How to Let Scripture Interpret Scripture [TGC Podcast E. 411]

Hi, thank you so much for coming to Hi, thank you so much for coming to spend the next couple minutes with me spend the next couple minutes with me spend the next couple minutes with me and Nancy. I have something I need to and Nancy. I have something I need to and Nancy. I have something I need to read to you. Learn how Jesus and the read to you. Learn how Jesus and the read to you. Learn how Jesus and the apostles read the Old Testament with new apostles read the Old Testament with new apostles read the Old Testament with new with the new connecting scripture. New with the new connecting scripture. New with the new connecting scripture. New Testament available now for pre-order Testament available now for pre-order Testament available now for pre-order with a release date of September of 25. with a release date of September of 25. with a release date of September of 25. Check out the CSB booth and enter to win Check out the CSB booth and enter to win Check out the CSB booth and enter to win a copy plus a bundle of CSB goodies. I a copy plus a bundle of CSB goodies. I a copy plus a bundle of CSB goodies. I wonder what that is. I don't know. Maybe wonder what that is. I don't know. Maybe wonder what that is. I don't know. Maybe it's a million dollars. Yeah. it's a million dollars. Yeah. it's a million dollars. Yeah. Sorry, B&H put you on a hook for that. Sorry, B&H put you on a hook for that. Sorry, B&H put you on a hook for that. Yeah. If you uh if you haven't received, Yeah. If you uh if you haven't received, Yeah. If you uh if you haven't received, there's a sampler that that B&H is there's a sampler that that B&H is there's a sampler that that B&H is passing out in this nice little handout passing out in this nice little handout passing out in this nice little handout summary sheet. So, be sure to pick this summary sheet. So, be sure to pick this summary sheet. So, be sure to pick this up. up. up. So, you're here, I suppose, because you So, you're here, I suppose, because you So, you're here, I suppose, because you want to you want to figure out how to want to you want to figure out how to want to you want to figure out how to better put biblical better put biblical better put biblical theology into action, whether that is in theology into action, whether that is in theology into action, whether that is in your teaching, your preaching, or maybe your teaching, your preaching, or maybe your teaching, your preaching, or maybe just your own Bible study, uh, or as you just your own Bible study, uh, or as you just your own Bible study, uh, or as you take in teaching and preaching. And uh take in teaching and preaching. And uh take in teaching and preaching. And uh Ben and I are encouraged that there's so Ben and I are encouraged that there's so Ben and I are encouraged that there's so much in interest in biblical theology much in interest in biblical theology much in interest in biblical theology because it has become so important to because it has become so important to because it has become so important to both of us has helped us to make sense both of us has helped us to make sense both of us has helped us to make sense of the Bible. The Bible is an amazing of the Bible. The Bible is an amazing of the Bible. The Bible is an amazing book, isn't it?

book, isn't it? book, isn't it? 40 human authors, one divine author. And 40 human authors, one divine author. And 40 human authors, one divine author. And when we see how this divine author has when we see how this divine author has when we see how this divine author has put together his book, the amazing put together his book, the amazing put together his book, the amazing coherence, I mean, isn't that stunning coherence, I mean, isn't that stunning coherence, I mean, isn't that stunning how coherent the message is of the Bible how coherent the message is of the Bible how coherent the message is of the Bible across all of these books. And that across all of these books. And that across all of these books. And that means that as we get more familiar with means that as we get more familiar with means that as we get more familiar with the Bible, we want to grow in our the Bible, we want to grow in our the Bible, we want to grow in our ability to see how it connects to other ability to see how it connects to other ability to see how it connects to other texts. And not simply for curiosity's texts. And not simply for curiosity's texts. And not simply for curiosity's sake, but because we really want to dig sake, but because we really want to dig sake, but because we really want to dig down and get into the intended down and get into the intended down and get into the intended meaning and the most appropriate meaning and the most appropriate meaning and the most appropriate applications and applications and applications and implications of the text. Now, I imagine implications of the text. Now, I imagine implications of the text. Now, I imagine when you've heard people do biblical when you've heard people do biblical when you've heard people do biblical theology, theology, theology, um you've been intrigued, haven't you? um you've been intrigued, haven't you? um you've been intrigued, haven't you? When you hear it done well, maybe you've When you hear it done well, maybe you've When you hear it done well, maybe you've been annoyed when you thought it wasn't been annoyed when you thought it wasn't been annoyed when you thought it wasn't uh done quite so well. And so, we want uh done quite so well. And so, we want uh done quite so well. And so, we want to talk today about how to grow in our to talk today about how to grow in our to talk today about how to grow in our skills to do it well. And so we're going skills to do it well. And so we're going skills to do it well. And so we're going to talk about, we're going to do our to talk about, we're going to do our to talk about, we're going to do our best to talk about in 45 minutes, three best to talk about in 45 minutes, three best to talk about in 45 minutes, three tools, three biblical, theological tools tools, three biblical, theological tools tools, three biblical, theological tools that you and I can bring to the text to that you and I can bring to the text to that you and I can bring to the text to help it understand it more clearly, and help it understand it more clearly, and help it understand it more clearly, and therefore then to be able to communicate therefore then to be able to communicate therefore then to be able to communicate it, teach it more thoroughly and

it, teach it more thoroughly and it, teach it more thoroughly and helpfully. So here's the three tools helpfully. So here's the three tools helpfully. So here's the three tools we're going to talk about hopefully we're going to talk about hopefully we're going to talk about hopefully about 15 minutes each. We want to talk about 15 minutes each. We want to talk about 15 minutes each. We want to talk about quotations and illusions. about quotations and illusions. about quotations and illusions. We want to talk about tracing whole We want to talk about tracing whole We want to talk about tracing whole Bible Bible Bible themes and then we want to talk about themes and then we want to talk about themes and then we want to talk about that skill of connecting the Old that skill of connecting the Old that skill of connecting the Old Testament to Christ. So, first let's Testament to Christ. So, first let's Testament to Christ. So, first let's talk about quotations and illusions. talk about quotations and illusions. talk about quotations and illusions. Now, Ben, this has been your world. I Now, Ben, this has been your world. I Now, Ben, this has been your world. I don't know how long have you been don't know how long have you been don't know how long have you been working on that connection. As they say working on that connection. As they say working on that connection. As they say in the South, it's been a minute. It's in the South, it's been a minute. It's in the South, it's been a minute. It's been a minute working on this uh been a minute working on this uh been a minute working on this uh connecting scripture new testament and connecting scripture new testament and connecting scripture new testament and in this in this new study Bible and and in this in this new study Bible and and in this in this new study Bible and and you all can open it up the sampler they you all can open it up the sampler they you all can open it up the sampler they gave you what you'll see is uh gave you what you'll see is uh gave you what you'll see is uh colorcoded you have colorcoded colorcoded you have colorcoded colorcoded you have colorcoded u illusions and quotations in the New u illusions and quotations in the New u illusions and quotations in the New Testament scriptures that we might not Testament scriptures that we might not Testament scriptures that we might not immediately recognize ourselves to help immediately recognize ourselves to help immediately recognize ourselves to help us with that. Maybe we should begin us with that. Maybe we should begin us with that. Maybe we should begin first by just defining the difference.

first by just defining the difference. first by just defining the difference. Maybe not all of us understand the Maybe not all of us understand the Maybe not all of us understand the difference. What is what is a quotation difference. What is what is a quotation difference. What is what is a quotation and what is an illusion, right? So a and what is an illusion, right? So a and what is an illusion, right? So a quotation quotation quotation is a direct citation of the Old is a direct citation of the Old is a direct citation of the Old Testament. Um and those usually stand Testament. Um and those usually stand Testament. Um and those usually stand out on the page, don't they? Yeah. So, out on the page, don't they? Yeah. So, out on the page, don't they? Yeah. So, uh ESV I believe puts them in quotation uh ESV I believe puts them in quotation uh ESV I believe puts them in quotation marks. NASBY it's all caps. CSV it's marks. NASBY it's all caps. CSV it's marks. NASBY it's all caps. CSV it's bold. Uh NIV I think is just quotation bold. Uh NIV I think is just quotation bold. Uh NIV I think is just quotation marks. But they're all flagged. There marks. But they're all flagged. There marks. But they're all flagged. There are about 350 of these knuckleheads and are about 350 of these knuckleheads and are about 350 of these knuckleheads and they're scattered throughout the New they're scattered throughout the New they're scattered throughout the New Testament and uh English versions draw Testament and uh English versions draw Testament and uh English versions draw your attention to them pretty easily. So your attention to them pretty easily. So your attention to them pretty easily. So they'll use you know uppercase or they'll use you know uppercase or they'll use you know uppercase or whatever. Uh illusions though. Illusions whatever. Uh illusions though. Illusions whatever. Uh illusions though. Illusions are much trickier to are much trickier to are much trickier to define and trickier to find to discover. define and trickier to find to discover. define and trickier to find to discover. What is an illusion? An illusion is What is an illusion? An illusion is What is an illusion? An illusion is simply an indirect reference to the Old simply an indirect reference to the Old simply an indirect reference to the Old Testament, to a previous body of Testament, to a previous body of Testament, to a previous body of literature in the Marvel world. Marvel, literature in the Marvel world. Marvel, literature in the Marvel world. Marvel, do you watch those movies? I don't. Do do you watch those movies? I don't. Do do you watch those movies? I don't. Do you still like me? Well, it's not you still like me? Well, it's not you still like me? Well, it's not getting better. It's not getting better getting better. It's not getting better getting better. It's not getting better if you're honest. Right. I like the OG if you're honest. Right. I like the OG if you're honest. Right. I like the OG Marvel. I like the the original. Okay, Marvel. I like the the original. Okay, Marvel. I like the the original. Okay, that's enough about uh they use words that's enough about uh they use words that's enough about uh they use words like Easter eggs. So, that's how the like Easter eggs. So, that's how the like Easter eggs. So, that's how the movie studios talk about illusions. They movie studios talk about illusions. They movie studios talk about illusions. They use the word Easter eggs. So, think of use the word Easter eggs. So, think of use the word Easter eggs. So, think of it like this. There are thousands of it like this. There are thousands of it like this. There are thousands of illusions, thousands of Easter eggs illusions, thousands of Easter eggs illusions, thousands of Easter eggs scattered throughout the New Testament.

