1. Lesson 2(a): Introduction to the Old Testament

2. What is the Old Testament Let’s start with the name: Old Testament ברית διαθήκη Hebrew: berîth Greek: diatheke Covenant

3. What is a Covenant? Sunday School Answer: “A 2-way promise” Other words – Agreement – Contract Why “Covenant”? What is the difference? The Lord doesn’t break his side no matter what. More like a “1-way promise with conditions”.

4. What is the “Old Covenant” Examples of Covenants in Old Testament – Adam’s Covenant with God – Law of Sacrifice – Law of Moses – Abrahamic Covenant – Covenant with the People of Israel What is the Common theme? The Lord sets blessings and rewards, fulfilled when people are faithful. Where else in the scriptures does this theme arise? Pride Cycle! Most of the Book of Mormon covers a portion of the same time period, is part of the “Old Covenant”

5. The New Covenant “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” - Matthew 5:17

6. Elder Packer (Video)The Importance of the Old Testament

7. “Now almost abandoned by the Christian World…” Why? – Deals with uncomfortable lessons of punishment and consequence – Often unclear and confusing – Strong doctrines that differentiate Christianity. Most modern Christians try to be “inclusive”, which is good unless it means “inclusive of doctrine” NT allows for that, OT does not.

8. Strong, Differentiating Doctrines Jehovah, the God of the Old Testament, is the premortal name for Jesus Christ, who is the promised Messiah. Jehovah (Jesus Christ) created the heavens and the earth. The Fall of Adam and Eve was a real and necessary step in the progression of all mankind. God can and does intervene directly in the lives of individuals and nations. We receive blessings from God by making and keeping sacred covenants. Idolatry in any form is spiritually destructive. The Lord has promised a literal gathering of Israel in the last days. There are prophecies concerning the Lord’s first and second comings. The Father’s plan of happiness is taught to His children through His prophets.

9. OT Timeline 4000 BC 400 BC Adam Malachi 2000 BC Abraham (b.1992) Moses (~1400 BC) 17 pages 1167 pages (70x more)

10. Page Difference Why such a difference? – Proliferation of writing – Moses one of only to see early history – Many parts lost What has the Lord done to make up for it? – Pearl of Great Price – JST – Modern Revelation (much expounded on creation/fall)

11. Torah ("Teaching"), Nevi'im ("Prophets") and Ketuvim ("Writings")

12. Where have we seen “Law and Prophets”? “Think not that I am come to destroy the OLD TESTAMENT: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” - Matthew 5:17

13. Notebook Ideas How have the covenants you have made with God affected your life and the way you conduct yourself daily? What strong principles found in the Old Testament to do you find difficulty in believing/understanding? What missing pieces in the early Bible history do you wish you knew more about?