This article is part of a short series exploring the Old Testament, also known as the Tanakh. On January 1, 2023, I began a year-long journey to read through the Bible from cover to cover. While this wasn’t my first attempt—it actually took me nearly two years to complete this goal almost a decade ago—it felt like the right time to return to Scripture in this way. This decision came during a season of significant transition in my faith journey. After spending about 15 years in a charismatic church, my family and I moved to a Southern Baptist congregation. We also started attending a non-denominational Wednesday night Bible study and joined a separate fellowship group that introduced us to perspectives closely aligned with the Hebrew Roots movement. Alongside these changes, I found myself increasingly drawn to the teachings of influential reformed Calvinist preachers like John MacArthur, Paul Washer, and Voddie Baucham.

Discovering Differences in Protestant Theology:

Although we are all Christians and share in the essential beliefs of the Christian faith, there are secondary differences between the charismatic church, Southern Baptists, those of the loosely defined Hebrew Roots persuasion, and even Reformed Calvinist types. I had a limited understanding of the theological perspectives that each of these groups hold. To provide an overview of these differences, here is a brief description below. Please note that there may be variations even within denominations.

Charismatic Church:

• Emphasizes the gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as speaking in tongues, healing, and prophecy.
• Lively and expressive worship services with spontaneous expressions of worship.

Southern Baptists:

• Follow a traditional Protestant theology.
• Structured and orderly worship services, focusing on biblical preaching and prayer.
• Prioritize biblical authority, salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, and evangelism.

Hebrew Roots Movement:

• Seeks to reconnect with the Hebrew roots of Christianity.
• May incorporate elements of Jewish customs, feasts, and teachings, to “walk like Yeshua (Jesus) walked”.

Reformed Calvinist:

• Based on the teachings of John Calvin, emphasizing the sovereignty of God and the doctrines of grace.
• Believes in predestination, meaning that God has predetermined the salvation or damnation of individuals.
• Focuses on the authority of Scripture and the importance of preaching and studying the Word of God.
• Worship services are often structured and reverent, with an emphasis on the preaching of Scripture.
• Emphasizes the depravity of human nature and the need for God’s grace for salvation.

Up until the last few years, I believed that the only notable differences among Protestant denominations were related to their worship styles. However, I have learned that there are deeper theological nuances involved. These include beliefs regarding the cessation or continuation of spiritual gifts, the relevance of Sabbaths and Feasts for believers today, the debate between free will and predestination (Arminianism vs Calvinism), the concept of double predestination, and varying perspectives on end-times eschatology. These differences in theology contribute to the unique perspectives held by each denominational group. I found myself at a crossroads, aligning with some beliefs from each of the different groups. Feeling uncertain and questioning different theological viewpoints, I turned to God in prayer and the Bible for guidance. It was then that I made the firm decision to read the entire Bible, book by book. It has taken me almost a year to journey through the Old Testament alone, which constitutes 75% of the entire Bible!

A Summary of the Old Testament

Now that I have introduced you to my reason for reading through the Bible, let me share a video summary of the Old Testament by The Bible Project. In the upcoming articles, I will delve deeper into the insights I have gained, the profound questions I have pondered, and the personal growth I have experienced. Although I may not have found all the answers, my faith in the sovereignty of God remains unwavering. I trust when He says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9). Below is an overview of the Old Testament that significantly aided my understanding of its overall premise. Interestingly, the arrangement of the Old Testament in contemporary Bibles differs from its original organization. Please watch the video and let me know your thoughts!

Wrapping it up – Until Next Time!

I hope you’ll join me in reading my next article titled “Navigating Theological Perspectives: Journey through the Bible in a Year – Part 2: Pentateuch”. This article covers the first 5 books of the Old Testament, also known as the Pentateuch or Torah. I look forward to discussions with like-minded believers as we explore the Word of the Lord together.