The Gospel of Matthew: A Study Guide for LIFE - Paperback

by James K. Crews (Author)

Matthew, a "despicable" Jewish tax collector, was invited to follow Jesus and he became an eyewitness and active participant in many events of Jesus' life. He wrote his gospel to a Jewish audience and discussed Jewish practices and customs with easy familiarity. He wrote his gospel to appeal to the thoughts and interests of the religious Jews. He documented the genealogy of Jesus all the way back to Abraham to show His roots to the founding father of Judaism. Matthew's ultimate goal was to declare the truth about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. He described Jesus' teaching, many of His miracles, and His crucifixion, burial and resurrection from the dead. He also recorded the most detailed and graphic description of the events to occur before Jesus returns to earth to establish His earthly kingdom. Matthew's gospel is a foundational book written about the Cornerstone of our faith, the Stone the builders rejected, Jesus the Christ. As you use this Study Guide for LIFE you will be helped by three specific tools: 1) explanatory notes which offer insight into difficult or controversial passages; 2) searching questions which direct you back to the text for answers, and 3) probing questions that expand the context and challenge you to apply the truths in this book to your own life and culture. Our goal is that you will know what the text says, what it means and will be able to apply it appropriately. These tools will help you understand and incorporate the teachings and examples of Jesus Christ into your own situations. It is our hope that you will be able to use these discoveries to experience the closeness and intimacy with God the Father through the Lord Jesus Christ. The Study Guide is appropriate for the study efforts of individuals, small groups or teachers preparing to explain this book. Whether you are a curious seeker or a professional minister, the Study Guide for LIFE will direct your studies into the heart of Matthew's gospel, but also to the very heart of Jesus Christ Himself.

Author Biography

James K. Crews, B-Th, MA-Th, (he prefers "Jim") is an ordained minister who has served as Bible teacher, church leader, missionary, international conference speaker, author and academic dean of a Bible college. He's done all those things, but that's not who he is. He's just your basic, shy analytical kind of guy who is a follower of Jesus, one who has spent his life studying God's Word and getting to know Him. He has assembled a lifetime of learning to create the Study Guides for LIFE to point believers toward Jesus so they can also know Him and make Him known. His theology is thoroughly conservative, evangelical, charismatic and Wesleyan. His study guides strive for unity in the body of Christ and a dependency on the Scriptures rather than on denominational dogma. With theology degrees from both the Independent Assemblies of God and a conservative Baptist seminary, he presents both sides of conflicting views. His goal is to expand the readers' awareness of the issues while directing them to the Scriptures and the father-heart of God so they can develop their own understanding and conclusions.