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?
Moses warns the people that when they cross into Canaan, there must be “no bitter root” among them. That admonition is repeated later in Hebrews, addressed to Christians. In this lesson, we explore the practical applications for us today. This is a call for us to be courageous in addressing sin and bitterness, in a
The previous chapters focused on God's justice. Here, we see the mercy of God: how He blesses and rejoices over His people when they turn back to Him after going astray. Understanding the lavish mercy of God will have a profound impact on our Christian walk, including God's expectation that Christ's followers generously grant mercy
The passage in view, later quoted by Paul in Romans 10, is especially relevant to Christians today. Evangelical Protestants have taken it out of context to introduce the last step of their popular ‘Romans Road’ presentation of the gospel to unbelievers. Here we strive to reclaim its original intended meaning and expose the watered-down evangelical
In Your Mouth and In Your Heart (Deuteronomy 30:11-14) View Lesson
In Your Mouth and In Your Heart (Deuteronomy 30:11-14) View Lesson
Are we listening to God? This theme is found throughout Scripture, including in Psalm 58, where David compares unrighteous people to snakes that have "stopped their ears." With the help of two early Christian writers, we consider both the promised blessings to those who listen to God, and the awaiting judgment for those who do
This may be one of the most important lessons in the entire book of Deuteronomy. God (through Moses) now offers His people a choice: to obey Him (and be blessed) or disobey Him (and be cursed). He gives them free choice. Understanding the freedom God gives each of us to choose and follow Him will
I Set Before You Life and Death (Deuteronomy 30:15-20) View Lesson
I Set Before You Life and Death (Deuteronomy 30:15-20) View Lesson
Moses called Joshua and the Israelites to be “valiant and strong”, to be prepared for the battles ahead. Later, Paul will give the same charge to Christians, calling them to be courageous. In this countercultural lesson, we explore the meaning of this ancient challenge, especially as it applies to men today. We also consider how
Moses gives God's people a very unusual song to sing! This song would both serve as a warning to the Israelites and later be quoted by various New Testament writers to support important spiritual principles for Christians, including the foundation for Jesus' teaching on nonresistance. Teaching Notes Deuteronomy 31:9-32:34 - Lesson Notes
Moses is reminded that he will die without entering the Promised Land, due to striking the rock the second time. We explore why that act brought such severe consequences, and the sober warning it provides for us. Also, Moses blesses the tribe of Levi for a puzzling reason: for not considering their relatives! We consider
Final Blessings of the Tribes (Deuteronomy 32:44-33:11) View Lesson
Final Blessings of the Tribes (Deuteronomy 32:44-33:11) View Lesson
This final lesson from Deuteronomy features several prophecies about Jesus. We see Him foreshadowed in the unusual blessing given to Joseph’s tribe, in the details surrounding Moses’ death, and in the name of the man chosen to finish the mission (Joshua, or Jesus). Then the closing words point us back to one of the most