meaning, pray through it, and live it out. She’ll show you how to draw on the same strength and courage that Ruth did and accept God’s invitation to new beginnings in your own life.
This Bible study also includes optional teaching videos that can be purchased separately to enrich your study.
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Tessa Afshar does not disappoint with her new Bible study, “The Way Home.” I appreciated the extensive background information that is at the beginning of the study. It helps readers fully understand the history and culture of the times. This study goes deep and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking to dive deep into the Word of God and into their own walk with Jesus.
*I received a complimentary copy of the book, however a positive review was not required. This review is my own honest opinion of the book.
The Way Home has given me an entirely new perspective about Ruth, the young widow who chose to leave her home in Moab so that she could remain with her mother-in-law Naomi. This is an outstanding six-week Bible study that illuminates Ruth’s story and in turn, encourages readers that they also can have new beginnings. This study is very in-depth, and it includes questions and Bible scripture in each of the thirty lessons. I especially liked that each day’s study has three sections: “Understanding the Word”; “Applying the Word”; and “Praying the Word” and I found myself highlighting many of the author’s observations.
Tessa Afshar is noted for her biblical fiction but she has blessed me with this extensive study of the Book of Ruth. She reminded me that God redeemed Ruth, the Moabite, with the same abundant grace that he showed Naomi, the daughter of Abraham. I have been strengthened in my own faith and inspired to seek my own new beginnings because I have also been given that abundant grace! I recommend The Way Home for personal bible study and I believe that it would be a valuable resource for a group bible study also.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I am a fan of Tessa’s writing! She consistently blows my mind away with her writing. I was excited to get my hands of her first Bible study and was pleasantly surprised with how deep it got. I love that she doesn’t just give you what scriptures says, but rather that she makes you really open your Bible, study the scripture, break it down and let it seep into your being.
The Way Home is a study of Ruth that doesn’t just stay in Ruth, but also goes through various other scriptures to keep you focused on God and your personal walk through the study. This is a study that requires your time, but doesn’t rush you through it. This is an excellent study to do with others, but it’s also a powerful study to do alone.
I loved the study and the DVD sessions. I am glad to own it and can see myself re-doing this study down the line. I highly recommend this!
Ruth is one of my favorite bible stories, and so I jumped at the chance to do a study on it. This is a study I know I will come back to again and again over the years!
First of all, I love how Afshar doesn’t just stick to the book of Ruth in her study. She gives references, background, and other bible verses that will really speak to your heart, and at the same time give the book of Ruth a whole new meaning. Sure, I am familiar with the story, as most Christians are. But Afshar takes you deeper. She shows you how you can apply the same principals in your own life. She makes the text applicable to today. She challenges you to examine your own heart, your spiritual walk, and make some changes.
This is not a study to do overnight. It is meant to go slow, to dwell on each verse, each note, each reading. It is meant to have you dive deeper into God’s Word, and understand the examples that are presented. While I read this on my own, I think it would be a wonderful study to do as a group. Small group or big group, there is plenty of things to discuss. Afshar provides several though provoking questions that could even be expanded on during group study.
If you are looking to dive deep into the bible, get a better look at Ruth and her story, then I highly recommend this bible study! I also recommend writing your answers on a separate piece of paper or notebook, that way when you do the study again in the future, it’ll be like looking at it with a fresh pair of eyes!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was looking forward to doing the Bible study of The Way Home after I read Tessa’s book “Daughter of Rome” and found out she was doing this study on Ruth. I’ve always loved the book of Ruth as it shows such a beautiful example of God’s great love for us. Diving in, in a deeper way, was something I was looking forward to.
While I knew I was going to learn more about God, I didn’t realize how starkly I was going to see myself in relation to many of the people we study in The Way Home. It reminded me over and over again how desperately I need God! It’s somewhat hard to put into words how much I learned about God through this study as well. His care for us, His protection, His love, etc are shown over and over again. I also saw myself sadly, in the many examples of people she used in her teachings. Whew, how often is it difficult to see how much we haven’t changed from the times in the Bible?
Often times I felt like Tessa was speaking directly to me as she guided and directed our study. I appreciated her straightforwardness and her encouragement. Through God’s word and Tessa’s prompts, over and over again I felt such a strong and palpable need for more of Him.
