Jon Akin recently wrote a 2-part blog on the misuse of the Old Testament in the Church. You can read parts one and two.
This raises the question then, how is the Old Testament to be read? And is the Old Testament of value to the church today?
Jon Akin, who is completing a PhD in Old Testament studies at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary has written several blogs that can help us with both of these questions. He writes in one of these blogs:
Can the Old Testament be read in its literal sense and still be of value to a Christian audience? Allegory says, ‘No,’ and historical-grammatical method does not know. The Bible answers this question with a ‘Yes,’ and that yes is Jesus Christ. The entire OT is about Jesus (Luke 24:27), and all of history points to Jesus (Eph. 1:10). This means that OT history is about Christ and moving towards Christ. Christ is Abraham’s seed, so those in Christ are offspring of Abraham, heirs of the Israelite promises, and part of the vine of Israel (Gal. 3:29; Rm. 11). That means that Israelite historiographic literature is Christian historiographic literature. Jewish heritage is Christian heritage in Christ. Therefore, Christians cannot read Israelite history as if they are reading someone else’s mail. In order to read OT history as Christian scripture, the reader must read the narrative Christocentrically. All of the Old Testament is pointing to Christ, and if we are in Christ then it is pointing to us mediated through Christ (1 Tim. 2:5). The Old Testament does not first and foremost apply to the Christian; rather, it first applies to the Christ, and then it is mediated to the Christian. This means a typological, Christological reading of the Bible as a whole. The Bible is one book, and the Old Testament is the first part of that book. The little narratives should not be examined apart from the big narrative. Jesus and the apostles seemed to use this strategy.
Below are several blogs exploring Old Testament narratives that will help us see how to read the Old Testament and how the Old Testament is still vital to the life of the Church.
(Reflections on Prov 9:10)
If the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, is the fear of man the beginning of foolishness?
In my own attempt to live out the Gospel, I constantly fight the fear of man. I am reminded, however, that fear is fundamental to the Christian faith. Not the fear of man, of course, that centers around self, but the fear of the Lord that centers around God and His Gospel.
At the root of the fear of the Lord is a humility before almighty God that He is the Creator and we are His creation; He is in charge and we must obey. At the root of the fear of man is pride before almighty “me” and a need to defend oneself, saving face at all cost. Fear of the Lord evokes awe-filled wonder of God, even genuine fright, like that of the “undone” Isaiah. Fear of man stands in awe of the smart and the talented, and seeks to be made in their image. Fear of the Lord promotes right worship of our King positioning our heart to approach the throne of grace with boldness. Fear of man invites man worship wherein mere creatures become our idols and attemps to please them occupy the bulk of our time and energy.
It is foolishness to walk about crippled by what others think, and decide what to say by the impression it will make. The fear of man puffs up to the point that men are sure to wrap an arm around their wives during the closing prayer of corporate worship, but never lead in prayer at home, and blinds to the degree that moms will dress their daughters in the trendiest jeans and jewelry, but never consider adorning them with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.
The fear of the Lord, however, is the starting place for a life of wisdom. It breeds humility, hard work, discernment, patience, perseverance, love for others, kindness, and joy. The fear of the Lord thinks first of others and how to serve them. The fear of man thinks first of self and plans how to sacrifice others to get ahead. The fear of the Lord recognizes the value of creation and remembers the sacrifice of Christ.
This is the way in which Christians are to walk. It is not the way that seems right to man, for that way leads to destruction. But rather, it is the way that leads to life–wisdom’s way. So, walk this way. And, where to begin? In the fear of the Lord.
BQ2
Jim Smith at the Florida Baptist Witness has written a thoughtful editorial in response to the insanity of First Baptist Dallas’ Grinch Alert website. We want to encourage you to read the article. We also pray that Christians will embrace the true meaning of the season. Jesus came to seek and to save the lost, not criticize them for acting like lost people, like sheep without a shepherd.
Over the last two weeks, Dr. Chuck Lawless, Dean of the Billy Graham School of Missions and Evangelism at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, has been tweeting ideas for Southern Baptists to get involved in giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering this year. We hope this list will help you, your family, and your church find a way to give more than ever to Lottie Moon this year! We invite you to check out Dr. Lawless’s blog Chucklawless.com and follow him on Twitter.
LOTTIE MOON IDEAS
Idea #1: Give to God’s mission the equivalent of $$ spent for Christmas presents. Spend on what matters.
Idea #2: Give 25¢, 50¢, 75¢, or $1.00 per unreached people group (@ 6000 groups). Billions need to hear.
Idea #3: Give the amount needed to cover one week’s costs to send a missionary — @ $845.00. They sacrifice much for the GC.
Idea #4: Give LM Christmas gifts in honor of someone you love. Most of us need little else; the world needs the gospel.
Idea #5: Give $25, $50, $100 for every year you’ve been a Christian. You’ll still never match what God gave for us.
Idea #6: Let the Word motivate you to give. We really have no other option. (Listen to Thanksgiving Without Giving Is Only A Word from 11/21/2010)
Idea #7: Give in honor of the one who shared Christ with you. Give because you have been one of the privileged ones to hear.
Idea #8: Remember your largest gift given to ANY need — then add 10% to that amount. Give more to LM than ever.
Idea #9: Give 10% of your church’s LMCO goal. If 9 others join you, you’ve met the goal. If more than 9 join you, PTL!!
Idea #10: Give 1 penny 4 every new believer baptized thru IMB work last year (@500,000). The return will be worth it.
