Title: Threads of Continuity: A Prose Poem on the Unity of Scriptures (04/28/'24) -Message

Title: Threads of Continuity: A Prose Poem on the Unity of Scriptures In the sacred texts of ancient lore, a unifying theme resounds: both the Old and New Testaments affirm a singular, divine truth. The belief in one God is a steadfast thread weaving through the scriptures, binding them. Figures like Abraham and Moses bridge the epochs, their stories echoing through the corridors of time, illustrating divine commands that connect disparate eras as if by invisible hands. From the heights of Mount Sinai to the rise of Calvary, the narrative of salvation unfolds across the heavens. Themes of love and justice, profound and deeply entrenched, resonate within the ethics laid down in ancient times and reinterpreted in the lands touched by Christ. These scriptures, both old and new, intertwine tightly, their shared values of mercy and obedience blossoming from ancient seeds into a modern ethos. Yet, within these shared divine traces, a profound difference emerges. The Old Testament is encased in the solidity of ancient covenant, its laws and rituals firmly established, while the New Testament bathes in the light of grace, where salvation is sought through faith rather than deeds. The concept of the Messiah evolves from a promised earthly king to a spiritual shepherd who frees souls not with the sword but through the radiance of eternal love. The Old addresses a chosen people, while the New Testament opens its arms to all, beckoning a new beginning. Deeply rooted reasons stretch back through time, from the dusty scrolls on ancient shelves to the overarching themes of today. The continuity between the Testaments acts as a bridge over which fulfillment strides boldly. The cultural currents and historical tides that shaped these scriptures influenced their themes and emphases, crafting words, hopes, and dreams across generations. These sacred texts, through their conflicts and contrasts, decree a narrative not of discord but of unity—a progression from the stringent law to the embracing grace, a spiritual journey visible in every story and verse. This journey from the dawning of creation to the face of grace reveals not only the distinctiveness of the Old and New Testaments but their inseparability, showcasing a testament to a love that never changes, enduring through all ages. Pastor Steven G. Lee (April 28, 2024)