Episode 67 - Why Do We Need the Old Testament?

In this thought-provoking episode of Peaceable and Kind, host Derek Vreeland tackles a question many Christians quietly wrestle with: Why do we need the Old Testament? From bloody battles and strange laws to a God who calls His people to peace, the Old Testament can feel confusing—even contradictory to the way of Jesus. But Derek shares why this ancient collection of writings is not only essential, but life-giving for followers of Christ in a modern world. Drawing from his own journey—from avoiding the Old Testament as a young pastor to delighting in it through daily reading—Derek explores how these Scriptures shape our faith, deepen our understanding of Jesus, and connect us to the ancient people of God. You’ll hear stories from seminary days with his Old Testament professor, insights from the world of Bible translation, and even a Star Wars analogy that will forever change how you see the “backstory” of Scripture. Whether you’ve loved the Old Testament for years or have quietly ignored it in your Bible reading plan, this episode will give you fresh eyes for its beauty, depth, and indispensable role in the story of redemption. Key Takeaways✔️ Why the Old Testament is essential for understanding Jesus and the New Testament✔️ How it connects us to the ancient story of God’s people✔️ Why not every Old Testament passage should be read as a moral directive✔️ How to find Jesus throughout the Old Testament✔️ Why the Psalms still shape our prayer life today 🎧 Listen now and rediscover the Old Testament as the essential prequel to the story of Jesus. Scriptures Mentioned in This Episode:• Exodus 12• Leviticus 16 • Deuteronomy 21:18–21• John 1:29 Preorder Derek's new book, Incarnation: 8 Lessons on How God Meets Us here: https://amzn.to/42jSZAs Did you find this episode helpful on your spiritual journey? Consider helping us out! ➡️ Leave a review ➡️ Share it with your friends ➡️ Give us a 5-Star rating on your podcast app of choice Get to know the host: https://derekvreeland.com Interact with Derek on Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky, or FacebookEpisode Website