Introduction: Before Lesson 1

The Old Testament is a record of the history of Israel and the covenant of God with His people. The Old Testament points the way to the coming of Jesus. The first five books are known as books of Law. Leviticus records the laws given to Moses by God.

Christians generally do not consider themselves bound by Old Testament Laws. The New Testament is gospel: The good news about Jesus Christ. It is through Jesus Christ that we have our salvation:

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

But as the early church developed and more Gentiles came to believe in Jesus, the subject of the validity of the Law of Moses had to be addressed. Acts 15 tells the story of the Jerusalem council where the Pharisees wanted to require the Gentiles to obey the Law of Moses. The Council concluded that Gentiles needed only avoid foods that would be offensive to religious Jews who believed in Jesus but still followed the Mosaic law.

Read Exodus 15:26

What is the promise contained in that verse?

Read Matthew 5:17

What is Jesus relationship to the law?

Read Mark 7:1-23 and make note of the sins that Jesus points out in the passage.

What did Jesus mean when he declared all foods clean?

Read Deuteronomy 14.

List what is permitted to eat.

List what is not permitted to eat.

What do you hope to learn in this class?