The amount of time Tessa took to research the Scriptures and bring everything together in a wonderfully cohesive study makes me thankful to her all the more! I was able to make connections I’d never seen or fully understood before. One of the pieces that really gave me insight to Ruth was to where Moabites and Ammorites came from! I don’t know how I didn’t make this connection in the past and have a better understanding of where Ruth’s heritage came from.
I also really took to heart taking in the word study that Tessa does throughout The Way Home. Dabaq, hesed, gilbowr, and go’el are just some of the words we dive into during this study. Honestly, there’s just so much depth to this study, I can’t recommend it enough.
The end of the study has a fantastic section of recipes from Old Testament times. Along with the paperback study, Tessa also has a set of teaching videos that go along with it. The last part of the book has a section that goes along with the video to answer questions as you follow along.
While I realize this is a study intended for women, by the time I was halfway through the study I realized it was something I wanted my boys, my husband, and I to go through together. Usually I’m not one to redo a Bible study. I’m one and done, but this one, I’m happy to go through it again. And hopefully we’ll be able to do it with our women’s small group at church! They can count me in for a 3rd time around!
*I received a .pdf version of this study in exchange for my review. This is my opinion.
“The Way Home”
By
Tessa Afsher
Synopsis – Enter the story of Ruth through a 6 week study. The story of Ruth is a wonderful tale of bravery, calling and God’s provision. This story will come to life in a new ways as you dig deep in this 6 week bible study.
My thoughts – This happens to be one of the best bible study I’ve ever done! Tessa Afsher “The Way Home ” is a 6 week bible study of the story of Ruth. This study brought the story of Ruth, Naomi and Boaz to life for me and I hope will too for others.
I have studied the book of Ruth several times, but not like this. Tessa Afsher brought new aspects that I never thought about. The study will have you looking at my relationship with God, your struggles to forgive other’s, yourself and even God and doing the will of God. You see the strength of Ruth to leave everything she had known her whole life. I have to say that it was encouraging, soul searching, and a thought provoking study.
Favorite quote – Spend a moment in graditude. Not for blessings. For God himself. For who He is. For His commitment to you. (Tessa Afsher)
Recommendation – I would gladly recommend this bible study to others through Facebook, bookbud, Amazon, Goodreads and Barnes and Noble.
Rating – I will give this book a 5 out of 5
Disclaimer – I received this complimentary copy from the author and was ask to give a honest review. All my thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone.
As part of the launch team for this book that is to be released on June 2, 2020, and a fan of Tessa Afshar for years, I had high expectations for this first Bible study that she has written.
And I was not disappointed.
Peeling away the layers of God’s Word and trusting the reader to respond genuinely, thoughtfully and in all her rawness, Tessa weaves Bible truth after truth together to bring nourishment to the soul in a way that quenches the hunger and thirst of longing for more.
I had to sit at times to ponder the depth of what I was reading. In a world that rushes and hurries, we cannot afford to do so any more. In a world full of “agains” and fails, the need for hope that is based on a firm foundation is more needful than ever. Count me in.
Like a close friend, “The Way Home” is a companion much like Ruth was to Naomi. Faithful, loving, unconditional, sacrificial, loyal, strong, merciful and friend.
Citing other women in the Bible, Afshar brings chapter after chapter of her study to life with context and research. It’s delightful! Get ready for a trip that begins with one page turn after another. Accounts of love, war and redemption await! So relatable! When all seems lost and hopeless, Ruth’s Godly rebellion and actions/choices save the day.
I highly recommend this book. Why? Because with words that you read, and with your pen in hand, you will find that God is with you. You are seen. Known. Held. Loved without reservation. By the God of the Universe. His filling will give you cause to be satisfied.
It did and has for me.
“It is not merely Ruth and Naomi and Boaz who are given grace for a new start in this book. God is extending an invitation to all of us. Begin new. Start fresh in grace.”
This bible study based on Ruth is a 30 lesson study spread out over 6 weeks that will engage your mind, heart, and spirit. Now you may be thinking that thirty lessons on four chapters of Ruth may be a slow-go but I can assure you that it is anything but. Starting from the Book of Joshua and Judges, Tessa Afshar beautifully describes the culture, setting, and spiritual climate of when Ruth lived during the time of the judges. The author offers fantastic insights, ties in biblical events and historical information, carefully explains Hebrew words and their depth of meaning, and challenges our faith with gentle, inspired words. Her gift for words clearly shines through, even in a non-fiction study.
