The Hebrew Scriptures are a three-part collection of scrolls known as the Torah, Prophets, and Writings, or “TaNaK” for short. Did you know that the arrangement of the Old Testament in Christian Bibles is not original? Along with all ancient Jews, Jesus encountered the Scriptures as a three-part collection of scrolls known as the Torah, …
Series Archives:
38602 Overview: Genesis Ch. 1-11
God creates a good world and commissions humans to rule it, but they choose rebellion again and again. When God looks at the world he made, he declares it good. He installs humans as his partners in ruling creation, but the humans choose to do what is good in their own eyes, leading ultimately to …
38603 Overview: Genesis Ch. 12-50
God promises to bless the world through Abraham’s family, despite their repeated failure. God makes a promise to bless all nations through the family of Abraham. But with aging husbands, impatient matriarchs, deceptive brothers, and family betrayal, how will God’s promise prevail? God Calls Abraham In chapters 1-11, the book of Genesis recounts God’s good …
38604 Overview: Exodus Ch. 1 -18
God rescues the Israelites from slavery and confronts Pharaoh’s evil. How does God respond when his people cry out to him? The first part of the book of Exodus recounts a powerful confrontation between God and the injustice of Pharaoh. This section is a fast-paced narrative that leads to divine justice, rescue, and deliverance. Let …
38605 Overview: Exodus Ch. 19-40
God initiates a covenant with Israel despite their rebellion and promises his presence. At Mt. Sinai, God invites Israel into a covenant relationship. He desires to make them a nation of priests to be a blessing to the nations. But Israel immediately fails to trust God. Ascending the Mountain The first eighteen chapters of the …
38606 Overview: Leviticus
God graciously provides a way for people to live in his presence. God desires to live with Israel, but even Moses is unable to enter the Tabernacle. How can Israel, with all their moral corruption, become God’s covenant partners to bless the nations? Leviticus answers this question in three surprising ways. The Tabernacle God made …
38607 Overview: Numbers
Israel’s repeated rebellion in the wilderness is met by God’s justice and mercy. On their way to the promised land, Israel rebels against God again and again. God responds with short-term severity and long-term generosity that speaks to his covenant faithfulness. Wilderness Wanderings After centuries of living in foreign lands, the time comes for the …
38608 Overview: Deuteronomy
Moses gives Israel final words of warning and blessing. At the end of his life, Moses delivers a final call to covenant faithfulness. He covers the story so far, a collection of laws, and a charge for Israel to listen and obey rather than rebel. He sees Israel’s dismal future as well as their promised …
38609 Overview: Joshua
Joshua leads Israel to settle in the promised land. The book of Joshua shows us God’s faithfulness to his covenant with the Israelites to bring them into the land he promised to Abraham. This book points to the importance of covenant obedience before, during, and after God fulfills his promises. The Promised Land At the …
38610 Overview: Judges
Israel abandons God and becomes completely corrupt in the land. What happens when Israel forgets their God? The book of Judges shows Israel’s tragic downward spiral. It’s a sobering examination of the human condition that highlights the need for a deliverer. Descent into Madness After the death of Joshua, the people of Israel begin a …