A classic commentary in modern language ... this volume contains the wealth of exposition, metaphors, analogies, and illustrations that have set Matthew Henry’s Commentary apart as one of the enduring legacies of faith—and presents them in the language of today. Passage by passage, its prayerful, penetrating reflections and rich insights into the very heart of God’s Word are sure to challenge and inspire you.Ideal for personal devotions, Bible studies, and lesson and sermon preparations, The New Matthew Henry Commentary will enable you to rediscover this classic work—or discover it for the first time. Forever fresh and never failing to render new pearls of wisdom, this beloved text is one that you will reach for often to obtain deeper understanding of and appreciation for the Scriptures.
. . . from expected death comes unexpected new life!" The Gospel of Matthew does not shy away from the realities of struggle, suffering, doubt, and death. Yet, from the first names in the genealogy to the last words spoken by Jesus, the Gospel testifies to the promise that from expected death comes unexpected new life. Through the actions of Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba, we experience the expectation of death and the promise of unexpected new life. In the birth story of Jesus, Joseph suspects Mary of committing adultery. It is this dilemma that is the focus of the narrative. If he reveals her pregnancy, she could be killed. If he conceals her pregnancy, he will be going against the law of the Lord. What is a righteous man to do? In Joseph's dilemma, this experience of expected death, the Gospel of Matthew proclaims the promise of unexpected new life. The promise of unexpected new life is a theme that continues throughout Matthew's Gospel in the life and ministry of Jesus. The call of his disciples is a call from death to new life. The teaching of Jesus focuses on the experience of death and the promise of new life. In both healing and curing, Jesus brings unexpected new life to those who face death. But it is the death and resurrection of Jesus that is the climax of unexpected new life in the Gospel of Matthew. Even as Jesus experiences a most horrific and humiliating death in the crucifixion, death and the grave do not have the final say. In bearing witness to Jesus' resurrection, the Gospel of Matthew proclaims the magnificent promise of unexpected new life. Matthew J. Marohl invites you in these pages to read the Gospel of Matthew in a new way, from a fresh perspective. Integrating insights from the study of Mediterranean anthropology, Marohl makes the cultural world of the Gospel come alive, so that as you read Matthew again (or perhaps for the first time) you will certainly experience the powerful promise that from expected death comes unexpected new life!
Matthew Henry (1662-1714) was a Presbyterian minister in England who began his commentary on the Bible in 1704. He completed his work up to the end of Acts before his death. Afterwards, his ministerial friends completed the work from Henry’s notes and writings. Time has sealed the reputation of Matthew Henry’s classic commentary as a rich source of insight into God’s word. For nearly 300 hundred years, Christian have consulted its rich insights into the very heart of God’s Word. Passage by passage, its prayerful, penetrating reflections inspire and challenge the reader. And now, in the tradition of the updated versions of Streams in the Desert and My Utmost for His Highest, the New Matthew Henry Commentary updates the language of the original, making it much easier to understand, while retaining its beauty and strong content. This one volume contains a wealth of exposition and comment, metaphors, analogies, and illustrations that have set Matthew Henry’s Commentary apart as one of the enduring legacies of faith. Ideal for personal devotions, Bible study, sermon and lesion preparations. Forever fresh and never failing to render new pearls of wisdoms, it’s a book you will reach for often to obtain deeper understanding of the Scriptures. Abridged and unabridged editions.
The story of the birth of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew is told in eight verses. Embedded in this short narrative is "Joseph's dilemma." Listeners are told that, "When Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit" (1:18). What happens next has long been debated. We are made to assume that Joseph discovers that Mary is pregnant, but that he does not know that she is with child from the Holy Spirit. This information is made known to Joseph later by an angel of the Lord who appeared to him in a dream. In the meantime, Joseph must decide what he will do with Mary. We are told, "Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly" (1:19). The discussion of this verse generally focuses on two questions. First, did Joseph suspect Mary of adultery? Second, if he did suspect Mary of adultery, what were his options? While there is some diversity in the way that these questions are answered, the majority of modern interpreters envision only one option--that of divorce. The dilemma, then, is whether Joseph will divorce Mary "publicly" or "privately." While these questions are important, neither adequately addresses Joseph's dilemma. In this book, Matthew J. Marohl argues that early Christ-followers understood Joseph's dilemma to involve an assumption of adultery and the subsequent possibility of the killing of Mary. Worded differently, Joseph's dilemma involves the possibility of an honor killing. If Joseph reveals that Mary is pregnant she will be killed. If Joseph conceals Mary's pregnancy, he will be opposing the law of the Lord. What is a "righteous" man to do?
