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?
The Ten Commandments are well-known by most serious Christians. But are Christians required to follow them today? Are we free from the Law of Moses (which includes the Ten Commandments)? If we are required to follow the Ten Commandments, are we required to follow the fourth commandment, to keep the Sabbath? We seek to answer
After the Lord gives the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai, we come to a part of the Bible that many find confusing, boring, irrelevant, or even disturbing: the details of the Mosaic Law. Since God’s people no longer need to follow these commands, why should we bother reading this part of Scripture? We begin by answering that
Introduction to the Law of Moses (Exodus 20:18-21:27) View Lesson
Introduction to the Law of Moses (Exodus 20:18-21:27) View Lesson
We now come to a part of the Law of Moses that addresses social justice issues in community life. These laws reveal God’s kindness, His concern for justice, and His desire to protect the weak and vulnerable. Jesus will later take those standards even higher. This lesson closes with a look at some very practical implications for
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
In this lesson we find two rather puzzling statements that reveal wonderful treasures for Christians today. In the commandment "you shall not boil a young goat in its mother’s milk," early Christians saw the kind heart of God toward the newborn and vulnerable. Also, when the Lord says he will send an "angel" or messenger
In this passage the Old Covenant is inaugurated: a contract between God and His people, sealed with blood. By understanding the nature of this covenant, we can better grasp and appreciate the New (and much better) Covenant that replaced it. In this lesson we look at striking parallels (and differences) between the two covenants. Grasping the
Moses and Israel's chosen men ascend Mount Sinai, where Moses will receive the stone tablets. The Lord calls Moses and Joshua to proceed further up, where they enter the midst of a great cloud. Moses remains on the mountain forty days, fasting throughout. We begin by considering the mysterious nature of God (the Father), whom
First 40 Days on Mount Sinai (with Moses Fasting) (Exodus 24:9-18) View Lesson
First 40 Days on Mount Sinai (with Moses Fasting) (Exodus 24:9-18) View Lesson
We have come to a part of Exodus that frustrates so many Christians: the instructions the Lord gives Moses for constructing the tabernacle. The Lord is extremely specific, and for very good reason. We learn in Hebrews that the tabernacle is a model representing the church and heaven itself. With the help of a modern
In our ongoing study of the tabernacle we now turn our attention to the Holy Place, the sanctuary. Just as the High Priest represents Christ, the other priests foreshadow us Christians, members of the new "royal priesthood." The Holy Place, where they minister daily, represents the church. In this lesson we explore the three objects
In Exodus 26 we turn to the specific instructions God gives Moses regarding the fabric that would cover the inside of the temple. One might wonder what we can learn from this, yet as we have seen, the details of the tabernacle foreshadow spiritual realities and provide valuable insight into the Christian life. As the