Jeff Walling, author and speaker, explores the influence of broken covenants in the Old Testament and the challenges of interpreting scriptures. They reminisce on flannelgraph Sunday school memories and discuss religious diversity in America. The importance of understanding the context and literary genres of the Old Testament is emphasized, along with the decline in Bible literacy among young people. The differences between the old and new covenant are explored, highlighting Jesus' role in completing the old covenant.
The old covenant, found in the Hebrew scriptures, is no longer applicable for Christians as Jesus fulfilled it and established a new covenant based on better promises and grace.
Challenges arise when young people and millennials read and interpret the Old Testament without proper context, highlighting the need for education and guidance to navigate difficult stories and distinguish between the old and new covenants.
Deep dives
The New Covenant and the Old Covenant
The podcast episode explores the differences between the old covenant and the new covenant. It discusses how the old covenant, found in the Hebrew scriptures, is no longer applicable for Christians. The speaker emphasizes that Jesus fulfilled the old covenant and established a new covenant based on better promises. He highlights that the old covenant focused on sacrifice and adherence to the law, while the new covenant is centered on grace and faith in Jesus Christ.
Challenges in Understanding the Old Testament
The podcast addresses the challenges that arise when young people and millennials read and interpret the Old Testament without proper context. It discusses the need for education and guidance to help them navigate difficult stories, such as those involving violence or questionable moral actions. The speaker acknowledges the loss of respect for the Bible in contemporary culture and the rise of skepticism fueled by the internet and scientific research.
The Importance of Introducing Jesus to the World
The podcast emphasizes the importance of introducing people to Jesus as the central figure of the Christian scriptures. It suggests rebranding the Hebrew scriptures as the Hebrew scriptures rather than the Old Testament to make a clear distinction between the old and new covenants. The speaker encourages focusing on the message of Jesus and his teachings of love and grace, rather than getting caught up in challenging or puzzling stories from the Old Testament.
The Superiority of the New Covenant
The podcast highlights the superiority of the new covenant established by Jesus. It explains that the new covenant is superior to the old covenant because it is based on better promises and grace. The speaker references the book of Hebrews, which contrasts the old and new covenants, emphasizing that the old covenant is obsolete and outdated. The new covenant offers salvation through faith in Jesus and freedom from adherence to the Old Testament law.