scattered throughout the New Testament. scattered throughout the New Testament. My list, I've got a list, and I have not My list, I've got a list, and I have not My list, I've got a list, and I have not had the time to count it because I just had the time to count it because I just had the time to count it because I just finished it. I think my number is finished it. I think my number is finished it. I think my number is anywhere between 6 to 8,000 illusions anywhere between 6 to 8,000 illusions anywhere between 6 to 8,000 illusions are in the New Testament. Old Testament are in the New Testament. Old Testament are in the New Testament. Old Testament illusions in the New Okay, so let me illusions in the New Okay, so let me illusions in the New Okay, so let me give you some numbers here. So there are give you some numbers here. So there are give you some numbers here. So there are about 350 Old Testament quotations in about 350 Old Testament quotations in about 350 Old Testament quotations in the the the New 6 to 8,000 New 6 to 8,000 New 6 to 8,000 illusions. That's about only what you illusions. That's about only what you illusions. That's about only what you see in bolded font or in quotation marks see in bolded font or in quotation marks see in bolded font or in quotation marks is only about 5% of the Old Testament is only about 5% of the Old Testament is only about 5% of the Old Testament influence on the New. Isn't that influence on the New. Isn't that influence on the New. Isn't that amazing? Okay. When you say 6,000 amazing? Okay. When you say 6,000 amazing? Okay. When you say 6,000 illusions, what do you mean? When I'm illusions, what do you mean? When I'm illusions, what do you mean? When I'm reading along in the text, what do I reading along in the text, what do I reading along in the text, what do I what do you see that you say that's an what do you see that you say that's an what do you see that you say that's an illusion? unique unique words that are illusion? unique unique words that are illusion? unique unique words that are found in the Old found in the Old found in the Old Testament. Now, they're unique. They're Testament. Now, they're unique. They're Testament. Now, they're unique. They're not just normal words. We can actually not just normal words. We can actually not just normal words. We can actually pinpoint text in the Old Testament where pinpoint text in the Old Testament where pinpoint text in the Old Testament where the author is referring to. Um maybe you the author is referring to. Um maybe you the author is referring to. Um maybe you could give us some examples. Yes, I could give us some examples. Yes, I could give us some examples. Yes, I will. I would love to give you some will. I would love to give you some will. I would love to give you some examples. So, if you have your sampler, examples. So, if you have your sampler, examples. So, if you have your sampler, now I know you'll probably need the now I know you'll probably need the now I know you'll probably need the flashlight on your phone. I didn't flashlight on your phone. I didn't flashlight on your phone. I didn't realize that there is zero lighting.

realize that there is zero lighting. realize that there is zero lighting. Yeah. If you and if people are watching Yeah. If you and if people are watching Yeah. If you and if people are watching this at home, they can look at this this at home, they can look at this this at home, they can look at this sampler online. Correct. Yes. Yes. Yes. sampler online. Correct. Yes. Yes. Yes. sampler online. Correct. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Connecting Yes. Connecting Yes. Connecting connectingscripture.com I think is the connectingscripture.com I think is the connectingscripture.com I think is the website, but I don't know if the sampler website, but I don't know if the sampler website, but I don't know if the sampler is up yet. Okay. I'm I think they're is up yet. Okay. I'm I think they're is up yet. Okay. I'm I think they're working on it. In any case, uh if you do working on it. In any case, uh if you do working on it. In any case, uh if you do have your Bibles, if you turn to Mark have your Bibles, if you turn to Mark have your Bibles, if you turn to Mark 1:es 2 and 3, you let me know when you're ready. 3, you let me know when you're ready. All All All right. In Mark 1 2 and 3, Mark is going right. In Mark 1 2 and 3, Mark is going right. In Mark 1 2 and 3, Mark is going to quote three Old Testament texts. The to quote three Old Testament texts. The to quote three Old Testament texts. The first text is a combined quotation from first text is a combined quotation from first text is a combined quotation from Exodus 23 in Malachi 3. It's a it's he Exodus 23 in Malachi 3. It's a it's he Exodus 23 in Malachi 3. It's a it's he pulls both of those together in one. And pulls both of those together in one. And pulls both of those together in one. And then he quotes Isaiah 40 in verse three. then he quotes Isaiah 40 in verse three. then he quotes Isaiah 40 in verse three. So he quotes three Old Testament texts So he quotes three Old Testament texts So he quotes three Old Testament texts in a span of two verses. And those texts in a span of two verses. And those texts in a span of two verses. And those texts are really talking about Israel coming are really talking about Israel coming are really talking about Israel coming out of exile, the new creation bursting out of exile, the new creation bursting out of exile, the new creation bursting forth, God's judgment upon those who do forth, God's judgment upon those who do forth, God's judgment upon those who do not believe. And that's exactly the not believe. And that's exactly the not believe. And that's exactly the theme of Mark's gospel. And he's going theme of Mark's gospel. And he's going theme of Mark's gospel. And he's going to do it through those three quotations.

to do it through those three quotations. to do it through those three quotations. Most of those are two out of the three Most of those are two out of the three Most of those are two out of the three are actually prophecies. And so when we are actually prophecies. And so when we are actually prophecies. And so when we are working in the text and it's obvious are working in the text and it's obvious are working in the text and it's obvious to us this is a quotation, what's the to us this is a quotation, what's the to us this is a quotation, what's the next step we take to help us get next step we take to help us get next step we take to help us get underneath this passage to try to underneath this passage to try to underneath this passage to try to understand why Mark is using this? understand why Mark is using this? understand why Mark is using this? You've got to go back to that Old You've got to go back to that Old You've got to go back to that Old Testament text. You've got to go back to Testament text. You've got to go back to Testament text. You've got to go back to Exodus 3. You got to go back to Malachi Exodus 3. You got to go back to Malachi Exodus 3. You got to go back to Malachi 3. You have to go back to Isaiah 40. 3. You have to go back to Isaiah 40. 3. You have to go back to Isaiah 40. You've got to go back to all of them. You've got to go back to all of them. You've got to go back to all of them. Now, what's really nice is that uh Now, what's really nice is that uh Now, what's really nice is that uh almost all your um English versions will almost all your um English versions will almost all your um English versions will have in the margins references to those have in the margins references to those have in the margins references to those quotations. They're pretty much uh all quotations. They're pretty much uh all quotations. They're pretty much uh all agreed upon. So, all you have to do is agreed upon. So, all you have to do is agreed upon. So, all you have to do is look at the margins and then go back in look at the margins and then go back in look at the margins and then go back in the Old Testament, discover what's the the Old Testament, discover what's the the Old Testament, discover what's the meaning of Exodus 23, what's the meaning meaning of Exodus 23, what's the meaning meaning of Exodus 23, what's the meaning of Malachi 3, Malachi 3 or Isaiah 40, of Malachi 3, Malachi 3 or Isaiah 40, of Malachi 3, Malachi 3 or Isaiah 40, and then you're going to bring that into and then you're going to bring that into and then you're going to bring that into the New Testament. Yeah. So rather than the New Testament. Yeah. So rather than the New Testament. Yeah. So rather than just reading it as something stuck in just reading it as something stuck in just reading it as something stuck in the text, you're trying to bring the the the text, you're trying to bring the the the text, you're trying to bring the the meaning that it held in context in the meaning that it held in context in the meaning that it held in context in the Old Testament into what you're today.

Old Testament into what you're today. Old Testament into what you're today. Yes. Yeah. All right. So, how about Yes. Yeah. All right. So, how about Yes. Yeah. All right. So, how about illusions? Now, this is where things get illusions? Now, this is where things get illusions? Now, this is where things get very interesting. Um, I didn't realize very interesting. Um, I didn't realize very interesting. Um, I didn't realize that you all don't have Mark 10 in your that you all don't have Mark 10 in your that you all don't have Mark 10 in your sampler. So, this this example is taken sampler. So, this this example is taken sampler. So, this this example is taken from Mark 10. Okay? I'm sorry, from uh from Mark 10. Okay? I'm sorry, from uh from Mark 10. Okay? I'm sorry, from uh uh Mark 15. In Mark 15:33, this is an uh Mark 15. In Mark 15:33, this is an uh Mark 15. In Mark 15:33, this is an amazing text. We were just covering this amazing text. We were just covering this amazing text. We were just covering this on Good Friday. When it was noon, on Good Friday. When it was noon, on Good Friday. When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until darkness came over the whole land until darkness came over the whole land until 3 in the 3 in the 3 in the afternoon. This wording here, the whole afternoon. This wording here, the whole afternoon. This wording here, the whole phrase, darkness came over the whole phrase, darkness came over the whole phrase, darkness came over the whole land comes back to or refers back to land comes back to or refers back to land comes back to or refers back to Exodus 10:22. So Moses stretched out his Exodus 10:22. So Moses stretched out his Exodus 10:22. So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven. There was, and here hand toward heaven. There was, and here hand toward heaven. There was, and here it is, a thick darkness throughout the it is, a thick darkness throughout the it is, a thick darkness throughout the land of Egypt for three days. Now, we land of Egypt for three days. Now, we land of Egypt for three days. Now, we have to back up and think, okay, this is have to back up and think, okay, this is have to back up and think, okay, this is the ninth plague of the ninth plague of the ninth plague of Egypt. In this ninth plague, what does Egypt. In this ninth plague, what does Egypt. In this ninth plague, what does God do? Now, this is a punishment that God do? Now, this is a punishment that God do? Now, this is a punishment that blankets the Egyptians with darkness.

blankets the Egyptians with darkness. blankets the Egyptians with darkness. Remember this in Exodus 10. Now, what's Remember this in Exodus 10. Now, what's Remember this in Exodus 10. Now, what's so fascinating here is that Mark, the so fascinating here is that Mark, the so fascinating here is that Mark, the author, is saying that the new Egypt is author, is saying that the new Egypt is author, is saying that the new Egypt is Jerusalem. See, just as darkness covered Jerusalem. See, just as darkness covered Jerusalem. See, just as darkness covered Egypt in the Old Testament, and God was Egypt in the Old Testament, and God was Egypt in the Old Testament, and God was pouring out his punishment upon the pouring out his punishment upon the pouring out his punishment upon the Egyptians, now what is he doing? Now, Egyptians, now what is he doing? Now, Egyptians, now what is he doing? Now, the darkness is covering Jerusalem and the darkness is covering Jerusalem and the darkness is covering Jerusalem and upon the unbelievers. And ultimately, upon the unbelievers. And ultimately, upon the unbelievers. And ultimately, the darkness is coming upon his son. So the darkness is coming upon his son. So the darkness is coming upon his son. So we're probably seeing here this would be we're probably seeing here this would be we're probably seeing here this would be an example of typology how an event in an example of typology how an event in an example of typology how an event in the Old Testament is prophetic as the Old Testament is prophetic as the Old Testament is prophetic as forwardlooking to what transpires in the forwardlooking to what transpires in the forwardlooking to what transpires in the New Testament and here we have Christ on New Testament and here we have Christ on New Testament and here we have Christ on the cross. I think a lot of us are the cross. I think a lot of us are the cross. I think a lot of us are nervous that just just because we see nervous that just just because we see nervous that just just because we see something that's looks similar is that something that's looks similar is that something that's looks similar is that really a genuine connection? Does it really a genuine connection? Does it really a genuine connection? Does it does it really connect? Do you know what does it really connect? Do you know what does it really connect? Do you know what I'm saying? Like I mean like so did you I'm saying? Like I mean like so did you I'm saying? Like I mean like so did you get there just because you saw the word get there just because you saw the word get there just because you saw the word darkness or was there more to it that darkness or was there more to it that darkness or was there more to it that convinces you this is an important convinces you this is an important convinces you this is an important connection? Well that exact phrase connection? Well that exact phrase connection? Well that exact phrase reoccur so for as I'm working it's a reoccur so for as I'm working it's a reoccur so for as I'm working it's a whole phrase as I'm working I see this whole phrase as I'm working I see this whole phrase as I'm working I see this exact language. I'm like well that's a exact language. I'm like well that's a exact language. I'm like well that's a pretty good idea. What's going to pretty good idea. What's going to pretty good idea. What's going to confirm that is remember the context confirm that is remember the context confirm that is remember the context here in Mark 15. Jesus had just finished here in Mark 15. Jesus had just finished here in Mark 15. Jesus had just finished celebrating what? Passover. Yeah. That's celebrating what? Passover. Yeah. That's celebrating what? Passover. Yeah. That's the 10th plague. That was so you have do the 10th plague. That was so you have do the 10th plague. That was so you have do you see how you have the ninth and tth you see how you have the ninth and tth you see how you have the ninth and tth plagues back to back and here you have

