Holy — The most Misunderstood Word in the Bible
Understanding the Old Testament Part 22 (Hosea 11; Psalm 145) A word that is so rich, so precious, and so heart-warming has been tragically misunderstood in recent centuries. God’s holiness a positive quality very closely linked to his love, and it is so important that we connect with this.
When God Speaks like a Mother
God sometimes uses the language of a mother to describe how he relates to us. There are beautiful scriptures where he tells us how he sees us, hears our cry and deeply cares for us, using mother imagery. (Genesis 16, 21; 1 Peter 5:7)
Roadblocks when Reading the Old Testament
Understanding the Old Testament Part 21 (Luke 24:27,32) Quite often, when people start reading the Old Testament. they hit roadblocks such as obscure language, stories that seem to condone violence or abuse, and moose strange or problematic laws, for example regarding women. All of these roadblocks can be shifted, and we do at least some shifting here.
Stories of God’s Compassion Grace
Understanding the Old Testament Part 20 (1 Sam 2:1–8; 2 Chron 33:1-16) Understanding God’s compassion is vital for living an authentic Christian life. It shines most brightly in the N.T. in Jesus, but there are some remarkable stories in the Old, demonstrating that God does not change. Many of us have trouble receiving this compassion and grace, which makes it hard for us to show it to others, and to experience joy ourselves.
Why are we told to fear God if love casts out fear?
Understanding the Old Testament Part 19 (Rom 8:15; 1 John 4:18) Many people feel that the Old Testament God wanted to be feared but there’s a different God in the New who has banished fear? The solution to this problem is very rarely understood, even by Christians, and extremely important.
The Empty Tomb
When we see what a strong foundation our faith is built on, the joy of that truth will well up inside us (Luke 24)
The Rest of the Story of Israel—Past and Future
Understanding the Old Testament Part 18 (Dan 2; Eph 2 & Rom 11) When we see how God’s promises and prophecies to Israel fit with the New Testament and beyond, like Paul we will not be able to help bursting out in praises to God.
The Story of Israel and the Heart of God
Understanding the Old Testament Part 17 (Mic 3,7; Eze 16; Hos 11) Watch the 7-min animation at info.church.to/israel - Seeing the big story of Israel allows us to get a glimpse into the heart of God that is deeply revealing and affecting.
The Exodus theme through the Bible
Understanding the Old Testament Part 16 (Isaiah 40-43 & John 6) Seeing this theme throught the Bible will help us to take encouragement from some very powerful words from God in the Old Testament. We now see how they speak into our lives.
Why Idolatry is such a big theme in the Old Testament
Understanding the Old Testament Part 15 (Deut 32:36-39; 2 Chron 14:11) Behind idolatry is our fear, and a need to gain control when we are powerless. Once we get how it worked in the Old Testament it is very easy to see how we fall into this trap ourselves on a daily basis.
Anne Fountain: The Bible and Archeology
Understanding the Old Testament Part 14 (Various Scriptures) Archeology shows us that Bible history and world history are the same.
We don’t need evidence from archaeology to prove to us that God is real but it can be a great encouragement to see where things match up.
New Creation (3) — How to live in the New Creation while still in the Old
Understanding the Old Testament Part 13 (Isa, Jer, Ez, Colossians 3:1-15) All our problems as Christians, come down to the fact that although we are a New Creation, we are still living in the Old. Answering this problem leads to true victory.
New Creation (2) — How it started with a New Eden
Understanding the Old Testament Part 12 (Genesis, Exodus 32 & Romans 6) When we see how the images of Eden in the Bible all hang together in a beautiful way, it bring us so much hope and leads us towards victory.
New Creation — The Big Story of the Bible
Understanding the Old Testament Part 11 (Genesis, Heb 11 & 1 John 4) If we can grasp the big picture of God’s plan for humanity, it will not only help us understand the Bible, but hugely empower and energize us for the Christian life.
Chesed — A kind of love we have no English word for
Understanding the Old Testament Part 10 (Is 54:10; Ps 103:11 & other verses) Through stories of how God relates to humans we learn of a different kind of love that is at the core of who God is. Chesed is utterly faithful, loyal to the very end, a love that will never let you go. -When you understand it, there is no word that is more beautiful.
“I will be with you!” – The Era from Abraham to Joseph
Understanding the Old Testament Part 9 (Genesis 15-50) There is a new beginning with Abraham and Sarah, a new Adam and Eve but with a very different requirement
God’s gift of Everything
If God has given you his own beloved Son, Jesus, then will he withhold anything from you?
In Romans 8 Paul gives us some of the most encouraging words in the Bible (Romans 8:31–39)
Jesus, the Light of the World
Understanding the Old Testament Part 8 (Various Scriptures) Light is a key theme in Scripture, and as we put together references from the whole Bible, we see a beautifully unified theme what brings hope, and direction for living.
Has Jesus done away with the Law? —Answering the problems that come up
Understanding the Old Testament Part 7 (Romans 2 & Galatians 3) If the Law was for the Jews, what about everyone else? Does the Law have any value in the New Covenant under Jesus? Plus other questions.
The Covenants—the Backbone of the Old Testament
Understanding the Old Testament Part 6 (Genesis 9 +other passages) To understand the covenants is both the beginning and the end of the quest for the truth. For in them we can grasp how the Creator relates to humanity.