If genealogies are not the most engaging reading, why would Matthew begin his history of Jesus with one in Matthew 1:1-17? Actually, genealogies can be very engaging if we find in them connections with our story. Because Matthew wanted to connect Jesus with Jewish people, he emphasized Jesus’ descent from the patriarch Abraham and from King David. At the same time, he included some fascinating details that connect Jesus not only with Jewish people but with all of us.
From several texts in the New Testament, this message answers four questions: What is the meaning of baptism? Who should be baptized? How should...
When people read the Bible, they may be surprised to find shocking stories of wickedness mixed with stories of great faith, sometimes in the...
After noting how little the people had accomplished, in Haggai 2:1-9 God told them to be strong because of his presence with them.