Matthew 04 | 2:5-23
We take a look at the visit from the Magi and Herod’s plot to kill the new-born King of the Jews. Matthew provides evidence of the FULL-fillment of the Hebrew Scriptures from Jesus birth narratives. He also establishes Jesus as a NEW Moses who will bring a NEW Exodus, preparing a NEW Israel.
Read MoreMatthew 03 | 1:18-2:4
Jesus’ birth FULL-fills what was foretold through the Prophets. We discuss how Matthew uses his quotations from the Hebrew Scriptures to show how Jesus is the long expected Messiah. Then, Magi from the East come to worship the new-born King.
Read MoreMatthew 02 | 1:1-17
We consider Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus and the surprises it holds. There are names that should be there, names that are a surprise, and a name that causes a mental train-wreck. In the final analysis, Matthew presents a Messiah who has come to save His people from their sins.
Read MoreMatthew 01 | Introduction
In our first session, we discuss the key aspects of history from the Hebrew Scriptures that set the stage for Matthew’s narrative. We also discuss the issues of authorship, audience, and how Matthew fits with the other Synoptic Gospels (Mark, Luke).
Read MoreOn To Maturity 08 – Love & Oneness
We complete our study on Maturity by looking at the prime virtue for followers of Jesus – Unselfish, self-sacrificial Love (agape). Jesus teaches us that this love should be the defining characteristic of His students/disciples. It also is the means by which we become ONE as Jesus and the Father are ONE. This is one…
Read MoreOn To Maturity 07 – Seven Virtues
We consider the Seven Virtues that Peter outlines for us in his 2nd Letter. By growing in Excellence, Knowledge, Self Control, Perseverance, Godliness, Brotherly Affection, and Unselfish Love, we can know that we will never stumble and we will be effective and fruitful in our deep, personal, experiential knowledge of Jesus. Download the notes from…
Read MoreOn To Maturity 06 – The Heart of the Matter
After Peter’s praiseworthy confession that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, he is immediately rebuked with “Get behind me Satan (Adversary)….” We can often forget that our role is the FOLLOW Jesus as Lord and Master Teacher. This leads to an admonition to deny ourselves and take up our cross. We discuss what…
Read MoreOn To Maturity 05 – Taking Up Our Cross
After Peter’s praiseworthy confession that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, he is immediately rebuked with “Get behind me Satan (Adversary)….” We can often forget that our role is the FOLLOW Jesus as Lord and Master Teacher. This leads to an admonition to deny ourselves and take up our cross. We discuss what…
Read MoreOn To Maturity 04 – Allegiance to The Lord Jesus
“Jesus is LORD!” was a dangerous and subversion declaration in the 1st Century. It remains the same today. We consider how our primary allegiance to Jesus overrides all other commitments, especially those to modern day political leaders and the “cults of personality” that have grown around them. There are many false teachers who seek to…
Read MoreOn To Maturity 03 – The Way of The Kingdom
We consider part of the ethics of The Kingdom – The Way of the Kingdom – in Luke 6 and the “Sermon on the Plain.” Jesus calls us to a high standard of excellence in truth, grace, mercy, forgiveness, humility in His “Upside-Down Kingdom.” Download the notes from this session HERE.
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