Jesus’ Genealogy in Matthew’s Gospel

Okay, here’s a pretty random thought that’s not connected to anything I’ve written lately, but I’ve had it on my list of potential articles for several months. The question comes from Matthew 1:17: “So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and…

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Knowing God by His Names

When you think about God, what comes to your mind? Is He a grandfatherly figure who indulges the least little whim of His grandchildren?

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Post Resurrection: The Appearances of Jesus

Easter only exists if Jesus literally appeared again after His death. The Bible speaks of Jesus dying on the cross on Preparation Day (Friday in Jewish culture, see Matthew 27:62) and buried the same day by two Jewish leaders (Matthew 27:57-61; John 19:38-42). Let’s go into detail about the post resurrection appearances of Jesus. The tomb…

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Paradise: Where Did Jesus Go After His Resurrection Appearances?

Many emphasize the resurrection of Jesus, but few discuss what happened after His appearances. Where did Jesus go? The event is what Christians call the ascension of Jesus. Acts 1:9-11 reveal what took place following 40 days of appearances by the resurrected Jesus: “And when he had said these things, as they were looking on,…

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“It Is Finished”

“It is finished!” (John 19:30). One of the most powerful statements in all of Scripture. This statement (a single word in Greek) was Jesus’ last proclamation from the cross. So, what did Jesus finish? I encourage you to read these verses slowly and let them sink in. On the cross, Jesus finished: the payment for…

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Easter: The Prelude

The Trinity was not caught off guard when Adam and Eve sinned. They knew it was coming. They expected it. They planned for it. They grieved over it. They overcame it—all long before it happened. Long before Jesus was nailed to the cross to die for our sins (John 19:17-18); Long before He sweat drops…

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Blessed Are the Peacemakers

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God (Matthew 5:9) Very likely everyone who reads this article understands the importance of working toward peace in our world. Peace at home; peace with our neighbors; peace in our church; racial reconciliation; and a whole host of other relationships. Among verses that could be…

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Blessed Are the Pure in Heart

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God (Matthew 5:8) The Scriptures tell us that “no one can see [God] and live” (Exodus 33:20) and that “no one has seen or can see” Him (1 Timothy 6:16). So something quite extraordinary must take place for Jesus to promise that some will “see God.”…

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