Bible Knowledge Project: Genesis 14
Read: Genesis 14
Genesis 14 has two major sections. The first (14:1-16) details Abram's battle with the five kings. In this battle, Abram rescues his nephew, Lot. The odds are overwhelming, of course. These five kings have just conquered many Canaanites. Yet, with his small army, Abram seeks to rescue his nephew. In no small way, this is a lesson of kindness. In the previous chapter, we saw how Lot took the best of the land and left his uncle with the leftovers. It would have been natural for Abram to ignore his nephew, allowing him to be harmed or killed by the forces of evil, and then assume the lands vacated as a result.
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Bible Knowledge Project: Matthew 13
Read: Matthew 13
Matthew 13 begins the section known as “The Kingdom Parables.” Parables are usually fictional stories designed to make one central point or highlight one main theme. They are designed to hide the truth from the unbelieving and demonstrate it to the elect. Unfortunately, parables have been badly abused in Christian literature, making them say many things they were not designed to communicate. Therefore, it is essential to interpret them to understand them as offered by Christ correctly.
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Bible Knowledge Project: Genesis 13
The chapter before us today may appear to be relatively insignificant in the Genesis narrative. Still, it does point to at least one central theme of the Bible: the choices of men do not alter the purpose and promises of God. That theme is demonstrated in the narrative of this chapter when Abram and Lot disagree, and they agree to separate. Abram magnanimously offers Lot the first choice of the land. Lot chooses the best, leaving Abram with what remains. Yet, despite this difficulty and its result, God promises that he and his descendants will inherit the entirety of the land as promised by God.
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Bible Knowledge Project: Matthew 12
Read: Matthew 12
Matthew Twelve takes up matters related to the Sabbath, blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, and the one I want to focus on today: Fruit proves the root (12:33-37). Many in the church today know much about the Christian faith, theology, etc. They have made credible professions of faith. They are in attendance each Lord’s Day. Yet, there is no fruit, no growth.
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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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