Each lesson is divided into three sections – understanding the Word, applying the Word, and praying the Word – and each lesson points back to Jesus and “God’s invitation to new beginnings”. You’ll learn more than just about Ruth and her journey of love and faith through this study; you’ll hear the voices of the faith giants speaking to you from the Word and hear our Lord’s voice calling for faith and restoration.
This is not my first bible study on Ruth but I’ve learned the most from this particular study. I would love to do another study written by Tessa Afshar!
I received a copy of the book from Moody Publishers and the author. I was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
“The Way Home: God’s Invitation to New Beginnings” by Tessa Afshar is what one might expect when a great writer of Biblical fiction applies their knowledge and research to create a powerful thought provoking study of the book and person of Ruth. She begins by providing all of the information that is required to lay a strong foundation of comprehension for the story of Ruth. This study will amplify the readers understanding of the Book of Ruth and the Bible as a whole. You will read, see how each lesson can be applied to your own life, and have the opportunity to pray for God’s help in becoming stronger in those qualities that are so admirable in Ruth.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book through the publisher and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
This beautiful study through the book of Ruth is so well written and inspiring! Tessa Afshar is obviously a serious and diligent student of the Bible who knows how to dig deep to bring out the meaning of Scripture. She is also very skilled at leading the reader to see meaningful and practical applications. I purchased this to use for our women’s small group study at my church. I planned to do a couple days of the homework to see if it was a good fit for our group. I was so captured by the study I had to keep going! I’m excited to share this with my friends. There are videos that can also be used with this study. Highly recommended!
I really enjoyed this Bible study!
Are you searching for a Bible study that totally immerses you? Possibly something that makes Old Testament events easy to understand and relevant to your life? Having done many Bible studies throughout the years; this one is my favorite for so many reasons:
1. Author Tessa Afshar uses her Middle Eastern heritage to explain customs, words, etc. that are difficult to grasp.
2. The discipline of journaling increases what you gain from this study. Slowly as weeks pass by, you begin to look inward and change takes place.
3. The Book of Ruth is one that is familiar to many, yet, Ms. Afshar brought out little nuggets that I haven’t caught before.
This study has blessed me in innumerable ways and I can’t recommend it highly enough.
I started out with an ebook of The Way Home. After a couple days I ordered a print book. There’s a lot of searching for Scripture in this book which was much easier with a hard copy.
As Fall approaches, small groups that are seeking a study that is laid out in a well organized manner, promotes much discussion and includes life application sources; check this one out. It will be a blessing to you as it has been to me.
@moodypublishers @Tessa Afshar #TheWayHome
This new Bible study has a nice balance of study questions and practical application questions. The book itself has plenty of room to write out answers to the reflective questions. The author includes short prayers but also has prompts to journal personal prayers. I appreciated references to passages from both the Old and New Testaments to further draw out rich lessons from and connections to the book of Ruth. The daily lessons were manageable and since there are only 5 days each week, one can always catch up if needed. The recipes in the back of the book look very interesting and would be fun to serve for a group discussing this study. Although I have done studies based on Ruth before, I found this new study by Tessa Afshar to have fresh thoughts and insight. There are also DVDs sold separately that can be used with the study, which I am now interested in watching. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The Way Home: God’s Invitation to New Beginnings by Tessa Afshar is a six week Bible study all about Ruth and her journey to a new beginning in a new life and a new home. I’m sure some of us can understand about picking everything up and changing and moving our whole life to the unknown, but God has a plan and it is the best plan for us.
You won’t be disappointed in this study. It is interesting and thought provoking. I really enjoyed it!
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
This study was beautifully written. It pulled me in and helped me unseat hidden things in my heart. It tore down walls I didn’t even know were there. I was beyond moved by many chapters that helped me see God in a different light. It is an incredible story that invited readers to dig deep into God’s Word and let Him do something new in their lives. Great for individual or group study.
Oh My Goodness!!! This book is just what you are missing! I promise you will love it!
This Study of Ruth is simply amazing from the beginning to the end. It is broke down into 6 weeks with 5 lessons for each week. The homework is very easy to follow and it causes you to dive deep into the Word of God.
