Preaching the Old Testament History

Old Testament narrative provides us with much of the biblical teaching about the character of God, revealed in His activity in history. But often it seems remote from the lives of contemporary Christians, and when it is preached, it is often moralised or spiritualised. How can we begin to hear its authentic voice for today's church and use it responsibly as Christian Scripture? What are the valid lines of application to us? How can we preach or teach this part of God's revelation with confidence and relevance?