January 1

We begin right at the very beginning of the New Testament, the Book of Matthew 1-2:12. Here’s an overview. Matthew means gift of God.

He was a Jewish tax collector who obeyed Christ’s call and became one of the original twelve apostles. His given name was Levi. While writing especially for the Jews, Matthew proves that Jesus Christ is the son of David, the Messiah, the rightful heir to David’s throne. Matthew’s gospel stands first in the New Testament as the perfect bridge between the old covenant and the new, Israel and the church, prophecy and fulfillment here in chapter 1, we’ll read about the fact that it’s a special book.

The Old Testament is the book of the Genealogy of Adam, but the New Testament is the book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ. In fact, the genealogy of Jesus Christ is the last one given in the Bible here and in Luke, chapter 3. As we’ll see later, the important thing is not your first birth, but your second birth. We’ll read about a special providence. What may be to some readers a boring list of difficult names is actually the record of God’s working throughout the ages to bring his son to earth.

God ruled and overruled and fulfilled his great promises. In the same way, he will keep his promises and send Jesus back again. We’ll read about a special child. The birth of Jesus was different from every other birth. He was conceived by the spirit in Mary’s womb and born with a sinless nature.

He is God with us, Emmanuel, and he’s also God like us because he took our nature and entered into human life and experience. What a wonderful savior.

Happy New Year

Thank you for joining us in reading through the Bible this year in 2024

Genesis 1:1-2:25
Matthew 1:1-2:12
Psalm 1:1-6
Proverbs 1:1-6

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Old Testament: Genesis 1:1-2:25

Our reading in the Old Testament today is right there at the very beginning of it all Genesis 1 – 2:25.

Now, in Genesis 1, we are conscious every day of the visible world around us. We need to remember that this world speaks to us of God. In his existence, his wisdom, and his power God creates here in Genesis 1, everything begins with God and fulfills his purposes for His glory. He works by the power of his word, the same word that can work in our lives.

God divides, He separated the light from the darkness, the dry land from the waters, and the waters above from the waters beneath. The principle of separation is basic in all the Bible. He separated Abraham from Ur, the nation of Israel from the Gentiles, His church from the world. He wants His people today to be separated from all that defiles.

The first man and woman were the only part of creation especially blessed by God. Because we are created in the image of God, we’re different from the other creatures God has made, and we must be careful how we treat one another. Sin has marred that divine image. One day, all true believers will bear the image of Christ. The more we are like Christ, the more we will enjoy His blessing.

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. ~ Psalms 1:1-6

New Testament: Matthew 1:1-2:12

INTRODUCTION TO MATTHEW The subject of this book, and indeed of all the writings of the New Testament, is the Gospel. The Greek word ευαγγελιον signifies a joyful message, good news, glad tidings of good things; such as Christ was anointed to preach, the Angels brought to the shepherds, and the Evangelists, Apostles, and Ministers of Christ published to the world. Isa_61:1. And such is the account given by this inspired writer, of the incarnation, life, actions, ministry, miracles, sufferings, and death of Jesus Christ; whereby peace and reconciliation, pardon and righteousness, atonement and redemption, life and salvation, are obtained for lost, perishing sinners. ~ John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible

John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible

Summary:
The Genealogy of Jesus Christ
The Birth of Jesus Christ
The Visit of the Wise Men

She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” ~ Matthew 1:21