Articles for tag: Matt Proctor

New Testament Theology & Bible

Getting the Most from the Gospels (Part Two)

By Matt Proctor In Part One of this article, I explained that Matthew, Mark,Â Luke, and John are more than divinely inspired, historicallyÂ accurate biographies. They are that, to be sure. But eachÂ writer”s distinctive approach to telling his material gives usÂ nuance and knowledge we would never have received fromÂ one writer alone. This week we consider principles to help us get the fullest meaning possible from what I call these “pastorally interpretive narratives of the life of Christ.” Read Behind the Lines The first principle of Gospel reading is read behind the lines. In other words, look at the history and culture

September 13, 2011

New Testament Theology & Bible

Gospel Distinctives

By Matt Proctor MATTHEW 1. His Gospel is primarily (though not exclusively) a Jewish Gospel. There are 65 Old Testament references””21 direct quotations from Isaiah alone. Luke traces Jesus” genealogy from Adam, the father of the human race, but Matthew begins his Gospel with a genealogy going back to Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation. 2. He does show some interest in Gentiles. Wise men worship Jesus (2:1-12). Many from east and west will feast with Abraham in the kingdom of Heaven (8:11, 12). Christ proclaims justice to the Gentiles (12:18). The Gentiles hope is in Christ (12:21). Christ

September 6, 2011

New Testament Theology & Bible

Getting the Most from the Gospels (Part One)

By Matt Proctor “Irresistibly drawn to Jesus.” That phrase describes many who have come to faith after reading the Gospels. Most of us love the Gospels because we love Jesus, and the Gospels bring us face to face with him. For some the Gospels are so familiar, though, that they miss truth contained there. A few helps can prevent that from happening. When he was growing up, Vince Antonucci”s parents never took him to church. Maybe it was because his mother was Jewish and his father was a professional gambler. Regardless, he knew nothing about Jesus. He says, “As far

June 10, 2011

Old Testament Theology & Bible

Getting the Most from Old Testament Prophets (Part 2)

Just as a Rubik”s Cube has six sides, six principles will help you understand these often-overlooked books.Â (This is another in a series of articles titled “Reading the Bible for All It”s Worth” that Matt Proctor is writing this year.) _____________ GO TO PART 1 ______________ By Matt Proctor In Part One of this essay, I pointed out the first four of six principles that can help you grasp the marvelous meanings in the Bible”s prophetic texts. I pointed out that the 17 Old Testament books we call the Prophets””Isaiah through Malachi””contain some of the most powerful passages in all of

June 7, 2011

Getting the Most from Old Testament Prophets (Part 1)

Matt Proctor introduces four principles for reading the Old Testament prophets, showing how their setting, task, lives, and themes help readers understand judgment, repentance, and hope.

March 27, 2011

Getting the Most from Old Testament Law (Part 2)

Matt Proctor explains how Christians can read Old Testament Law as a window into God’s heart, a mirror exposing sin, and a picture pointing to Christ.

March 25, 2011

Getting the Most from Old Testament Law (Part 1)

Matt Proctor explains why Christians should not skip the Old Testament Law, showing how Leviticus and other legal texts still shape discipleship, worship, and our understanding of God’s grace.

February 20, 2011

Church Leadership Preaching

Keeping Christ at the Center of Our Sermons

Matt Proctor urges preachers to avoid sermons that merely moralize or offer advice, calling instead for Christ-centered preaching that keeps Jesus at the heart of Scripture.

February 1, 2011

Theology & Bible Bible Study

Getting the Most from Old Testament Stories (Part 2)

Matt Proctor offers seven practical questions for reading Old Testament narratives with fresh eyes, helping readers notice story type, setting, characters, dialogue, repetition, irony, and literary context.

January 25, 2011

Mark A. Taylor

Proclaiming More than Meditating

Mark A. Taylor explains Christian Standard’s 2011 Bible emphasis, urging churches to lift up Scripture through deeper study, clearer teaching, and renewed commitment to biblical literacy.

January 19, 2011

Getting the Most from Old Testament Stories (Part 1)

Matt Proctor explains how to read Old Testament narratives as part of God’s larger salvation story, not merely as isolated morality tales or personal life lessons.

October 27, 2010

Discipleship & Spiritual Formation Spiritual Disciplines

Read a Book!

Matt Proctor encourages Christians to embrace reading as a spiritual discipline, showing how devotional, practical, theological, and biographical books can shape faith and strengthen discipleship.

October 20, 2010

Kevin Ingram and Matt Proctor

Church Leadership Ministry Training & Education

The Just One Challenge

Bob Russell and college presidents urge churches to pray for future kingdom workers through the Just One Challenge, a Matthew 9:38 initiative calling believers to recruit and encourage new ministers.

February 28, 2010

John Caldwell

Organizations & Events Conferences & Gatherings

Honor Where It”s Due: A Report on the 2009 National Missionary Convention

John Caldwell reflects on the National Missionary Convention’s growth, honors Walter and Iva Lou Birney’s decades of service, and highlights a renewed call to prayer, missions, and workers for the harvest.

September 27, 2009

Steve Reeves

Organizations & Events Conferences & Gatherings

A Look at This Year’s NACC: Grace Week

Steve Reeves reflects on the 2009 NACC in Louisville, highlighting grace-filled preaching, practical workshops, worship with Casting Crowns, and the lasting value of face-to-face ministry connections.

September 2, 2009

Mark A. Taylor

News & Updates Christian Standard Updates

Reflecting Our Desire to Serve a Diverse Fellowship

Mark A. Taylor explains how Christian Standard’s contributing editors reflect the fellowship’s diversity and introduces three new voices joining the magazine’s rotating advisory group.

June 6, 2009

David Fincher

Organizations & Events Colleges & Seminaries

One State, Three Bible Colleges

Administrators from Missouri’s three Bible colleges gathered to explore shared goals, reduce expenses, advance excellence, and model unity through practical collaboration.

February 11, 2009

Brad Dupray

Organizations & Events Conferences & Gatherings

Interview with Jeff Stone

Jeff Stone previews the 2009 North American Christian Convention, its “Still Amazed” theme, renewed preaching focus, and emphasis on grace, reconciliation, and encouragement for churches.

August 5, 2007