Category Archives: bible

New Testament Doctrine: Matthew 4:12-25

Posted on July 3, 2021 by ehurst

It was common for rabbis to accumulate disciples. All the more so was this true for Messianic preachers. This messianic fervor had been running rampant since at least the Period of the Maccabees, and had reached a fever pitch under … Continue reading →

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New Testament Doctrine — Matthew 3

Posted on June 19, 2021 by ehurst

John the Baptist grew up knowing his mission. He also knew that his cousin Jesus was the Messiah, so his job was to prepare the way for Him. Matthew (another cousin of Jesus) tells us that John began his ministry … Continue reading →

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New Testament Doctrine — Luke 2:41-52

Posted on June 12, 2021 by ehurst

In late March, faithful Jews would make pilgrimage to the Temple for Passover. The distance was some 70 miles, and only the hardiest walkers with little to carry could make it in about four days. Your average family would take … Continue reading →

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Matthew 2:19-23

Posted on June 5, 2021 by ehurst

Why such a short passage? Once again, the background story is huge. To make full sense of what Matthew is telling us, we need to be aware of at least some of what was common knowledge in the time this … Continue reading →

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New Testament Doctrine: Matthew 2:1-15

Posted on May 29, 2021 by ehurst

It’s not possible to make sense of this passage without a substantial look at the historical background. Astrology figures large in our text as the presumed background of the visiting Magi. While Matthew’s comment that they came from “the east” … Continue reading →

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New Testament Doctrine — Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2:1-7

Posted on May 22, 2021 by ehurst

We continue our efforts to demythologize the gospel. Upon returning from her three-month visit with Elizabeth, Mary had no doubt that she was pregnant. It would start to show soon. We can be sure she tried to explain the whole … Continue reading →

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New Testament Doctrine — Luke 1:26-38

Posted on May 15, 2021 by ehurst

Whence came the Messiah? Part of what we do here is demythologizing the narrative, removing the gilding from the lily. What we need is to breathe life into the narrative as it stands. We’ve looked at the Forerunner, and we … Continue reading →

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New Testament Doctrine — Luke 1:57-80

Posted on May 8, 2021 by ehurst

The very last three verses of the Old Testament (Malachi 4:4-6) mention the Forerunner of the Messiah coming in the spirit of Elijah. Luke notes for us that the Messiah is a cousin of His Forerunner (their mothers were cousins). … Continue reading →

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New Testament Doctrine — Luke 1:5-25

Posted on May 1, 2021 by ehurst

We seek shalom — peace with our Creator. The Messiah came to offer His Nation one last chance to retain all the promises and blessings of the Covenant of Moses. This ancient covenant — a suzerain-vassal treaty — had to … Continue reading →

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Law of Moses — Nehemiah 13

Posted on April 24, 2021 by ehurst

We skip over some chapters that recount lots of names and details. Chapter 9 is a rich confession of how Israel had failed to honor the Covenant. It’s very worthy of reading purely on a devotional basis. In the following … Continue reading →

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