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The Old Testament, Modern Teaching, and the Integrative Evidenced-Based Approach

The Old Testament, Modern Teaching, and the Integrative Evidenced-Based Approach

I recently watched a 17-minute video entitled What Does the Old Testament Have to Do with Curriculum by David I. Smith, Ph.D., author of On Christian Teaching. In this video, Dr. Smith explores lessons from the Old Testament that can be helpful in how we teach people today. He takes note of how the Hebrew Bible is divided into three parts:

The first part is known as the Torah, which means “Teaching,” and consists of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, which are also collectively known as the books of Moses or the Pentateuch.

The second part is known as the Prophets and includes the books of Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi.

The third part is known as the Writings, the Psalms, or the Wisdom books and includes the books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Esther, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Chronicles.

This division was also how the New Testament writers understood the Old Testament. Jesus said to His disciples after His resurrection:

This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms (Luke 24:44 NIV84, my emphasis).

But as a shorthand, they sometimes referred to the entire Old Testament canon by just saying the Law and the Prophets. Jesus, after affirming that the greatest commandment is to love God with one’s entire being and the second is to love our neighbor as ourselves, said:

All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments (Matthew 22:40 NIV84, my emphasis).

When Philip found Nathanael, he told him,

We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph (John 1:45 NIV84, my emphasis).

And sometimes they significantly abbreviated how they referred to the entire Old Testament by simply saying “the Law.” Here, Jesus uses both shorthand terms in one response:

Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished (Matthew 5:17, 18 NIV84, my emphasis).

When Jesus says “the Law,” He is not restricting His comments to the Ten Commandments but is referring to the entire 39 books of the Old Testament. He is saying that everything in the Old Testament about the plan of salvation, from Genesis to Malachi, must be accomplished.

Elsewhere, Jesus used the term “Law” when referring only to the psalms, which is part of the Writings, demonstrating that the shorthand term “Law” was used for the entire Old Testament canon and not just the five books of Moses:

Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I have said you are gods’?” (John 10:34 NIV84; Jesus is referencing Psalm 82:6).

 

Bindings, Disruption, Discernment

So, we have seen that the Old Testament is divided into three parts: the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings. What is interesting about Dr. Smith’s presentation is that he presents the idea that these three sections of Scripture approach the revelation of truth—the way God teaches, the pedagogy of education—in three different ways. He suggests that:

  • The Law (five books of Moses) teaches through “bindings,” the instructions, the rules, what one is required to do.
  • The Prophets teach through “disruption,” the consequences of disobedience and God’s calling for people to return to obedience.
  • The Writings teach through “discernment,” looking at the lessons in the world, such as studying the ant or the lily of the field.

What struck me about Dr. Smith’s thesis is that this division of Scripture into three different methods of teaching the truth is describing the Integrative Evidenced-Based approach that we promote here at Come and Reason Ministries. Basically, it is teaching through the integration of the three threads of evidence that God has used to reveal truth to fallen humanity and through which our Creator teaches us reality. And those three threads are:

  • Scripture/divine revelation (2 Timothy 3:16)—which would correspond to the Law
  • Life’s experiences (Psalm 34:8; John 20:27)—which would correspond to the Prophets
  • Science/nature (Romans 1:20)—which would correspond to the Writings

The Law teaches through divine revelation—God-inspired direct revelation. For example, God revealed to Moses the truth of a literal six-day creation week followed by the Sabbath; the original sinless condition of humankind; the temptation, the fall, and the curse that fell upon the earth; the promised Messiah to redeem the fallen human race; the rebellion and the Flood; God’s plan for the entire world to be blessed through Abraham’s Seed (Jesus); the purpose of God for the Jewish nation to be His evangelists to prepare the world for the coming Messiah; and the teaching tool object lessons (e.g., the sanctuary) to act out the entire plan of salvation.

Through the Prophets, God teaches via life’s experiences—the exhortations, warnings, reproofs, promises, and pleas followed by reaping the real-life consequences of breaking trust with God, refusing to follow His directions, and rejecting His wisdom; but also the experiencing of the mercy, grace, and redemption for those who learn through the painful sojourn and return to God.

And in the Writings, God teaches through science and nature, observing the conflict between good and evil being fought across all aspects of creation. From contemplating how reality actually works to being inspired by the constancy of all of God’s laws, the reliability of His sustaining power, and the complexity of the interconnected systems of other-centered giving upon which all life is built.

But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you (Job 12:7, 8 NIV84).

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands (Psalm 19:1 NIV84).

Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! (Proverbs 6:6 NIV84).

 

Three Divisions, One Message

God is the God of reality, the Creator, the builder of space, time, energy, matter, stars, planets, galaxies, and all living beings (Genesis 1; John 1:3). God is the sustainer of all reality (Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 1:3). And God’s laws are the protocols that reality functions and operates upon. Truth always leads us back to God, for God is the source of all truth. And all truth, when properly understood, reveals a perfect harmony between God’s revelations in Scripture, science, and our experiences in life.

