The Good News in the Hebrew Scriptures

Join us for CMNZ’s Next Foundations Bible Conference! ANZAC Weekend, 25-28 April Zula Lodge, Wanaka   Zohar Gonen will be sharing the series titled

“The Good News In The Hebrew Scriptures”

The Gospel stands as the cornerstone for our faith, establishing the only path to salvation. It’s no wonder, therefore, that sharing the Gospel of Yeshua to non-believers is the most crucial step towards salvation.

The Israelis we meet are, likewise, in a desperate need of the same Gospel, so in order to share with Israelis in a way that they understand, we need to draw out the glorious Gospel from the Old Testament.

Why the Old Testament you may ask?

1. Since Jewish people, for the most part, believe in the future coming of the Messiah, it is very helpful to go deeper into the Old Testament and explain the prophecies about this Messiah – pointing to Yeshua of Nazareth.
2. The Old Testament contains the history of the Jewish people, so it’s easier for Israelis to connect with it.
3. The Old Testament which is written in Hebrew, is considered a Jewish book, so Jewish people treat it with reverence.
4. Jewish people are familiar with the Old Testament but have no clue about the New Testament and what it is all about.

Okay, so we understand why the Jewish people are in need of the Gospel, and especially how they resonate with the Old Testament, but what does this have to do with Gentile Kiwis?

The Gospel For Believers

For many years after I was saved, I was under the impression that the Gospel is for the unbelievers. My assumption was that once you get saved, you don’t go back to explore the Gospel, rather you move on to deeper and greater things.

Little did I know that there isn’t any deeper and greater thing than the Gospel in its full glory. The Gospel has the power to transform our lives when we truly grasp its width and depth.

So, in order to go that wide and that deep, one must delve into both:  the rich tapestry of the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament), and into the New Testament, where Messiah is revealed. The Gospel, in its entirety, is a narrative that unfolds across both testaments, unfolding the divine plan for humanity from Genesis to Revelation.

The Old Testament foreshadows the Gospel, providing a foundation that enhances and enriches our comprehension of God’s redemptive work. The prophecies, symbols, and typologies found in the Old Testament serve as a prelude to the incarnation, life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Yeshua the Messiah.

Appreciating Redemption’s Cost

The Gospel in its fullness prompts believers to reflect deeply on the cost of redemption. The Old Testament’s sacrificial system, with its offerings and rituals, underscores the gravity of sin and the need for atonement. Messiah’s sacrificial death, fulfilling the Old Testament requirement (Leviticus 17:11), magnifies the immense price paid for humanity’s redemption. The deeper the understanding and appreciation of the Gospel we have, the more impact it will have on our lives in morphing us into the likeness of God’s Son.

NOTE THE NEW CONFERENCE TIME:  The Conference will start with dinner on Thursday evening and finish at noon on Sunday.

For bookings, please contact Chris or Uta at the Zula Lodge by emailing: stay@zulalodge.co.nz or call them on 03 443 9487 or 022 169 1985.

The cost for the weekend will be $255 per person in a shared room. This covers the conference costs, accommodation for three nights and evening meals. You will need to provide your own breakfast and lunch. There is a Four Square and a Patisserie across the road and the Zula has a big kitchen for your use.

Transport from Queenstown to Wanaka is available from https://www.ritchies.co.nz/queenstown   for $40 per person each way. Bookings are essential. Please let us know when your shuttle will be arriving in Wanaka, and we will meet you there.