The Synoptics

The New Testament begins with the books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Also known as the Synoptics, these books are very similar and diverse in quite a few aspects. One important similarity is the fact that all three of these books are written about the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, which is the reason that they are given the name The Synoptics. Another common characteristic is that Matthew, Mark, and Luke contain accounts of the death and resurrection of Jesus, as well as many of His astounding miracles. There are however a collections of differences throughout the Synoptics. One major example would be the fact that format, chapter content, and specificity very greatly in each individual book. Another key difference is that the birth of Jesus Christ is described in Matthew and Luke, but is not mentioned in book of Mark. Also, the setting of Mark is actually located around the Sea of Galilee, while Matthew and Luke take place in the region of Palestine.  The opposites and common ground that the Synoptic books share are very important, but all three books very accurately depict the life of Jesus on this earth.

Creation: How it all began

The story of creation is an unbelievably amazing story about God, a mighty and skilled artist, taking darkness and emptiness and transforming it into a jaw- dropping universe. Out of His hands, all things came into being. In just 6 days, God did what no other mind, catastrophic event, or scientific process could ever do. God created life. From every species of plant and animal to Adam and his wife Eve, God handcrafted every little detail. He takes the seventh day of creation to rest and marvel at His handiwork. But what’s the most amazing thing about the creation story? God saw that all he had made was good. No mistakes, nothing misplaced. God made a whole, perfect, and absolutely unfathomably beautiful world, and that is the story of creation.

Understanding God's Story

Having a good understanding of God’s story should deeply impact our lives as believers. Just knowing the God has an ultimate, successful plan should really influence our actions, how we think, and our enthusiasm for sharing God’s word with others. Understanding that we are a big part of God’s plan is very important, and this should make us passionate to further the kingdom of Christ, which is what God has called us to do. By understanding the Story, God’s love can be shown in a much more positive way through us. His love and His sacrifice are evident throughout time, and fully understanding what God has in store for us is very essential in our walk with God.

MAKING DISCIPLES

I wanted to talk a little bit about a verse or two of scripture that really should affect our Christian faith and our walk with God. In Matthew 28: 19-20, Jesus says “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Jesus was speaking this to his disciples, commanding and encouraging them to spread the Word of the Lord all over the world. This is important to me because we are also disciples of Jesus. This commandment was not only directed to Jesus’ personal disciples, but to everyone that has put their faith and trust in the one true God. This motivates me, and hopefully all Christian’s, to share with everyone the saving power and grace of God. I really love these few verses because they remind me of how awesome God really is. Even though Jesus was giving this commandment to His disciples in His life on earth, Jesus knew that these verses would reach and impact individual believers like me and you thousands of years later. If you think about that, it is pretty amazing! With all that being said, Matthew 28: 19-20 should really make us passionate and on fire to further the kingdom of Jesus Christ! Okay that’s about it. Thanks for taking the time to read my first blog! Hahaha Bye!