Beginnings: Not Everything Old Is Bad

Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.

Matthew 5:17-18 (NIV)

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV)

When I became a committed Christian in 2006, I plunged in heart-first. (Halfway has never been my calling card:) 

His Word was my Love, His Spirit my Coach, and we hunkered down on a mountain top. 

NOTE: Christians who misrepresented Jesus left me in no hurry to find a church. In hindsight, I think my isolation was the learning program God intended..

I was taught on a need-to-know basis. If God's 'Counselor' (Isaiah 9:6) was my Need-to-know, then “churchyness” was my need-NOT-to know.

  • Some pastors embraced Old Testament rules. They huffed and puffed pride and condemnation.

  • Some pastors exuded charm, ease, and wealth. They tickled ears with things we like to hear.

If churches should offer the Bread of Life, is “starvation” opposing “gluttony”? Is the Lord a fierce and punishing Judge, the smiling leader of a Sunday show, or love and sacrifice personified?

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

God is exactly Who He needs to be. He’s the God of Old Testament justice, and the Father of unlimited love, Who gave His only begotten Son... so we might live in everlasting joy.

You join the 2nd most influential platform in the history of mankind!

  • The top spot went to Jesus on the Cross. His breakthrough performance changed everything.

  • But today we have modern media: a worldwide web spun by Satan himself, 'The prince of the power of the air' (Ephesians 2:2). His spin has harmed millions upon millions.

  • You’re called to rise and shine on this platform.**

The Old Testament is foundational, and Jesus was its undercover Star. The New Testament is a game-changer. Within it, Jesus is fully disclosed.

Since Jesus stars in Both, read both Scripts. Yes, God’s Captain updated the Rule Book, but the Latter doesn’t void the Former. It fulfills the Old and affirms the New.

'There is too little both Old and New Testament language meditated on, understood, believed, realised and felt. There is too little Scripture substance, Scripture strength, Scripture depth, and Scripture height, in our prayers' (Alexander Whyte).***

Respect the old. Love the new. Be complete.

Beginnings: Not Everything Old Is Bad (Part 6).

* 'Not Just A New Testament God' (Christianity Today): Not Just a New Testament God - Christianity Today

* 'Is Tithing for the New Testament Believer?' (Crosswalk): Tithing in the New Testament - Is it Required Today? | Crosswalk.com

* Prosperity Gospel (Got Questions): What does the Bible say about the prosperity gospel? | GotQuestions.org

** Isaiah 60:1-3: Isaiah 60:1-3 NASB - A Glorified Zion - “Arise, shine; for - Bible Gateway Matthew 5:16: Matthew 5:16 - New King James Version

*** Alexander Whyte http://christian-quotes.ochristian.com/Alexander-Whyte-Quotes/; Terah - Whyte's Dictionary of Bible Characters - StudyLight.org

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God–  to multiply them in the world for His glory.

P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.

WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!

Carey Arban