plagues back to back and here you have plagues back to back and here you have Jesus is explicitly saying that he is Jesus is explicitly saying that he is Jesus is explicitly saying that he is now the new Passover that the Passover now the new Passover that the Passover now the new Passover that the Passover in the Old Testament and the Mosaic in the Old Testament and the Mosaic in the Old Testament and the Mosaic administration anticipates Christ as the administration anticipates Christ as the administration anticipates Christ as the ultimate Passover sacrifice. So in this ultimate Passover sacrifice. So in this ultimate Passover sacrifice. So in this case you've got phrase concept you've case you've got phrase concept you've case you've got phrase concept you've got a yeah this whole concept of the got a yeah this whole concept of the got a yeah this whole concept of the Passover and even he is God's firstborn Passover and even he is God's firstborn Passover and even he is God's firstborn who's being put to death as the lamb. who's being put to death as the lamb. who's being put to death as the lamb. That's right. That's right. So really That's right. That's right. So really That's right. That's right. So really gives you confidence. You're not just gives you confidence. You're not just gives you confidence. You're not just making this up. No, I think we have a making this up. No, I think we have a making this up. No, I think we have a lot of hermeneutical confidence here. lot of hermeneutical confidence here. lot of hermeneutical confidence here. Yeah. I tend to My wife says that I Yeah. I tend to My wife says that I Yeah. I tend to My wife says that I exaggerate from time to time. Surely exaggerate from time to time. Surely exaggerate from time to time. Surely not. Okay. But not here. Okay. I'm not not. Okay. But not here. Okay. I'm not not. Okay. But not here. Okay. I'm not doing it here. But what's amazing here doing it here. But what's amazing here doing it here. But what's amazing here is that Mark is trying to take the 10 is that Mark is trying to take the 10 is that Mark is trying to take the 10 plagues and he wants you to view the plagues and he wants you to view the plagues and he wants you to view the cross through the plagues of Egypt. cross through the plagues of Egypt. cross through the plagues of Egypt. And that really frames and colors the And that really frames and colors the And that really frames and colors the event and makes it that much more event and makes it that much more event and makes it that much more redemptive historical. So as you're redemptive historical. So as you're redemptive historical. So as you're teaching it, yes, uh how how do you teaching it, yes, uh how how do you teaching it, yes, uh how how do you bring that in or do you does that just bring that in or do you does that just bring that in or do you does that just help you as the teacher kind of figure help you as the teacher kind of figure help you as the teacher kind of figure out uh what's going on in the passage?

out uh what's going on in the passage? out uh what's going on in the passage? Are you actually going to use that when Are you actually going to use that when Are you actually going to use that when you teach it? Yes. No, I will explain. I you teach it? Yes. No, I will explain. I you teach it? Yes. No, I will explain. I mean when I discover it in my own work, mean when I discover it in my own work, mean when I discover it in my own work, I was like, "Oh, this is amazing. Look I was like, "Oh, this is amazing. Look I was like, "Oh, this is amazing. Look what Mark is doing." And then I what Mark is doing." And then I what Mark is doing." And then I immediately think, "Now, how can I immediately think, "Now, how can I immediately think, "Now, how can I communicate this to my friends? how can communicate this to my friends? how can communicate this to my friends? how can I communicate in my Bible study or in my I communicate in my Bible study or in my I communicate in my Bible study or in my sermon? Um, and try to pull out those sermon? Um, and try to pull out those sermon? Um, and try to pull out those connections. I think that gives people connections. I think that gives people connections. I think that gives people even more confidence in the Bible, don't even more confidence in the Bible, don't even more confidence in the Bible, don't you think? I think so. When they see how you think? I think so. When they see how you think? I think so. When they see how these things connect, I think so. And these things connect, I think so. And these things connect, I think so. And there are thousands, thousands and there are thousands, thousands and there are thousands, thousands and thousands of connections. thousands of connections. thousands of connections. The what scholars have learned in the The what scholars have learned in the The what scholars have learned in the last 20 years is that we're becoming last 20 years is that we're becoming last 20 years is that we're becoming more aware of these connections. more aware of these connections. more aware of these connections. Not that we were totally unaware of them Not that we were totally unaware of them Not that we were totally unaware of them before, it's just that they're now before, it's just that they're now before, it's just that they're now bubbling to the surface in a new way and bubbling to the surface in a new way and bubbling to the surface in a new way and we're now starting to see these and we're now starting to see these and we're now starting to see these and you're going to so when you read you're going to so when you read you're going to so when you read commentaries in just in the last 10 commentaries in just in the last 10 commentaries in just in the last 10 years, you're going to see commentators years, you're going to see commentators years, you're going to see commentators point out these amazing connections. Um, so I would encourage you to the Um, so I would encourage you to the first thing right here is to look at first thing right here is to look at first thing right here is to look at your cross references. If you don't know your cross references. If you don't know your cross references. If you don't know Greek, that's okay. Use your cross Greek, that's okay. Use your cross Greek, that's okay. Use your cross references. I know that the if you know references. I know that the if you know references. I know that the if you know Greek, you would use the NA28, the Greek, you would use the NA28, the Greek, you would use the NA28, the margins. If you don't know Greek, the margins. If you don't know Greek, the margins. If you don't know Greek, the ESV, NIV, and obviously the CSV, this is ESV, NIV, and obviously the CSV, this is ESV, NIV, and obviously the CSV, this is what makes this volume that Greg B and I what makes this volume that Greg B and I what makes this volume that Greg B and I have done that we have traced all of the have done that we have traced all of the have done that we have traced all of the words uh that you see in Greek font in words uh that you see in Greek font in words uh that you see in Greek font in your uh sampler there. Those are all your uh sampler there. Those are all your uh sampler there. Those are all illusions that we've mapped out and then illusions that we've mapped out and then illusions that we've mapped out and then we put them in the margins so that you

we put them in the margins so that you we put them in the margins so that you can see these connections. Excellent. I can see these connections. Excellent. I can see these connections. Excellent. I know that when recently when I was know that when recently when I was know that when recently when I was working on I've written a couple books working on I've written a couple books working on I've written a couple books recently where these really came into recently where these really came into recently where these really came into play. Um I wrote a book on Acts and Acts play. Um I wrote a book on Acts and Acts play. Um I wrote a book on Acts and Acts has a lot of quotations in it. Does that has a lot of quotations in it. Does that has a lot of quotations in it. Does that make a big So does the Old Testament make a big So does the Old Testament make a big So does the Old Testament inform Acts. Do you think? Yes. Yes. I I inform Acts. Do you think? Yes. Yes. I I inform Acts. Do you think? Yes. Yes. I I think I mean I think we can't under think I mean I think we can't under think I mean I think we can't under understand Acts without understanding understand Acts without understanding understand Acts without understanding like for example you you begin Acts and like for example you you begin Acts and like for example you you begin Acts and you've got Peter's sermon in chapter 2. you've got Peter's sermon in chapter 2. you've got Peter's sermon in chapter 2. Well his I mean he's doing exactly what Well his I mean he's doing exactly what Well his I mean he's doing exactly what Jesus had just taught him to in those 40 Jesus had just taught him to in those 40 Jesus had just taught him to in those 40 days when it says that he explained to days when it says that he explained to days when it says that he explained to them in all the scriptures the things them in all the scriptures the things them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself and that he opened concerning himself and that he opened concerning himself and that he opened their eyes uh to understand the their eyes uh to understand the their eyes uh to understand the scriptures. And we can see that that was scriptures. And we can see that that was scriptures. And we can see that that was really effective because here when Peter really effective because here when Peter really effective because here when Peter gets up to give that sermon in Acts two, gets up to give that sermon in Acts two, gets up to give that sermon in Acts two, what's he doing? He's working his way what's he doing? He's working his way what's he doing? He's working his way through the Old Testament, right? So he through the Old Testament, right? So he through the Old Testament, right? So he he goes to Joel and he's able to say, he goes to Joel and he's able to say, he goes to Joel and he's able to say, "Here's what's happening right here." Um "Here's what's happening right here." Um "Here's what's happening right here." Um Psalm 16 for, you know, this Psalm of Psalm 16 for, you know, this Psalm of Psalm 16 for, you know, this Psalm of David and when it says that he didn't David and when it says that he didn't David and when it says that he didn't see decay, he's saying, "Hello, David's see decay, he's saying, "Hello, David's see decay, he's saying, "Hello, David's body is dead. He did see gay." He's body is dead. He did see gay." He's body is dead. He did see gay." He's talking about somebody else. And of talking about somebody else. And of talking about somebody else. And of course, he's he's talking about Jesus.

course, he's he's talking about Jesus. course, he's he's talking about Jesus. And so he continues to do that. But I And so he continues to do that. But I And so he continues to do that. But I think um one of my favorite quotes maybe think um one of my favorite quotes maybe think um one of my favorite quotes maybe in the book of Acts comes at the very in the book of Acts comes at the very in the book of Acts comes at the very end of the book of Acts. I mean one end of the book of Acts. I mean one end of the book of Acts. I mean one thing I discovered about the book of thing I discovered about the book of thing I discovered about the book of Acts is uh this theme of salvation that Acts is uh this theme of salvation that Acts is uh this theme of salvation that runs from beginning to end. If you think runs from beginning to end. If you think runs from beginning to end. If you think about right at there at the beginning we about right at there at the beginning we about right at there at the beginning we read that they're adding to the numbers read that they're adding to the numbers read that they're adding to the numbers those who are being saved. And we've got those who are being saved. And we've got those who are being saved. And we've got that great quote from Joel several that great quote from Joel several that great quote from Joel several times. All who call upon the name of the times. All who call upon the name of the times. All who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved. And so we know that Lord will be saved. And so we know that Lord will be saved. And so we know that this uh that Luke is wanting to this uh that Luke is wanting to this uh that Luke is wanting to communicate something about salvation. communicate something about salvation. communicate something about salvation. And it's so interesting that uh that's And it's so interesting that uh that's And it's so interesting that uh that's how it ends as well. When you get to the how it ends as well. When you get to the how it ends as well. When you get to the end of the book of Acts, he's gotten to end of the book of Acts, he's gotten to end of the book of Acts, he's gotten to Rome and he does what he always does Rome and he does what he always does Rome and he does what he always does when he gets to a new city, which is he when he gets to a new city, which is he when he gets to a new city, which is he goes to the synagogue first and presents goes to the synagogue first and presents goes to the synagogue first and presents the gospel there. And then as is the gospel there. And then as is the gospel there. And then as is typical, um I'm in Acts 28 typical, um I'm in Acts 28 typical, um I'm in Acts 28 uh 24. Some were convinced by what he uh 24. Some were convinced by what he uh 24. Some were convinced by what he said, others said, others said, others disbelieved. And then he he launches disbelieved. And then he he launches disbelieved. And then he he launches into a quote of Isaiah. And I think into a quote of Isaiah. And I think into a quote of Isaiah. And I think you're exactly right that we ha we have you're exactly right that we ha we have you're exactly right that we ha we have to go back to Isaiah to try to to go back to Isaiah to try to to go back to Isaiah to try to understand because the text itself understand because the text itself understand because the text itself doesn't necessarily doesn't necessarily doesn't necessarily lay it out there completely for us as to lay it out there completely for us as to lay it out there completely for us as to why he's quoting from Isaiah. And Paul why he's quoting from Isaiah. And Paul why he's quoting from Isaiah. And Paul probably when he he probably cited a probably when he he probably cited a probably when he he probably cited a longer portion. we only get just a longer portion. we only get just a longer portion. we only get just a little bit, right? But it but when we go little bit, right? But it but when we go little bit, right? But it but when we go back to that with back to that with back to that with Isaiah, I that's where Isaiah is finding

