THE OLD TESTAMENT GOSPEL

INTRODUCTION: This generation of Christians, living here in the USA, has been more blessed by God than any other generation: We have more peace, money, churches, seminaries, Christian colleges, Christian radio and TV, Christian book stores, Bible versions, freedom of worship, freedom to evangelize, etc. OUR POTENTIAL KNOWLEDGE IS VAST (actual is small). We sometimes think that the OT saints were ignorant, but there is a lot of information about Jesus the Christ, even in the Old Testament. That is today's sermon theme: What did they know about the Messiah?

I. Simple details of His life and ministry:
A. Genesis 49:10 His tribe.
B. Micah 5:2 His city of birth
C. Is. 9:1-2 His ministry around Galilee
D. Is. 9:7 His descent from David

II. Important Theological Points:
A. Isaiah 9:6-7 lots of theology here:
Jesus the God/man
His eternal reign over the earth from David's throne
B. Isaiah 7:14 The virgin birth of "Immanuel"
"God is with us"
C. Daniel 7:13-14 More about his deity, eternal reign, authority over the nations
D. Isaiah 53:4-8 The vicarious atonement
E. Isaiah 53:9 His burial in a rich man's grave
F. Acts 2:22-32 quoting Psalm 16:10 His resurrection.
G. Genesis 15:6 Salvation by faith, not works.

CONCLUSION: Truth was revealed gradually to the OT saints over 1000 years. We have all of it now, including the fullness of the NT. Our POTIENTIAL KNOWLEDGE IS VERY GREAT! How is our actual knowledge? How is our walk with the Lord? Because we have so much, we will be held more strictly accountable. May the Lord help each of us to love Him, and live for Jesus every day.