I am inspired in recent days to learn better how to recognize how Christ lies as the center of Scripture - whether it is obvious or not.
Tim Keller, in Preaching the Gospel (partial transcript):
Jesus is the true and better Adam who passed the test in the garden and whose obedience is imputed to us.
Jesus is the true and better Abel who, though innocently slain, has blood now that cries out, not for our condemnation, but for acquittal.
Jesus is the true and better Abraham who answered the call of God to leave all the comfortable and familiar and go out into the void not knowing wither he went to create a new people of God.
Listen to the whole message or read the fuller excerpt.
In the same teaching, Keller contrasts two ways of reading David vs. Goliath -- moralistic (we all have Goliaths, you too can slay the giant, here are three "stones" to help you, you can do anything with God's help) vs. Christ-centric (as young David was a champion over the unconquerable giant on behalf of the people of Israel, so was Christ the champion over sin and death on behalf of all who trust Him). Even before this I believe I have had enough discernment to past the pitfalls of an Osteen-esque, "4 stones to slay the giant in your life to make you happy and successful" reading of David. However, I am afraid that far to often pastors teach (or I have taught!) in a way that falls short of the fullest and most powerful meaning of Scripture.
Keller suggests a booklet by Sinclair Ferguson - Preaching Christ in the Old Testament (via) Aside from Keller's teaching, one of the sources of my inspiration is The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every story whispers His name.
I'm open to hear suggestions for either books, audio, or simply practices to help me grow into reading Scripture in this way.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
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3 comments:
Nick,
I recommend Edmund Clowney's book The Unfolding Mystery. I think Clowney was once a kind of mentor to Keller when they were both at Westminster Seminary.
I too have been amazed at the Jesus Storybook Bible.
Thanks Wes! Do you own the book?
No, sorry.
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