Walk with God You wake up, and your mind is already racing. Your schedule is packed with all that the day holds. In the jumble of carpools, projects, dinner, work, and time with your family, God is often pushed to the side--or out of the picture completely. Matthew Henry was a man who awoke to thoughts of God, went to bed with God on his mind, and filled every hour in between with the same godly focus. Despite hardships, his life was fulfilled and joyful. Learn from him the importance of godly conversation, true devotions, and effective communication, and find a life that is completely pleasing to God.
Although most people acknowledge that Jesus was a first-century Jew, interpreters of the Gospels often present him as opposed to Jewish law and customs--especially when considering his numerous encounters with the ritually impure. Matthew Thiessen corrects this popular misconception by placing Jesus within the Judaism of his day. Thiessen demonstrates that the Gospel writers depict Jesus opposing ritual impurity itself, not the Jewish ritual purity system or the Jewish law. This fresh interpretation of significant passages from the Gospels shows that throughout his life, Jesus destroys forces of death and impurity while upholding the Jewish law.
The descent of Jesus Christ to the dead has been a fundamental tenet of the Christian faith, as indicated by its inclusion in both the Apostles' and Athanasian Creeds. But it has also been the subject of suspicion and scrutiny, especially from evangelicals. Led by the mystery and wonder of Holy Saturday, Matthew Emerson offers an exploration of the biblical, historical, theological, and practical implications of the descent.
In 2012, author Levi Matthew was still a non-believer: he didn’t believe in a higher power or the dark spirits. Now, three years later, after being touched by God, he is certain spirits walk among us. In Too Many Christians are Ruining Our Churches, he shares his personal story and offers an important message for Christians today. Through this collection of observations, Matthew tells how God created humans to build his kingdom here on earth for a later date. But most importantly, God created us to love one another. With scripture messages and narrative, Too Many Christians are Ruining Our Churches encourages believers to examine their behavior, take a look at how they treat all people, stop the hate, and make the move to love all, regardless of financial status, race, or sexual orientation. Matthew, a part-time pastor, delivers a timely missive above love, opening doors, filling seats in the churches, and honoring God.
This book will take you from 'Sunday Christian' to being a vital member of the body of Christ in your local Church, understanding why you are who you are, and Who for. Matthew started writing this book, not after he'd been in the ministry for twenty years or more, nor after he'd built a 'mega-Church'. He hadn't even started Bible college yet! He began writing this book less than a year after becoming a Christian, so he literally takes you with him, from discovering the difference between how and why things are as they are, all the way to clearly hearing the voice of God and effectively standing up against the devil and his drones, in your life. When the idea was introduced to Matthew, that Christians can actually hear the voice of God, they didn't tell him that most people don't, or that it's a rare occurrence. At least not until the prophetic was already flowing, and by then it was too late to squeeze him into the box so many accept. So as a new Christian, with the child like faith that Jesus requested for salvation, Matthew decided early on that if God is who He says He is, and you have a question, what's stopping Him from answering you? The Bible says; You have not because you ask not. So he asked and he asked and he asked some more. Why Would You Read This Book? I'm just like you, no more, no less. I believe God is raising up His people. Any of His people, to finish the work He started and left us with, two thousand years ago. I've written this book to show you that God can and will use anyone who is ready and everyone who is willing. Don't read this book because you know who I am (nobody knows who I am), read this book because you want to know what God has to say, directly to you!
The loss of a loved one, a closed door in a career, a broken relationship--most of us have experienced one of these or some degree of pain or disappointment in our lives. If you haven't yet and you live long enough, you will too. The truth is…pain is a very real part of our lives and existence in a fallen world—a world broken by the consequences of sin. Most of us run in the opposite direction from anything that even remotely resembles pain or disappointment. But we can't run fast enough or far enough to outrun it forever. Then what? In Blessed Brokenness: Finding God's Glory in the Ashes of Life, Reverend Matthew Hogan walks us through the years long journey he and his wife have been on through more pain and struggles than most of us would know in two or three lifetimes. And yet, even in the midst of all that turmoil, they have found a secret the rest of us need to hear—a secret that not only helps us make sense out of the messes we find ourselves in but can even draw us closer to our Heavenly Father--the One who loves us most. My hope for everyone who reads this book is that you will find: a new perspective on that pain you are experiencing (or the next one you face), strength from the One who is with you through every difficulty and, a beauty in the ashes of brokenness. -Kyle Gerrild, pastor and author of Lord of the Circle
Some Suggested Thoughts on How to Use This Book Read it in the morning to gather strength and inspiration for the day, or at evening at the close of the day. This book of meditative thoughts can be used for family devotions, to show concern for others by sharing its thoughts with friends. "THIS BOOK CAN ALSO SERVE AS A TIE THAT BINDS" In order to feel closer to loved ones and friends living miles away, you can stay in touch by agreeing to read the same meditative thought at the same time each day. Since 1991, the author of this book has been doing a Thought For The Day on Clear Channel Radio Savannah, Georgia WSOK 1230 AM, Joy In The Morning. "I pray that God will anoint this book and that each meditation will change lives and be a source of comfort to all who read them" - Matthew S. Brown
What is the difference between an intellectual, factual knowledge of God and the actual change that occurs when you enter into an intimate relationship of love with Jesus? Matthew Braden, a devoted servant of the Lord, explores that question in this heartfelt work, emphasizing that true faith means more than believing you are guaranteed a place in heaven. He illustrates that it is not enough to simply know all the right answers or to be born into a “Christian” home. He looks back on how he lost his way after growing up in the church, giving in to “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16). All the while, he would have claimed that he loved God. But time slowly uncovered the reality that his “Christian” life was just a veil for the sin that held him captive. The author reveals how the Holy Spirit ignited his faith, challenging his heart with questions such as: What does it really mean to love God? What does true, saving faith in Jesus Christ look like? How can you engage in authentic discipleship? Matthew uses many thought provoking questions to challenge his readers to examine what they believe and how it affects the way they live. He also notes that choosing to put your faith in Jesus and surrender your will is not an intellectual determination—it is a decision of the heart. Forget what you think you know, challenge what you have heard, and investigate the Word of God for yourself with the insights in Factual or Actual?
