Stoned Links on the Importance of the Hebrew Bible

Greetings from the land of Saguaros and Scorpions. Been overwhelmed with "happenings" out here in the desert but ... I hear frequently comments that either explicitly or implicitly (more the former than the latter) that denigrate the Hebrew Bible (so called "Old Testament") in the life of the Christian church. This past week it has happened twice. First from a brother at my own congregation said to me some folks are tired of the "Old Testament" and the other was a minister who called me for help because his elders told him the "Old Testament doesn't matter" (he said that was a direct quote). He wanted some "help" ... I forwarded him most of the links below and gave him some other material as well. Perhaps the links below will be of help to you. The links attempt so show both the theological importance of the Hebrew Bible and its pastoral importance. Blessings ...


Brother ....,

The Hebrew Bible is of immense importance to the Christian faith. It is the cornerstone to our worldview. The links below are both theological (i.e. doctrinial) in nature and some pastoral. The Hebrew Bible functions critically at both levels in our walk with the Lord. As G. Ernest Wright wrote "the Old Testament is the church's bulwark against paganism" ... and it protects us from Gnosticism too. The problem you have encountered is all to common not only in Churches of Christ but among Evangelical Protestants. It is the ailment of Marcionism ... a horrid evil that has plagued the church since the second century. The series on Marcionism & Churches of Christ will be helpful I think ... Well I think all the links will be ... There are also some really great books ... If I can be of any help let me know ... Theology is of utmost importance ...

Preach the "Old Testament" #1 Here (theological & Pastoral)

Preach the "Old Testament" #2: Gracious & Compassionate God Here
(theological & pastoral)

Deuteronomy: Gospel of Love #1 Here (theological)

Deuteronomy: Gospel of Love #2 Here (theological)

People of the Great Story? Deut 6.20-25 Here (theological)

The Gift of Life: Deuteronomy 30.11-19 Here (theological)

Deuteronomy: What Does it Mean to Love God Here (theological & pastoral)

The Blessing: Numbers 6.22-27 Here (pastoral)

Hebrew Grace Here (theological)

Nahum: Celebrating God's Wrath #1 Here (theological & pastoral)

Nahum: Celebrating God's Wrath #2 Here (theological & pastoral)

Marcionism & Churches of Christ or What Value, REALLY, is the "Old Testament? #1 Here

Marcionism & Churches of Christ: What Value, REALLY, is the "Old Testament?" #2 :How Did We Get Here? Here

Marcionism & Churches of Christ: What Value, REALLY, is the 'Old Testament?" # 3 How Did We Get Here, Campbell & His Sermon Here

Marcionism & Churches of Christ: What Value, REALLY, is the "Old Testament?: #4 How Did We Get Here? Here

Marcionism & Churches of Christ: What Value, REALLY, is the "Old Testament?" #5: The Loss of the Hebrew Bible Here

Marcionism & Churches of Christ: What Value, REALLY, is the "Old Testament" #6: A "New Testament" Pattern Here

Ten Commandments of True Worship: Thoughts on Ps 15 Here

Psalms: Singing the Blues Here (pastoral)

Take a Break: Sabbath Rythms of Grace Here (theological & pastoral)

Tears: God's or Mine (Reflections on Jeremiah from the Pit of Divorce) Here (pastoral)

Hebrew, The Heatbeat of the Bible Here

Of Dating, Engagements & Fulfilling the Law Here (theological)

Jubilee and the Story of God Here (theological)

Yahweh the Healer Here (theological)

The Exodus Pattern ... A Tie that Binds Here (theological)