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The Power of Parallels
When I looked into the subject of parallels in the Bible I saw that generally there are two different types of parallels that are found in the Bible according to various theologians and pastors. However as I kept reading and studying there is a third type of parallel as well that I have come across.

The first and most obvious parallels are the parallels in the gospels.  The same events or parables are mentioned in 2 or more of the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke or John.
 
The second
 type of parallel are the events that are repeated or seem to overlap in 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles.
Example is when Solomon is made king (See 1 Kings 1:39-40 and also in 1 Chronicles 29:22-23).  
 
Considering that the N
ew Testament is the focus of the new church and the new covenant, it makes perfect sense that there are scriptures in the New Testament that resemble/fulfill Old Testament passages in meaning and/or subject form. Also, we are mindful that the Holy Spirit guided the authors of the Holy Scriptures so seeing these scriptures and realizing these parallels should not be surprising.
   
It is amazing when different authors of the Bible mention the same event or a particular theme or same instruction and keeping in mind that some of these scriptures were written hundreds of years apart.  T
he fact that the authors in the New Testament expanded on or goes deeper on what was spoken/written in the Old Testament is so powerful.  Below is a list, a sampling, of several parallels that I have come across.

 

1 - Love your God with all heart & soul -

Deuteronomy 10:12>Matthew 22:37(38),

Mark 12:30,31, Luke 10:27

2 - We have a spirit - 

2 Kings 2:9>Luke8:55

3 - We can enter only through the gate of Jesus to life eternal life -

Psalms 118:19-20>John 10:9

4 - What we allow into our minds/hearts affects our thinking and actions -

Proverbs 4:23>Ephesians 4:20-24

5 - Beatitudes -  (There are many scriptures in the OT that Jesus is magnifies and speaks about when he preached the sermon on the mount)

Psalm 126:5,6>Matt 5:3,4

6 - Preach the word to all nations, baptize them, offer salvation -

Psalm 46:10-11, Isaiah 2:2>Matthew 28:19

7 - Jesus the Christ, became human , the Son of Man, lowered himself to be the sacrifice -

Psalm 8:4-9>Philippians 2:6-11

8 - Sorcery and Idolatry comes from rebellion usually, is more immoral -

1 Samuel 15:22,23> Galatians 5:19-20

 9 - We call to the Lord our God and he listens -

Psalm 145:18>Ephesians 3:20

10 - To all and through all generations -

Psalm 145:13>Ephesians 3:21

11 - Do not boast about yourself and your selfish gain -

Jeremiah 9:23-24>1 Corinthians 1:27-31

12 - Believers are a new creation -

Psalm 102:18>2 Corinthians 5:17

13 - God will test us to see if we are faithful -

Jeremiah 6:27>Romans 12:1-2

14 - All nations will bow down and worship the Lord -

Jeremiah 3:17, Psalm 86:9>Revelation 15:4

15 - Build your house of faith on a rock -

Proverbs 3:33>Matthew 7:24-27

16 -The Lord restores us when life overwhelms us -

Psalm 71:20>Matthew 11:28-30

17 - Peace is given and blessed upon those who trust in the Lord -

Proverbs 3:17, Isaiah 26:3>John 14:26, Ephesians 2:14-18

18 - God does not want material sacrifices but a heart of obedience and faith -

Jeremiah 7:22-23, Hosea 6:6 and Hebrews 9:11,12,23-24

19 - God desires obedience not burnt offerings -

1 Sam 15:22>Hebrews 10:5-6, 1 Peter 2:5

20 - Jesus offers living water

Jeremiah 2:13>John 4:10,

21 - Bad things happen to everyone - 

1 Samuel 2:6,Psalm 34:19>Matthew 5:45

22 - Controlling our tongue, our words - 

Proverbs 17:27>James 3:2, 1 Pet 4:11

23 - The light of Jesus shines in our hearts - 

Proverbs 20:27>2 Corinthians 4:6

24 - Work hard and honestly with all your heart for the Lord -

Jeremiah 17:10>Colossians 3:23-25

25 - We have a purpose in our belief in the Lord our God, Jesus Christ -

Psalm 57:2-3>Ephesians 1:11-12

26 - The Lord searches our hearts -

Psalm 26:2-3>Romans 8:27

27 - The Lord helps us in troubled times -

Psalm 142:6,7>Romans 8:34-38

28 - The Lord intercedes and helps us -

Psalm 28:6-8>Romans 8:33-35

29 - Jesus is raised up, he is the horn of Israel’s salvation -

Psalm 18:2>Luke 1:69-70

30 - The Lord knows all personalities and characteristics of people and how to reach them -

Psalm 18:25-27>1 Corinthians 9:19-23

31 - In the Lord’s salvation there is mercy -

Psalm 51:1,2/Micah 7:18-19>Titus3:3-6

32 - Intimacy is key for a solid relationship with the Lord -

Psalm 73:28, Isaiah 40:31>Matthew 11:28-29,James 4:8

33 - There will be a new Heaven and new Earth  -
Isaiah 65:27→Revelation 21:1-4

34 - Believers names are written in the book of life –
Psalm 139:16→Luke10:20
35 - Never hold back what you should give to the Lord (Understand what to give and why)
Joshua 7:1, 10:25→Acts 5:1-10

36 - The Lord is a God of compassion and encouragement -

Psalm 116:5→Romans 15:5

37 - God has precious hidden eternal treasure for those who seek him with all their heart and soul -

Isaiah 45:3→Colossians 1:25-27

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