Author Archives: GaryHowell

Commentary Matthew 1

Abraham, King David and Jesus

Abraham, King David and Jesus

Contents:
• Why no Messiah could possibly come today.
• Why does it appear there are contradictions between Matthew’s account and Luke’s account of Jesus’s Genealogy?
• Does God speak to you in your dreams?
• How Jesus saves his people from their sins.

Before reading this commentary, I encourage you to first read the text of Matthew chapter one
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Understanding the Importance of Context: Why It Matters

man reading bibleThe Bible stands as one of the most influential and widely read texts in human history, cherished by millions around the world as the inspired word of God. Yet, the interpretation of its verses often leads to diverse understandings and even controversies. In the midst of this complexity, one fundamental principle emerges: the significance of reading Bible verses within their contextual framework.

Context provides the backdrop against which individual verses gain depth, clarity, and accuracy in meaning. The Bible encompasses various genres, including historical narratives, poetry, prophecy, parables, and epistles, each with its unique style and purpose. Consequently, extracting isolated verses from their surrounding passages risks distortion and misinterpretation.
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Do You Have to Read the Bible in Order?

No, you don’t. The Bible is a profound and extensive collection of Jewish and Christian texts, but it doesn’t demand a linear reading approach.

You’ll eventually want to read the entire Bible. However, if you’re just starting out, and have never read from the Bible before, it’s probably not a good idea to start at the beginning. As a new Christian, the Old Testament can get you mired down with its odd names, lengthy genealogies and monologs about unfamiliar weights and measurements.

The entire Old Testament is a foreshadowing of the coming of Jesus Christ. So, it’s much better for a new Christian to start by reading Continue reading