Our Need for the Old Testament

Tonight we're taking a big picture look at the Old Testament. "Why?" you might ask. Here's one answer from a pastor named Mark Dever:

If Christ is the key to human history, the Old Testament carefully describes the lock.
If Christ is the climax of the story, the Old Testament sets the stage and begins the plot. Do you read just the endings of books?
If the New Testament presents God’s promises kept, the Old Testament tells us about God’s promises made.
In other words, if you don’t get what the Old Testament teaches, you’ll never get Christ. Our God does not waste words. Each Testament needs the other. You will best be able to comprehend Christ’s cross if you first understand the question left unanswered by the Old Testament. The cross is the answer. How well do you know the question?
In order to acquire a sense of the grandiosity of God’s work, the majesty of his plan, the tenacity of his love, there is no replacement for the Old Testament. Deprive yourself of this part of God’s revelation, and your God will seem smaller, less holy, and less loving than God really is.

Quote from Mark Dever, The Message of the Old Testament: Promises Made (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2006), 19.

Take It For a Test Drive!

In my conversations with some students, I have heard it said that personal Bible reading can be difficult because one doesn't understand what they're reading. So, I thought we could give something a try. The ESV Study Bible has been out for a few months now, and it is a tremendous resource. Crossway, who publishes the ESVSB, graciously sent us samples of the new Study Bible. So, I have the entire Gospel of Luke in the form of a separate booklet for you to try. Spend a month in the book of Luke. Read through the notes to help you gain a better understanding of the text. I trust God will use this to help you see and savor Christ as you encounter Him in God's Word.