New Testament Study Club

[1watchman]

Hello friends. The problem we often encounter with clubs is that it is hard to keep managing a club site, so I would like to set forth a club that has a format that will work even if the manager is not present. Does that seem like a good idea?

This will be a site to share understandings of the New Testament (N.T.) for Christians --no debates or arguments, but Christian sharing. I will establish the format, so if I am not around to guide things, others can continue the format. Any ideas for change are welcome.

We will leave the Old Testament (O.T.) to others to start, and concern our study with the N.T. since it speaks of Jesus Christ and the Church of God (not speaking of a denomination).

The Plan: 1) Each part of this study will be labeled (e.g. Matthew) until the next book is introduced in about a month (giving enough time for comments). 2) Members should always be able to go back and post thoughts on the previous books (I hope that will work). 3) Members should feel free to join in according to this Plan, and should make any suggestions for major changes. Let us begin and see how it works.

Book Of Matthew:
INTRODUCTION - This is the first book of the four Gospels (meaning "good news"). Each of the Gospels presents Jesus Christ in a bit different way to show His character and purposes toward mankind.

This gospel presents Jesus, the Christ, as the Son of David---"the generation of Jesus Christ" (verse 1). C. I. Scofield remarks: "The prominent character of Christ in Matthew is that of the covenanted King, David's 'righteous Branch'. Matthew records His genealogy, His birth in Bethlehem--the city of David; the ministry of His forerunner (John, the baptizer) according to Malachi 3:1; the ministry of the King Himself; His rejection by Israel; and His predictions of His second coming in power and great glory. Only then does Matthew turn to the earlier covenant, and record the sacrificial death of the Son of Abraham."

Like all the Gospels, it is not a biography of God's Son, because much is not included, and God gives us that which He wants us to know. It is primarily a word to Israel and the world. The church is not found here (see Matt.16:18), though the truths presented are for our good. Other thoughts and comments are welcome at this study site. Let us hear from you, friends.

 

[1watchman]

I find it helpful to note the geneology of Matthew that shows where the "Son of man" came from. Certainly all man comes from God in the true sense, and Jesus came also by the virgin as the "Son of God"; but the geneology shows the lineage through history by God to set forth His beloved Son as the "Savior of the world". Getting the connection to the promises of God in the Old Testament is very helpful.

It is also noteworthy that when Jesus came as a Lamb, His forerunner (John, the Baptizer) announced in Matt. 3:2 that "the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand". This is significant, for if the Lord Jesus had been accepted and worshipped, He would have established His kingdom rule, but since Israel and the world rejected Him, the Kingdom of Heaven was not established. So, today it is only acknowledged and professed by some of mankind --to wit: that Jesus is God's beloved Son and the rightful ruler (though allowed only by profession). When the Lord Jesus returns after the Tribulation period He will not come in meekness as a lamb and ask permission, and will assert His rightful place. Then we shall see the King who shall "...rule in righteousness" by His power. Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be on the earth for a thousand years during the Millennium.

 

[1watchman]

One called attention to Matt. 6:19-21. It is really significant when God says: "...where your treasure is, there will your heart be also". Have you thought about that? If my treasure is about worldly things, that is what my heart will become attached to ---right?

Well, maybe we should be occupied with heavenly things more and God's "exceedingly great and precious promises", so our heart will be there and longing for our home there with our Savior. I think that time is closer than we know.

 

[1watchman]

This month we will move on to the Gospel by Mark. If one has further thoughts or questions on Matthew they can add those also. -1 Watchman


Book Of Mark - Introduction: This is the second book of the four Gospels (meaning "good news"). Each of the Gospels presents Jesus Christ in a bit different way to show His character and purposes toward mankind.

Here, the gospel by Mark presents Jesus, the Christ, as the Servant of God, and speaks more of His works. Comments by C. I. Scofield are noteworthy: "Everywhere the servant character of the incarnate Son is manifest. The key verse is Mk. 10:45: 'For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.' The characteristic word is 'straightway' --- a servant word. There is no genealogy, for who gives the genealogy of a servant? This lowly servant, who emptied Himself of the ‘form of God’, and ‘was found in fashion as a man’, was nevertheless ‘the mighty God’ (Isa. 9:6)."

