A Review of Living in the Gap Between Promise and Reality: The Gospel According to Abraham

The book's subtitle The Gospel According to Abraham may sound strange at first sight. However these eye-catching words are right on target with the author's focus. He writes from the perspective of the unity of Scripture and that the New Testament explains the Old Testament. Additionally Duguid, in his unfolding of Abraham's life, points the reader to Jesus Christ to whom Abraham looked for his salvation.

In the first of fifteen chapters, the author engages the reader in a study of Abraham's family leaving their home in Ur with their destination being Canaan. In God's providence they settle for some time in Haran. He then focuses on God's preparing Abraham for his future trip to that land where God had called him which, unknown to him, was actually Canaan. Before the author closes the chapter, he has the reader to give consideration how and for what God may be preparing him.

Successive chapters not only focus on Abraham but also on making lessons from his life practical for our own time. Throughout he keeps the reader focused on Christ and on the unity of both testaments. A wide range of topics are exposed and explained for our edification. Some of these topics include: failure, faith, materialism, judgment, grace and living in a nonchristian culture. All of the topics are approached against a backdrop of a focus on scripture and God's covenant.

Each chapter concludes with a series of questions that provide the opportunity for thoughtful reflection and discussion.

I have used this book in a home Bible study. It has proven itself to be very relevant and thus practical to couples and singles. Additionally, the author opens up Abraham's life in the context of the entirety of scripture in such a way that our knowledge of Abraham and of scripture are deepened.

This book can also be used profitably in personal or family Bible study. The reflection questions provide an opportunity for review of the material covered in the chapter as well as how to apply lessens from that material to one's own life.