Grigoni, Michael R., Miles Custis, Douglas Mangum, and Matthew M. Whitehead. Abraham: Following God’s Promise. Edited by Michael R. Grigoni. Bellingham: Logos Bible Software, 2012.

What you get: Upon opening the book this is the general table of contents with information about each chapter from the introduction:

1. Stepping Out in Faith – an examination of Abraham’s response to God’s call
2. Fear Verses Faith – the beginning of Abraham’s battle with fear as he leads Sarah into deception
3. Active Faith – one of Abraham’s greatest successes following God’s reassurance of His promises: military victory and royal blessing
4. Dealing with Doubt – Abraham struggling deeply with doubt as he and Sarah turn to Hagar to provide an heir, and the covenant ritual through which God reconfirms His promise.
5. Promising the Impossible – God further reveals His promise by giving Abraham the sign of circumcision
6. Bargaining with God – Abraham boldly bargains with God over the inhabitants of Sodom
7. God’s Faithfulness Despite Relapse – Abraham relapses into old sin
8. Of Sons and Sacrifice – God’s command that Abraham sacrifice his son, Isaac

 

A look at the individual chapters:

The chapters are set up in a consistent, and easy to follow pattern. Each chapter begins with the title, passage to read, and Setting the Stage. Here, the reader is provided the theme of the chapter, information about the literary context, and background into the history and culture.

The second chapter section is A Closer Look, helping the reader understand the story.

The third chapter section is Throughout the Bible, demonstrating that this isn’t just a story to be forgotten, both the Old and the New Testaments are built upon this story.

The fourth chapter section is Beyond the Bible, filling in the gap between the story and history by answering questions such as, who else has used this story, how did they understand it, etc.

Final there is an Application, bridging the gap from this ancient individual to our lives.

Interspersed throughout the chapter are “Quick Bits” and “Quick Tips” helping the reader get the most out of their study.

 

Positives:

The Logos format makes it easy to navigate

The infographs are visually appealing and helpful

The consistent chapters allow the reader to get accustomed to thinking in a pattern and then branching out in study on their own

The Bibliography is helpful for further study

The questions throughout help the reader remember that this is not merely a mental exercise.

 

What this resource is not:

A replacement for one’s own personal a study. It is a great tool.

A full commentary. It is more similar to the Opening Up series of studies which are helpful for asking questions and application.

 

What I would like:

More links like the Faithlife Study Bible to books, articles, graphs, maps, etc. that one can purchase while studying.

 

Where I plan on using this:

1. In my own personal, devotional study. This would go well with the Faithlife Study Bible offered by Logos as well.
2. As a tool to study with another individual, reading a chapter and then discussing it weekly.
3. As a small group Bible study. There is an additional Leader’s guide which may help someone who is new to leading a Bible study. I found that the layout of the original resource was sufficient.

 

Overall:

Helpful resource for personal and small group Bible study. Logos is providing some quality material on a great platform. I believe this study will encourage many in their Christian walk.