The completed text of Scripture contains sixty-six individual books written by 40 different men. These men greatly varied in their vocations as some were kings, businessmen, soldiers, shepherds, fishermen, physicians, even one Pharisee named Saul. The Bible was written over a period of 1500 years and yet, there is one central theme: the redemption of mankind, and one central personage: the Lord Jesus Christ. We declare 40 different men whom God used to pen the Scriptures, but Old and New Testaments are one complete revelation of God to man written by HE who began the beginning.
We come to KNOW God in HIS person as HE has chosen to reveal HIMSELF to the souls of hungry men from the pages of Scripture.
“For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2Peter 1:21) The Prophecy or the whole of Scripture came as the Holy Spirit expressed the will of God through these writers. “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” (2Timothy 3:15)
The Scriptures that Paul, Timothy, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John knew were the Old Testament writings. They knew them from their youth and were forever blessed by their message. The Old Testament is completed by the New Testament and with the completion of the text of the Word of God, the message of the redemption of mankind is now taken to the entire world of men.
Jesus often quoted from the Old Testament and acknowledged it’s authority. One example is given in Luke’s gospel chapter 10. “And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?” (Luke 10:25-26)
The Old Testament is not to stand alone as a separate work of truth. It forever stands in its relationship to the New Testament showing forth the Revelation of the truth of God and HIS plans and purposes to the crown of HIS creation, which is mankind.
I have chosen to produce two devotional books. One covering all 39 books of the Old Testament and then a second volume covering the 27 books of the New Testament. I have attempted to give a basic understanding of each book of the Bible as well as giving practical devotional thoughts on spiritual development in our grace faith walk.
Yes, there are many wonderful truths on spiritual growth, spiritual warfare, spiritual wisdom found in the pages of the Old Testament. There are depths of riches that shall never be found, but the search is more glorious than tongue can tell. It is my prayer that these devotional thoughts will encourage and challenge each Developing Disciple to discover other nuggets, true riches, which can only be found in the personal choice to seek first the kingdom of God.
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