Can God Redeem a Life That’s Been Completely Wrecked?

In this powerful opening message from the series on The Gospel According to Ruth, Pastor Jeffrey Johnson reframes the familiar story of Ruth not as a romantic tale, but as a profound picture of redemption. He highlights that Naomi—not Ruth or even Boaz—is at the center of this story, as it mirrors our own desperate need for salvation. Through Naomi's journey from fullness to emptiness, from pleasantness to bitterness, we see ourselves: utterly ruined, spiritually bankrupt, and in need of a Redeemer.

Pastor Johnson unpacks the devastating consequences of sin—not only in our own lives but in the lives of those around us. Drawing from Ruth chapter 1, he emphasizes that salvation is not about God seeing potential in us, but about His grace rescuing us when we had absolutely nothing to offer. This is the essence of the gospel: Christ, our kinsman Redeemer, steps into our hopelessness, not because of our merit, but because of His mercy.

This sermon lays a sobering yet necessary foundation for understanding grace and sets the stage for the hope-filled redemption story to come. If you’ve ever felt like you’ve made a mess of your life or wondered if you’re too far gone, this message is a must-listen.