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The old testament – who could love a God of blood and thunder?

• Common Assumptions.

OT = Vengeance, violence and judgement.
NT =sweet Jesus meek and mild. Forgiveness and love.

In fact the Bible is one story. Old testament stories all lead to Jesus in some way. NT- lots of judgement, more references t0 hell eg Acts 5 Annanias and Sapphira.

• Themes of the Old Testament.

1. The calling and ‘separateness’ of Gods’ people. - Abraham, Moses, The laws of Leviticus.
2. Sin Causes suffering and separation from God who is Holy.- Cain and Abel, Tower of Babel, The Prophets.
3. All are sinful- The Flood.
4. God longs for relationship with people and wants to forgive them. Judges, Job, Abraham, the ‘Friend of God’.
5. God is just and perfect and has the right to judge.- Judges, Job
6. We can’t help ourselves and therefore need a saviour.- Isaiah and other prophets
7. Suffering can be part of Gods’ will for us. Job, Joseph, Jacob.

• Example-Samson Judges 13. - Classic tale of Vengeance and Violence or is it?

1. Birth announced by angel to barren parents.
2. Baby to be saviour of Israel.
3. Israel ignoring God and therefore oppressed by foreign power.
4. Husband doubtful.
5. Wife steps out in faith.
6. Baby born ‘spirit of the lord took control of him.’
7. Samson sins and messes up- leads to judgement.
8. God uses him anyway.
9. God causes problems for the oppressive philistines.
10. Samson sins again, brings disaster upon himself.
11. God doesn’t leave him but finally uses his death to save Israel.

SOUND FAMILIAR?

The Old Testament is complex and difficult to understand but is primarily a description of a God who has the last word on judgement, forgiveness, suffering and blessing.

Roger Carswell pg 29-30.

Sue-Does God allow us to suffer

Film clip 1. CS Lewis Lecture.

Lisa-IS suffering actually part of God’s will for us?

Film clip 2. rain storm scene –joy now is part of the pain then.

1. Book of Job-? oldest book in the bible. What is it trying to say?
2. Lamentations- a time for all things. Do we need contrast to really live full lives?
3. Can we learn to trust in something bigger than ourselves without it? Psalms.

Roger Carswell pg 32.

Film clip 3 – Study Scene –is suffering just suffering after all? Experience a good teacher?

Sue- The Suffering Servant

Film clip 4 – comforting Douglas in the attic.

Lisa Kerry and Sue Moore - October 2006

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