(Genesis 16, 21; 1 Peter 5:7) God sometimes uses the language of a mother to describe how he relates to us. There are beautiful scriptures where he tells us how he sees us, hears our cry and deeply cares for us, using mother imagery.

Understanding the Old Testament Part 21 (Luke 24:27,32) Quite often, when people start reading the Old Testament, they hit roadblocks such as obscure language, stories that seem to condone violence or abuse, and strange or problematic laws, for example regarding women. All of these roadblocks can be shifted, and we do at least some shifting here.

Understanding the Old Testament Part 20 (1 Sam 2:1–8; 2 Chron 33:1-16) Understanding God’s compassion is vital for living an authentic Christian life. It shines most brightly in the N.T. in Jesus, but there are some remarkable stories in the Old, demonstrating that God does not change. Many of us have trouble receiving this compassion and grace, which makes it hard for us to show it to others, and to experience joy ourselves.

Understanding the Old Testament Part 19 (Rom 8:15; 1 John 4:18) Many people feel that the Old Testament God wanted to be feared but there’s a different God in the New who has banished fear. The solution to this problem is very rarely understood, even by Christians, and extremely important.

When we see what a strong foundation our faith is built on, the joy of that truth will well up inside us (Luke 24)

Understanding the Old Testament Part 18 (Dan 2; Eph 2 & Rom 11) When we see how God’s promises and prophecies to Israel fit with the New Testament and beyond, like Paul we will not be able to help bursting out in praises to God.

Understanding the Old Testament Part 17 (Mic 3,7; Eze 16; Hos 11) Watch the 7-min animation at info.church.to/israel - Seeing the big story of Israel allows us to get a glimpse into the heart of God that is deeply revealing and affecting.

Understanding the Old Testament Part 16 (Isaiah 40-43 & John 6) Seeing this theme throught the Bible will help us to take encouragement from some very powerful words from God in the Old Testament. We now see how they speak into our lives.

Understanding the Old Testament Part 15 (Deut 32:36-39; 2 Chron 14:11) Behind idolatry is our fear, and a need to gain control when we are powerless. Once we get how it worked in the Old Testament it is very easy to see how we fall into this trap ourselves on a daily basis.

Understanding the Old Testament Part 14 (Various Scriptures) Archeology shows us that Bible history and world history are the same.

We don’t need evidence from archaeology to prove to us that God is real but it can be a great encouragement to see where things match up.