Remember Your Joy: A Bible Study of Salvation Stories in the Old Testament

by Courtney Doctor, Melissa B Kruger

This seven-week Bible study, with an emphasis on biblical theology, traces the promised seed of the woman from Genesis 3:15 through seven Old Testament stories. Each chapter―Noah and the ark, Abraham and Isaac, Moses with the manna and water from the rock, the serpent on the pole, Rahab and the spies, David and Goliath, and David and Mephibosheth―gives us a glimpse, a foreshadowing, of the greater salvation Jesus wins. In each encounter, we'll see how God faithfully fulfilled his promise as he prepared us for the ultimate offspring who brought our eternal salvation. Each story will be accompanied by a symbol that represents an aspect of our salvation. These symbols are intended to be visual reminders of spiritual truths. David once "Restore to me the joy of your salvation" (Ps. 51:12). Our hope is that you will remember the joy of your salvation―and praise the One who accomplished it―as you consider the battle he won on your behalf.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Faith

160 pages, Paperback

Published April 6, 2021

About the author

Courtney received her Master of Divinity degree from Covenant Theological Seminary in 2013 and currently serves as the Director of Women's Ministry and Assimilation at Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Church in St. Louis, Missouri. She and her husband with four wonderful children and two amazing daughters-in-law. You can find out more about Courtney at www.courtneydoctor.org

Reviews

[Lauren Potts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay this was a rec from miss jaci walker and I really enjoyed it! Went through 8 Old Testament stories and really dove into them and why they are still applicable now

[Iris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a lot from this study, many of the connections made between OT and NT were ones that I had not known previously. My understanding was deepened by reflecting on my salvation from a different angle each week. Practically the structure was great, going from comprehension to interpretation in OT context to interpretation in light of the NT to application; a very thorough approach that doesn’t skim over comprehension and understanding passages in the original context.

[Carissa Benton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not sure how I would like this study, but it was unexpectedly wonderful! It was so helpful to see how the many stories in the OT point directly to Christ and this book has also helped me to gain more tools for studying the Bible. I learned so much!

[Hannah Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my all time favorite Bible studies. I love the layout and format of the weekly routine; it guides your thoughts into discovering OT and NT connections that I did not always comprehend on my own. Looking forward to going through this again with a different group in the future!

[ᴀᴍʙ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a wonderful study w/ a friend; one I would gladly recommend & reread. I especially appreciated the OT/NT correlations in each chapter that emphasized the Grand Narrative. I am thankful to the Lord for using Courtney Doctor to remind and teach me of what (and Who!) Christ is for me in salvation, and that He is the epitome of true joy.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just what I needed in the the midst of some crazy life changes.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best Bible studies I have EVER done. If you want to understand how to approach the Old Testament in a way that focuses on Christ, this is a great study. If you want to learn a methodical approach to studying the Old Testament in context, and how it connects to the New Testament, do this study. And if you want to experience the awe of how full and gracious, how joyful and secure our salvation in Christ is, do this study with a group of women! The gospel coalition videos (free on their website) that accompany each chapter are excellent and only add to the wonder of discovering the gospel in the Old Testament historical accounts.
Cannot recommend this study highly enough. Melissa Krueger and Courtney Doctor have outdone themselves in writing it.

[Jovana Dedvukaj · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has helped me understand the Old Testament and view it in a more beautiful, bright light. It shows how God is an unchanging God, who has always extended mercy and love to this people. When they curse him, he blesses them. When they’re undeserving he still provides them with all they need. This book helped me also realize how every single story in the Old Testament connects to Jesus and foreshadows his greatest. This book has helped me become a better reader and has helped me better analyze book of the Bible to look for their connection to a bigger story: how Jesus is our only way to salvation.

[Cassie Kilzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Bible Study was amazing! I feel like it really did highlight Christs work and life throughout the Old Testament. It was a great daily read and now we are taking our City Group through the group study portion. Our City Group doesn’t even need to do the the week before to understand the questions and it makes leading really easy. The questions also spur on great conversations outside of the questions and really helps illuminate the Scriptures. This is a must if you are looking for a refresher on your daily reading or small group content.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustration is beautiful; the five-day observation-explication-OT and NT cross reference-application process is solid. I appreciated the authors' effort putting together accounts in the Old Testament that point to Christ. I am not convinced that the last two OT references -- David's victory over Goliath, and David's kindness to Mephibosheth -- should actually be read as a typology of Christ's victory and kindness, though.

[Deannamand · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite Bible studies ever. So many Believers spend time exclusively in the New Testament believing the Old Testament is too difficult and without much relevance. This study not only displays the richness of these stories but also reveals the scarlet thread of redemption woven throughout these them. The authors beautifully point the reader to Christ and God’s plan of salvation from Genesis to Revelation. Highly recommend!

[Sadie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would rate this as maybe a 3 or a 4. This study could have provided a little more context instead of relying on the reader to find most things on their own. I will say this was way more focused on analyzing biblical text than most women’s Bible studies, which tend to be really watered down. I also did make some great connections between the OT and NT, the most impactful being that of the serpent and the staff. However, some of the other connections were a little reaching.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this Bible study with accompanying videos! I did this with my women’s church group in a small group so we could discuss each week after doing the homework on our own. I definitely found joy through this study of God’s word. I loved the way these Old Testament stories weave in the gospel story from the New Testament which proves that God had a greater plan all along.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting look at how Old Testament writings pointed to the future coming of Christ.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not recommend this study more highly! I did it with my high school girls and my Titus 2 group of 30-80 year olds. It's so well done!

[Madison Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Likes how the days were broken up comparing new and old testaments to the passage each week!

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5, highly recommend!

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best studies I have ever done; you can do as little or as much as you want, and the videos are excellent. Highly recommend!

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best studies I've done in years that ties the old testament to our lives in relevant and beautiful ways. Highly recommend to new believers and old alike.

[Ashton Morgan Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Bible study!

[Sarah (tn.bibliophile) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"even though we learn a lot from Abraham, we don't identify with him in the story. We're Isaac, the one who should have died and yet was spared because the Lord provided himself a sacrifice in our place."

This Bible study uses Old Testament stories that point to the coming of Jesus to remind us that our joy is found in our salvation. This study can be done alone or with a group. There are some great discussion questions in the book. There are 7 chapters, and each chapter has 5 days. The verses written out in the book are from ESV and NIV translations.

[Laurie]

Excellent study! While none of these "stories" was unfamiliar, I learned so much more about each of them!

[Lindsey Fow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this study! Helps you see a new perspective on the Old Testament and also developed my understanding of the references in the New Testament.

[Amaia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this study. It is pretty in-depth for being a topical book. I would say that it is better than some of the Jen Wilkin studies I have done. I would recommend it!

[Lisa Snead · Rating 5 out of 5]

This study was excellent! Familiar Old Testament stories that point to Christ. I learned a ton!