Two Testaments for Healthy Churches | A Study Story with Kris Raven

Summary

In this episode, Dr. Travis Montgomery talks with Kris Raven, pastor of Lakeshore Baptist Church and MBTS doctoral student focusing on the New Testament use of the Old Testament. Kris shares how biblical authors intentionally draw from the Old Testament to shape Christian theology and practice, and how understanding these connections strengthens preaching, discipleship, and the health of local churches. Their discussion covers how Kris first encountered this field of study, how it has shaped his walk with Christ, and why it matters for every believer—especially in a world filled with unhelpful or confused approaches to the Old Testament, such as the Hebrew Roots Movement.

About the Podcast

Local Theologians is a podcast for everyday Christians and ministry leaders from Midwestern Seminary's Global Campus. Learn more about online theological education at mbts.edu/global.

Keywords

New Testament use of the Old Testament, biblical theology, hermeneutics, preaching, discipleship, healthy churches, Scripture interpretation, typology, intertextuality

Resources

G. K. Beale, Handbook on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament (Baker)

G. K. Beale and D. A. Carson, eds. Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament (Baker)

Nick Roark and Robert Cline, Biblical Theology: How the Church Faithfully Teaches the Gospel, 9Marks Building Healthy Churches Series (Crossway)

Blog: Jason DeRouchie, “How to Understand and Apply the Old Testament: Step 10 – Biblical Theology”

Takeaways

• The New Testament frequently quotes, alludes to, and echoes the Old Testament to reveal Christ and God's redemptive story.

• Understanding how biblical authors use earlier Scripture deepens our confidence in the unity of the Bible.

• Careful study prevents misinterpretation and guards churches against unhelpful teaching—including misuses of the Old Testament like the Hebrew Roots Movement.

• Biblical theology helps us see how the entire Bible fits together around Christ.

• Diligent interpretation enriches preaching and strengthens discipleship in the local church.

• Study tools such as Beale’s handbook and commentary can guide pastors and students in understanding intertextual connections.

Sound Bites

• There is intentionality in the way New Testament authors draw from the Old Testament.

• The New Testament is not a new story—it is the continuation and fulfillment of the Old.

• We don’t ignore the Old Testament; we read it through the lens of Christ.

• Diligence in study is an act of love for God and His Word.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Introduction and Kris Raven’s Background

2. 01:27 What Is the New Testament Use of the Old Testament?

3. 03:27 How Kris First Encountered This Field of Study

4. 04:57 Beale’s Handbook and the Academic Journey

5. 07:43 Why These Connections Matter for Bible Readers

6. 09:31 Examples from John and Hebrews

7. 11:20 How This Study Deepened Kris’s Walk With Christ

8. 12:48 Diligence in Study as Spiritual Formation

9. 14:47 A Real-World Ministry Challenge: Hebrew Roots Movement

10. 15:55 How Understanding NT/OT Use Protects Healthy Churches

11. 17:26 Reading the Old Testament Through the Lens of Christ

12. 21:16 Recommended Resources for Further Study

13. 25:44 Closing Reflections