I have known the story of Ruth for years and this study brought it about in a fresh new light. Just what was needed. The title includes “God’s Invitation to New Beginnings” with the way our year of 2020 has been going I cannot thing of a more timely Study the women of this country need! We need a new beginning in Christ.
The breakdown of each lesson was so easy to complete. I really loved it.
I have loved Tessa as a fiction writer and this was just as well done if not better. Every time I read one of Tessa’s books I learn something new and I am changed. I guarantee you if you read and do this study you too will be changed.
I loved so many different parts of this book, probably one of my favorites was “If you love Jesus, the story of your life is itself a healing balm to an aching world. Your central calling is to be God’s ambassador, his friend, His daughter, His bride: by faithfully living out these roles, you will become a light.” I just love that all I have to do is love God and obey Him, it is that easy!
I will be recommending this book to my friends and I will definitely be doing this study again on my own. This is such a great and amazing study!!!
The amount of Scripture that she helps you cross and see how the Bible is all connected I love! I always love when you can connect the Bible, well because it does, but also because it is so much fun to see how God ties everything together!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
The Way Home Bible Study by Tessa Afshar does the incredible job of bringing the Bible to life. And, just like her novels, reaches deep inside the reader to the heart. However, this study doesn’t just touch the heart, or stir the heart, but invites the reader into a true “heart-change.” It’s not an abrupt attempt, either. Guided study, thoughtful questions, and the nudging of the Holy Spirit come together to gently call the reader to a deeper place in communion with God. It is beautifully written and thoughtfully tender. My women’s group has been blessed beyond measure by this study. We have cried together, prayed together, and had our eyes enlightened!
UPDATE: I just finished the six week Bible Study and I am in awe. This study gave me a closer look into the lives of Ruth, Naomi and Boaz. It was amazing. I have learned so much and I am going to miss my quiet time each day studying God’s word in the book of Ruth. Ruth “just happened” to glean in Boaz’s field. I would say my main take away is that these women had no hope and at the end, their hope and redeemer came by Boaz, but 1000 years later their Redeemer came as their progeny.
I read Afshar’s fictional book based on Ruth and absolutely loved it. When I saw that she did a Bible Study on the Biblical book of Ruth from the Bible I knew I had to do it. I am so glad I did. Honestly, I am only on week two, but I had to let everyone know how amazing this study is from the get go. It begins actually before the book of Ruth. It begins in the book of Judges because this was the time in which she lived and it gives a great back drop to the study. There are four days to do the Bible work and one day to reflect on what you’ve learned. I will guesstimate that each day took around thirty minutes or so to do. I am learning so much and absolutely being blessed by it. I will come back when I am done with the book and give an update on this review.
If you are looking for a way to dig deep into God’s Word, this is a wonderful study to do so with! I had the privilege of being on Tessa Afshar’s launch team for this amazing book, and I am so thankful to be able to go through this study.
Tessa Afshar doesn’t just cover the book of Ruth in this study. She digs deep! While the book is set to revolve around Ruth, we are sent through the Bible to see ways that God has woven truths and meanings throughout. This book is very well thought out, planned, and researched.
If you stay on the calendar plan, you have 4 days of in depth study, then 1 review of the week. This also allows you to have one day to do the review with the dvd (sold separately), and also have a day of rest/church. I love the set up. It is not overwhelming. I am a busy homeschooling mom of 5 boys from 6-15, so I tend to not have a lot of extra time. On the days they woke up early or I overslept, I just went through a half day study and jumped right back into it the next day. No guilt!
Tessa Afshar is an author that doesn’t do things halfway. Throughout this study, time after time, we see her heart and the way she has dedicated her writing to God’s glory.
I highly recommend this book for personal and/or group Bible studies!
Do you need a new beginning? Are you far from home? Do you wander aimlessly, wondering if life has meaning? If so, The Way Home will touch your heart and soul. Through Ruth’s tragic past, present hopeful condition and her future love story, you will find hope and healing for the journey ahead. With easy and engaging text, Tessa brings us to our Kinsman Redeemer, who is always providing for and leading us home. The recipes included and study pages for the video make this a perfect women’s study for every age! I received a complimentary copy of this study, but my opinions are fully my own.