In this conversation, Dr. Carol M. Kaminski joins Dr. Lynn Cohick to discuss the Old Testament background of Easter and the importance of understanding the Old Testament with the New Testament. They explore the concepts of blessing and curse in the Old Testament, the failure of Israel to obey God's laws, and the significance of the New Covenant. They also delve into Paul's explanation in Galatians 3 and the Holy Spirit's role in the believers' redemption and adoption into God's family. The conversation also emphasizes the need to avoid anti-Semitism and embrace the global family of God.

Key Takeaways: 

• The Old Testament provides important background and context for understanding Easter and the New Testament.
• The concepts of blessing and curse are central to the Old Testament and help us understand the consequences of obedience and disobedience to God's laws.
• The new covenant, as prophesied in Jeremiah, brings forgiveness and the promise of the Holy Spirit.
• Paul's explanation in Galatians 3 highlights the role of Jesus in redeeming us from the curse of the law and incorporating Gentiles into God's family.
• Understanding the Old Testament helps us avoid anti-Semitism and embrace the global family of God. Understanding the Old Testament is essential for understanding the New Testament and the story of Jesus. 

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 - Introduction
00:59 - The Old Testament Background of Easter
06:40 - The Role of Blessing and Curse in the Old Testament
08:13 - The Failure of Israel to Obey God's Laws
09:57 - The Curses of the Old Testament
10:04 - The New Covenant and Jeremiah's Prophecy
12:36 - The New Covenant and the Last Supper
14:30 - Paul's Explanation in Galatians 3
21:40 - The Cross and the New Covenant
25:19 - The Blessing to the Gentiles
26:49 - The Role of the Holy Spirit
30:28 - Avoiding Anti-Semitism and Embracing God's Family 

Episode Resources:   

Casket Empty: Old Testament Study Guide: God's Plan Of Redemption Through History by Dr. Carol M. Kaminski  

Episode Sponsor:  

The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a newly formed 501©3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to equip women in a context that is biblically rooted, theologically robust, and ethnically diverse to thrive as leaders in the academy and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology. Learn more about The Center for Women in Leadership at: https://www.leadershipwithoutapology.org/.