Isaiah, I that's where Isaiah is finding Isaiah, I that's where Isaiah is finding out I'm sending you out to uh declare my out I'm sending you out to uh declare my out I'm sending you out to uh declare my word and nobody's going to listen and he word and nobody's going to listen and he word and nobody's going to listen and he has to face that heartbrokeness about has to face that heartbrokeness about has to face that heartbrokeness about his ministry. And so here, um, Paul is his ministry. And so here, um, Paul is his ministry. And so here, um, Paul is saying he's it's kind of, uh, he's like saying he's it's kind of, uh, he's like saying he's it's kind of, uh, he's like he's looking at these people saying, he's looking at these people saying, he's looking at these people saying, "You're just like your parents." Which "You're just like your parents." Which "You're just like your parents." Which none of us ever want to hear, right? none of us ever want to hear, right? none of us ever want to hear, right? You're just like your parents. Um, you You're just like your parents. Um, you You're just like your parents. Um, you re you refuse to listen. And he says, re you refuse to listen. And he says, re you refuse to listen. And he says, "Therefore, let it be known to you that "Therefore, let it be known to you that "Therefore, let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to this salvation of God has been sent to this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles. They will listen." And so the Gentiles. They will listen." And so the Gentiles. They will listen." And so he's helping these Jewish people u see he's helping these Jewish people u see he's helping these Jewish people u see what he's doing in light of the ministry what he's doing in light of the ministry what he's doing in light of the ministry of Isaiah and to see themselves in a of Isaiah and to see themselves in a of Isaiah and to see themselves in a sense as an echo of their own attitude sense as an echo of their own attitude sense as an echo of their own attitude toward the scriptures. So um that was a toward the scriptures. So um that was a toward the scriptures. So um that was a good one. But you know then I wrote a good one. But you know then I wrote a good one. But you know then I wrote a book on revelation. How many let me ask book on revelation. How many let me ask book on revelation. How many let me ask I want to take a I'm take No, I'm going I want to take a I'm take No, I'm going I want to take a I'm take No, I'm going to take a survey. I'm going to take a to take a survey. I'm going to take a to take a survey. I'm going to take a survey. Okay. Now you know that the old survey. Okay. Now you know that the old survey. Okay. Now you know that the old that John as they say in the south loves that John as they say in the south loves that John as they say in the south loves some Old Testament. I've heard that some Old Testament. I've heard that some Old Testament. I've heard that repeatedly. I only hear it at repeatedly. I only hear it at repeatedly. I only hear it at Chick-fil-A, though.

Chick-fil-A, though. Chick-fil-A, though. Um, John loves the Old Testament. In Um, John loves the Old Testament. In Um, John loves the Old Testament. In fact, the book of Revelation alludes to fact, the book of Revelation alludes to fact, the book of Revelation alludes to the Old Testament more than any other the Old Testament more than any other the Old Testament more than any other book. So, I want to know, I'm going to book. So, I want to know, I'm going to book. So, I want to know, I'm going to raise hands. I want see your hands. How raise hands. I want see your hands. How raise hands. I want see your hands. How many of you all think that John alludes many of you all think that John alludes many of you all think that John alludes to the Old Testament more than 300 to the Old Testament more than 300 to the Old Testament more than 300 times? How many do you think more than times? How many do you think more than times? How many do you think more than 300? What about this? What about over 300? What about this? What about over 300? What about this? What about over 400 400 400 times? Like, times? Like, times? Like, over 500. Really? Yeah. Like three over 500. Really? Yeah. Like three over 500. Really? Yeah. Like three people are people are people are like John alludes to the Old Testament like John alludes to the Old Testament like John alludes to the Old Testament almost 700 almost 700 almost 700 times. And guess how many times he times. And guess how many times he times. And guess how many times he quotes it? quotes it? quotes it? Two. Two. Two. Two. 700 illusions. Two quotations. Two. 700 illusions. Two quotations. Two. 700 illusions. Two quotations. So if you're only focusing on So if you're only focusing on So if you're only focusing on quotations, you're going to the the quotations, you're going to the the quotations, you're going to the the results are skewed. The theology is results are skewed. The theology is results are skewed. The theology is going to be skewed. So as you were going to be skewed. So as you were going to be skewed. So as you were working through Revelation, you're like, working through Revelation, you're like, working through Revelation, you're like, "Oh my goodness, John is pulling the Old "Oh my goodness, John is pulling the Old "Oh my goodness, John is pulling the Old Testament out." How how did that shape Testament out." How how did that shape Testament out." How how did that shape what you worked on? Well, I think one what you worked on? Well, I think one what you worked on? Well, I think one thing about it is to to just recognize thing about it is to to just recognize thing about it is to to just recognize how that that the Old Testament was like how that that the Old Testament was like how that that the Old Testament was like the atmosphere he breathed in.

the atmosphere he breathed in. the atmosphere he breathed in. And uh when and he doesn't quote it. And uh when and he doesn't quote it. And uh when and he doesn't quote it. You're right. He alludes to it because You're right. He alludes to it because You're right. He alludes to it because those that's like the vocabulary he's those that's like the vocabulary he's those that's like the vocabulary he's picked up from reading it his whole life picked up from reading it his whole life picked up from reading it his whole life and thinking through these things his and thinking through these things his and thinking through these things his whole life. So what's come what's gone whole life. So what's come what's gone whole life. So what's come what's gone into him just comes out of him. And um I into him just comes out of him. And um I into him just comes out of him. And um I mean I could pick about anywhere but I I mean I could pick about anywhere but I I mean I could pick about anywhere but I I think you know some beautiful things think you know some beautiful things think you know some beautiful things that we see in the the beautiful uh that we see in the the beautiful uh that we see in the the beautiful uh Revelation 21 where he is presenting to Revelation 21 where he is presenting to Revelation 21 where he is presenting to us the new creation. He uses some of us the new creation. He uses some of us the new creation. He uses some of these uh images from the Old Testament these uh images from the Old Testament these uh images from the Old Testament and and illusions and once again he and and illusions and once again he and and illusions and once again he doesn't explain them. He just kind of doesn't explain them. He just kind of doesn't explain them. He just kind of expects us to know. So for example when expects us to know. So for example when expects us to know. So for example when he says and I heard a loud voice from he says and I heard a loud voice from he says and I heard a loud voice from the throne saying behold the dwelling the throne saying behold the dwelling the throne saying behold the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell place of God is with man. He will dwell place of God is with man. He will dwell with them and they will be his people with them and they will be his people with them and they will be his people and God himself will be with them as and God himself will be with them as and God himself will be with them as their God. Well, we just have to their God. Well, we just have to their God. Well, we just have to recognize, well, this is this is a recognize, well, this is this is a recognize, well, this is this is a formula, a covenantal formula. We heard formula, a covenantal formula. We heard formula, a covenantal formula. We heard way back in Exodus 34 and 30, I mean 24 way back in Exodus 34 and 30, I mean 24 way back in Exodus 34 and 30, I mean 24 and 29 when when the children of Israel and 29 when when the children of Israel and 29 when when the children of Israel came out of Egypt, he's establishing us.

came out of Egypt, he's establishing us. came out of Egypt, he's establishing us. God is saying, "This is what I'm all God is saying, "This is what I'm all God is saying, "This is what I'm all about. These are my about. These are my about. These are my purposes." And we we hear uh versions of purposes." And we we hear uh versions of purposes." And we we hear uh versions of that line said throughout the that line said throughout the that line said throughout the scriptures. And so then to get to the scriptures. And so then to get to the scriptures. And so then to get to the end of Revelation and hear now the end of Revelation and hear now the end of Revelation and hear now the dwelling place of God. So that seeing dwelling place of God. So that seeing dwelling place of God. So that seeing how that's um reflecting the Old how that's um reflecting the Old how that's um reflecting the Old Testament helps us to realize, okay, Testament helps us to realize, okay, Testament helps us to realize, okay, this has all come about, right? All of this has all come about, right? All of this has all come about, right? All of history is has been moving in that history is has been moving in that history is has been moving in that point. I've got another one, but our point. I've got another one, but our point. I've got another one, but our time is getting away from us very time is getting away from us very time is getting away from us very quickly. All right, so let's talk. We've quickly. All right, so let's talk. We've quickly. All right, so let's talk. We've talked about uh the tool of using talked about uh the tool of using talked about uh the tool of using illusions and quotes. Uh let's go on to illusions and quotes. Uh let's go on to illusions and quotes. Uh let's go on to another biblical theological tool of another biblical theological tool of another biblical theological tool of tracing themes and even just talking tracing themes and even just talking tracing themes and even just talking about what I've just talked about. about what I've just talked about. about what I've just talked about. There's there's a little bit of a theme There's there's a little bit of a theme There's there's a little bit of a theme here. And isn't this the truth, Ben, here. And isn't this the truth, Ben, here. And isn't this the truth, Ben, that all of these kind of overlap a lot that all of these kind of overlap a lot that all of these kind of overlap a lot of these tools that we talk about? So of these tools that we talk about? So of these tools that we talk about? So why don't we each pick a favorite why don't we each pick a favorite why don't we each pick a favorite biblical theme and give a sense of how biblical theme and give a sense of how biblical theme and give a sense of how we might connect that through the Bible.

we might connect that through the Bible. we might connect that through the Bible. Right. Okay. So first Right. Okay. So first Right. Okay. So first Peter, love the book of First Peter. One Peter, love the book of First Peter. One Peter, love the book of First Peter. One of the main pieces of that book, one of of the main pieces of that book, one of of the main pieces of that book, one of the main themes of that book is the main themes of that book is the main themes of that book is suffering. Uh Peter indicates this in suffering. Uh Peter indicates this in suffering. Uh Peter indicates this in several texts. Well, he's not just several texts. Well, he's not just several texts. Well, he's not just talking about suffering in general. In talking about suffering in general. In talking about suffering in general. In other words, when when Peter reminds the other words, when when Peter reminds the other words, when when Peter reminds the churches in Asia Minor, hang in there, churches in Asia Minor, hang in there, churches in Asia Minor, hang in there, be encouraged in your suffering, he's be encouraged in your suffering, he's be encouraged in your suffering, he's not just speaking not just speaking not just speaking pragmatically. He's connecting their pragmatically. He's connecting their pragmatically. He's connecting their suffering to the wider suffering of suffering to the wider suffering of suffering to the wider suffering of God's people at the very end of history. God's people at the very end of history. God's people at the very end of history. Well, how do you get there? How do you Well, how do you get there? How do you Well, how do you get there? How do you make that point? Well, you trace the make that point? Well, you trace the make that point? Well, you trace the idea or the concept or the theme of idea or the concept or the theme of idea or the concept or the theme of suffering in the Old Testament. So, when suffering in the Old Testament. So, when suffering in the Old Testament. So, when you trace that out, you're going to you trace that out, you're going to you trace that out, you're going to notice, for example, in Deuteronomy notice, for example, in Deuteronomy notice, for example, in Deuteronomy 4:30, Israel will be quote in distress 4:30, Israel will be quote in distress 4:30, Israel will be quote in distress in the latter days. That means at the in the latter days. That means at the in the latter days. That means at the very end of history, Israel will go very end of history, Israel will go very end of history, Israel will go through a period of great difficulty.

