Finding Peace in the Old Testament

By Wilma Ann Bailey

Suggestions for Leaders by Heather Thum-Gerber

The 2027–2028 PW/Horizons Bible study

Many Christians struggle with reading the Old Testament, not knowing what to make of the violence and strange customs and rituals that fill its pages. So much of it seems contrary to the message Jesus taught about peace and love. Yet the Old Testament was the only Bible that Jesus read. We know that he valued it because he quoted from it, alluded to it, and read from it in the synagogue. What did Jesus see in it that we do not?

Sometimes we miss that stories of war and violence may not have been presented as behavior to be emulated. Rather, they may have been demonstrations of the futility of war and how violence engenders more violence rather than peace.

The nine lessons in this study encourage us to do the work of asking questions and reconsider how we read the Bible.

This Bible study is intended to spark vigorous discussion, and I hope it will. —Wilma Bailey

[From the Introduction to Finding Peace in the Old Testament]

Finding Peace Promotional Resources

Promotional flier (PDF download) • FREE

Promotional flier (PDF Edición en español) • FREE

Promotional poster (PDF download) • FREE

Promotional poster (printed) • FREE

Finding Peace: An Introduction • PW YouTube Channel

Finding Peace Resources

Finding Peace in the Old Testament Bible Study

• English edition • $14

• Large-print edition •$20

• Ecumenical edition • $14

• Edición en español • $14

• PDF download of Edición en español • $14

• Audio edition download• $15

Companion video • $20

Companion video download • $20

Workshop for Leaders • FREE

Large print page number guide • FREE

Bulletin Cover • FREE

Charm/pendant • $10

Additional Resources via PW Blog

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