Church News Teaching to understand — A ‘Come, Follow Me’ Old Testament primer from institute instructor Aaron Coombs
Aug 5, 2025
Aaron Coombs, a Seminaries and Institutes teacher, shares his insights on engaging with the Old Testament for 'Come, Follow Me' studies. He highlights the significance of understanding covenants and the Atonement, drawing connections between ancient narratives and modern spiritual life. Coombs emphasizes the importance of context in scripture study and the power of community to enhance learning. He also discusses the role of love and personal connection in teaching, aiming to inspire a deeper understanding of the gospel across all age groups.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Covenantal Loyal Love Is Central
- When we read the Old Testament with eyes to see, we find a loving, committed God who will not give up on us.
- Recognize chesed (covenantal loyal love) as a central theme that ties prophets and salvation together.
Raised Among Sheep Informed His Reading
- Aaron grew up around sheep, which helped him understand Old Testament imagery about shepherds and flocks.
- That personal background made passages about sheep and shepherding more relatable in his teaching.
Ancient Cosmology Shapes Biblical Language
- Ancient Israelites pictured a flat world with a firmament and waters above, so biblical language reflects their cosmology.
- Reading Genesis with that cultural lens shows the text's functional aims rather than modern scientific descriptions.
