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?
Even in the Law of Moses, we can see that the Lord’s greatest concern was the hearts of his followers, more than their outward religious observances. We also look at the importance of having a realistic view of ourselves, loving God as He describes love (much more than just a warm feeling), and loving the
Throughout the Scriptures, God gives people the freedom to choose obedience or disobedience. These choices result in consequences, including blessings and curses. We explore this aspect of God's nature, that He is not controlling or coercive, and what it means for us to imitate this quality. We also tackle the controversial topic of whether this
In this first in a series of lessons from the book of Daniel, we meet Daniel as a young boy, exposing two wicked men who have framed an innocent woman named Susanna. For centuries, Susanna's example in the face of death has inspired Christians to be faithful in times of intense persecution. May Susanna's and
Moses explains that after the Israelites enter Canaan, they must worship the Lord in the one location He will select. We explore this unusual directive, fulfilled 400 years later through David and Solomon by the construction of the temple in Jerusalem. However, God’s ultimate plan, later introduced by Jesus, was that men from all nations
I Will Choose One Place to Worship (Deuteronomy 12) View Lesson
I Will Choose One Place to Worship (Deuteronomy 12) View Lesson
Here's a lesson many of us may not want to hear! Daniel fasted as a young man and God rewarded him with wisdom, health, and the supernatural ability to understand dreams. As an older man, Daniel's fasting engaged the supernatural power of angels. Should we be fasting? What did Jesus teach about fasting? Are we
When King Nebuchadnezzar has a terrifying dream, he decides to kill all the wise men in his kingdom (including Daniel). Facing great adversity, Daniel demonstrates wisdom and godliness, showing us how to face our own earthly struggles. This chapter also contains a famous prophecy that reminds us that God is over the nations and their
Daniel's three friends are thrown into a furnace of fire when they refuse to obey a Babylonian law that violates God's law. Christians over the centuries (including the writer of Hebrews!) have taken great inspiration from such faithful obedience. We consider how we are to navigate various laws of our own countries today, without compromising
Daniel's Three Friends in the Fiery Furnace (Daniel 3) View Lesson
Daniel's Three Friends in the Fiery Furnace (Daniel 3) View Lesson
In this remarkable story, a proud, murderous king learns that God is able to humble those who walk in arrogance. The king's experience offers lessons for us. We consider New Testament teachings on humility and various ways we can humble ourselves before God, and receive His promise of grace and mercy. Teaching Notes Daniel 4
Many Christians spend fifty percent of their waking hours in some type of work or employment. This may include being paid for labor or providing a service, or working at home raising a family! How should Christians think about our work? What priority should we place on it? How much of our hearts and minds
They Could Find No Charge Against Him (Daniel 6:1-6) View Lesson
They Could Find No Charge Against Him (Daniel 6:1-6) View Lesson
Co-taught by Chuck Pike and David Adams, this lesson explores three levels of the famous Daniel and the lions' den story. In the details of this story (the first level), we are challenged and inspired as Christians by Daniel's prayer life and personal integrity (the second level). We then look for a third level, to
Daniel Cast Into the Pit of Lions (Daniel 6:7-29) View Lesson
Daniel Cast Into the Pit of Lions (Daniel 6:7-29) View Lesson