BIBLES * Bulldogs * & Beards

Disagree, agree, or have a question: Contact us through the contact page on our website; http://www.biblebulldog.com Dr Ferguson begins his introduction by saying “time is relative”. This is a phrase that we hear often, what does it mean and how does it apply to Christmas? He also mentions a verse from Charles Wesley’s hymn, Hark the Herald Angels Sing: “Late in time behold Him come, Offspring of the Virgin’s womb.”. Late in time, did Jesus come late? Dr Ferguson spends time looking at Matthew’s account of the birth of Jesus. We join him in reflecting on the prologue to the greatest story of all - the story of Jesus Christ. 1.In the Beginning - Matthew 1:1-17 “The first words of a book are important.” Why is this true? “The opening section of Matthew isn’t exactly an attention-grabber for most of us.” It was for the 1st century Jew, why so? “Literally they read, “Book of the genesis of Jesus Christ, son of David, Son of God”. How is the birth of Jesus a new beginning? Each of the four gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—paints a unique portrait of Jesus. They show us the same Jesus but portray Him from different perspectives. “Matthew’s Gospel has sometimes been described as ‘The Gospel of the Kingdom’”. Why is it described that way, and what Kingdom is it describing? Matthew 28:18-20 - “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Is Jesus ruling now, or is will He rule after He returns? The list of names are important because of the 3 ways in which Matthew describes Jesus. Jesus is the Christ (1:1, 16, 17, 18). Genesis 3:15 - I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.” Jesus is the son of David (1:1). 2 Samuel 7:12-13 Jesus is the son of Abraham (1:1). Genesis 12:1-3 - 2.“The Hopes and Fears of All the Years”. “Matthew is cramming almost 2000 years of Bible history into 16 verses and 42 generations are listed.” Matthew divides the names into 3 groups of 14 generations each: Abraham to David, David to the Babylonian exile, and from the exile to Christ. We see 14 three times, is Matthew trying to tell us something? There were times in Israel’s history when God seemed to have forgotten His promises. What application can modern day Christian’s get from this? “Matthew is painting on the large canvas of history a picture of God’s sovereignty and faithfulness.” Do you think most Christians believe in God’s sovereignty? Why is it important? 3.Cherchez la Femme? (Look for the woman). “When it comes to the genealogy of Jesus, look for the woman is good advice.” Some women may feel slighted by Christianity. Would you explain why they shouldn’t be? Tamar (1:3) She gave birth to the twin sons of her father-in-law, Judah. (Genesis 38) Rahab (1:5) She was a Jericho prostitute. ((Joshua 2) Ruth ((1:5) She was a Moabite. (Moabites were barred from the congregation of Israel Deut. 23:3) The wife of Uriah the Hittite (1:6 Bathsheba) She committed adultery with David. What do these women have in common? “Matthew gives us hints to 3 important biblical principles.” God extends His grace beyond the chosen people of Israel and brings Gentile into His covenant. Matthew 28:18-20 Did Christ die for all or for only the elect? God over comes the effects of sin and shame as He works out His purposes. Hebrews 2:17 Hebrews 4:15-16 We often hear people say, “You have no idea what I’m going through”. Is there anything that we can experience that Christ cannot comfort us with? God keeps His promises in ways we could never anticipate. Christmas is a time of new beginnings. God is sovereign. t. - 1 Timothy 1:15