Sin is transgression of the law—the deviation and violation of the protocols upon which God created life and health to operate. Thus, sin, the breaking of the laws of life, causes pain, suffering, and, unless remedied by our Creator, eternal death. This truth is revealed in Scripture (Romans 6:23; James 1:15; Galatians 6:8), demonstrated in science/nature; (e.g., tie a plastic bag over one’s head and break the law of respiration, the result is death.); and confirmed by life experiences. These eternal lessons, these eternal truths, are recorded for us by divine inspiration in the Old Testament—in the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings.

As God’s agents today, it is our responsibility to use His methods, to actively utilize the integrative evidence-based approach, to share eternal truths with others, to be lights shining in the darkness, teaching people how reality works, to become thinkers and not mere reflectors of other people’s thoughts, to become mature people “who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil” (Hebrews 5:14 NIV84), people who have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16) and who, like their Savior, can teach God’s eternal truths through Scripture (Law), life experiences (Prophets), and science/nature (Writings).

 

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Testimony 18

The Healing the Mind DVD set tarted me on a journey that has changed my relationship with our loving God more significantly than any other study, and brought me to your book and Bible study podcasts, which I now listen to daily, thanks to the availability of archived content on your site and on iTunes.

Anonymous

 

Testimony 70

I have been watching you for many years and have learned to love God with all my heart. I was raised by a loving Christian mother that had been lied to about who God really was, so our religious upbringing was hell fire and damnation. As soon as I was old enough and moved out, I not only left the church, I ran as fast as I could to get away from it. Sad to say, it wasn’t until the past couple of years that I learned and understand who my Father really is and how much He loves me. I understand God’s Design Laws (which make sense) and when I’m teaching my church Bible study class, I’m able to really put to use the things I’ve been learning and Holy Spirit is leading. Thank you for introducing me to my Father of true, pure love. Everyday with Him is new and exciting. One thing that breaks my heart is that I didn’t know Him sooner. God Bless you and your ministry!

Judy Phelps, Reno, NV, USA

Testimony 50

After coming into contact with Come And Reason Ministries, I can finally say that many of my unanswered questions have fallen into place. I discovered that my view of God’s Law was “imposed laws and rules” with “imposed punishments” and that this was the major culprit of my many unanswered questions. Thanks be to God for using you and those around you to help us who have struggled with this “infection” of thought. I have now rejected the “imposed law” concept to fully embrace “Design Law”… to look thru “Design Law,” instead of “imposed law,” is a relief.

Viliami L., Australia

 

Testimony 57

You have helped make sense of thirty two years of confusion. The material you freely provide reorganized so much of my life into such a beautiful pattern that has always been hinted at from within, but misguided with my training and what I was experiencing externally. My filipno parents, who were converted from Catholicism to SDA, were sincere and did their best to raise me the right way and I have deep respect for them. However, being immigrants and not understanding the language made for a difficult transition as I was growing up, which also applied to my spiritual growth as I learned the patterns of religion. I have been listening to as many bible study classes and reading blog posts as my time in a work truck will allow, searching for the practical applications of where spirituality and reality meet, and I thank you for helping me find that. You have helped me reach a point in which I can truly say that I love God, that I believe He loves me, and, like David, I delight in His law. God bless.

Emmanuel V., Calgary, AB Canada

Testimony 12

I have been really blessed reading your response to the various questions on your site.

K.C., OH, USA

 

Testimony 22

I have found your Bible study class lectures to be very inspiring and useful as I prepare to teach class every other week. I subscribe to the podcast and download your notes on the weeks I teach. The audio and notes are such a great help in preparing. My own understanding of God’s character has grown as I teach the class. Commendations on the thought-provoking and well-prepared material Come and Reason provides. Personally, I get excited by the tie you make between the spiritual and mental/physical domains.

A.A. Corrales, NM, USA

 

Testimony 47

I can’t even begin to thank you and your ministry enough for introducing me to the Truth about a loving and merciful God! I have my daughter and her in-laws to thank for sharing with me “The God-Shaped Brain” as well as your website. I listen to the Bible study class lessons on my daily walk. May God continue to bless your thirst-quenching ministry!

Liz H., Port Angeles, WA, USA

 

 

Testimony 59

I’m a native Ghanan, but am currently in France for my master’s degree. Prior to this, during my final years at undergraduate studies in Ghana, I was introduced to your ministry and I’ve been immensely blessed by what you share, especially about the Design and Imposed Laws. God richly bless you for that.

One of the first things I did when I arrived in France was to buy all four of your books. They not only helped me, but those I shared them with. I shared the message with an atheist student and I marveled at how God worked mightily in his life. Today this person shares the Love of God with others and debunks theories of who God is not. I want to share what you present in your “Heavenly Sanctuary and Investigative Judgment” pamphlet, because the message brought rest to my soul and I live today as a healthy person.

God bless you so much and your ministry.