Like all the Gospels, it is not a biography of God's Son, because much is not included, and God gives us that which He wants us to know here. It is primarily a word to Israel and the world. The church is not found here (see Matt.16:18 and note: Acts 2:41-42), though the truths presented are for our good today.

 

[1watchman]

Book Of Luke – Introduction: This third book of the four Gospels (meaning “good news or glad tidings&#8221 introduces the Lord Jesus, the Christ of God (anointed one), in a different way than the other gospel messages.

The faithful servant, Luke, presents the man Jesus as the “Son of man”. The esteemed Bible teacher, C. I. Scofield (circa 1900 AD) states: “The key-phrase is ‘Son of man”, and “is the Gospel of the human-divine One, as John is of the divine-human One.”

His humanity is shown ---though as the perfect and divine man. He thirsted; He wept; He suffered; and He died. He was baptized as an example for all. God had to become a man to be the Savior of men. He confounded the Jews, who looked for their Messiah as a mighty conqueror, but He came in lowliness as a poor man, and in meekness with love and compassion. He spoke the truth boldly, did not defend Himself, and He only became angry when God was impugned. He went as a lamb to the slaughter and prayed that His Father would forgive His persecutors.

Like all the Gospels, it is not a biography of God's Son, because much is not included, and God gives us that which He wants us to know here. It is primarily a word to Israel and the world. The church is not found here (see Matt.16:18 and note: Acts 2:41-42), though the truths presented are for our good today.

Have you any thoughts on this Gospel?

 

[1watchman]

The Gosple By John – Introduction: This fourth book of the four Gospels (meaning “good news or glad tidings”) introduces the Lord Jesus, the Christ of God (anointed one), in a different way than the other gospel messages.

The account here by the beloved Apostle, John, presents Jesus ---the Christ, as the Son of God. He is shown as coming from the Father above, revealing the Father, and doing the Father's will. His own deity is declared (John 1; etc.), and He could say: "Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me; or else believe Me for the very works' sake"; and He stated that "no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me" (John 14).

He plainly declared that He came into the world to die, rise again, and draw all men to Him; which was in recognition of man's lost and helpless condition, need of redemption, and the foreknowledge that He would not be accepted. Israel was not looking for a redeemer, but a king to vanquish their enemies and set them over all men, so they would not believe on such a lowly one (even as they rejected David when he came as a young boy, though he killed Goliath and set Israel over their enemies). The Lord will yet take His place here as the King and reign over all mankind in a day to come.

The esteemed Bible teacher, C. I. Scofield (circa 1900 AD) states of this Gospel: It is “The eternal Word incarnate in Jesus, the Christ (see John 1:10-13); the witness of John, the Baptist; the public ministry of Christ; the private ministry of Christ to His own; the sacrifice of Christ; the manifestation of Christ in resurrection; Christ the Master of life and service.”

Like all the Gospels, it is not a biography of God's Son, because much is not included, and God gives us that which He wants us to know here. It is primarily a word to Israel and the world. The church is not found here (see Matt.16:18 and note: Acts 2:41-42), though the truths presented are for our good today.

Comments may be added by readers.

 

[bjw]

A good study can come from the parables in Luke 19 of them

 

[1watchman]

The next study will be the Book Of Acts. One may post any thoughts or questions here on the Gospels.

 

[bjw]

Jesus gave his diciples this command "Do not live Jerusalem,but wait for the gift my Father promised,which you have heard me speak about.For John baptized with water,but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." Acts 1:4-6

 

[1watchman]

Yes, thankfully we are not tied to the religion of Israel, but have been given salvation in Christ by the work of the Holy Spirit. There was a "baptism of the Holy Spirit" there at Pentecost to all in attendance, as He descended on the faithful believers.
We can look at the Book Of Acts in our next study.