Why Have Christians Abandoned the Old Testament?
Is the God of the Bible an angry, vengeful, wrathful god, or a loving, peaceful, meek, and forgiving one?
Many theologians contrast the God of the Old Testament with the God of the New Testament. If God is immutable and does not change at all, how can He have evolved over the 400 years between the Old and New Testaments?
The concept that is being forgotten in many churches is that the Jesus of the New Testament is the same as the God of the Old Testament. Why is this truth not being proclaimed from the rooftops? Jesus didn’t start a new religion and dismiss what was told to Moses, David, or the Prophets; instead, He worked within those requirements to rescue us.
Come listen to Bishop Anthony Williams and Eugene discuss this topic that seems to be forgotten, overlooked, and simply not emphasized in mainstream Christian sermons today and hear their thoughts about why this is happening.
You can hear the episode by clicking below:
Episode 496: Why Have Christians Abandoned The Old Testament?
4 Comments
This is so true of Christians today. Many only want to hear “feel good” pep talks and have their ears tickled, sad.
I often have problems to explain this: In the 10 Commandments is given the commandment “Thou shalt not kill”. And after this the Israelites get the order to kill whole nations in the Land of Canaan. While in the New Testament God says Love your enemy and pray for them, i really have problems to explain the orders what are given by God in the old Testament to kill whole tribes. I usually try to explain this by saying that it was the time of the Old Testament and the Holy Spirit wasnt in the world, and it was a very dark time and all nations did act like this. But iam thinking alot about better answers all the time… Please lets share our ideas how to explain this most complicated reality in the Old Testament.
Hey Michael, I just wanted to agree with Frank. The Hebrew transliterated is “lo tir-tsach” and this means “don’t murder.” I want to disagree with Micheal though and say that it was not just for that time. As Romans 3:23 says all have sinned followed by Romans 6:26 saying that the wages of sin is death. Thus, we all deserve judgement, including the 3.4 billion people that have never had the gospel presented to them. Therefore, we need to keep telling people about the L-rd. Thank you Michael for even having the conversation; keep up the good work.
My son went to Messiah College which had more than a few pacifist teachers. My other son was a Captain in the US Army serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many people struggle with the killing in the Old Testament. First, and I am no theologian or clergy, and may be wrong, I think the ‘do not kill’ word actually means murder. It is a personal act for various reasons. it does not mean that people cannot go to war to fight against evil. Thank God for the US Army who defeated the Nazis. Second, people often overlook Acts Chapter 5 and what happened to Annanis and Saphira. God can still strike people down and I believe he does, but what is more amazing is how often He is merciful. If you look for His mercy in the Old Testament you will be overwhelmed. In those instances where there is war and killing and similar instances- one must humbly seek the Lord, the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Sometimes He will answer, but sometimes like in Job’s case, He may withhold knowledge. In all events, Trust Him!