The relationship between the Old and New Testaments has been debated (sometimes hotly) since the book of Acts! This makes sense since so much hangs in the balance of properly understanding this issue—What role does the Law have in a NT believer’s life? Is the Church a New Israel? Does God have a future plan for Israel? Are the ordinances of the Church rooted in OT practices or distinctly different? Clearly, the Apostle Paul believed that there was something new about what God was doing among the Gentiles. He calls it the mystery of Christ and declares that it was not known in other generations, but had now been revealed to the apostles and prophets (Eph 3:4–5). All sides recognize this to some degree, but debate whether the relationship with the Old is one of continuity or discontinuity—is the present a continuation of the past or has God introduced something new that differs significantly from what preceded it? There is no doubt, in my mind, that both sides of this debate have at times overstated the case for either continuity or discontinuity. And sometimes the debate has been so uncharitable that many want to just drop it. Yet, there are important theological and practical ramifications attached to each viewpoint. Our understanding of Scripture, Christian growth and living, the nature of the Church’s mission, and important aspects of church polity all are affected by these issues. On October 18–19, 2012, the Mid-America Conference on Preaching will focus our attention on the “Mystery of Christ: God’s Glory among the Gentiles.” Our desire is to examine the Scriptures together so that we understand God’s plan better and work out from that to lives that honor Christ in this dispensation. I am sure that you will be encouraged by our time in the Word, by the fellowship of God’s people, and by being reminded of the glory of Jesus Christ. We would love to have you join us!
For complete information on MACP 2012, and to register online, click here.
