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. (Genesis 16, 21; 1 Peter 5:7)

Newlife Church Toronto Sermons

When God Speaks like a Mother

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 moose strange or problematic laws, for example regarding women. All of these roadblocks can be shifted, and we do at least some shifting here.

Roadblocks when Reading the Old Testament

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.

Stories of God’s Compassion & Grace

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.

Why are we told to fear God if love casts out fear?

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

The Empty Tomb

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.

The Rest of the Story of Israel—Past and Future

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.

The Story of Israel and the Heart of God

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.

The Exodus theme through the Bible

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.

Why Idolatry is such a big theme in the Old Testament

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.

Anne Fountain: The Bible and Archeology

Understanding the Old Testament Part 13 (Isa, Jer, Ez, Colossians 3:1-15) All our problems as Christians, come down to the fact that although we are a New Creation, we are still living in the Old. Answering this problem leads to true victory.

New Creation (3) — How to live in the New Creation while still in the Old

Understanding the Old Testament Part 12 (Genesis, Exodus 32 & Romans 6) When we see how the images of Eden in the Bible all hang together in a beautiful way, it bring us so much hope and leads us towards victory.

New Creation (2) — How it started with a New Eden

Understanding the Old Testament Part 11 (Genesis, Heb 11 & 1 John 4) If we can grasp the big picture of God’s plan for humanity, it will not only help us understand the Bible, but hugely empower and energize us for the Christian life.

New Creation — The Big Story of the Bible

Understanding the Old Testament Part 10 (Is 54:10; Ps 103:11 & other verses) Through stories of how God relates to humans we learn of a different kind of love that is at the core of who God is. Chesed is utterly faithful, loyal to the very end, a love that will never let you go. -When you understand it, there is no word that is more beautiful.

Chesed — A kind of love we have no English word for

Understanding the Old Testament Part 9 (Genesis 15-50) There is a new beginning with Abraham and Sarah, a new Adam and Eve but with a very different requirement

“I will be with you!” – The Era from Abraham to Joseph

Sermons from Newlife Church Toronto by Andrew Fountain and others