WHY UNHITCH THE OLD TESTAMENT FROM THE NEW?
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God (theopneustos – God breathed) and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16 NKJV
The Early Church did not yet have the New Testament. But the Scriptures they read produced mature, victorious Believers. Today we call their Scriptures the Old Testament. These are the very Scriptures that some contemporary churches dismiss as offensive and unnecessary today.
The God-breathed Word in its entirety is still profitable. We discard its parts at our own peril. We still need “reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness: even if it turns off a spoiled “me-centered” crowd. Offended? Get over it!
It is a grave error to unhitch (divorce) the Old Testament from the New. Softening and dumbing down the Bible might make the church more seeker friendly. But are we called to create disciples or Pollyanna believers who can exist only in our Disney-like church? Who wants a Snowflake filled church?
Jesus knew and often quoted what we call today the Old Testament. He referenced its gospel truth as “the Scriptures.” He challenged His opposition to “search the Scriptures…these are they which testify of Me. (John 5:39 NKJV) The dichotomy of the Old and New Testament scriptures only came much later, after Christ’s earthly ministry.
We are called to make disciples who have some discipline and fortitude
If our main aim is to create a congregation that attracts only the cool crowd, we could end up missing the mark. Jesus’ message was often offensive. So was Paul’s. Paul preached the simplicity of Christ, crucified and risen. It was meat for men, not milk for crying babies. Yet this praying apostle produced world changing disciples.
Holding church in a super cool, comfortable, and casual style is no sin. But setting aside the Scriptures as an irrelevant relic IS a sin. The real world needs Old Testament heroes of faith. We could use a few Elijahs. A church congregation without Psalms, Proverbs, and the prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel will be poor indeed.
Finally, it takes a bit of arrogance to disqualify what saints of all ages have given their lives for. A denatured Bible may be easy for the Snowflake crowd to digest. Remember this: we are called to make disciples who have some discipline and fortitude. Snowflakes soon melt away when the beat stops and the flashing lights and smoke machine are turned off. However, the Word of God abides forever. And it is still relevant. And cool.
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