Day 2544- Old Testament Orientation - What is the Old Testament? - Psalm 19:7

Welcome to Day 2544 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to WisdomDay 2544 - Old Testament Orientation - What is the Old Testament?
Putnam Church Message - 01/05/2024
Sermon Series: Old Testament Orientation
Message 1: What is the Old Testament?Last week was the final Sunday of 2024, and our focus was to press forwardwith a message titled “A Christ-Centered Perspective on the New Year.”This week, we are starting a new series called Old Testament Orientation. Unlike a deep dive into a particular book, this series will be a mile wide and a foot deep. We will take on the mindset of an ancient Israelite and God’s plan of redemption for humankind. We will invest the first quarter of 2025 covering an Old Testament Orientation, and the second quarter of 2025 with a New Testament Orientation.
Opening PrayerHeavenly Father, we come into Your presence with hearts eager to learn and grow. As we begin this journey through the Old Testament, help us to see Your story of redemption, love, and purpose. Open our minds to understand, and let our hearts be transformed by Your Word. Guide this time together, and may all we do glorify You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.IntroductionWhat is the Old Testament? For many, this question stirs thoughts of thick genealogies, ancient laws, or confusing prophecies. Yet, the Old Testament is the foundation of our faith and the beginning of God’s grand story. It sets the stage for the New Testament and introduces us to the God who creates, redeems, and sustains. I like the tagline that The Bible Project uses. The Bible is a unified story that leads to Jesus.In both of our series, we will connect this unified story.
(Tapestry) The Old Testament is like a vast tapestry, each thread holding a unique story that contributes to the overall masterpiece of God’s plan. When we study it, we uncover the deep emotions of loss, hope, and faith. It teaches us that even during the most challenging times, like the Israelites in exile, God’s presence is a promise of restoration and love, urging us to keep our eyes fixed on Him.This message will cover three key aspects:
• The Authorship and Structure of the Old Testament
• How the Old Testament Was Preserved
• The Authority and Relevance of the Old Testament Today
Let’s dive in, not just to gain knowledge, but to deepen our relationship with the Author behind the text.
• The Authorship and Structure of the Old Testament
The Challenge of Anonymous AuthorshipMost Old Testament books do not name their authors explicitly. For example, Moses is traditionally considered the author of the Torah (Genesis through Deuteronomy), yet his name does not appear in the opening verses. This anonymity reflects the communal and oral culture of the ancient Near East.
• Story Illustration #1:Imagine a group of people passing down family stories at a campfire. Each storyteller adds vivid details, butthe heart of the story remains the same. Similarly, the Old Testament emerged from a culture that valued the collective preservation of truth over individual credit.
• Story Illustration #2:Consider a seasoned storyteller sitting by the fire, narrating tales of ancient warriors, kings, and wise men. This is the essence of the Old Testament; it is sprinkled with blood, sacrifice, and triumph. It gives context to Christ’s coming and helps us appreciate the intricacies of God’s plan throughout history. Each story, each character, draws us closer to the Creator, reminding us that our own stories are part of His grand narrative.
Key Scripture:“These are the instructions, decrees, and regulations that the Lord gave through Moses on Mount Sinai as evidence of the relationship between himself and the Israelites”(Leviticus 26:46, NLT). This reflects Moses’ role in shaping the Torah even though his name isn’t explicitly stated.
The Structure of the Old TestamentThe Old Testament is divided into three main sections:
• The Torah (Law):The first five books of Moses, foundational for Jewish and Christian theology.
• The Prophets:Books like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, along with historical books such as Kings and Joshua.
• Major Prophets
• Minor Prophets
• The Writings:Psalms, Proverbs, and other wisdom literature that capture the heart and soul of Israel, along with historical books such as Kings, Chronicles, and Joshua.
• History
• Poetry/Wisdom
The diversity of these writings-spanning law, history, poetry/wisdom, and prophecy-shows us the depth and breadth of God’s story.
The Old Testament can be likened to a grand library filled with diverse genres: law books, poetry, history, and prophecy. Each section offers something unique-like visiting different worlds-where you discover laws that guide us, poems that inspire us, and prophecies that give us hope. It encourages us to explore not just for knowledge but for wisdom and understanding.(Map)Picture a map that guides you through a wilderness. The Old Testament is