The Story of Abraham by Colleen Searcy (Crossway)

Colleen Searcy’s Meet Me in the Bible: The Story of Abraham is an exceptional eight-week Bible study that invites readers into a structured, reflective, and deeply personal engagement with Scripture. Published by Crossway and based on the ESV, this study stands out not just for its rich theological insights but for its unique spiral-bound format, designed for active participation. The layout allows for personal notes, making it more than just a study guide—it becomes a spiritual journal that records the reader’s journey through Abraham’s life and God’s covenant promises.

One of the things I most appreciated about this study is its intentional step-by-step structure, which ensures a thorough engagement with the biblical text. Each week follows a progression: reading the Scripture, summarizing key characters and themes, analyzing keywords and phrases, interpreting the passage, and finally applying its truths. The “Meet Me in the Bible” sections are particularly meaningful, prompting reflection on what the passage reveals about God’s nature and how it applies to daily life. The space provided for notes and responses makes this study deeply interactive, encouraging readers to slow down and truly wrestle with the text.

The format reminded me of a devotional book I used as a teenager, This Morning with God, published by InterVarsity Press (IVP). I still recall how working through the Gospel of Mark with that study helped me grow in my faith as a young Christian. Meet Me in the Bible captures that same spirit—guiding readers to not just read the Bible but to meditate on it, take notes, and apply its lessons in a meaningful way. It’s a study that doesn’t rush you through Abraham’s story but instead allows you to sit with it, reflect, and see how God’s promises to him connect to the broader story of redemption in Christ.

This study is part of a larger series, and if the others are structured the same way, they would be just as valuable for those looking for a Bible study that blends depth with practical engagement. Whether for individual study, small groups, or even family devotionals, Meet Me in the Bible: The Story of Abraham is a fantastic resource. It’s biblically sound, well-organized, and encourages a deeper walk with God.

(I received a copy of this book from Crossway in exchange for an honest review)