I have a stupid question

[Pcarpenter:)]

Okay, forgive if I sound ignorant! I'm a new christian and I'm a little confused about what to believe about the Old Testament and the New Testament. I'm hearing from some people that we should disregard the Old and that it is irrelevant..on the other hand, I'm hearing that we still follow it. Can someone clear this up for me please?

Thanks!

 

[robl]

The most important thing to do if you are a new believer is to seek to know Jesus on a personal level. The best way to do this is to talk to Him. This is a two way conversation and He is faithful to reveal Himself to you if you seek Him. The next thing to do is read the Gospels, the first four books of the new testament, since these are directly about the life and ministry of Jesus. The rest of the new testament will give you a broader picture of who Jesus was and what it means to be His follower. The old testament will point to Jesus in an amazing way if you are looking for Him there. You should read the whole bible to get the best idea of who God is and how He has revealed Himself to mankind. The order of reading is just a suggestion and you should definitely let the Holy Spirit guide you through the bible. Finally, make sure you are in a church where the bible is preached and there are chances to fellowship with other believers. This will give you some accountability and provide people to pray for you and help you through the hard times. God bless you and welcome to the family!
In His love,
Rob

 

[jazzbird]

I agree completely with Rob. I think that's excellent advice, and I like what he says about the OT pointing to Jesus. It is wonderful and exciting to see God's plan in the Scriptures.

Your question is not at all ignorant. It can get confusing sometimes. For now, I'll just say that we do not disregard the OT as believers. There are many things that are still valid, and some things that are overruled by the NT through the coming of Christ.

Hope that helps a little.

 

[Pcarpenter:)]

Thank you guys so much! I'm so glad I found this site because I've had so many questions and no one to ask! I was raised a Jehovah Witness so a lot of what I'm learning now is contradicting what I've always thought I believed.

Okay another question~does it matter what bible I read? I've been reading Matthew and part of Revelations....they are very insightful! I'm reading an "easy-to-read" version of the Holy Bible. I like it~but do you think that maybe the translated editions are inaccurate? I've heard that they are.

I have been talking to Jesus a lot lately...and I've had the best feeling. I'm so happy! I don't get as angry as I use to. I just want to stay this way and not slip!

 

[PottersClay]

Thank you guys so much! I'm so glad I found this site because I've had so many questions and no one to ask! I was raised a Jehovah Witness so a lot of what I'm learning now is contradicting what I've always thought I believed.

Okay another question~does it matter what bible I read? I've been reading Matthew and part of Revelations....they are very insightful! I'm reading an "easy-to-read" version of the Holy Bible. I like it~but do you think that maybe the translated editions are inaccurate? I've heard that they are.

Wow! That's great. Welcome to the family!

If you're reading a version such as the Living Bible or the New Living Translation or The Message, those arent "translations" per se. They are what's called a paraphrase (which is more of an interpretation than a translation). While they are good to read, they dont carry the accuracy of true translations, which translate the original text from the scrolls into English.

There is a great new translation called the ESV (English Standard Version). It's a *very* easy to read translation, but is the most accurate translation currently available. The NIV (New International Version) is also very readable, but I find it looses a bit in the translation in some places.

I hope that helps

 

[robl]

Thank you guys so much! I'm so glad I found this site because I've had so many questions and no one to ask! I was raised a Jehovah Witness so a lot of what I'm learning now is contradicting what I've always thought I believed.

Okay another question~does it matter what bible I read? I've been reading Matthew and part of Revelations....they are very insightful! I'm reading an "easy-to-read" version of the Holy Bible. I like it~but do you think that maybe the translated editions are inaccurate? I've heard that they are.

I have been talking to Jesus a lot lately...and I've had the best feeling. I'm so happy! I don't get as angry as I use to. I just want to stay this way and not slip!

The best version of the bible to read is the one you that you read. Just read the bible that you have now. Start collecting other versions and read them all! The word of God will not return void and the main thing is that you need to let the Holy Spirit guide your interpretation, not the opinions of man. Trust God and He will guide you in this and all matters pertaining to Him. The versions I read are: KJV, NKJV, NASB and NIV. They are all slightly different and all good! If you can, try to get a Hebrew and Greek interlinear because they have the origional language with the english so you look up what the words mean. Have fun and study the bible often!

 

[Foundthelight]

The Old Testament paints a grand picture of God and His people throughout history. There is a great deal we can learn from it.

We call Jesus our redeemer. We cannot fully understand the concept of a redeemer in God's plan without the Old Testament. Leviticus describes the role of the redeemer. The book of Ruth is a beautiful story of love causing someone to redeem the loved one at a cost to themselves. For not only did Boaz have to pay money to redeem Naomi and Ruth but, he had to give up his family name and take on that of Ruth's first husband.

Jesus shed his blood for our sins. Leviticus describes the importance and purpose of the use of blood in the sin sacrifice to cover our sins before God.

As far as the version I love the NIV and KJV. Read and enjoy!

 

[marc]

I don't want to take away from the already excellent advice, but I want to add my experience. When I first became a believer I found the letter to the Hebrews to give the best explanation about the old and the new covenant. Then after reading the old testament I understood more. Listening to experienced bible teachers on tape is also an excellent way to speed up the understanding process. I started reading the New living translation and then the new american standard then the king james and now I read the new american standard mostly and use a king james hebrew/greek key word bible. The key word bible really really enhanced my studies. I think one of the greatest assets to the bible is a bible with lots and lots of cross referrences. I have heard that the thompson chain referrence bible is excellent. For some excellent studys check out www.firefightersforchrist.org They have very reputible pastors from all over the country and you can listen online or order the tapes for free.

In Christ

Marc