through a period of great difficulty. through a period of great difficulty. This is going to get worked out in This is going to get worked out in This is going to get worked out in Zechariah. Zechariah even says that Zechariah. Zechariah even says that Zechariah. Zechariah even says that twothirds of Israel will be struck down twothirds of Israel will be struck down twothirds of Israel will be struck down and perish. And then most explicitly in and perish. And then most explicitly in and perish. And then most explicitly in Daniel 10 Daniel 10 Daniel 10 through2 we use the fancy word through2 we use the fancy word through2 we use the fancy word esquetology or esqueological suffering esquetology or esqueological suffering esquetology or esqueological suffering to describe this distress to describe to describe this distress to describe to describe this distress to describe this type of suffering. So my point is this type of suffering. So my point is this type of suffering. So my point is this. When Peter says hang in there, this. When Peter says hang in there, this. When Peter says hang in there, don't give up. He's connecting it to don't give up. He's connecting it to don't give up. He's connecting it to Israel's sufferings that take place in Israel's sufferings that take place in Israel's sufferings that take place in this period known as the latter days. this period known as the latter days. this period known as the latter days. And so they should know, hey, what we're And so they should know, hey, what we're And so they should know, hey, what we're going through, the Old Testament has going through, the Old Testament has going through, the Old Testament has anticipated. God orchestrated this for anticipated. God orchestrated this for anticipated. God orchestrated this for our good. I need to preserve my faith in our good. I need to preserve my faith in our good. I need to preserve my faith in Christ. Now, notice what I've done Christ. Now, notice what I've done Christ. Now, notice what I've done there. That's a theme. I've just worked there. That's a theme. I've just worked there. That's a theme. I've just worked with the theme. Whereas quotations and with the theme. Whereas quotations and with the theme. Whereas quotations and illusions, you're working with exact illusions, you're working with exact illusions, you're working with exact words. It's textual. words. It's textual. words. It's textual. concepts are themes. So we're working concepts are themes. So we're working concepts are themes. So we're working with themes you notice. So those are with themes you notice. So those are with themes you notice. So those are connected but they are distinct. So connected but they are distinct. So connected but they are distinct. So quotations, quotations, quotations, illusions, text, themes, synthesis, illusions, text, themes, synthesis, illusions, text, themes, synthesis, broad strokes, those types of ideas.

broad strokes, those types of ideas. broad strokes, those types of ideas. Well, I would say yes. I would say first Well, I would say yes. I would say first Well, I would say yes. I would say first of all, my theme that I want to talk of all, my theme that I want to talk of all, my theme that I want to talk about is very closely connected to about is very closely connected to about is very closely connected to suffering. I think it's the first suffering. I think it's the first suffering. I think it's the first announcement that there will be announcement that there will be announcement that there will be suffering in the Bible that comes out of suffering in the Bible that comes out of suffering in the Bible that comes out of Genesis 3:15. We hear this uh curse Genesis 3:15. We hear this uh curse Genesis 3:15. We hear this uh curse that's put on the serpent. I'm going to that's put on the serpent. I'm going to that's put on the serpent. I'm going to put enmity. So, there's going to be put enmity. So, there's going to be put enmity. So, there's going to be conflict. And uh between uh the the conflict. And uh between uh the the conflict. And uh between uh the the serpent and the woman, and then between serpent and the woman, and then between serpent and the woman, and then between the serpent's offspring and the woman's the serpent's offspring and the woman's the serpent's offspring and the woman's offspring, and then we get to that last offspring, and then we get to that last offspring, and then we get to that last line of Genesis 3:15, it becomes line of Genesis 3:15, it becomes line of Genesis 3:15, it becomes singular. singular. singular. um he will uh crush your head, you will um he will uh crush your head, you will um he will uh crush your head, you will bruise his heel. So there's the first bruise his heel. So there's the first bruise his heel. So there's the first announcement that the Christ that's announcement that the Christ that's announcement that the Christ that's promised offspring is going to suffer. promised offspring is going to suffer. promised offspring is going to suffer. And I think I think of Genesis 3:15 as And I think I think of Genesis 3:15 as And I think I think of Genesis 3:15 as being one of those uh verses that I being one of those uh verses that I being one of those uh verses that I think why didn't anyone tell me how think why didn't anyone tell me how think why didn't anyone tell me how important this verse was in the Bible as important this verse was in the Bible as important this verse was in the Bible as I grew up being taught the Bible so much I grew up being taught the Bible so much I grew up being taught the Bible so much because I really think we cannot because I really think we cannot because I really think we cannot understand the story line not just of understand the story line not just of understand the story line not just of the Old Testament but the story line the Old Testament but the story line the Old Testament but the story line from beginning to end unless we begin to from beginning to end unless we begin to from beginning to end unless we begin to feel the tension that we're meant to feel the tension that we're meant to feel the tension that we're meant to feel when we read Genesis 3:15. Because feel when we read Genesis 3:15. Because feel when we read Genesis 3:15. Because from then on, we're watching for this from then on, we're watching for this from then on, we're watching for this one. When will this offspring of the one. When will this offspring of the one. When will this offspring of the woman come who's going to put an end to woman come who's going to put an end to woman come who's going to put an end to the devil's evil and this curse that the devil's evil and this curse that the devil's evil and this curse that he's brought into the world, but this

he's brought into the world, but this he's brought into the world, but this one who's going to suffer in the process one who's going to suffer in the process one who's going to suffer in the process of putting an end to that evil. And so of putting an end to that evil. And so of putting an end to that evil. And so then we get to Genesis 5, and this is then we get to Genesis 5, and this is then we get to Genesis 5, and this is where all good I'm going to read through where all good I'm going to read through where all good I'm going to read through the Bible plans go to die. when we get the Bible plans go to die. when we get the Bible plans go to die. when we get to Genesis 5 immediately and it's like, to Genesis 5 immediately and it's like, to Genesis 5 immediately and it's like, do I really need this long list of do I really need this long list of do I really need this long list of unpronouncable names? Yes. And I think unpronouncable names? Yes. And I think unpronouncable names? Yes. And I think the reason we feel that when we read it the reason we feel that when we read it the reason we feel that when we read it is because we don't feel the tension is because we don't feel the tension is because we don't feel the tension we're meant to feel from Genesis 3:15, we're meant to feel from Genesis 3:15, we're meant to feel from Genesis 3:15, right? That uh we are we're watching for right? That uh we are we're watching for right? That uh we are we're watching for the offspring and and with every the offspring and and with every the offspring and and with every announcement, so and so lived a certain announcement, so and so lived a certain announcement, so and so lived a certain number of years and then he died. He's number of years and then he died. He's number of years and then he died. He's not the one. And we get that over and not the one. And we get that over and not the one. And we get that over and over and over again. And then we get to over and over again. And then we get to over and over again. And then we get to Genesis chapter 12, another verse, Genesis chapter 12, another verse, Genesis chapter 12, another verse, Genesis 12 1-3. If you don't have it of Genesis 12 1-3. If you don't have it of Genesis 12 1-3. If you don't have it of this underlined in your Bible, then it's this underlined in your Bible, then it's this underlined in your Bible, then it's a problem, okay? Because here's where a problem, okay? Because here's where a problem, okay? Because here's where the story continues with this theme of the story continues with this theme of the story continues with this theme of offspring. That when we find out that uh offspring. That when we find out that uh offspring. That when we find out that uh Abraham, he's going to have as many Abraham, he's going to have as many Abraham, he's going to have as many offspring as there are stars in the sky offspring as there are stars in the sky offspring as there are stars in the sky and sand on the seashore. But the very and sand on the seashore. But the very and sand on the seashore. But the very specific thing we learn in Genesis 12:3 specific thing we learn in Genesis 12:3 specific thing we learn in Genesis 12:3 is that when he God promises him through is that when he God promises him through is that when he God promises him through you all the families of the earth are you all the families of the earth are you all the families of the earth are going to be blessed. Now we know the going to be blessed. Now we know the going to be blessed. Now we know the this promised offspring of Genesis 3:15 this promised offspring of Genesis 3:15 this promised offspring of Genesis 3:15 this is going to be one of Abraham's this is going to be one of Abraham's this is going to be one of Abraham's offspring.

offspring. offspring. And as we keep going, it keeps then then And as we keep going, it keeps then then And as we keep going, it keeps then then we get to David and and God makes a we get to David and and God makes a we get to David and and God makes a promise to David that um I'm going to promise to David that um I'm going to promise to David that um I'm going to have a son of yours is going to be have a son of yours is going to be have a son of yours is going to be seated on the throne. And now we know, seated on the throne. And now we know, seated on the throne. And now we know, okay, God is going to bless the world okay, God is going to bless the world okay, God is going to bless the world through his king that is is going to be through his king that is is going to be through his king that is is going to be an offspring of Abraham and an offspring an offspring of Abraham and an offspring an offspring of Abraham and an offspring of David. And there's lots of other of David. And there's lots of other of David. And there's lots of other great places this theme shows up in the great places this theme shows up in the great places this theme shows up in the New in the Old Testament, but I'll skip New in the Old Testament, but I'll skip New in the Old Testament, but I'll skip to the New Testament where we open up to the New Testament where we open up to the New Testament where we open up the New Testament and we read that this the New Testament and we read that this the New Testament and we read that this is the genealogy of Jesus is the genealogy of Jesus is the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Christ, the son of David, the son of Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. I mean, so it's like from the Abraham. I mean, so it's like from the Abraham. I mean, so it's like from the very beginning, the New Testament wants very beginning, the New Testament wants very beginning, the New Testament wants to tell us how important this theme of to tell us how important this theme of to tell us how important this theme of offspring is and it's showing that yes, offspring is and it's showing that yes, offspring is and it's showing that yes, Jesus is that promised offspring. Jesus is that promised offspring. Jesus is that promised offspring. And what has he come to do? Well, And what has he come to do? Well, And what has he come to do? Well, there'd be lots of things, but I think there'd be lots of things, but I think there'd be lots of things, but I think of of first John where John says that of of first John where John says that of of first John where John says that this uh offspring that he appeared, the this uh offspring that he appeared, the this uh offspring that he appeared, the reason he appeared, he says it really reason he appeared, he says it really reason he appeared, he says it really clearly, the reason he appeared was to clearly, the reason he appeared was to clearly, the reason he appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. So, destroy the works of the devil. So, destroy the works of the devil. So, there's the fulfillment of he's going to there's the fulfillment of he's going to there's the fulfillment of he's going to crush your head. And of course, that's crush your head. And of course, that's crush your head. And of course, that's what will happen on the cross. Uh Paul what will happen on the cross. Uh Paul what will happen on the cross. Uh Paul writes it in in Colossians that Jesus on writes it in in Colossians that Jesus on writes it in in Colossians that Jesus on the cross that he disarmed the rulers the cross that he disarmed the rulers the cross that he disarmed the rulers and authorities and it put them to open and authorities and it put them to open and authorities and it put them to open shame by triumphing over them. There is

