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.
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