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?
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
Many Christians are surprised when serious sin is uncovered in their church, especially in the lives of leaders. However, in the book of Numbers we find the Israelite community in the Wilderness, repeatedly struggling with sins, foreshadowing the Christian church. This is a practical message that is surprisingly relevant today, offering reassurance and Biblical direction
Dealing with Sin in the Congregation (Numbers 15) View Lesson
Dealing with Sin in the Congregation (Numbers 15) View Lesson
There are few more graphic scenes in Scripture than God punishing Korah and his cohort for their rebellion. Sadly, this story has been used by some to advance a controlling agenda. Yet God wanted His people to remember this important lesson, referred to by Jude over a thousand years later to warn the New Testament
Here we learn about Israel's practice of tithing, giving to the Levites 10% of what their land produced. Should Christians follow this practice? What did Jesus and the apostles teach about giving, and how did the early Church put those teachings into practice? In this lesson we also consider the sacrifice of the red heifer
God forbids Moses from entering the Promised Land, for the sin of striking a rock. Why such a severe punishment, especially considering that Moses had been commanded to strike it on an earlier occasion? With the help of the apostle Paul and some early Christian writers, we discover a remarkable foreshadowing of Christ and a practical
After the people put God to the test, He sends deadly serpents among them. The terrified Israelites beg Moses to appeal to the Lord to end this plague. However, rather than removing the serpents, the Lord gives peculiar instructions. He tells Moses to put a bronze serpent on a pole, to which anyone bitten by
As the Israelite nation approaches the borders of Canaan, they encounter two powerful Amorite kings. The Lord calls His people to defeat both kings, wipe out all their people and take possession of their lands. But wait… isn’t that genocide? How could a loving God condone something like that? In this message we wrestle that age-old
The Great Victories over Sihon and Og (Numbers 21:10-35) View Lesson
The Great Victories over Sihon and Og (Numbers 21:10-35) View Lesson
Here we encounter the famous story of Balaam and his talking donkey. The prophet Balaam is an important character for Christians to know, since Jesus, Peter and Jude all refer to him in the New Testament. His life is used to warn us of how corrupt leaders and teachers will enter the church. We also
The wicked king of Moab asks Balaam to curse Israel. Instead, Balaam speaks four prophecies to bless God's people and foretell the coming of the Son of God. Balaam's prophecies, rarely referenced today, were used by the early Church to bring nonbelievers to repentance and faith in Christ. May we learn to do the same!
After Midianite women lead Israel’s men into sexual immorality and idolatry, the Lord brings a plague in which 24,000 die. Paul points to this story as a warning for Christians, regarding the dangers of sexual immorality. In this lesson we take a hard look at this sin, and what it will take for us to
Sexual Immorality and the Zeal of Phinehas (Numbers 25) View Lesson
Sexual Immorality and the Zeal of Phinehas (Numbers 25) View Lesson