shame by triumphing over them. There is shame by triumphing over them. There is his victory. And then we have to think his victory. And then we have to think his victory. And then we have to think about where we are right now in regard about where we are right now in regard about where we are right now in regard to this theme, the offspring. And um we to this theme, the offspring. And um we to this theme, the offspring. And um we know that yes, the devil has been know that yes, the devil has been know that yes, the devil has been defeated. He's he's on a leash. He defeated. He's he's on a leash. He defeated. He's he's on a leash. He hasn't been completely eliminated. hasn't been completely eliminated. hasn't been completely eliminated. And we are awaiting that day that And we are awaiting that day that And we are awaiting that day that Revelation 20 talks about that says that Revelation 20 talks about that says that Revelation 20 talks about that says that uh Jesus is going to return and he is uh Jesus is going to return and he is uh Jesus is going to return and he is going to destroy the serpent and all of going to destroy the serpent and all of going to destroy the serpent and all of his offspring for good. He's going to his offspring for good. He's going to his offspring for good. He's going to throw them into the lake of the fire and throw them into the lake of the fire and throw them into the lake of the fire and then he's going to welcome all of the then he's going to welcome all of the then he's going to welcome all of the offspring of the woman. I'm thinking offspring of the woman. I'm thinking offspring of the woman. I'm thinking about John Piper today when he was he about John Piper today when he was he about John Piper today when he was he was talking about the book. Do you was talking about the book. Do you was talking about the book. Do you remember that? What did he call it? the remember that? What did he call it? the remember that? What did he call it? the book of the life of of those of the son. book of the life of of those of the son. book of the life of of those of the son. Yeah, I can't say it exactly, but the Yeah, I can't say it exactly, but the Yeah, I can't say it exactly, but the the in revelation it's called uh the the in revelation it's called uh the the in revelation it's called uh the lamb's book of life, right? Whose names lamb's book of life, right? Whose names lamb's book of life, right? Whose names are in that book? are in that book? are in that book? All those who are offspring of the All those who are offspring of the All those who are offspring of the woman. And so there's a a theme that woman. And so there's a a theme that woman. And so there's a a theme that traces from beginning to end. And when traces from beginning to end. And when traces from beginning to end. And when when we can do that, it means that when we can do that, it means that when we can do that, it means that whenever we think we might see this whenever we think we might see this whenever we think we might see this theme wherever we are in the Bible, um theme wherever we are in the Bible, um theme wherever we are in the Bible, um we are we are we are equipped to get to the gospel in a way equipped to get to the gospel in a way equipped to get to the gospel in a way that we would never would otherwise that we would never would otherwise that we would never would otherwise because all of these themes, they tell a because all of these themes, they tell a because all of these themes, they tell a story and they all come to a climax in story and they all come to a climax in story and they all come to a climax in the life, death, and resurrection of

the life, death, and resurrection of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And when we do that, Jesus Christ. And when we do that, Jesus Christ. And when we do that, that's that's when we're getting to the that's that's when we're getting to the that's that's when we're getting to the gospel. And that's what we want to be gospel. And that's what we want to be gospel. And that's what we want to be communicating and that's what the people communicating and that's what the people communicating and that's what the people we're teaching want to hear about is the we're teaching want to hear about is the we're teaching want to hear about is the gospel. And so the themes help us to do gospel. And so the themes help us to do gospel. And so the themes help us to do this. You know, I'm um I've been uh this. You know, I'm um I've been uh this. You know, I'm um I've been uh meeting with a young woman at my church meeting with a young woman at my church meeting with a young woman at my church and we've spent some time talking about and we've spent some time talking about and we've spent some time talking about these themes. And one thing I've these themes. And one thing I've these themes. And one thing I've challenged her to do we go she goes into challenged her to do we go she goes into challenged her to do we go she goes into church on Sunday is, you know, open up church on Sunday is, you know, open up church on Sunday is, you know, open up the the the bulletin, read the bulletin, read the bulletin, read the text and try to think even before the text and try to think even before the text and try to think even before the sermon begins, how is the pastor going sermon begins, how is the pastor going sermon begins, how is the pastor going to get to the to get to the to get to the gospel from this gospel from this gospel from this text than to listen for how he does it? text than to listen for how he does it? text than to listen for how he does it? And I'm so blessed that I'm in a church And I'm so blessed that I'm in a church And I'm so blessed that I'm in a church that I know he always will. And also we that I know he always will. And also we that I know he always will. And also we have weekly communion. And so I'm like, have weekly communion. And so I'm like, have weekly communion. And so I'm like, okay. So he's pro what's probably what okay. So he's pro what's probably what okay. So he's pro what's probably what you're probably going to hear is that you're probably going to hear is that you're probably going to hear is that he's going to take some theme in this he's going to take some theme in this he's going to take some theme in this passage and use that theme to get the passage and use that theme to get the passage and use that theme to get the gospel in his sermon. And then when he gospel in his sermon. And then when he gospel in his sermon. And then when he comes to the table, maybe he'll use a comes to the table, maybe he'll use a comes to the table, maybe he'll use a different theme or the same thing, but different theme or the same thing, but different theme or the same thing, but he's once again again going to get to he's once again again going to get to he's once again again going to get to the death and resurrection of Jesus the death and resurrection of Jesus the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ at the table. And so that's one Christ at the table. And so that's one Christ at the table. And so that's one way I'm trying to help her learn to see way I'm trying to help her learn to see way I'm trying to help her learn to see these themes and see the significance of these themes and see the significance of these themes and see the significance of them. H you know you got to wonder why them. H you know you got to wonder why them. H you know you got to wonder why is it that our knee-jerk reaction is to is it that our knee-jerk reaction is to is it that our knee-jerk reaction is to read scripture autoomistically in pieces read scripture autoomistically in pieces read scripture autoomistically in pieces instead of connecting that text to the instead of connecting that text to the instead of connecting that text to the whole whether it's gen well did you grow whole whether it's gen well did you grow whole whether it's gen well did you grow up being taught to read the Bible that

up being taught to read the Bible that up being taught to read the Bible that way because I didn't I did you did I did way because I didn't I did you did I did way because I didn't I did you did I did I grew up in a dispensational home okay I grew up in a dispensational home okay I grew up in a dispensational home okay and so the Bible was quite literally cut and so the Bible was quite literally cut and so the Bible was quite literally cut up I mean yeah physically cut it up up I mean yeah physically cut it up up I mean yeah physically cut it up I mean it really was Israel is over I mean it really was Israel is over I mean it really was Israel is over here. All these texts go into Israel. here. All these texts go into Israel. here. All these texts go into Israel. Then all these other texts go into the Then all these other texts go into the Then all these other texts go into the church and then you you keep them church and then you you keep them church and then you you keep them separate. So I grew up that's part of separate. So I grew up that's part of separate. So I grew up that's part of the tradition that I grew up in. I think the tradition that I grew up in. I think the tradition that I grew up in. I think most of us especially those of us who most of us especially those of us who most of us especially those of us who grew up that way. I mean we have to grew up that way. I mean we have to grew up that way. I mean we have to retrain ourselves along these lines, retrain ourselves along these lines, retrain ourselves along these lines, don't we? And I think this is one of the don't we? And I think this is one of the don't we? And I think this is one of the reasons why I'm so passionate about reasons why I'm so passionate about reasons why I'm so passionate about biblical theology and my work is because biblical theology and my work is because biblical theology and my work is because I remember what it was like before I remember what it was like before I remember what it was like before biblical theology. I remember re I was biblical theology. I remember re I was biblical theology. I remember re I was in a I was in a Bible study years ago in a I was in a Bible study years ago in a I was in a Bible study years ago and this girl asked a question. She and this girl asked a question. She and this girl asked a question. She said, "As a dispensationalist, how do I said, "As a dispensationalist, how do I said, "As a dispensationalist, how do I read the Old Testament?" And I told her read the Old Testament?" And I told her read the Old Testament?" And I told her as an observer because you're that's not your Old because you're that's not your Old Testament. That's not yours. You're not Testament. That's not yours. You're not Testament. That's not yours. You're not part of that. You're not part of it as part of that. You're not part of it as part of that. You're not part of it as an outsider, as an observer. So, let's an outsider, as an observer. So, let's an outsider, as an observer. So, let's talk about now the third tool.

talk about now the third tool. talk about now the third tool. which is part of this discussion. How do which is part of this discussion. How do which is part of this discussion. How do we go from the Old we go from the Old we go from the Old Testament to Christ but in a good way? Testament to Christ but in a good way? Testament to Christ but in a good way? Right. In a good way, in a healthy way. Right. In a good way, in a healthy way. Right. In a good way, in a healthy way. Yeah. How do we make how do we make that Yeah. How do we make how do we make that Yeah. How do we make how do we make that connection and define good? Organic. connection and define good? Organic. connection and define good? Organic. Yes. That's my favorite word, too. Yes. That's my favorite word, too. Yes. That's my favorite word, too. Organic. It's really in there, right? Organic. It's really in there, right? Organic. It's really in there, right? Like you're not just like Oh, I use the Like you're not just like Oh, I use the Like you're not just like Oh, I use the word trajectory. I like the word word trajectory. I like the word word trajectory. I like the word trajectory. Okay. Yes. It it's not trajectory. Okay. Yes. It it's not trajectory. Okay. Yes. It it's not necessarily in there, but uh it's an necessarily in there, but uh it's an necessarily in there, but uh it's an organic trajectory. Yes. It's moving organic trajectory. Yes. It's moving organic trajectory. Yes. It's moving towards I see what you did there. Yeah. towards I see what you did there. Yeah. towards I see what you did there. Yeah. Okay. It's move you have these texts and Okay. It's move you have these texts and Okay. It's move you have these texts and they're moving towards some some Old they're moving towards some some Old they're moving towards some some Old Testament texts like Isaiah 53. I mean, Testament texts like Isaiah 53. I mean, Testament texts like Isaiah 53. I mean, it's it's right there. It's right there. it's it's right there. It's right there. it's it's right there. It's right there. Other texts Other texts Other texts like a Zephaniah 1 is like it's a little like a Zephaniah 1 is like it's a little like a Zephaniah 1 is like it's a little okay, you know? Yeah. So they're not all okay, you know? Yeah. So they're not all okay, you know? Yeah. So they're not all not all old all old all old not all Old not all old all old all old not all Old not all old all old all old not all Old Testament texts are as center Testament texts are as center Testament texts are as center focused on Christ but they all get to focused on Christ but they all get to focused on Christ but they all get to Christ they all serve it right up to you Christ they all serve it right up to you Christ they all serve it right up to you right some of them you might have to dig right some of them you might have to dig right some of them you might have to dig a little more I know I'm working on a a little more I know I'm working on a a little more I know I'm working on a project right now where I'm I'm working project right now where I'm I'm working project right now where I'm I'm working uh through the whole of the text of the uh through the whole of the text of the uh through the whole of the text of the Bible to create a Bible to create a Bible to create a 365 day um uh resource that will help 365 day um uh resource that will help 365 day um uh resource that will help you understand what you're about to you understand what you're about to you understand what you're about to reading that day's reading, but then reading that day's reading, but then reading that day's reading, but then also how that presents to you the beauty

