Newlife Church, Toronto

What if we had a silver trumpet that we could blow at any time and God would come to our rescue? Actually such trumpets really existed! We have effectively the same thing if we can understand it. (Numbers 10:1-10; 2 Chron 20:3-30)

Understanding the Old Testament Part 25 (Hebrews 4:14-16) We can gain a deeper appreciation of what Jesus does for us by examining the picture given to us of O.T. priests.

Understanding the Old Testament Part 24 (John 17, 2 Tim 1 & 2; 1 Pet 2:9) How does our new understanding of holiness fit with some N.T. passages that seem to be equating it with purity. Buy making an extra step in our definition, we can tie everything together in a way that not only makes sense but is helpful and motivating, and gives a very positive meaning to a word that is often seen as negative and discouraging.

Understanding the Old Testament Part 23 (Num 20:9-13; Lev 10:1-2; Ex 3:4-5, 19:5-6) Having presented a new understanding of this incredibly important word, we clear up some problems with other Old Testament passages and dig deeper into the meaning.

Let’s focus on why we love Jesus, not just for what he has done for us, but because he is the most fascinating, wonderful, awesome and lovely person that has ever existed. (Col 1:15-20)

Understanding the Old Testament Part 22 (Hosea 11; Psalm 145) A word that is so rich, so precious, and so heart-warming has been tragically misunderstood in recent centuries. God’s holiness a positive quality very closely linked to his love, and it is so important that we connect with this.

God sometimes uses the language of a mother to describe how he relates to us. There are beautiful scriptures where he tells us how he sees us, hears our cry and deeply cares for us, using mother imagery. (Genesis 16, 21; 1 Peter 5:7)

Understanding the Old Testament Part 21 (Luke 24:27,32) Quite often, when people start reading the Old Testament. they hit roadblocks such as obscure language, stories that seem to condone violence or abuse, and moose strange or problematic laws, for example regarding women. All of these roadblocks can be shifted, and we do at least some shifting here.

Understanding the Old Testament Part 20 (1 Sam 2:1–8; 2 Chron 33:1-16) Understanding God’s compassion is vital for living an authentic Christian life. It shines most brightly in the N.T. in Jesus, but there are some remarkable stories in the Old, demonstrating that God does not change. Many of us have trouble receiving this compassion and grace, which makes it hard for us to show it to others, and to experience joy ourselves.

Understanding the Old Testament Part 19 (Rom 8:15; 1 John 4:18) Many people feel that the Old Testament God wanted to be feared but there’s a different God in the New who has banished fear? The solution to this problem is very rarely understood, even by Christians, and extremely important.

When we see what a strong foundation our faith is built on, the joy of that truth will well up inside us (Luke 24)

Understanding the Old Testament Part 18 (Dan 2; Eph 2 & Rom 11) When we see how God’s promises and prophecies to Israel fit with the New Testament and beyond, like Paul we will not be able to help bursting out in praises to God.

Understanding the Old Testament Part 17 (Mic 3,7; Eze 16; Hos 11) Watch the 7-min animation at info.church.to/israel - Seeing the big story of Israel allows us to get a glimpse into the heart of God that is deeply revealing and affecting.

Understanding the Old Testament Part 16 (Isaiah 40-43 & John 6) Seeing this theme throught the Bible will help us to take encouragement from some very powerful words from God in the Old Testament. We now see how they speak into our lives.

Understanding the Old Testament Part 15 (Deut 32:36-39; 2 Chron 14:11) Behind idolatry is our fear, and a need to gain control when we are powerless. Once we get how it worked in the Old Testament it is very easy to see how we fall into this trap ourselves on a daily basis.

Understanding the Old Testament Part 14 (Various Scriptures) Archeology shows us that Bible history and world history are the same. We don’t need evidence from archaeology to prove to us that God is real but it can be a great encouragement to see where things match up.

Understanding the Old Testament Part 13 (Isa, Jer, Ez, Colossians 3:1-15) All our problems as Christians, come down to the fact that although we are a New Creation, we are still living in the Old. Answering this problem leads to true victory.

Understanding the Old Testament Part 12 (Genesis, Exodus 32 & Romans 6) When we see how the images of Eden in the Bible all hang together in a beautiful way, it bring us so much hope and leads us towards victory.

Understanding the Old Testament Part 11 (Genesis, Heb 11 & 1 John 4) If we can grasp the big picture of God’s plan for humanity, it will not only help us understand the Bible, but hugely empower and energize us for the Christian life.

Understanding the Old Testament Part 10 (Is 54:10; Ps 103:11 & other verses) Through stories of how God relates to humans we learn of a different kind of love that is at the core of who God is. Chesed is utterly faithful, loyal to the very end, a love that will never let you go. -When you understand it, there is no word that is more beautiful.