000 Allen FMT (i-xxii) - The Presbyterian Leader

Introduction
This volume is a companion to our two previously published works on
preaching on the Revised Common Lectionary. Preaching the Gospels
without Blaming the Jews (Westminster John Knox Press, 2004) centers on
the Gospel readings in the lectionary. Preaching the Letters without Dismissing
the Law (Westminster John Knox Press, 2006) considers the lections
from the Epistles. In this book we concentrate on the readings from the
Old Testament. 1 Because the lectionary does, we include comments on
passages from the Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach, and Baruch. While these
books are not regarded as canon by most Protestants, they are read in worship
by the Episcopal, Roman Catholic, and Orthodox communions. 2
Over the past forty years, prompted by the growing dialogue between
the Jewish and Christian communities, scholars have increasingly pointed
out that while the church affirms the importance of the Old Testament,
preachers often neglect these books, misrepresent them, or regard their
theological content as superseded by Jesus and the New Testament. Writings
by biblical scholars, theologians, and scholars of preaching agree that
the time is ripe for the church to rediscover the Old Testament as a vibrant
wellspring of Christian faith and life. 3 This commentary encourages
preachers to move in that direction.
The Old Testament Is Foundational for the Church
The Old Testament is foundational to the Christian community. In order
to understand God, Jesus Christ, and the church, the congregation must
understand the Old Testament. For the Old Testament contains the formative
texts that reveal the nature and purposes of the God of Abraham and
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