When I teach adjunct classes, I almost always end up sharing a specific article with the class. It doesn’t matter what the topic of the class is, I find a way to share the article because it is that good. Could be biblical studies, could be theology, could be interpretational studies, could be church history, I find that the article applies to them all. In fact, I have shared the article, or at least talked about it, many times among my church family as well. I would wager a guess that I have talked about the article somehow or another two to three times every year since I became pastor in July 2008. I’ve referred to the article in some sermons, but it has also applied to numerous life situations, so I encourage people to read the article. Because I’ve relied on the article so often, I have mentioned it here on the blog too.
Here’s the article: “The Law of Moses and the Christian: A Compromise” by David Dorsey. Why do I find it so important? Because the author, Dave Dorsey, who was my seminary Old Testament professor, provides a wonderful way of understanding how we Christians can interact with the Old Testament Law.
This is important because some Christians have taught that to be faithful to God, Christians need to observe the Mosaic Law. But do we need to follow all those rules? Can Christians get tattoos, work on Sundays, eat shellfish, and get divorced? There are loads and loads of other laws. How do we know which laws to follow and which we don’t have to? Dorsey’s article answers that important question. I encourage you to read it.
I’m sharing Dorsey’s article, because the question of the Mosaic Law and the Christian relates to the next sermon in our Life of David series. David is on the run, not sure of who he can trust, needing food and protection from the raving mad King Saul, who is hunting him. Take a look at 1st Samuel chapters 21 and 22, and see if you can figure out how Dave Dorsey’s article relates to David’s story. Then join us on the blog next week as we’ll talk about it further!
Engaging Scripture 