The fear of death drove most cultural thought, behavior, life, and religion before the crucifixion of Christ. There were no alternatives but a joyless stoic acceptance or a wishful attempt to delay or avoid. When Jesus conquered death on the cross, this changed. As a result, Christianity expanded. The Gospel message of freedom from the fear of death enthusiastically liberated …
Virgin Birth: First Mystery and Miracle: Matthew 1
The Virgin Birth the First Miracle and Mystery of Jesus, but Genealogy Full of Miraculous Matthew presents the virgin birth as the first miracle of Jesus life. A study of the stories of his genealogy will reveal many interesting personalities and backgrounds. Many “respectable people” through the centuries put forth great effort in highlighting only the honorable parts of their …
Prayer: What is Your Concept of God?
What is my concept of God? What is my concept of God? This foundational question is the first of a series of postings on prayer. For effective prayer, I need a true, spiritually healthy concept of God. My concept of God frames how I think of him, how he works, how he views the world, and how he views me. …
A Paralyzed Man Forgiven and Healed: Matthew 9:1-8
The paralyzed man is first forgiven and then healed. The purpose of the miracles was to serve as a testimony to the identity of Christ, and it is interesting that forgiveness has priority in the discussion. Forgiveness of the paralyzed man most bothers the teachers of the law. The teachers of the law represented the religious people of the day …