The New Testament opens not with a gaffe but with the gospel. Matthew made no miscalculation; he made a theological declaration. The long line of human fathers does not culminate in a miscount but in a miracle: the advent of the God-man.   Matthew opens his Gospel with a genealogy whose arithmetic has long been... Continue Reading

As Christians, we possess a complete salvation with respect to forgiveness of sin and having a personal relationship with God now. That reality is based on our past salvation. But at the same time our salvation is not finalized because there are two other areas God promises to rescue us, at which time our salvation... Continue Reading

As an American, you may feel apprehensive about Mamdani’s election as New York’s next mayor. As a Christian, though, you see things differently. You have an opportunity to reach Muslims with the gospel of Jesus Christ, a message even the gates of Hell cannot prevail against—no matter who gets elected.   On September 11, 2001,... Continue Reading

Christ’s parables illustrate the inauguration of His Kingdom at His incarnation calling upon all people to determine whether they are among His citizens before its consummation.   “Context is king.”  This is the paramount hermeneutic for all Bible texts, each having one exegetical point.[1]  The Bible’s entire text, including the parables, has one ultimate homiletical... Continue Reading

Joseph’s steadfastness to God’s plan meant that Joseph believed God would fulfill the prophecy his dreams had indicated. Joseph understood that God had a personal interest in him and had guided him through all those lonely years.   Introduction Genesis 37–50 records the incredible account of Joseph, his dysfunctional family, and God’s faithfulness. Joseph’s prophetic... Continue Reading

Instead of welcoming their King, the Jews cried out, “We will not have this man reign over us!” and they crucified Him. Yet the cross was never the end; it was the means to the proper end: the universal reign of Christ.   When Jesus gave the Great Commission, He didn’t launch a new idea.... Continue Reading

What are you waiting on? Christ has come. He came, He died, and He rose again. He is everything that was promised, and He is everything that He said He is. Trust Him. Worship Him.   Before Christ came, men and angels leaned in with eager anticipation. Peter tells us that the prophets were searching... Continue Reading

Can you join with Mary and sing, “my soul magnifies the Lord”? If you cannot magnify God, it probably is because you are magnifying yourself. When you sink in your own estimation, then God will rise in your esteem. This is a calling for all people who know the Lord as Mary did.   Luke... Continue Reading

Sometimes we enjoy great success (a win, victory) in some endeavor: but someone comes along to point out a negative (a defeat) instead of being happy for the win. My friend, we shouldn’t let these people bother us.   To “snatch victory from the jaws of defeat” means that, in spite of the fact that... Continue Reading

Believer, the dragon has been slayed. We don’t have to be riddled with anxiety; we don’t have to be driven to despair and feel hopeless.   What’s bogging you down this morning, Christian? Is there something that’s nagging you, that’s getting at you and you can’t stop thinking about it? What is going on in... Continue Reading