also how that presents to you the beauty also how that presents to you the beauty of Christ. And I have to be honest, of Christ. And I have to be honest, of Christ. And I have to be honest, starting into it, I'm thinking, can I starting into it, I'm thinking, can I starting into it, I'm thinking, can I come up with 365 statements because everyone start with statements because everyone start with everyone starts with a statement about everyone starts with a statement about everyone starts with a statement about Jesus. And so, like, for example, um I Jesus. And so, like, for example, um I Jesus. And so, like, for example, um I was thinking like when I get to Samuel was thinking like when I get to Samuel was thinking like when I get to Samuel and Kings and Chronicles, like they're and Kings and Chronicles, like they're and Kings and Chronicles, like they're all just going to start sounding the all just going to start sounding the all just going to start sounding the same. We need a better king, right? And same. We need a better king, right? And same. We need a better king, right? And so, and there's and there's a lot of so, and there's and there's a lot of so, and there's and there's a lot of Samuel and Kings and Chronicles. And I Samuel and Kings and Chronicles. And I Samuel and Kings and Chronicles. And I am pleased to report to you, having just am pleased to report to you, having just am pleased to report to you, having just finished the history books on on Sunday, finished the history books on on Sunday, finished the history books on on Sunday, that so far it hasn't been repetitive. that so far it hasn't been repetitive. that so far it hasn't been repetitive. And the other thing I was afraid of is And the other thing I was afraid of is And the other thing I was afraid of is like I'm going to be making some like I'm going to be making some like I'm going to be making some stretches here and there, right? Like so stretches here and there, right? Like so stretches here and there, right? Like so that thing non-organic. Non-organic. that thing non-organic. Non-organic. that thing non-organic. Non-organic. Exactly. Like my food. Exactly. Like my food. Exactly. Like my food. So far, so far I don't feel like So far, so far I don't feel like So far, so far I don't feel like anything has been a stretch. That's anything has been a stretch. That's anything has been a stretch. That's good. Yeah. that in the scriptures we good. Yeah. that in the scriptures we good. Yeah. that in the scriptures we can find organic I think it's because can find organic I think it's because can find organic I think it's because legitimate connections when when these legitimate connections when when these legitimate connections when when these books are read well we learn that these books are read well we learn that these books are read well we learn that these characters are complex characters are complex characters are complex and they are on they themselves are on and they are on they themselves are on and they are on they themselves are on all sorts of trajectories they are all all sorts of trajectories they are all all sorts of trajectories they are all they're very complicated uh characters they're very complicated uh characters they're very complicated uh characters and you have all these texts that work and you have all these texts that work and you have all these texts that work with these characters and so it just it with these characters and so it just it with these characters and so it just it really does set us up very nicely for really does set us up very nicely for really does set us up very nicely for for Christ's work so let's talk a a for Christ's work so let's talk a a for Christ's work so let's talk a a little bit little bit little bit about how do we not do this? Like give about how do we not do this? Like give about how do we not do this? Like give me some give me some non-organic me some give me some non-organic me some give me some non-organic connections. Non-organic, I know. Like I connections. Non-organic, I know. Like I connections. Non-organic, I know. Like I want to study the good stuff, not the

want to study the good stuff, not the want to study the good stuff, not the bad. No, but there's got to be in other bad. No, but there's got to be in other bad. No, but there's got to be in other words, you're as you're words, you're as you're words, you're as you're writing, you're probably seeing writing, you're probably seeing writing, you're probably seeing something like, "Oh, no, it's not that. something like, "Oh, no, it's not that. something like, "Oh, no, it's not that. I don't think it's that. I think it's I don't think it's that. I think it's I don't think it's that. I think it's this." I mean, I can think of some I this." I mean, I can think of some I this." I mean, I can think of some I mean, first of all, can we just say this mean, first of all, can we just say this mean, first of all, can we just say this that both you and I and probably that both you and I and probably that both you and I and probably everybody in this room, we're all everybody in this room, we're all everybody in this room, we're all learning, right? And and and that's the learning, right? And and and that's the learning, right? And and and that's the thing about doing this work. Um thing about doing this work. Um thing about doing this work. Um hopefully we're going to be better at it hopefully we're going to be better at it hopefully we're going to be better at it five years from now than we are right five years from now than we are right five years from now than we are right now, just mainly because we've spent now, just mainly because we've spent now, just mainly because we've spent more time in the scriptures seeking to more time in the scriptures seeking to more time in the scriptures seeking to understand them deeply. So, I say that understand them deeply. So, I say that understand them deeply. So, I say that to say when I look back at some ways to say when I look back at some ways to say when I look back at some ways that I tried doing this, you know, 10 or that I tried doing this, you know, 10 or that I tried doing this, you know, 10 or 15 years ago, I kind of cringe sometimes 15 years ago, I kind of cringe sometimes 15 years ago, I kind of cringe sometimes because I think that was a stretch or I because I think that was a stretch or I because I think that was a stretch or I was trying too was trying too was trying too hard to I I grabbed on to maybe a word hard to I I grabbed on to maybe a word hard to I I grabbed on to maybe a word or an image that wasn't at the heart of or an image that wasn't at the heart of or an image that wasn't at the heart of what the passage meant. And therefore, I what the passage meant. And therefore, I what the passage meant. And therefore, I got I got there maybe illegitimately. It got I got there maybe illegitimately. It got I got there maybe illegitimately. It was tangental. Tangental. Yeah. And like was tangental. Tangental. Yeah. And like was tangental. Tangental. Yeah. And like tertiary. Do you prefer tertiary? Those tertiary. Do you prefer tertiary? Those tertiary. Do you prefer tertiary? Those are all big words and I don't think I are all big words and I don't think I are all big words and I don't think I can do those.

can do those. can do those. So So let's have instead can we talk So So let's have instead can we talk So So let's have instead can we talk about some strategies for doing it well? about some strategies for doing it well? about some strategies for doing it well? Yes, please. So I know for me one thing Yes, please. So I know for me one thing Yes, please. So I know for me one thing I have to do is I got to just really I have to do is I got to just really I have to do is I got to just really carefully read through the text. I love carefully read through the text. I love carefully read through the text. I love to use the the ESV scripture journals so to use the the ESV scripture journals so to use the the ESV scripture journals so that I can really mark it up. Yeah. And that I can really mark it up. Yeah. And that I can really mark it up. Yeah. And so I'm I'm looking for so I'm I'm looking for so I'm I'm looking for phrases. Um I really look for images so phrases. Um I really look for images so phrases. Um I really look for images so often images in the Old Testament that I often images in the Old Testament that I often images in the Old Testament that I can I can I can connect. So I'm looking can I can I can connect. So I'm looking can I can I can connect. So I'm looking for words. I'm looking for phrases. I'm for words. I'm looking for phrases. I'm for words. I'm looking for phrases. I'm looking for looking for looking for people. Um I'm looking for places. What people. Um I'm looking for places. What people. Um I'm looking for places. What difference does it make that this difference does it make that this difference does it make that this happened in Shiloh or or or Gibia? happened in Shiloh or or or Gibia? happened in Shiloh or or or Gibia? Right? Because sometimes those things Right? Because sometimes those things Right? Because sometimes those things are going to help me. Um, I'm looking are going to help me. Um, I'm looking are going to help me. Um, I'm looking for objects, for objects, for objects, events. I'm looking for storylines. What events. I'm looking for storylines. What events. I'm looking for storylines. What What What's the backstory on this? So, What What's the backstory on this? So, What What's the backstory on this? So, like I just finished working on Esther like I just finished working on Esther like I just finished working on Esther last week. Well, you got to know the last week. Well, you got to know the last week. Well, you got to know the backstory of the backstory of the backstory of the Amalachites and that Saul was a son of Amalachites and that Saul was a son of Amalachites and that Saul was a son of Kish and Mori is a descendant, you know, Kish and Mori is a descendant, you know, Kish and Mori is a descendant, you know, relative of Kish. You got to know that relative of Kish. You got to know that relative of Kish. You got to know that background uh to have that make some background uh to have that make some background uh to have that make some sense to you. Um, you got a lot of sense to you. Um, you got a lot of sense to you. Um, you got a lot of getting to Christ is that you see a getting to Christ is that you see a getting to Christ is that you see a problem problem problem uh and you realize there's only one way uh and you realize there's only one way uh and you realize there's only one way this problem is going to be solved and this problem is going to be solved and this problem is going to be solved and that's through the person and work of that's through the person and work of that's through the person and work of Christ because all of the when you when Christ because all of the when you when Christ because all of the when you when we get to the end of the Old

Testament when we get to the end of the Testament when we get to the end of the Old Testament I Old Testament I Old Testament I no no no off can you hear me? No. All right, off can you hear me? No. All right, off can you hear me? No. All right, let's share. All right. let's share. All right. let's share. All right. I think yours fell off. I think yours fell off. I think yours fell off. Thank you. Oh, there we go. When you Thank you. Oh, there we go. When you Thank you. Oh, there we go. When you when we What was I talking about? Uh oh. when we What was I talking about? Uh oh. when we What was I talking about? Uh oh. When we get to the Old Testament, the When we get to the Old Testament, the When we get to the Old Testament, the problems aren't problems aren't problems aren't solved. Uh and we're still looking for a solved. Uh and we're still looking for a solved. Uh and we're still looking for a better king and a more faithful prophet. better king and a more faithful prophet. better king and a more faithful prophet. Yeah. More faithful priest. And so we're Yeah. More faithful priest. And so we're Yeah. More faithful priest. And so we're looking for problems. We're looking for looking for problems. We're looking for looking for problems. We're looking for promises. what has been promised promises. what has been promised promises. what has been promised especially we throughout the the especially we throughout the the especially we throughout the the prophets, aren't we? When is this going prophets, aren't we? When is this going prophets, aren't we? When is this going to to to happen? How is this going to happen? And happen? How is this going to happen? And happen? How is this going to happen? And those are all opportunities to get to those are all opportunities to get to those are all opportunities to get to Christ. So, let me just talk about a few Christ. So, let me just talk about a few Christ. So, let me just talk about a few of those. So, uh the first one I said of those. So, uh the first one I said of those. So, uh the first one I said was an event or image that pictures some was an event or image that pictures some was an event or image that pictures some aspect of who Christ is or what he's aspect of who Christ is or what he's aspect of who Christ is or what he's going to to do. So, I think about going to to do. So, I think about going to to do. So, I think about um the ark, the ark that Noah built.

um the ark, the ark that Noah built. um the ark, the ark that Noah built. It's a picture of the person of Christ. It's a picture of the person of Christ. It's a picture of the person of Christ. What do we do? We we come to Christ and What do we do? We we come to Christ and What do we do? We we come to Christ and we hide in we hide in we hide in Christ knowing that judgment is going to Christ knowing that judgment is going to Christ knowing that judgment is going to fall and yet all who are in Christ just fall and yet all who are in Christ just fall and yet all who are in Christ just as Noah was in the ark uh will be saved as Noah was in the ark uh will be saved as Noah was in the ark uh will be saved through the judgment that's going to through the judgment that's going to through the judgment that's going to fall or an event Passover. We've already fall or an event Passover. We've already fall or an event Passover. We've already talked about that. I mean, that's talked about that. I mean, that's talked about that. I mean, that's probably the most pronounced, isn't it? probably the most pronounced, isn't it? probably the most pronounced, isn't it? That and that at Passover, God is going That and that at Passover, God is going That and that at Passover, God is going to give his own son. Or we get to the to give his own son. Or we get to the to give his own son. Or we get to the book of Joshua and they're going into book of Joshua and they're going into book of Joshua and they're going into Jericho and we see judgment fall on Jericho and we see judgment fall on Jericho and we see judgment fall on God's God's God's enemies, but at the same time, salvation enemies, but at the same time, salvation enemies, but at the same time, salvation is shown to those who want to take hold is shown to those who want to take hold is shown to those who want to take hold of the promises of God by faith. than of the promises of God by faith. than of the promises of God by faith. than someone like Rahab. Um, is there a someone like Rahab. Um, is there a someone like Rahab. Um, is there a person in this passage who prefigures person in this passage who prefigures person in this passage who prefigures some aspect of who Christ is and what some aspect of who Christ is and what some aspect of who Christ is and what he's going to do? And I think the key he's going to do? And I think the key he's going to do? And I think the key thing about most of the people we're thing about most of the people we're thing about most of the people we're looking for both looking for both looking for both analogy that escalates analogy that escalates analogy that escalates or contrast, right? So, so you look at or contrast, right? So, so you look at or contrast, right? So, so you look at some people in in the Bible, but and a some people in in the Bible, but and a some people in in the Bible, but and a lot of times it's both, isn't it? Most lot of times it's both, isn't it? Most lot of times it's both, isn't it? Most of the time. Yeah. Right. most of the of the time. Yeah. Right. most of the of the time. Yeah. Right. most of the time is like this person but better and time is like this person but better and time is like this person but better and yet yes so it escalates um we will will yet yes so it escalates um we will will yet yes so it escalates um we will will be like this so let me just give you a be like this so let me just give you a be like this so let me just give you a few examples I mean we begin with Adam few examples I mean we begin with Adam few examples I mean we begin with Adam here is the here is the first Adam and here is the here is the first Adam and here is the here is the first Adam and we get to Romans what does it tell us we get to Romans what does it tell us we get to Romans what does it tell us you know this first Adam by his sin he

