In a world filled with diverse beliefs and perspectives, it’s crucial for us to have a deep understanding of their faith. Ps Bojan delved into the significance of becoming more Bible literate and emphasised the need for a comprehensive understanding of the Bible, doctrine, and faith. We explored how building one’s faith on a strong foundation, rooted in the Word of God, can lead to a life-giving outcome.
The Role of the Bible in Building Faith
At the heart of a robust faith lies a profound knowledge of the Bible. The Word of God serves as the bedrock upon which our beliefs and convictions are built. It offers guidance, wisdom, and a comprehensive understanding of God’s plan for humanity. Embracing the Bible as the cornerstone of our faith ensures that we are not swayed by superficial or fleeting experiences.
Read:
- Matthew 1:1-17 NKJV
- Ruth 4:18-22 NKJV
- 1 Chronicles 1:34 NKJV
- 1 Chronicles 2:1-15 NKJV
- Luke 3:31-34 NKJV
Jesus: The Living Word
Central to our faith is Jesus Christ, who is represented by the Word. Understanding why Jesus is the chosen Messiah and Savior is paramount. The Gospel of Matthew, written with the aim of presenting Jesus as the Messiah, provides a powerful introduction to this concept.
12 “When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be his Father, and he shall be My son. If he commits iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men. 15 But My mercy shall not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from before you. 16 And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever.
2 Samuel 7:12-16 NKJV
Exploring the Synoptic Gospels
The Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—though similar in content, cater to different target audiences. Each Gospel offers a unique perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus, providing a well-rounded understanding of his ministry.
The Significance of Jesus’ Genealogy
While some may find the genealogy of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew less attention-grabbing, it holds immense importance. This lineage sets the tone for understanding Jesus’ purpose and mission. By tracing Jesus back to Abraham, it establishes him as the fulfillment of the Old Testament promise of the Messiah.
The Covenant with Abraham and David
To qualify as the Messiah, Jesus had to be a descendant of David. This requirement ties him directly to the covenants God made with Abraham and David. Through these promises, God ensured the establishment of an everlasting Kingdom—a promise fulfilled in Jesus.
Inclusivity and Redemption
Jesus’ genealogy contains unexpected names, including women like Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba. Their inclusion showcases God’s inclusivity and willingness to use imperfect individuals in His redemptive plan. It reinforces the idea that God can use flawed individuals to bring about His perfect plan of redemption.
2 Abraham begot Isaac, Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot Judah and his brothers. 3 Judah begot Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez begot Hezron, and Hezron begot Ram. 4 Ram begot Amminadab, Amminadab begot Nahshon, and Nahshon begot Salmon. 5 Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse, 6 and Jesse begot David the king.
Matthew 1:2-6 NKJV|
Josiah begot Jeconiah and his brothers about the time they were carried away to Babylon.
Matthew 1:11 NKJV
God pronounces a curse on Jeconiah. If Jesus was the real son of Joseph, He would have come under the curse. But He had to be the legal son of Joseph to inherit the right to the throne of David. Virgin birth solves this. Jesus was the legal heir to the throne through Joesph, but He was the real son of David through Mary. The curse of Jeconiah did not fall on Mary or her children as she was not a descendant of Jeconiah. Jesus is the Messiah by way of lineage of David. The Messiah offers salvation. The Messiah breaks the curse of the law.
Jesus’ Upside-Down Kingdom
Jesus intentionally chose imperfect individuals as his disciples, breaking down societal norms. This demonstrates that God can use messy people to fulfill His redemptive plan, and that His Kingdom turns the world’s expectations upside-down.
Galatians 3:13 NKJV | Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”)
God’s love is patient, wide, enduring. God’s love should compel us to offer God our entire selves, and show this same type of patient and enduring love to others.
Strengthening Your Faith
To navigate a world with varying beliefs and perspectives, it’s crucial to understand and defend our faith. Blindly following tradition or the words of others is insufficient. Instead, focus on personal intellectual understanding, rooted in a solid foundation of knowledge and evidence.
Building a strong foundation of faith through Bible literacy and deep understanding is paramount. It empowers us to navigate a diverse world with confidence and articulate our beliefs effectively. Embracing the living Word, Jesus, and anchoring our faith in the promises of God sets us on a path of redemption, inclusivity, and grace. Let us rise above generational curses and put our faith in the one who has already overcome them—Jesus, the Messiah.
