This is a 172-page study of the life and faith of Abraham, "the friend of God,"
and Sarah his wife. It traces lessons of faith that we can learn as we observe
Yahweh revealing himself to Abraham. It discusses covenant, promises, faith,
God's names, sacrifices, and righteousness by faith and provides discussion
questions for group study.
Abraham's father was a moon-worshipper in Ur of the Chaldeans. But God began
to speak and Abraham listened. He struck out from his home and his people to
obey God's call to "go to the land I will show you." His wife was barren and
old, but God promised Abram a son. "He believed the Lord," Scripture tells us,
"and he credited it to him as righteousness" and he became known as "the friend
of God."
Abraham was a flawed man who followed a perfect God. What changed him was a
constant belief that this God who spoke to him would keep his amazing promises.
And God did. Abraham is rightly called "the father of faith," for he blazed the
trail for us. You and I walk that same trail of faith today. We have vital
lessons to learn from the faith of Abraham. I invite you take a 11-week trek
with me -- to go back nearly 4,000 years, cross deserts, ride camels, dwell in
tents, acquire wealth, suffer childlessness, sacrifice much, receive promises,
and catch a glimpse of the glory of God. You, too, will grow as you understand
how God taught and formed Abraham to be like him.
This study can be used a number of ways. Individual laypersons who want a
serious study of Abraham's life will find lots of materials to help them grow in
their faith. Each lesson contains the text from the New International Version
(NIV), an exposition of the passage, four or five discussion questions for
thought, writing, or discussion with another person, a prayer, one or two key
verses from the passage for meditation or memorization, and references I used in
the study. Bible study leaders can use this book as the basis for a small group
discussion, with discussion questions for each lessons included in an Appendix
for copying and distribution. Pastors and teachers will find a great deal of
material to serve as grist for lessons and sermons.
The book includes key Hebrew words and definitions. If they're "Greek to
you," feel free to just skip over them. However, sometimes the nuances of the
Hebrew word definitions will help you understand the verses better. And for
those of you who are using this for preaching or teaching, I hope that having
these definitions ready at hand will save you hours of work. I've also included
various artist renderings of events from Abraham's life.
"This was my first time leading a Bible study. I found the questions
to be a wonderful starting point. By reading the scripture and giving
the participants something to hold in their hands ( I used your four
questions each week) it really broke the ice and encouraged participation.
In fact, we have had so many great discussions we will still be using
your lessons into the Spring. Your lessons on Abraham have been an enormous
help." -- Joan Lundbohm
"I loved the study. I preached a series on Abraham and used your material
as part of my study. You did a very thorough job. Thanks for sharing
this wonderful man with us." -- Pastor Larry R. Allen, Missouri
"I have read and studied the life of Abraham quite a few times during my
lifetime, but never have I done an in-depth study like this one." --
Linda Bass
"Your presentation of the Word, the Greek and Hebrew meanings,
and the insightful questions all lend themselves to a thorough study of
Abraham's life. Your format is methodical and thorough and causes me to
gain deeper insights into the lives and times of the individuals in the
Bible which translates into a more thorough understanding of His Word." --
Kas
This is a 172-page study of the life and faith of Abraham, "the friend of God,"
and Sarah his wife. It traces lessons of faith that we can learn as we observe
Yahweh revealing himself to Abraham. It discusses covenant, promises, faith,
God's names, sacrifices, and righteousness by faith and provides discussion
questions for group study.
joyfulheart.com
Lamb of God
