Preface I just finished writing a daily devotional of the book of Matthew with an emphasis on expositing the text and bringing some daily devotional thoughts to the text. It will be a 40-day journey reading the book of Matthew and the things I wrote within it. Why do it? Well, first of all, I have loved reading the Scripture for over 50 years now. I taught the Scriptures on multiple levels from Sunday messages in a Church, to Bible Studies, to Young Adults' discipleship formation, to lectures in a college setting. I love the Scriptures because it is the Word of God delivered to us from God through human authors, and as Paul reminded Timothy, “it is profitable”. Matthew was a disciple of Jesus, also called Levi, he was not like most of the other disciples. Many of the disciples were middle-class, some commoners, and several were fishermen by trade (which made them middle-class commoners). We don't know what all of them did, but we do know what Matthew did - he was a tax co
We proclaim together, “He is Risen!”, “He is Risen Indeed”. The joy of Easter is the seal of the completion of Lent, and the opening of a New Season where all are invited to come to Christ Jesus, and drink of his mercy and grace. I would like to write a magnificent treatise on Easter, but I will defer to a master who was called “The Golden Mouth” – St. John Chrysostom, from the 4 th century. He was a Church Father who was considered to be one of the greatest preachers of the early church. Read this and we realize why: The Easter Sermon of John Chrysostom Is there anyone who is a devout lover of God? Let them enjoy this beautiful bright festival! Are there any who are grateful servants? Let them rejoice and enter into the joy of their Lord! Are there any weary with fasting? Let them now receive their wages! If any have toiled from the first hour, let them receive their due reward; If any have come after the third hour, let him with gratitude join in the Feast! And