Does the Church of Christ
Believe the Old Testament?
Garland Robinson

Romans 15:4 clearly teaches the Old Testament was written for our learning. We profit from it by learning that when men obeyed God they were blessed, and when they disobeyed God they were punished. "Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you this day: And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known" (Deuteronomy 11:26-28).

The great stories and events of the Old Testament bear witness to the great truth of the New Testament. Gospel preachers constantly refer to the lessons of the Old Testament! "All scripture is inspired of God" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). With a thorough knowledge of the, the New Testament is easier to understand. The Old complements the New.

The church of Christ does not follow the Old Testament in respect to learning and knowing how to worship God today. It was for another people (Israel) at another time (before Christ). Jesus died in order to take the Old Testament out of the way (Colossians 2:14; Hebrews 7:12; Hebrews 8:7). He took away the first (Old Testament) that he might establish the second (New Testament) (Hebrews 10:9-10). Even when the Old Covenant was given it was temporary and was to last only until Christ came (Galatians 3:16,19, 23-25). People are no longer under the Old Testament law, i.e., not obligated to observe it (Galatians 3:24). Men today will be judged by the words of Jesus, his apostles and inspired writers (John 12:48; cf. James 1:21; Revelation 20:12) not by the Old Testament.

Florida School of Preaching
1807 South Florida Avenue - Lakeland, Florida 33803
26^th Annual Lectureships
Monday through Thursday
January 15-18, 2001
"Do You Understand Leadership?"
Lectures begin each morning at 9:00 am
Entire lectureship is scheduled to be broadcast "Live Online"
at the Florida School of Preaching web-site
http://FSOP.NET
For further information  -  phone: (800) 320-9780  or  E-mail: jack58@gte.net

Our hearts go out in deepest sympathy to the family and many friends of B.C. Carr who passed away yesterday morning (Saturday) in Belmont, Mississippi after a lengthy illness. Brother Carr was the former director of the Florida School of Preaching and a faithful soldier of the cross for many years. May God provide His peace and comfort in this time of deepest loss and sorrow.

Baptized Into Christ
We thank God for the response of Chelsea Sigman, who was baptized for the remission of sins after services this past Sunday evening. Keep this young sister in your daily prayers and do your part to encourage her in the race that is set before her.

Ladies' Day at Venice
Any of the ladies who are interested in attending the Ladies' Day at the Venice church of Christ on February 3^rd, should sign-up in the foyer. The speaker will be Rhonda Thompson (wife of Bert Thompson) and the subject will be "Pressing Toward The Mark". See Shirley Bauer for more info.

Tonight!
The elders have asked to meet with the congregation this afternoon at 5:00. All members here at Orange Street should plan to attend.

At 5:30 we will meet in room #3 for a time of prayer.

At 5:40 our youngsters will meet at the front of the auditorium for a period of stories and songs.

God made us. That is amazing. He made us so we could accept or reject him. That is more amazing. Some reject him. That is the most amazing of all.