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?
This psalm provides a most sobering reminder that our time here is brief. Richard Challoner, an 18th-century Christian writer, drew significantly from this psalm to equip others to prepare for their own death. We also consider how this psalm by Moses might provide insights into his writings in Genesis. Finally, we tackle the meaning of
Throughout the Scriptures, we are warned that false prophets and teachers will seek to deceive God's people. Despite these warnings, why do most Christians think this will not happen in their own church? Understanding these Old and New Testament warnings will prepare us to recognize and deal with false teachers. Teaching Notes Deuteronomy 13 -
Should Christians today care about the distinction between the clean animals (which could be eaten by Jews) vs. the unclean animals (which could not)? Several passages in the New Testament explain that we are no longer bound by these rules. However, early Christians saw in them foreshadowings of important truths that continue. In this lesson,
The Jews were commanded to give a tithe. Should Christians give 10% of their income to the Church? We look at God's expectations for His people around giving (in both the Old and New Testaments), with insights from early Christians as to the kind of generous heart Jesus wants His followers to have! Teaching Notes
Tithing and Being Generous (Deuteronomy 14:22-15:18) View Lesson
Tithing and Being Generous (Deuteronomy 14:22-15:18) View Lesson
In the Law of Moses, all men are required each year to "appear before the Lord" during three annual Feasts: Unleavened Bread (or Passover), Harvest (or Pentecost), and Ingathering (or Tabernacles). All three play a significant role in the New Testament ministry of Jesus and the apostles. Remarkably, these feasts, which God commands the Israelites
Three Major Feasts Each Year (Deuteronomy 15:19-16:17) View Lesson
Three Major Feasts Each Year (Deuteronomy 15:19-16:17) View Lesson
In this passage, Moses instructs the people to appoint judges over them who "shall not show partiality." Such a simple character quality that is sadly missing in so many church leaders! We address what impartial judgment looks like, and the damage to the church when leaders show partiality (and fail to address sin in the
Here the Lord made provision for the time in the future when Israel would desire to have a strong ruler over them, to be “as all the rest of the nations”. Those instructions are key to understanding the later downfall of the Jewish kingdom and provide practical guidance for us today. We also explore passages
This lesson introduces one of the most spectacular prophecies of the Old Testament: in the future, the Lord would raise up a prophet like Moses. While this prophecy is mentioned in the New Testament, very few Christians today grasp its significance. In this first of two parts, we discuss how it foretells Jesus bringing new
I Will Raise Up a Prophet Like Moses (Deuteronomy 18, Pt. 1 of 2) View Lesson
I Will Raise Up a Prophet Like Moses (Deuteronomy 18, Pt. 1 of 2) View Lesson
Here we unlock what may be the most detailed prophecy of them all: the promised “Prophet” the Lord would “raise up”, who would be “like Moses”. While Peter and Stephen quoted this prophecy and applied it to Jesus, Christians today are unaware of its power and significance. Master this, and you can use it to
I Will Raise Up a Prophet Like Moses (Deuteronomy 18, Part 2 of 2) View Lesson
I Will Raise Up a Prophet Like Moses (Deuteronomy 18, Part 2 of 2) View Lesson
There are hidden gems in this section, with relevance that may surprise many Christians. Laws regarding just punishment for crimes such as manslaughter dispel the popular idea that “all sins are the same” in the eyes of God. Directives to maintain the ancient boundaries remind us that the faith handed down by Jesus and the
By the Mouth of Two or Three Witnesses (Deuteronomy 19) View Lesson
By the Mouth of Two or Three Witnesses (Deuteronomy 19) View Lesson