15 December 2019
Two-Minute Features | 22 December 2019 | 08 December 2019

Understanding the Genealogies of Jesus (TMF:SE10)

Friday, December 20, 2019
Peace to Live By: Understanding the Genealogies of Jesus (TMF:SE10) - Daniel Litton
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       So, in moving on, before we get to more specific details about the virgin birth, I want to focus briefly on the genealogies surrounding Jesus Christ. These genealogies, found in both Matthew’s and Luke’s Gospels, are pretty interesting to study, especially if you like researching your own genealogies and like learning about your ancestors and what not. So Matthew and Luke also give us the birth accounts, which I will touch on shortly. Luke's genealogy is complete, as it goes all the way back to the first man ever to live, which is Adam. Nevertheless, Matthew's genealogy only goes back to Abraham, and he was the one with whom God first established a covenant (see Genesis 12). So, Luke likely used Mary's family line, as Jesus was truly related to Mary by blood. But Jesus, obviously then, because he was born of Mary the virgin, from the Holy Spirit, was not actually related to Joseph, who was his earthly father. So Matthew, then, uses Joseph's line of linage.

Jesus is Our Defender & Helper (TMF:SE09)

Thursday, December 19, 2019
Peace to Live By: Jesus is Our Defender & Helper (TMF:SE09) - Daniel Litton
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       “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm” (Ephesians 6:13, ESV). Now, it isn't until after the 1,000 year reign of Christ that Satan will ultimately be taken out of the picture (see Revelation chapter 20). Also, let us note that Jesus has become our defender now and will be judge of all in the future. Christ intercedes for us as Christians when we need help, as noted in Romans 8:34. The writer of Hebrews also notes that Jesus is high priest for the saints of God (see Hebrews 4:14-16). In the Old Testament, the high priest was responsible to offer sacrifices for the people's sins. Nowadays, Jesus has already paid the penalty for our sins, and we are therefore blameless before him. We have access to God with boldness and confidence (see Ephesians 3:12).

We Now Have Freedom from Fear (TMF:SE08)

Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Peace to Live By: We Now Have Freedom from Fear (TMF:SE08) - Daniel Litton
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       We, as Christians, never have to fear death because in our eyes, for the Apostle Paul said, “So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil” (2 Corinthians 5:6-10, ESV). Paul also notes in Colossians 2 of Jesus: “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him” (ESV). It is true that the spiritual forces of evil will still launch attacks on Christians, as Paul just told us. But let’s consider another passage from Paul: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:10-12, ESV).

Jesus' Coming Destroyed Satan's Plan (TMF:SE07)

Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Peace to Live By: Jesus' Coming Destroyed Satan's Plan (TMF:SE07) - Daniel Litton
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       For the Christian truly walking the Christian life, there are going to be trials and tribulations, just like anyone else has in the world. The difference is that we as Christians can work through them while we trust in God to get us through them. Unbelievers don't know God and therefore cannot have the benefit of trusting in him through their trails and troubles. Speaking of trails and tribulations, another purpose for Christ's coming into the world was to ultimately destroy the works of Satan and his demons. It was penned of God in Hebrews 2:14-15 that, “Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery” (ESV). When Jesus died on the cross, Satan and his demons (the fallen angels) ultimately lost the war.

Jesus is Our Example of Faithfulness (TMF:SE06)

Monday, December 16, 2019
Peace to Live By: Jesus is Our Example of Faithfulness (TMF:SE06) - Daniel Litton
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       “Now Moses was faithful in all God's house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later, but Christ is faithful over God's house as a son. And we are his house if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.” (Hebrews 3:4-6, ESV). How was Jesus faithful in his life to God? Again, Peter notes that, “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness” (1 Peter 2:21-24, ESV). For the Christian truly walking the Christian life, there are going to be trials and tribulations, just like anyone else has in the world.