The Old Testament is the story of the Old Covenant (“testament” means “covenant”) between God and his people. At the same time, the Old Testament foretells the coming of a new covenant and a coming prophet, priest, and king. For many reasons, a solid understanding of the Old Testament is crucial for understanding the New Testament. If you have found the Old Testament confusing, irrelevant, or boring, or if you desire to take your understanding of the Old Testament to a new level, we recommend you start with the first lesson in our Genesis series, Introduction to the O.T., Pt. 1 – Why Study the Old Testament?
Many Christians dismiss the Book of Jonah as a cute children’s story involving a whale, or as the account of a second-rate prophet. However, Jesus saw it differently. In Matthew 12, He said that the only sign that would be given to that generation would be “the sign of Jonah”. Jesus went on to state
After being delivered from the belly of the whale, Jonah heeds God's call to go to the wicked city of Nineveh. His preaching produces radical repentance. In this story are many important lessons for us, including the nature of our merciful Father, the soft hearts of the Ninevites (despite their wicked lifestyles), and the power
One of the greatest challenges for Christians is to not harden our hearts when we face challenges and suffering. The Hebrews writer points back to this psalm and the lessons from Israel’s time in the Wilderness, to teach us important lessons about spiritual perseverance. In this message we explore the characteristics of a soft heart,
We begin the first lesson tackling the question, “Why should I study the Book of Numbers?” We review the New Testament passages that point to the 40 years in the Wilderness as foreshadowing the spiritual journey of Christians: the time between the ‘baptism’ of the Red Sea Crossing and finally reaching the goal of the
The Levites were to be set apart as ‘the Lord’s firstborn’. In this lesson we explore the significance of that special position throughout the Scriptures, including in the original Passover account, as embodied in Jesus Himself, and now for Christians, as members of “the church of the firstborn”. This provides a beautiful picture highlighting what
As the Israelites embark from their encampment at Mount Sinai, the Lord gives important instructions. They must follow the pillar of cloud (by day) and fire (by night), wherever it leads them. In this message we consider how that pillar foreshadowed the Holy Spirit. This can help us better understand the nature of the Spirit,
Led by the Pillar of Cloud and Fire (Numbers 7-9) View Lesson
Led by the Pillar of Cloud and Fire (Numbers 7-9) View Lesson
On Israel's journey to the Promised Land, God destroyed many of His people for the sin of complaining. This is a sin that God takes much more seriously than most Christians. May this lesson help us eradicate complaining from our lives, as we await our eternal reward and focus on Him who is invisible! Teaching
Here Moses is described as “the meekest (most humble) man on the face of the earth”. In view of the power and boldness Moses exhibited in Egypt as well as in the Wilderness, many of us will need to reconsider our concept of true, Biblical “meekness”! In this story we also learn how the sin
With Jonah, as with many other heroes of faith in Scripture, we can learn much from his weaknesses as well as from his strengths. While Jonah was a powerful preacher and strong on justice, he was utterly lacking in mercy toward the repentant Ninevites. Here we can better appreciate the mercy and kindness of the
After Moses sends twelve to spy out Canaan, ten return with a discouraging report. Only two (Joshua and Caleb) believe that God can deliver what He promised. They provide a great example of what it will take for us to make it all the way to our own ‘Promised Land’. Hidden in this story is a key