October 2, 2003

Philip Yancey authored one of the most refreshing books I've read lately - The Bible Jesus Read. He reminds us that a knowledge of the Old Testament is necessary to understand Jesus and his saving gospel message. It is the book that tells us how much God loves us and the entire human race. Yancey quotes Martin Luther, “The more we comprehend the Old Testament the more we comprehend Jesus.” He quotes Thomas Cahill, “…We should never have known an abolitionist movement, the prisonreform movement, the anti-war movement, the movements of dispossessed peoples for their human rights, the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa, the Solidarity movement in Poland, the free speech and pro-democracy movements in the Far East without the Old Testament and the Jews.”

Yancey reminds us that “the modern church knows Jesus the Christ but is fast losing any grasp of Moses and Prophets.” He goes on to explain that the Old Testament is the most complete revelation of what God is like and without a knowledge of it, we cannot not know God. I’d encourage you to get a copy of Yancey’s book, but more importantly, read your copy of the Old Testament and discover anew the love of God.

Marie-Claire wishes to thank all of you for your concern and reports that her mother is recovering nicely from her surgery. She and I are scheduled to meet in Bangkok on Wednesday, October 1, and then return to Cambodia.

William E. "Bill" McDonough, Director
Partners In Progress
Phnom Penh, Cambodia