#SecondBest#WhySettle?#New/Old

Written by cycleguy on January 10th, 2020

It is common among children, either on a playground, a class or a field to say something along the lines of “My dad is stronger than your dad” or “My dad can beat up your dad.” Since I am not a fighter, I sure am glad my girls never made those kinds of boasts about me! Talk about being in hot water. My Man Card would definitely have been called into question. 🙂

The whole purpose behind those statements is the idea of superiority: my dad is superior to your dad. Many who call themselves Christ-followers are content to settle for second best. We have a group around here-and perhaps you do as well-that want to be known as Torah observant. My question to that is why? Paul’s book to the Galatians effectively-least I think so- negates the life of the one who chooses the OT over the NT. Please understand that I am not taking the stand of one well-known pastor that we need to cast aside the OT (old covenant) and solely follow the New, but I am saying the New Testament should be our “go-to” not the Old. Paul himself said the Old covenant was not evil or wicked, but  it was and is certainly limited in its ability to save us.

My sermon for this Sunday is entitled Why Settle for Second Best? and as you have probably gathered it will on the Old versus the New Testament. I’ll be doing a comparison of both and will obviously come out on the side of the New Testament as being superior.  The Scripture is 2 Corinthians 3: 6-18. I’d love it if you would read it and then listen to the podcast if you are unable to attend. But above all I covet your prayers.

I’m sorry you are unable to listen to last week’s sermon via podcast. We had a guest leading our worship and a person on the soundboard for the first time on a Sunday morning. He pushed a pause button but when he turned it back on it had disappeared. He felt bad. Ryan just doesn’t have a job anymore as the Youth Pastor.  🙂  I wouldn’t trade him for anyone or anything (unless an exchange of significant money was made).  I jest about it all (except for the high praise for him).

Thanks for your prayers. They are much appreciated.

 

11 Comments so far ↓

  1. Ryan S. says:

    I guess my thoughts – without first hearing message… is that both are essential. The entire old testament points to our need of Jesus and what is taught in the New… Jesus himself says He did not come to abolish the law or the prophets, but came to fulfill it. The OT simply points out that there is no such thing as perfect works. You can’t start with broken and expect perfection. — not without a miracle. Jesus is that miracle.

  2. I must admit that I love reading the OT as I’m constantly looking for verses that point to the coming of Jesus. As Ryan said, both are essential to understanding, in the fullest way possible, to the miracle that is Jesus.
    Blessings, Bill; I’ll be praying!

  3. cycleguy says:

    From Betty:

    Like the title Bill of your sermon,, Why Settle For Second Best”. If we could just keep that thought in mind as we journey toward heaven, the law was necessary but Grace trumped it and there is nothing as good as grace. A few ladies and I are studying through Ephesian and just the first two chapter spells that out loud and clear. We discussed Calvinism and Lordship salvation last night because out here in California lordship salvation is huge so several ladies in my group are big on being chosen and really have no idea what they believe about it. They just hop on the word “chosen” and that makes them feel special in God’s eyes. Nothing new under the sun, someone or something is always trying to top grace. Blessings on your message.

  4. Pam says:

    Why would we follow what has been proven over and over again is impossible to follow? So very thankful that Jesus fulfilled all the law and prophecies, taking my sin and offering me forgiveness. Prayers for Sunday!

    • cycleguy says:

      Impossible with a big I. I’m thankful for the law and prophecies pointing us to Jesus because only in Him is sin and forgiveness.

  5. Praying for you as requested.

    As I see it, both the OT and the NT are important. In the OT God spoke to us through the prophets, and through those who recorded the early history of His people. He also foretold that He would be sending His Son to visit us. There are over 300 prophesies in the OT about Christ and His life.

    In the NT God shows us His love, caring and compassion through His Son, Jesus.

    One cannot choose one and not the other. Both the OT and the NT are essential to our salvation.

    God bless.

    • cycleguy says:

      I agree Victor. We do a great injustice to the Old when we act as though it was not even there. We also do a great injustice to the New by pretending the Old did not matter. A greater understanding of the New comes from understanding the Old.

  6. floyd says:

    I’m with you. Jesus came to fulfill the Covenant. Back to legalistic rules that can’t be attained in the flesh anyway?

    Praying for you, brother.