The Old Testament

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Permalink Reply by Wally on January 20, 2009 at 5:41pm

We can continue to learn much from the Old Testament writing. Don't forget, Jesus quoted from several Old Testament passages during His ministry. To think that they no longer hold truths would be to discount much of Jesus' ministry.
I have been reading through the Old Testament for the last several weeks, currently in the Psalms, and have found many passages that God has used to speak to me. One of the things I have applied to my own life is the ups and downs of Judah and Israel. As you read through the books you can see that from generation to generation Judah and Israel turn to God then away from God. They fall away then repent and God in His love forgives them. This is repeated throughout the readings.
I have been the same way in my own life, drawing near to God then drifting away, repenting and then moving back to Him. We are so blessed that our God is a forgiving God, both of the Old and New Testaments. As I read through the Psalms I find many passages that God spoke through our brother David that speak to me now. I would encourage you to read the Old Testament with an open heart, but read it in light of and after reading the New Testament. God still speaks to us through these passages, granted some of it is pretty dry reading but I would recommend that none of it be skipped.
The joys and sufferings encountered by our ancestors in the Old Testament are the same that we go through today in our struggles to draw near to God. In Jesus, Wally

Permalink Reply by Childlikefaith on January 20, 2009 at 10:50pm

Thanks for your help, that does clear some things up for me. The Old Testament can just be sooo confusing in some parts. I'm taking a class on Exodus this semester so I pray I will grow in knowledge of God's word through it.
If anyone else can offer any other insights I'd appreciate it too.

God bless you, Wally.

Permalink Reply by Jeffrey on January 27, 2009 at 5:27pm

The OT is really essential for a firm foundation in the Christian Faith. Jesus not only quoted the OT, he taught it in the synagoges and temple. The Apostles taught from the OT, Paul quotes the OT numerous times. You have to remember that the NT was we know it did not exist until some time after. The gospel of Mark (John Mark) was written around 45 AD, approximately the same time as the Letter to the Galatians., Then later on the Gospel of Matthew was written around 78AD putting it nearly 40 years or so after Christ's resurrection. Up until that time it was the OT that was taught. Using the OT scriptures that apply to Christ, his birth, his ministry, suffering and resurrection. It was all foretold in the OT by the prophets. SO without the OT, we can not build a solid foundation.

Start reading in Isaiah 40 thru to the end of Isaiah. Then as you read, you'll see remarkable similarities with the NT. That's because the OT has influenced the NT writers. Some theologians have said that the story of the NT begins in Isaiah 40. Give it a try you'll see I'm right. --Jeff