Last week, Steve and Rich clarified which parts of Scripture are considered doctrine. This week, they explore what it looks like when a follower of Christ feels convicted to observe Old Hebrew practices. Steve introduces this as the Hebrew Roots Movement, which teaches that modern Christianity has drifted from Jesus’ original teachings and that the Torah should be restored to prominence. This can include rejecting Christian holidays, observing ceremonial laws, and using original Hebrew names for God.

They note that many drawn to this movement are seeking deeper meaning or “greater knowledge,” especially in response to areas where Christianity can feel superficial. While not everyone involved is part of a cult, Steve and Rich explain that the movement can create a pathway toward legalism, pride, and spiritual elitism. They also clarify that the Hebrew Roots Movement is distinct from Messianic Judaism and Black Hebrew Israelite beliefs.

The discussion highlights 1 John 3 as a key passage often used to support these views, particularly the phrase “lawlessness is sin,” which some interpret as a call to follow Old Testament law. Steve and Rich point out how this and other scriptures can be taken out of context, leading to misunderstandings about salvation in Christ. They close by offering practical wisdom for having loving, thoughtful conversations with someone who may be heading in this direction.

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Many Christians don’t have a parapet on their roof does that mean they aren’t following God’s leading for daily life? Questions like this highlight a larger conversation about how Scripture should be interpreted. One way this tension shows up is in how some people latch onto specific teachings, particularly from the Old Testament, and apply them directly to modern life.

In this conversation, Rich and Steve explore how to discern what should be considered binding doctrine within Scripture. Steve begins by affirming that the Bible is fully God’s Word; while also clarifying that not everything recorded in Scripture is intended to be a direct instruction for everyday life. For example, biblical stories and narratives are deeply meaningful and instructive, but they are not always meant to function as rules to be followed.

Rich cautions against cherry-picking certain passages or practices simply because they appear in Scripture. Instead, believers must wrestle with an important question: how do we distinguish what was written for a specific time and place from what is meant for today? Understanding context is absolutely essential.

The Old Testament remains relevant and valuable, but applying it wisely requires careful attention to its historical, cultural, and theological context. Next week, we’ll dig even deeper into these questions as we discuss the Hebrew Roots Movement. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss it!

Check out two previous episodes on how to study the Bible — Resident Strangers Episodes 51 + 52 (audio only)

Halley's Bible Handbook

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This week’s episode continues last week’s conversation by asking how a God who shows wrath can also show such deep grace between the Old and New Testament. Steve challenges the idea that the Old and New Testaments present different versions of God, noting that both wrath and grace are found in each. One key difference is focus. The New Testament centers on individuals and how they are called to live like Christ, while the Old Testament often addresses nations as a whole. Comparing the two isn’t always fair, since God may call nations and individuals to very different things.

Rich points out that God’s people once formed a literal nation, while today the Kingdom of God is made up of believers spread across the world. Steve adds important context to some of the larger Old Testament conquests that can be difficult to understand. As discussed last week, Jesus bridges the gap between the Old and New Testaments, continuing the same story rather than starting a new one. When Jesus says, “If you’ve seen me, you’ve seen the Father,” that includes the God of the Old Testament. Ultimately, the message remains the same: today is the day of salvation, and we still need God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness.

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Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.