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?
There are many lessons for us from this story of Lot and his family, which includes the destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Many consider the concept of judgment to be a big joke. Yet Jesus and the New Testament writers spoke (and wrote) directly about judgment with specific reference to Sodom and
The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19:4-29) View Lesson
The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19:4-29) View Lesson
This message brings three additional lessons for us from the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, beyond what was covered in the prior message. We first learn that the root sin of Sodom that brought about judgment was not sexual sin. Instead we learn that those who lived in Sodom "had pride, excess of food, and prosperous
More Lessons from Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19:29 cont.) View Lesson
More Lessons from Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19:29 cont.) View Lesson
Sometimes we read the Bible and stumble across a passage that is troubling. We might even wonder why this is included in the Scriptures. This lesson includes two (of three) disturbing stories that take place between the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the birth and sacrifice of Isaac. Yet, in these stories, we learn
In Genesis 21 we find another disturbing story: Abraham casting out his own son Ishmael and his maidservant Hagar, who both nearly die in the desert. While it would be easy to pass over this story, there are significant lessons here, some which Paul explains in Galatians 4. This story offers significant challenges and hope
At God's command, Abraham takes his beloved son, through whom God has promised to build a great nation, to a mountaintop to sacrifice him on an altar. This is yet another disturbing story. Why would God command such a horrific thing? Why is this in the Bible? Why do the Scriptures include so many specific
In this passage of Scripture there is much to learn! We see God's hand and Spirit at work in the marriage of Isaac and Rebekah. We come to the end of Abraham's life and take the time to recognize the legacy of faith and righteousness Abraham left for God's people for all time. We are
Isaac Marries Rebekah and the Birth of Jacob and Esau (Genesis 23:1-25:26) View Lesson
Isaac Marries Rebekah and the Birth of Jacob and Esau (Genesis 23:1-25:26) View Lesson
These chapters of Genesis show us Isaac, who gives way to fear, Rebekah, who is filled with deception, and Jacob and Esau, whose struggle with each other provide lessons for Christians regarding our own inheritance. What a blessing to learn from their mistakes and examples! Teaching Notes Jacob Steals Esau's Blessing (Gen. 25:27-27:46) - Lesson Outline
As the story of Elisha continues, we see the prophet work two miracles of provision for a group in need. We are then introduced to Naaman, a famous commander of the Syrian army, who also happens to be a leper. There are many gems to mine from these stories as we see God's power and
Elisha, Pt. 5: More Miracles and the Story of Naaman, Part 1 (2 Kings 4:38-5:16) View Lesson
Elisha, Pt. 5: More Miracles and the Story of Naaman, Part 1 (2 Kings 4:38-5:16) View Lesson
We pick up where we left off with the story of Naaman's healing, which some Christians through the centuries have viewed as a foreshadowing of baptism. We discuss one aspect of baptism, the power over death and the hope of eternal life. We then look at the story of Gehazi, who falls into the sins
Elisha, Pt. 6: Naaman, Gehazi, and the Floating Ax Head (2 Kings 5:17-6:7) View Lesson
Elisha, Pt. 6: Naaman, Gehazi, and the Floating Ax Head (2 Kings 5:17-6:7) View Lesson
In this story, the Syrian army surrounds the city to take Elisha. There with his servant, Elisha works a tremendous miracle with an unexpected twist. This lesson looks at the theme of spiritual blindness and the love God has for his enemies. Teaching Notes Elisha, Pt. 7: The Blind See (2 Kings 6:8-23) -