• Old Testament
    • Is it relevant to Christians?
      • Was it relevant to 1st century Christians?
        • Quoted in first gospel sermon. Acts 2:16-21
        • It was a powerful force in 1st century preaching. Acts 18:24-28
        • Constantly referenced in 1st century writings and speech by apostles and evangelists.
          • Paul, writing in Romans 1:1-4
          • Stephen, preaching in Acts 7:2-53
            • Gave short history of God’s people
            • Quoted Old Testament several times
            • Who was standing by listening?
              • Saul – Acts 8:1
      • It is relevant to us today if we with to: (Romans 15:2-4)
        • Help our neighbor
        • Be instructed
        • Be encouraged
        • Have hope
      • It foretold what was to come and gave it shape (Colossians 2:16-17)
        • John 1:15-17
        • Hebrews 8:4-5
        • Hebrews 9:8-12
        • Hebrews 10:1
        • Perspective of an object is always better if its shadow is discerned
    • What does it have to offer?
      • The complete story of salvation
      • The progression of God’s relationship with man
      • Expressions of the depth of God’s love for us
      • Examples we can live by
      • Better understanding of what God loves, hates, dislikes, etc.
      • Principles by which we can strengthen our lives
      • Insight into what the book of Hebrews is telling us
      • Understanding the Old Testament makes the New Testament more understandable
  • People who disagree with us
    • Where there disagreements in biblical or church history?
      • Abram/Lot
        • Abram – father of the faithful (Romans 4:14-21)
        • Lot - “righteous Lot” (I Peter 2:7)
      • Paul and Barnabas/men from Judea (Acts 15:1-2)
      • Paul/Barnabas (Acts 15:36-40; II Timothy 4:11)
      • Paul and his Jewish accusers (Acts 25:13-21)