you know this first Adam by his sin he you know this first Adam by his sin he leads all of humanity into disobedience leads all of humanity into disobedience leads all of humanity into disobedience but then we've got the second or last but then we've got the second or last but then we've got the second or last Adam and through his obedience he's Adam and through his obedience he's Adam and through his obedience he's going to lead us all into life instead going to lead us all into life instead going to lead us all into life instead of death. So there is analogy. Analogy of death. So there is analogy. Analogy of death. So there is analogy. Analogy in the sense that we're joined to either in the sense that we're joined to either in the sense that we're joined to either Adam or Christ. Um but then this uh vast Adam or Christ. Um but then this uh vast Adam or Christ. Um but then this uh vast contrast in the in terms of the impact contrast in the in terms of the impact contrast in the in terms of the impact of that. Uh one of my favorite people in of that. Uh one of my favorite people in of that. Uh one of my favorite people in the Old Testament to see how he points the Old Testament to see how he points the Old Testament to see how he points us to Christ is Joseph. This beloved son us to Christ is Joseph. This beloved son us to Christ is Joseph. This beloved son of the father who's hated by his of the father who's hated by his of the father who's hated by his brothers. Kind of sounds like somebody. brothers. Kind of sounds like somebody. brothers. Kind of sounds like somebody. And he he he goes from And he he he goes from And he he he goes from pit to uh the right hand of the pharaoh pit to uh the right hand of the pharaoh pit to uh the right hand of the pharaoh in one day and he becomes essentially in one day and he becomes essentially in one day and he becomes essentially the one person in the world to whom the one person in the world to whom the one person in the world to whom everyone who wants to live must come. everyone who wants to live must come. everyone who wants to live must come. And so he's in a sense the savior of the And so he's in a sense the savior of the And so he's in a sense the savior of the world in his in his day. Um but of world in his in his day. Um but of world in his in his day. Um but of course his world is is very limited. So course his world is is very limited. So course his world is is very limited. So I could go on and on with people but I could go on and on with people but I could go on and on with people but that's a good one. And then um is there that's a good one. And then um is there that's a good one. And then um is there a problem or a need that can ultimately a problem or a need that can ultimately a problem or a need that can ultimately only be solved by the person of Christ?

only be solved by the person of Christ? only be solved by the person of Christ? So I think about that first big problem So I think about that first big problem So I think about that first big problem in the scripture which is the curse. And in the scripture which is the curse. And in the scripture which is the curse. And we're going to try, you know, we could we're going to try, you know, we could we're going to try, you know, we could go all the way through the Old go all the way through the Old go all the way through the Old Testament, the impact of curse. In fact, Testament, the impact of curse. In fact, Testament, the impact of curse. In fact, the very last word of the Old Testament, the very last word of the Old Testament, the very last word of the Old Testament, the book of Malachi, I think it's the book of Malachi, I think it's the book of Malachi, I think it's usually translated perish, but it could usually translated perish, but it could usually translated perish, but it could also be curse. So it's like the word also be curse. So it's like the word also be curse. So it's like the word over the Old Testament first to last and over the Old Testament first to last and over the Old Testament first to last and we and so it ends with how is this we and so it ends with how is this we and so it ends with how is this problem of the curse going to be problem of the curse going to be problem of the curse going to be solved. And then we turn to solved. And then we turn to solved. And then we turn to Galatians that Christ has become a curse Galatians that Christ has become a curse Galatians that Christ has become a curse for for for us that we might inherit the blessings us that we might inherit the blessings us that we might inherit the blessings of Abraham. So that would be a problem of Abraham. So that would be a problem of Abraham. So that would be a problem or a need. There's patterns. I love I or a need. There's patterns. I love I or a need. There's patterns. I love I love looking at the patterns of uh God love looking at the patterns of uh God love looking at the patterns of uh God the father presenting a bride to his the father presenting a bride to his the father presenting a bride to his son. He does that with Adam in the son. He does that with Adam in the son. He does that with Adam in the garden. Happens over and over again in garden. Happens over and over again in garden. Happens over and over again in the Old Testament. And then of course the Old Testament. And then of course the Old Testament. And then of course that's that's actually the story of that's that's actually the story of that's that's actually the story of where the Bible is headed. It's where where the Bible is headed. It's where where the Bible is headed. It's where the Bible story ends in Revelation that the Bible story ends in Revelation that the Bible story ends in Revelation that God is going to present a bride to his God is going to present a bride to his God is going to present a bride to his son. Um, so that's a number of ways that son. Um, so that's a number of ways that son. Um, so that's a number of ways that we can things we can look for in the Old we can things we can look for in the Old we can things we can look for in the Old Testament to try to figure out how are Testament to try to figure out how are Testament to try to figure out how are we going to get to Christ. Yeah, that's we going to get to Christ. Yeah, that's we going to get to Christ. Yeah, that's wonderful when you mentioned that one wonderful when you mentioned that one wonderful when you mentioned that one there about Adam. Um, remember there in there about Adam. Um, remember there in there about Adam. Um, remember there in Genesis 2 when it it you can see it in Genesis 2 when it it you can see it in Genesis 2 when it it you can see it in the Greek translation more than the the Greek translation more than the the Greek translation more than the English, but it's behold the man. That's

English, but it's behold the man. That's English, but it's behold the man. That's exactly what Pilate says in John's exactly what Pilate says in John's exactly what Pilate says in John's gospel. Behold the man. And there's gospel. Behold the man. And there's gospel. Behold the man. And there's probably maybe some irony bound up with probably maybe some irony bound up with probably maybe some irony bound up with there. maybe a little bit of typology, there. maybe a little bit of typology, there. maybe a little bit of typology, but you get these resonances, you get but you get these resonances, you get but you get these resonances, you get these connections throughout both. these connections throughout both. these connections throughout both. So, in my mind, I think the safest way So, in my mind, I think the safest way So, in my mind, I think the safest way to do these to do these to do these connections, whether it's concept, connections, whether it's concept, connections, whether it's concept, whether you're getting from the Old whether you're getting from the Old whether you're getting from the Old Testament to Christ is to, in my view, Testament to Christ is to, in my view, Testament to Christ is to, in my view, stick with quotations and illusions. stick with quotations and illusions. stick with quotations and illusions. There are thousands of these. There are thousands of these. There are thousands of these. What that means is we need to double What that means is we need to double What that means is we need to double down on using our cross servants as down on using our cross servants as down on using our cross servants as well. If you don't have a Bible with well. If you don't have a Bible with well. If you don't have a Bible with cross references, sell your kidneys. I cross references, sell your kidneys. I cross references, sell your kidneys. I don't know how much a kidney goes. I don't know how much a kidney goes. I don't know how much a kidney goes. I don't know how much a kidney goes. You don't know how much a kidney goes. You don't know how much a kidney goes. You could probably get a really nice could probably get a really nice could probably get a really nice heirloom Bible for that. But really heirloom Bible for that. But really heirloom Bible for that. But really illegal spend the money. Get a really illegal spend the money. Get a really illegal spend the money. Get a really good cross reference Bible. ESV, they good cross reference Bible. ESV, they good cross reference Bible. ESV, they all make terrific ones. CSB, whatever.

all make terrific ones. CSB, whatever. all make terrific ones. CSB, whatever. And that's how you start because those And that's how you start because those And that's how you start because those are connections that the Old Testament are connections that the Old Testament are connections that the Old Testament and New Testament authors are making and and New Testament authors are making and and New Testament authors are making and they're right there in front of you. they're right there in front of you. they're right there in front of you. You've just got to take the time to You've just got to take the time to You've just got to take the time to trace them out. I imagine there are some trace them out. I imagine there are some trace them out. I imagine there are some people people people thinking like, you know, like how do thinking like, you know, like how do thinking like, you know, like how do they see those things? Like you guys they see those things? Like you guys they see those things? Like you guys make it sound kind of simple. How do you make it sound kind of simple. How do you make it sound kind of simple. How do you see those things? And maybe they're see those things? And maybe they're see those things? And maybe they're thinking to themselves, you know what? thinking to themselves, you know what? thinking to themselves, you know what? Um, I think this is going to require Um, I think this is going to require Um, I think this is going to require that I know my that I know my that I know my Bible a whole lot better than I I do Bible a whole lot better than I I do Bible a whole lot better than I I do now. And I think we would say, "Yeah, I now. And I think we would say, "Yeah, I now. And I think we would say, "Yeah, I think so. I think so. I think so." In think so. I think so. I think so." In think so. I think so. I think so." In fact, I think you know, um I remember fact, I think you know, um I remember fact, I think you know, um I remember early on when I was going to a Bible early on when I was going to a Bible early on when I was going to a Bible study and there were there were women in study and there were there were women in study and there were there were women in the Bible study, they like seemed to the Bible study, they like seemed to the Bible study, they like seemed to know where stuff was in the Bible or a know where stuff was in the Bible or a know where stuff was in the Bible or a particular book would be mentioned and particular book would be mentioned and particular book would be mentioned and they like knew what that book was about. they like knew what that book was about. they like knew what that book was about. And I remember thinking to myself, well, And I remember thinking to myself, well, And I remember thinking to myself, well, how do they know that? And I thought, how do they know that? And I thought, how do they know that? And I thought, you know what? I think I think it's you know what? I think I think it's you know what? I think I think it's going to take like a going to take like a going to take like a lifetime to know the Bible that way. And lifetime to know the Bible that way. And lifetime to know the Bible that way. And so now at 62, I would say, yeah, I think so now at 62, I would say, yeah, I think so now at 62, I would say, yeah, I think it's going to take a lifetime for us to it's going to take a lifetime for us to it's going to take a lifetime for us to know the Bible. And even in a lifetime, know the Bible. And even in a lifetime, know the Bible. And even in a lifetime, we'll never get to the bottom of the we'll never get to the bottom of the we'll never get to the bottom of the beauty of the scriptures and what it beauty of the scriptures and what it beauty of the scriptures and what it presents to us about Christ. That's presents to us about Christ. That's presents to us about Christ. That's right. But Christ will be sweeter. your right. But Christ will be sweeter. your right. But Christ will be sweeter. your worship will be uh deeper and Christ

worship will be uh deeper and Christ worship will be uh deeper and Christ will be glorified in this whole process. will be glorified in this whole process. will be glorified in this whole process. Thank you all so much for coming. We had Thank you all so much for coming. We had Thank you all so much for coming. We had such a good time.