Welcome to Day 2544 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 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 forward with 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 Prayer Heavenly 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. Introduction What 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:

1. The Authorship and Structure of the Old Testament
2. How the Old Testament Was Preserved
3. 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.

1. The Authorship and Structure of the Old Testament

The Challenge of Anonymous Authorship Most 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, but the 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...