We've been doing a lot of teaching and preaching through the Old Testament lately. I'm preaching through Isaiah and teaching through Genesis. Nathan has been preaching through 2 Samuel and teaching through the Psalms. In light of this, a parishioner sent a very thoughtful email asking what I thought the main themes were, so as to discuss these with his family as they listened to the various presentations from the OT. I fired off a quick response on those recurring themes that came to mind immediately:
Christ. The Savior promised who is completely sufficient.
God saves. Despite how much we rebel...he moves circumstances to cause repentance and faith.
God is sovereign over every detail of history. Even when you think it's bad, God is still working His plan.
God calls us to be faithful no matter what our nation is doing in general, or to us specifically.
We might have to suffer for knowing Christ. Actually, that's the majority experience for Christians over the centuries- perhaps the chief way God grows us personally, and the Church corporately. Christianity isn't dying, it's actually expanding the world over, but through lots of suffering.
It's never too late, while we have breath in our lungs, to confess our sins and ask for God's forgiveness and blessing- which are provided through Christ.
I am grateful for such notes from congregants. It focuses my own thoughts and serves to confirm the wonderful unity of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation.
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