Great and Getting Better!
Why Should I Read the Old Testament?
How can something written thousands of years ago have an impact on my life in 2026? Well, as long as we’ve had language, we’ve had stories. Whether spoken, drawn, or written, stories have been passed on to help give us history, context, narratives, and creative expression that all show us something about what it means to be human. Whether something was written 2,000 years ago or 2 years ago, our ability to take a story and learn from it does not change. And, as Christians, we do not just have any old story, but words inspired and preserved by God Himself!
Some of the stories of the Old Testament were already ancient to Jesus’ disciples in the first century. Yet, they still recognized that these stories could be used to give us perseverance and hope. While there are definitely more cultural and historical differences that we need to consider, the Holy Spirit still works in us through Scripture to reveal the nature of God and the reason for our hope in Christ.
Romans 15:4–6 says: “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
– Scripture’s Purpose: Old Testament writings, and Scripture in general, teach us, build endurance, provide encouragement, and give us hope.
– God’s Provision: God gives believers patience, endurance, comfort, and encouragement so that we may be united in mind, like Christ.
– Unified Worship: The goal of this harmony and shared mindset is to glorify God and Jesus with one accord and one voice.
In essence, this passage calls Christians to use Scripture to build character and foster unity so they can worship God collectively and harmoniously.
Remember, God loves you and I love you, and that is the way it is going to be!
Marshall Swindall
Boiling Springs church of Christ