Read: Matthew 16
The critical section of Matthew 16 is when Peter confesses Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. In this section, we are reminded of the church's ongoing mission. Jesus tells Peter that the gates of hell will never prevail against the church (16:18). So often, that verse is read defensively in that the fury of the evil one will not overrun the church
Read MoreRead: Genesis 16
Genesis 16 contains the narrative account of Abram’s failure with Hagar. In the previous chapter, we saw God’s covenant promise that Abram would have an heir of his line. That future son would carry the covenant promise of Gen. 12 forward with his line being as the sands of the seashore and the stars of the sky. Despite Abram’s faith, he faltered and sought to bring to pass the promise through his efforts.
Read MoreRead: Matthew 15
Matthew 15 continues the work of the Savior coupled with his teachings. In this chapter, Jesus heals the Canaanite woman and feeds the five thousand. The focus for today is on 15:1-20. The issue of defilement is before the Savior after the Pharisees, and scribes accuse him and his disciples. Jesus rebukes them because they say the right things but do not honor God with their heart. There are many in the church, like those men. They say what is right. They know many things. However, their hearts are far from the Lord. Jesus points out that it is not what comes from outside that defiles a person, but only that which comes from within the sin-filled heart of man.
Read MoreRead: Genesis 15
Genesis 15 is divided into two sections. The first section is about Abram's concern regarding being childless. God promised that he would be a great nation in chapter twelve, but he remains childless. In this section, God reiterates what he told him and promises that his seed would be like heaven's stars and the seashore's sands.
Read MoreRead: Matthew 14
Matthew 14 contains the narrative account of the death of John the Baptist, the miracle of Jesus walking on water, and other healing performed by the Savior. The significant section is the events leading to the death of the prophet John. In chapter eleven, he was in prison. This chapter gives us the details as to why he was there. John, faithful to the law of God, warns Herod that "it is not lawful for you to have her," referring to Herod's taking of his brother's wife as his own.
Read MoreRead: 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.
Read MoreRead: 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreRead: 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.
Read MoreRead: 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.
Read MoreRead: 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.
Read MoreRead: 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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