Old Testament

[Pahs]

I will begin by saying that I most definitely believe in Christ and all he has done for us. However, when I go through the Old Testament I just cannot help but shake my head while reading a lot of the material. Some of it is just far too fictional sounding and it seems like the authors were on some strong drugs or something. I hate it because it feels like it takes away from the legitimacy and preciousness of our Bible. At this time in my life while my faith is being tested day in and day out, reading this material hurts my soul because of my skepticism of it. If anybody can help, please post.

Thanks and God Bless,

Pahs

[charlesj]

I will begin by saying that I most definitely believe in Christ and all he has done for us. However, when I go through the Old Testament I just cannot help but shake my head while reading a lot of the material. Some of it is just far too fictional sounding and it seems like the authors were on some strong drugs or something. I hate it because it feels like it takes away from the legitimacy and preciousness of our Bible. At this time in my life while my faith is being tested day in and day out, reading this material hurts my soul because of my skepticism of it. If anybody can help, please post.

Thanks and God Bless,

Pahs

Hello Pahs:

The O.T. is a light unto our feet. Faith comes by hearing (reading) the Word of God. The law and prophets (Torah, instructions) and the psalms comprise what we call the Old Testament.

If you read carefully from Genesis to the New Covenant (testament) you will see the Lord Jesus being portrayed in types and shadows (throughout the Old Testament), even the works of His Office.
For example, if you look at the book of Leviticus, the first three chapters, you will see the burnt offering, the meal offering and the peace offering (chapters 1, 2, & 3 in that order).
In the burnt offering (burnt 100%) you will see Jesus giving His all (100%), giving His life for the world. The Hebrew word for "burnt" in this offering is different than the word for burnt in chapters 4 & 5 because in these two chapters you have two offerings that ARE NOT a pleasing offering to God... Burnt in the first three chapter’s means "to turn into smoke." And this smoke goes up into the nostrils of God, and He says, “I like that!” While the burnt in the sin and trespass offerings (chapters 4 & 5, different Hebrew word) means “to utterly burn up.” This burnt offering is ALWAYS burnt OUTSIDE Israel’s camp (like our Lord Jesus was crucified outside the city). The first three offerings in chapters 1, 2 & 3 are voluntary offerings unto the Lord and they are always a “sweet smell” to our Lord. The s.o. and trespass offering are NOT sweet smelling offerings, but are commanded! In these sacrifices you can learn a lot about our Lord.
In this book (Leviticus) you can see the works and office of our Lord Jesus and how He keeps us in covenant relationship with the Father.

I encourage you to keep reading and studying the Word of our Lord in both testaments. Over the years your faith will increase. I am almost 66 now and started when I was 30 yrs old... I can remember problems like you are having... but keep the faith and prayer. The enemy will ALWAYS present you with doubts.

May the Lord be with you.
Your servant in Messiah, Jesus
Charlesj

[blueheron32]

I will begin by saying that I most definitely believe in Christ and all he has done for us. However, when I go through the Old Testament I just cannot help but shake my head while reading a lot of the material. Some of it is just far too fictional sounding and it seems like the authors were on some strong drugs or something. I hate it because it feels like it takes away from the legitimacy and preciousness of our Bible. At this time in my life while my faith is being tested day in and day out, reading this material hurts my soul because of my skepticism of it. If anybody can help, please post.

Thanks and God Bless,

Pahs

Pahs...

1Co 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

The bible alone and in its entirety is the divine revelation, Pahs. That includes both the new and the old testament, every word, every detail. For a correct understanding of the Bible one must first of all believe that, he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. And that, Jam 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. Remember Pahs that the entire bible is the word of God and that, 2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

No matter where you are reading in the bible Pahs, settle it in your mind that it is God who is speaking to you, and pray for wisdom that can only come from him to understand what you are reading. May God bless you richly, and may you learn to love ALL his word...

blueheron32