Looks at St. Lukes's account of the crucifixion, painting the political, religious, and cultural background of the event and describes the sensitivities that shape Luke's view. It reads Luke's record without the prejudices that have long colored the way we see it. It also provides portrayals of many of the characters involved from Judas, to the High Priest to the Roman Governor Pontius Pilate. 'This book encourages us really to engage with not only St Luke's account of the Passion, but with the One at the centre of it all. It is a gentle book allowing a real encounter with the Crucified Christ to take place. It sets the scene and evokes a response of faith without defining too closely how each individual may respond. I look forward to using this book as part of my own observance of Holy Week 2004.' - Most Rev John Neill, Archbishop of Dublin. The Very Rev Matthew Byrne, formerly Dean of St Brigid's Cathedral, Kildare, lives in Co. Wicklow, Ireland
In this book, Dr. Matthew N. O. Sadiku has shared the amazing story of how he rose from his humble beginnings in Nigeria. He described how he was raised in a Muslim home. After his conversion to Christianity, his drive led him to relocate to the United States for advanced degrees. He has provided a text that is lively from beginning to the end. The book provides a good understanding of his life, thought, and work. You will learn about what it takes to be a mover and shaker for God as you see Sadiku traverse the nation, rising to success in the academic and publishing worlds. The book is an essential reading for those interested in the genesis of greatness.
The book of Revelation is apocalyptic literature; God’s revealed truth in fantastical images; a way of teaching Old Testament ideas to the New Testament church. In John’s day he desired the churches under his apostolic authority to walk in a specific manner. From Revelation 14, McMahon explains the practical nature of the militant Christian expounding these words of the Apostle, “These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth.” Throughout Revelation John shapes the cross of Christ into the imagery of the Lamb who stands in the midst of the church in heaven and rules them by his covenant. To follow the Lamb whithersoever he goes, is when the Christian makes God’s will the rule of their own will. These Christians in heaven rejoice in Christ being both holy and happy, and the church on earth ought to mimic them, they too desiring to be both holy and happy, to have their sins mortified as well as pardoned, to be sanctified as well as saved, to live to God here as well as to live with God after in heaven, so they will follow Christ whithersoever he goes. How is it that the slain Lamb leads you? How do you willingly follow him? To follow Christ implies walking with him; it is to follow; it is to move. This study focuses on that little phrase, in Rev. 14:4, “follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth;” that Christians follow Christ. They follow him: for who he is, for who they are in contrast to the world, in opposition to compromise and false religion, and into all kinds of providences. They follow him in times of ease, or frowning providences, and they do all this for his glory.
The book chronicles the life and career of footballer Peter Ward who played for Brighton & Hove Albion, Nottingham Forest and England. Ward also played professionally in the USA and was the Player of the Year in 1982 when part of the Seattle Sounders team that played New York Cosmos in the Soccer Bowl.
The descent of Jesus Christ to the dead has been a fundamental tenet of the Christian faith, as indicated by its inclusion in both the Apostles' and Athanasian Creeds. But it has also been the subject of suspicion and scrutiny, especially from evangelicals. Led by the mystery and wonder of Holy Saturday, Matthew Emerson offers an exploration of the biblical, historical, theological, and practical implications of the descent.