Michael A., Ghana

 

Testimony 28

I have been following your Bible study class for about a year now. I must say I am impressed with how your ministry has grown. I took it upon myself to listen to all your lesson podcasts from the past and they have both enriched me physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I have learnt a lot from this class. I have also noticed how the class has grown in spiritual strength. One of the things that benefited me is that now I am not afraid of God. I use to be, but now it has melted away. The second thing is that you helped me to have a real life relationship with God. Now He is my friend that was always there and I love having him with me all the time. Thirdly, because of this class, it inspired me to take over and lead a class. I have called it “Let Us Reason Together,” adapting your inquisitive style and creating a class of free thinkers.

T. Banda, Malawi, Africa

 

Testimony 49

I came into the church at 21, but that is as far as it went. I was so confused about what love is. I couldn’t find it in the bible, because I am not a person that can read between the lines. I have no logic. I have read many, many books; trying to figure out the crux of the matter. They were helpful, but something was still missing. I have become very frustrated to the point of crying out to God, “Where can I go?”  I needed some basics.

I found two books, written by Timothy Jennings, MD, to be very helpful. God showed me that I had lived my whole life in fear. I didn’t even see it. Now, I do. God is so good.  I discovered the “The Remedy”  Dr. Jennings new book, “The God-Shaped Heart!” Oh, I was so excited, I purchased them right away.

I can get rid of most of my books, because “The Remedy” brings the Love of God out so clearly, even I can’t miss it. Now, I want to sit and read my Bible. Wow, what a revelation! It is just simply Awesome! I am so grateful to Jehovah Almighty for hearing my prayer for more understanding! I am so encouraged!

Jackie S.

 

Testimony 21

I am absolutly on fire with the message at Come and Reason! I can’t get enough! I’ve read your book, blog, and articles. I’ve listened to your Bible study podcasts, your radio show, and your series – all excellent! It wasn’t until the past couple of years that I have I like I’m becoming “healthy,” with more to share with others than just beasts and commandments! I used to be a Bible worker and preached when the pastors were gone until I had had enough. I didnt realize at the time what the problem was, but i know now… the message wasn’t properly focused. Now my flame is rekindled. All of your little examples are so perfect in explaining something “complicated” and making it easily understood! Now I’m trying to shape it into a life changing evangelistic series! Thank you!

M.T., USA

 

Testimony 71

When I was 9 years old, I remember setting at our devotional table with a hunger and thirst for God that wanted more, deeper, BETTER. I can remember literally crying and pounding on the table, “I know these teachers didn’t mean to give us error. They taught what THEY had been TAUGHT, but didn’t ANYBODY READ THE BOOK?!?!?” It mattered to me then. It mattered to me as a teenager. It matters now as I teach bible classes. It didn’t have to be so hard as I watched so many give up and lay God’s great plan and gift of salvation aside as being “impossible.” Then, a friend sent me a link to Come And Reason’s website. I grew excited. YES! FINALLY! Then another friend told me to stay away, saying her son had just broken up with a girl because she was involved with Come And Reason and that “Tim Jennings preaches a false gospel.” But, AFTER many years of developing an authentic and, dare I say FUN relationship with Jesus, through the Holy Spirit I see this message has been around a LONG time, since the apostle Paul, Ellen White, Graham Maxwell, Ray Foucher, and yourself (though I admit, you’ve made me back up, rewind and replay the clips, and get out my well-worn Bible on a few things.) I’m so thankful I have found LIGHT during these DARK days. I am not alone.

Vicki DiNitto

Testimony 36

Thank you and may God continue to bless you as you share with others the intricacies of how we are all “fearfully and wonderfully made”. I must share that you have opened a whole new world to me, and I have found tremendous healing through what you have shared in two of your books, “Could It Be This Simple?” and “The God Shaped Brain.” I praise God for what you shared, what I have learned, and how I have grown and healed! My prayer is that My Precious Jesus will be seen by others in the way I live, act, talk, etc. and they may be encouraged to know He is truly a GREAT God of LOVE, desiring that no one should perish! God Bless you in your continued endeavors to present Him as He really is!

Joleen H. GA, USA

 

Testimony 20

I just wanted to personally thank you for your teachings and insight into scripture. I came across your website via my cousin who suggested I look into “Healing the Mind” information. My youngest daughter has been struggling over the last couple of years and it all came to a head this spring. When I started listening to the “Healing the Mind” lectures my own life began to be transformed. I began sharing with all my daughters the concepts you laid out so clearly. I ordered your book and soaked it up. I just want to say “Thank You!” My walk with the Lord has been refreshed and renewed. Your obedience to the Lord is a blessing to so many.

R. K., Anderson, SC, USA

 

Testimony 6

I got the book “Could It Be This Simple?” a few months ago and the reading was wonderful and I was fascinated. I lent the book to a friend at work. She is having a difficult time and the book is helping her to find Jesus and I found this very exciting. She has asked me questions and I can see her life changing.

H. S., Australia