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Christians love the Bible, but they often do not know what to do with the Old Testament, writes Westmont College professor Tremper Longman. Further, he points out that it includes many types of writing--history, prophecy, poetry, wisdom and apocalyptic. In this helpful volume he offers different strategies for understanding each of these important types of writing.

Jesus made a point to tell his disciples that the whole Old Testament anticipated his coming (see especially Luke 24:25-27, 44-45). And so each session includes a special feature called Anticipating the New Testament. Through this you will begin to discover the links between the two testaments and gain a fuller sense of our unfolding salvation history.

Following the format of the other volumes of the Essenitals series, originally designed by Greg Ogden, author of Discipleship Essentials, each session includes the following elements:

• a memory verse
• a Bible study
• a reading
• Anticipating the New Testament
• a life application section

Designed to work well on your own, with a partner or triad, or in a small group, Old Testament Essentials offers a comprehensive overview that will enrich your knowledge and deepen your faith.

Tremper Longman is for me--and countless others--a treasured 'go-to' resource to uncover the treasures of Old Testament wisdom. This survey will be of huge value to anyone who wants the big picture of the Great Story. --John Ortberg, senior pastor of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church and author of Who Is This Man?