The Found do not speak. Silent and alone, they are discovered on the lakeshore. Our hero's lover is Found, yet she, too, is silent. What will become of them? A post-apocalyptic flash fiction about hope and undying love. Note: This is flash fiction, a bite-sized story that packs a ton of punch in a small package.
Matthew Barrett leads us to marvel at both how much and how little we know of God."--Tim Challies, blogger at challies.com; author of Visual Theology For too long, Christians have domesticated God, bringing him down to our level as if he is a God who can be tamed. But he is a God who is high and lifted up, the Creator rather than the creature, someone than whom none greater can be conceived. If God is the most perfect, supreme being, infinite and incomprehensible, then certain perfect-making attributes must be true of him. Perfections like aseity, simplicity, immutability, impassibility, and eternity shield God from being crippled by creaturely limitations. At the same time, this all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-wise God accommodates himself, exhibiting perfect holiness, mercy, and love as he makes known who he is and how he will save us. The attributes of God show us exactly why God is worthy of worship: there is none like him. Join Matthew Barrett as he rediscovers these divine perfections and finds himself surprised by the God he thought he knew. "Matthew Barrett's excellent book lays out in clear, accessible terms what the biblical, historic, ecumenical doctrine of God is, why it matters, and why its abandonment by great swathes of the Protestant world is something that needs correction."--Carl R. Trueman, professor, Grove City College; author of Grace Alone "Perhaps not since R. C. Sproul has there been a treatment of such deep theology with such careful devotion and accessibility. Read this book. And stagger."--Jared Wilson, director of content strategy, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; managing editor, For the Church; author of The Gospel-Driven Church "The knowledge of God is the soil in which Christian piety flourishes. I am grateful for the publication of None Greater and pray it will be a source of growth in godliness among those captivated by its vision of God's supremacy."--Scott Swain, president and James Woodrow Hassell Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary-Orlando; author of Reformed Catholicity
The story of the birth of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew is told in eight verses. Embedded in this short narrative is ""Joseph's dilemma."" Listeners are told that, ""When Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit"" (1:18). What happens next has long been debated. We are made to assume that Joseph discovers that Mary is pregnant, but that he does not know that she is with child from the Holy Spirit. This information is made known to Joseph later by an angel of the Lord who appeared to him in a dream. In the meantime, Joseph must decide what he will do with Mary. We are told, ""Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly"" (1:19). The discussion of this verse generally focuses on two questions. First, did Joseph suspect Mary of adultery? Second, if he did suspect Mary of adultery, what were his options? While there is some diversity in the way that these questions are answered, the majority of modern interpreters envision only one option--that of divorce. The dilemma, then, is whether Joseph will divorce Mary ""publicly"" or ""privately."" While these questions are important, neither adequately addresses Joseph's dilemma. In this book, Matthew J. Marohl argues that early Christ-followers understood Joseph's dilemma to involve an assumption of adultery and the subsequent possibility of the killing of Mary. Worded differently, Joseph's dilemma involves the possibility of an honor killing. If Joseph reveals that Mary is pregnant she will be killed. If Joseph conceals Mary's pregnancy, he will be opposing the law of the Lord. What is a ""righteous"" man to do? ""Books that bring a new slant to bear on old disputed texts and unresolved issues are always welcomed. Matthew Marohl's study of the heated debate concerning the circumstances surrounding Jesus's conception and birth is such a new slant on a highly controverted story. It is sure to broaden our cultural vista, shed light on an overlooked aspect of Joseph's dilemma, and rustle not a few feathers along the way."" --John H. Elliott, Professor Emeritus, University of San Francisco ""Marohl's study of honor killings, be they modern or ancient, opens up new avenues of interpretation for the Gospel of Matthew's infancy narrative. Taking into consideration that honor and shame were pivotal values of the social world in question, this study demonstrates that Mary's pregnancy, as well as Joseph's initial reaction to it, originally invoked the familiar social dimensions of damaging and protecting family honor, something now lost to modern readers."" --Markus Cromhout, Department of New Testament Studies, University of Pretoria. ""Marohl's systematic analysis of the cultural presuppositions of Matthew's presentation of Mary's shameful pregnancy leads him to conclude that Joseph contemplated killing Mary which, while shocking, reveals a narrative pattern that is evident throughout the gospel--'from unexpected death comes unexpected, new life.' It is a pattern that is to be replicated in the lives of the Jesus followers. Marohl's unique combination of cultural anthropology and honor killings casts new light on the Gospel's meaning and intended outcome."" --Dietmar Neufeld, Professor of Christian Origins, University of British Columbia Matthew J. Marohl teaches New Testament at Augustana College, Rock Island, IL. He holds a PhD in New Testament from the University of St. Andrews and is the author of Faithfulness and the Purpose of Hebrews: A Social Identity Approach (Pickwick, 2008).
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