By the following authors: Miles Custis, Michael R. Grigoni, Douglas Mangum, and Matthew M. Whitehead. You can learn more and purchase the curriculum by visiting the product page here at Logos.com.
Official Description:
Abraham: Following God’s Promise helps your entire church dig deeper into the life of Abraham—together. This all-in-one curriculum package has something for everyone:
- – Preaching resources and sermon starters for pastors and teachers
- – Videos, slides, and media for the tech team
- – Bulletin inserts and handouts for the congregation
- – Discussion guides and videos for small group leaders
- – A take-home book for small group members available separately for only $9.95 per person
The resource lays out the curriculum for an 8-Week study, as follows:
8-Week Program
- Stepping Out in Faith (Genesis 11:27–12:9)
- Fear versus Faith (Genesis 12:10–20)
- Active Faith (Genesis 14:1–24)
- Dealing with Doubt (Genesis 15:1–21; 16:1–15)
- Promising the Impossible (Genesis 17:1–18:15)
- Bargaining with God (Genesis 18:16–33; 19:1–38)
- God’s Faithfulness despite Relapse (Genesis 20:1–18; 21:22–34)
- Of Sons and Sacrifice (Genesis 21:1–21; 22:1–24)
What You’ll Get
- The study book:
- A complete introduction to the life of Abraham
- Reflection questions to keep you focused on the text
- Fill-in-the-blank answer boxes to keep your group engaged
- Recommended resources to help you continue your study
- An elegant design, featuring 32 graphics tied to the commentary—also in slide format
- Presenting/Preaching materials:
- 8 sermon outlines
- 8 sermon handouts
- A video lead-in for your sermon
- 8 teaching slideshows, which work on PowerPoint, Keynote, and Proclaim
- Group curriculum:
- The leader’s book
- 8 lesson plans
- 8 teaching slideshows, which work on PowerPoint, Keynote, and Proclaim
- 8 handouts with discussion questions, in Microsoft Word and PDF
- 8 intro videos, one for each lesson, which you can download after you check out. You can also pre-order a DVD separately for $4.95.
The entire program is designed for Logos Bible Software and Logos’ Faithlife Study Bible app. It combines text and visuals with today’s most advanced Bible study tools. All Scripture passages link to your favorite Bible translation and to the original language texts in your library.
Publication Information:
- Title: Abraham: Following God’s Promise: Complete Church Curriculum for Leaders and Pastors Authors: Miles Custis, Michael R. Grigoni, Douglas Mangum, and Matthew M. Whitehead
- Editor: Michael R. Grigoni (Series: Studies in Faithful Living)
- Publisher: Logos Bible Software, 2012
- Price: $21.99/mo. or $84.99
Endorsement:
“Logos has taken group Bible study to the next level with their new Studies in Faithful Living series. Deeply engaging, biblically accurate, and filled with life-changing applications, this series is destined to be the go-to resource for lay leaders for years to come.”
—Israel Loken, Chair, Bible and Theology Departments, College of Biblical Studies, Houston, TX
Summary:
Abraham – how often does the church just touch on and breeze by the matter of Israel’s forefather, Abraham? What if information, presentation, and application of Scripture pertaining to the one called from among nations to form a great nation was already done for you? What if the pastor of a congregation has got more to worry about than creating a catchy slideshow or introduction video? And the weekly community groups, that stew over their sermon notes, what if they had questions directly related to the passage and supplied by the pastor? No longer is there a place for distracted, off-topic small groups — Sermon-based community groups are making ground and Logos Bible Software has created a package deal.
This 8-Week program walks through the book of Genesis, particularly the commissioning and the mission of Abraham. For the expositor, the book itself unpacks the pericopes in five easy steps:
1. “Setting the Stage” (the theme, context and historical background);
2. “A Closer Look” (walk through the event while exploring issues of interpretation, original language, and theology)
3. “Throughout the Bible” (Examines the story, biblically)
4. “Beyond the Bible” (Credits ancient documents and extrabiblical/extracanonical texts as well as theologians, church fathers, and contemporary thinkers)
5. “Application” (Concludes the chapter by exploring the event’s relevance to your journey of faith)
Evaluation:
My evaluation? A one stop shop, literally, for everything that you’d need if you desired to walk a class, a small group, or a congregation through the life and times of Abraham. Logos Bible Software has truly done their homework and are preparing materials unlike anyone else in the world of faith-based publications. Not only is the information available, and is it displayed systematically making reader’s use of the information a snap, but it is both sound and supported.
If you have read any of my reviews up until this point, you’ll know that I always comment on how a resource is cited. Does the author appear to be rolling on his/her own opinions, attempting to created followers until they are read in the face? Or does an author consider a broad spectrum of authorship in any given topic? Furthermore, is the authorship well-supported? I am not suggesting you have to follow whatever the “spiritual superstars” are saying, but, typically when you are saying something that no one else is saying or has said, my opinion is that you are treading on dangerous territory. All that to say, the team who has accumulated the material for this product has done their homework and has considered the research and opinions of well-respected, Godly theologians and pastors. (consider also their “further reading” section at the close of every chapter – this provides readers with stepping stones for continuing the conversation if they so desire to)
I seldom give products a “star” rating, but if I would, I would give this a 4.5. This is great for pastors and even professors who desire a cursory understanding of Abraham’s ancient context and means to bring that context to light today. The only pitfall I’ve seen, as I mention this product and Logos Bible Software to others within my church body, is that not everybody is on board just yet with the digital database. Logos Bible Software has attempted to cover dilemma with allowing small group members to purchase a booklet at $9.95 a person. That minor complaint should NOT take away from the greatness of this product. This curriculum package is a sound resource that provides organized, applicable research to the ever-busy pastor. I highly recommend it to all pastors, even instructors who teach in churches.
** This book was provided free from Logos.com with my promise to post an unbiased review.
