Remember, in His Word, God has:
- Something to see – what does the text say
- Something to understand – what does it mean
- Something to apply – what does it mean to me
- Something to praise – for what are you thankful?
(1) Through the Bible
| Day 1: Lamentations 1-5 | Day 4: Ez 8-11 |
| Day 2: Ezekiel 1-4 | Day 5: Ez 12-15 |
| Day 3: Ez 5-7 | Day 6: Ez 16-17 |
This Sunday we begin our study of the New Testament. As Genesis begins with an ‘origin’ story, so does the New Testament as the Gospel of Matthew begins with the origin story of Jesus. In particular we get a genealogy of Jesus back to Abraham. Most of us struggle with this kind of text which seems somewhat dull and repetitive. When we come across such a text ask yourself what you learn about God (in particular God the Word made flesh) before figuring out what is has to do with your life. Here are a few quick things to consider. Jesus birth is rooted: in history (Jewish history in particular), in God’s sovereignty, in God’s promises, and God’s grace (v21). Appropriately, our theme for the week is ‘A new beginning’.
(2) Key Passages
| Day 1: Matthew1:1-5 | Day 4: Mt 1:18-21 |
| Day 2: Mt 1:6-11 | Day 5: Mt 1:22-25 |
| Day 3: Mt 1:12-17 | Day 6: Is 9:2-7 |
(3) Key Verses
| Day 1: Matthew1:1-3 | Day 4: Mt 1:10-11 |
| Day 2: Mt 1:4-6 | Day 5: Mt 1:12-15 |
| Day 3: Mt 1:7-9 | Day 6: Mt 1:16-17 |
(4) Pre-readers (in the translation of your choice, quoted below from the NLT)
“And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:21