Bible Knowledge Project: Genesis 12
Read: Genesis 12
The book of Genesis has several key chapters you should know and summarize. Chapters 3, 11, and the one for today are some of them. Genesis 12 highlights the essential nature of the Abrahamic covenant. Abraham came from a land of pagan idolatry, called by God from the Ur of the Chaldeans, to dwell in a country not his own. Chapter twelve opens with the promise of God’s protection and care for him and his seed throughout all generations. Some within Christendom view this covenant as made with a particular group who are promised a portion of land. Though that is what eventually occurs, the idea is far more than physical. The descendants of Abraham are the spiritual seed of the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul equates this covenant with those descendants that are a chosen people and made to be a holy nation.
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Bible Knowledge Project: Matthew 11
Read: Matthew 11
Matthew eleven has two main sections, and they are nicely linked to one another. The first section (11:1-24) sets forth the struggle of John the Baptist and his desire to be comforted. The chapter opens with John in prison. He is suffering for the sake of the gospel at the hand of Herod the King.
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Bible Knowledge Project: Genesis 11
Read: Genesis 11
Genesis 11 is the narrative account of the Tower of Babel. What is often overlooked is that this section of the Genesis narrative is significant because it highlights two primary themes that will continue until Christ returns. That theme is of the city of man and the city of God.
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Bible Knowledge Project: Matthew 10
Read: Matthew 10
Matthew Ten contains two main sections. The first (10:15) is a continuation of the remarks made by the Savior in 9:35-38. In that section, we note how Jesus calls his disciples to himself and then sends them out to do the work of the ministry. The list of the disciples is included in this section, beginning with the three men (Note: Andrew is included as he is related to Peter) who served in the inner circle of the Savior. A few things to note: first, these men were all very different.
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Bible Knowledge Project: Genesis 10
Read: Genesis 10
Genesis Ten is known as the “Table of Nations,” highlighting Noah's descendants, specifically Noah’s sons. The genealogy of this chapter sets the stage for chapter eleven and the thematic issue of the city of man versus the city of God that continues the seed of the serpent and seed of the woman theme that began in Gen. 3. The phrase “these are the generations” is a grammatical marker indicating the start of a new section in the narrative.
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Bible Knowledge Project: Matthew 9
Read: Matthew 9
Matthew 9 contains two main sections: The first continues to highlight the mercy ministry of the Savior. In this section, he heals a person with paralysis, a woman who was ill for an extended period, restores to life a girl, heals a blind man and a mute man. These events highlight the love and compassion the Savior has towards those affected by sin. These sections set up the final central section of the chapter when Jesus seeks to send out ministers to the harassed sheep. Jesus sees the people, and the text explicitly tells us that he has compassion for them because they were harassed and helpless like sheep without a shepherd.
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Bible Knowledge Project: Genesis 9
Read: Genesis 9
Genesis Nine is an important chapter in the narrative as it highlights in more detail the Noahic Covenant. As with all covenants, God certifies it with a sign. In this case, the sign is a rainbow that he places in the sky, signifying that God will never destroy the earth with a flood again. Sadly, the corrupt mind of man has taken this sign and perverted it toward a wicked meaning.
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Bible Knowledge Project: Matthew 8
Read: Matthew 8
Matthew Eight presents Jesus’ ministry through two main sections. The first section highlights the mercy ministry of Christ as he cleanses a leper, heals many, and casts out the demons. In these verses, we see the power of the Son of God over the forces of evil and sin. We also note the compassionate nature of Christ towards those impacted by the effects of the fall. The second section is instructive regarding following Christ.
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Bible Knowledge Project: Genesis 8
Read: Genesis 8
Genesis Eight completes the flood narrative. The promise of deliverance is demonstrated when Noah and his family are brought safely from the ark (8:15-19). There is a strong connection between this chapter and Creation Week. Given the numerous parallels, some scholars see the flood narrative as a recreation. For instance, God’s command to be fruitful and multiply given to Adam is also given to Noah. Chapter Eight contains the Noahic Covenant (8:20-22), promising never to strike down the earth again. That is a significant promise and points directly to the promise of the New Heaven and the New Earth.
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Bible Knowledge Project: Matthew 7
Read: Matthew 7
Matthew 7 completes the Sermon on the Mount section of Matthew’s gospel. In this chapter, Jesus takes up several subjects. First, he treats the issue of hypocrisy in judgment (7:1-6). These verses have often been misunderstood and wrongly applied. Some argue that Jesus is teaching that we are never to make judgments about the behavior of others. If that is the case, verse 6 would be strange, as well as many other sections of Scripture (E.g., Matt. 18:15ff.). Jesus teaches us that we are not to judge by hypocrisy. Instead, we must be mindful of our sinful tendencies before we judge and address issues with our brothers and sisters.
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Bible Knowledge Project: Genesis 7
Read: Genesis 7
Genesis Seven continues the flood narrative that started in chapter six. There are two main sections in this chapter to consider. First, the preparation for Noah to enter the ark. God gives the direct command to Noah for the building of the ark, and it is God who tells Noah what to do as he prepares to enter the ark. Next, in 7:1-10, we see God’s specific instructions for preserving the creatures he made.
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Bible Knowledge Project: Matthew 6
Read: Matthew 6
Matthew Six continues the Sermon on the Mount. In this chapter, the Lord Jesus addresses numerous items. First, he discusses the issue of giving to the needy. Of course, all Christians should be doing that, but notice that Jesus says it should be done without drawing attention to the action. Instead, serve and give to others without fanfare. Second, the Lord teaches his disciples to pray. Again, the emphasis on prayer in the life of Christ is significant. It should be for us as well. If Jesus prayed, how much more should we pray? Third, and closely related, is the subject of fasting. Fasting does not receive much attention in the church today.
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