So a lot of us view the Old Testament as just that - old and boring. But it really has a great significance and insight into the New Testament. And without it, the New Testament wouldn't be as effective as it is. For one thing, the prophets in the Old Testament prophesied about Jesus long before He came to this earth. Without knowing that, Jesus's life on earth wouldn't have seemed as significant. There are many other significant things about the Old Testament, and I thought I'd share this article with you from
www.notreligion.com. It's really good in outling a couple important things about the Old Testament and its relevance!
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History"Which of the prophets did not your fathers persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered" (Acts 7:52, ESV).
Why is history so boring? I'm sure you've heard this or something like it. You may have even said it yourself.
So often we try to avoid history. We view it as dull, irrelevant, confusing or just plain worthless. And history is reduced (in the student's mind at least) to a list of names and dates to memorize.
Sometimes people say the same things about Bible reading. They say they'll only read from the New Testament--viewing the Old Testament as worthless. They'll try to say that it's not relevant anymore and that Christ did away with it.
But that's just not true. Jesus Himself said, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them" (Matthew 5:17, ESV).
In the last few days, we've read about Stephen as he gave an account for his actions and his message to the council. Have you noticed what he tells them?
Stephen gives them a lesson in their own history. He begins by talking about Abraham, Jacob and Joseph (from the Book of Genesis). Then he goes on to tell the story of Moses (Exodus). He uses stories from Joshua, Kings, Chronicles and accounts from the prophets. All the while he testifies to God's goodness, faithfulness, provision and power.
His listeners were intelligent men who knew their history. They could track with Stephen story by story on what God had done for their ancestors. But they missed the point--that all of Scripture points to Jesus Christ as the Savior and Redeemer. Stephen brings this to their attention at the end when he speaks of "the Righteous One, whom you [the Jews] have now betrayed and murdered" (Acts 7:52, ESV).
This pattern continues throughout Acts. As the followers of the Way proclaim Jesus Christ, they use history to present their case. You can see examples in Acts 8:32-35, as Philip explains prophecy, and in Acts 13, as Paul addresses the people of Antioch.
Don't shy away from history; don't avoid "tough" parts of the Bible. Because "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV, emphasis added).
www.notreligion.com
Subject: The Old, Boring Testament 
Wed Nov 12, 2008 12:59 pm
