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?
In this lesson, we look at the aftermath of the flood, commands God gives to his people (including the prohibition of eating/drinking blood), the rainbow covenant he gives to Noah, and what these mean for us today. We also look at what Peter has to say about the flood. In 1 Peter 3:18-22, Peter calls baptism
Noah & the Flood, Part 3: The Aftermath (Gen. 9:1-17) View Lesson
Noah & the Flood, Part 3: The Aftermath (Gen. 9:1-17) View Lesson
After the flood, we read about righteous, faithful Noah getting drunk. In this lesson we look at what Jesus and the New Testament writers teach about Christians use of alcohol, including drunkenness. As Noah's life comes to an end, we also step back and look at how the story of Noah and the flood foreshadow our own means
Noah & the Flood, Part 4: The End of Noah (Gen. 9:18-29) View Lesson
Noah & the Flood, Part 4: The End of Noah (Gen. 9:18-29) View Lesson
This lesson is the second of a series on the life of Elisha. This lesson tackles two miracles Elisha performed. These miracles reveal much about God's heart and the kindness and sternness he shows to those to whom he wants to give life. Teaching Notes Elisha, Pt. 2: Healed Waters and a Bear Attack (2
Elisha, Pt. 2: Healed Waters and a Bear Attack (2 Kings 2:19-25) View Lesson
Elisha, Pt. 2: Healed Waters and a Bear Attack (2 Kings 2:19-25) View Lesson
The lesson starts with a discussion of the value of reading and understanding the early Christians. What purpose does this serve and what weight should be given to their writings? We then pick up in Genesis 10 and look at the story of the Tower of Babel, which supplies wisdom and warning to Christians today in
Babel through the Introduction to Abraham (Genesis 10-11) View Lesson
Babel through the Introduction to Abraham (Genesis 10-11) View Lesson
At age seventy-five, Abraham and his wife Sarah obey God and leave their homeland, to embark on a great mission to an unknown land. We learn of the many important promises God gives to Abraham as well as how Abraham conducts himself along their journey, as a peacemaker. This lesson takes a close look at
Abraham Enters Canaan and a Meeting with Melchizedek (Genesis 12-14) View Lesson
Abraham Enters Canaan and a Meeting with Melchizedek (Genesis 12-14) View Lesson
We pick up on part three of a series on the life of Elisha. The story of Elisha offers so much for us to learn. In this lesson, Elisha saves three kings (and Israel) from death, then turns and rescues a nameless widow and her sons. These stories reveal much about the heart of God
Elisha, Pt. 3: Three Kings and a Widow (2 Kings 3:1-4:1-7) View Lesson
Elisha, Pt. 3: Three Kings and a Widow (2 Kings 3:1-4:1-7) View Lesson
In 2 Kings, chapter 4, we read about a nameless woman from Shunem whose kindness to Elisha results in both a miraculous birth and her son being raised from the dead. This story has much to teach us about the heart of God, service to each other, and saving faith. Teaching Notes Elisha, Pt.
Elisha, Pt. 4: The Shunammite Woman (2 Kings 4:8-37) View Lesson
Elisha, Pt. 4: The Shunammite Woman (2 Kings 4:8-37) View Lesson
Genesis 15 opens with a most amazing promise, one in which we appear! We then look at the faith of Abraham, who trusts God with his future. We are called higher by his example, as well as by Jesus' and Paul's teaching on the sin of worry. We also take a hard look at how
Abraham's Faith, a Strange Vision and the Birth of Ishmael (Genesis 15 & 16) View Lesson
Abraham's Faith, a Strange Vision and the Birth of Ishmael (Genesis 15 & 16) View Lesson
In Genesis 17, God gives Abraham and God's people the "everlasting covenant" of circumcision. What is this covenant? Does circumcision have anything to do with Christians today? Why should we care? This lesson is packed with the heart of God, foreshadowing of Christ, and an explanation of the circumcision made available to us under the
The Scriptures teach that no person has ever seen God. Yet in Genesis 18 we learn that Abraham spoke with, washed the feet of, and fed God. What does this mean? This story also provides wonderful examples for us today in the life and character of Sarah, in Abraham's pleading with God for the people
Unusual House Guests for Abraham and Lot (Genesis 18-19:3) View Lesson
Unusual House Guests for Abraham and Lot (Genesis 18-19:3) View Lesson