Matthew’s Gospel In Outline Form

There are multiple ways to outline Matthew’s Gospel.  One way is to follow the form of a suzerain covenant,  Here is another approach from an application of that approach, keeping in mind that the temptation narrative itself follows the form of a suzerain covenant.  I. Matthew 1 - 3  : Introduction The author/authors introduce us to Yeshua via a gematria laden eschatological genealogy, a very brief birth narrative, a note about Yeshua’s ascent into manhood, & His baptism by John the Baptist that ends in a theophany. II. Matthew 4  : Prophet, Priest, King   Each of the 3 temptations highlights one of Yeshua’s 3 offices —- Prophet, Priest, & King, in that order. This provides the narrative framework (ie outline) for the remainder of the Gospel. Yeshua calls His disciples, essentially putting together a school of highly prophetic people who would serve as functional levites ministering to the poor, the sick & infirm, the marginalized, even Rom...
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Why I’m Not A Cessationist (Part 2)

This is the definition of inductive prophecy — prophetic activity that is done/accomplished with objects.   It is frequently deployed by the LORD & His people as an answer to witchcraft, sorcery, the dark arts, etc. 

Baptism & the Lord’s Supper / Fellowship Meal are acts of inductive prophecy.   We call them sacraments (ordinances if you’re Baptist).  Circumcision (Genesis 17) is an answer to the dedication of children to demons & witchcraft (Genesis 6).     The Lord’s Table (1 Corinthians 11) answers the meals dedicated to Aphrodite in Corinth, & the intramural conflict in the Corinthian church over use of food sacrificed to idols is rightly explained as an argument between people who had questions about the use of instruments (ingredients) used for Aphrodite worship & whether or not they could be justifiably repurposed for the Lord’s Table.

Are these the only examples?  To that I would ask the question, “Is the binding rite in the hands of the Witch of Endor still an act of witchcraft based on her motives & purposes?  Of course it is!   Then why wouldn’t the same rite be an act of inductive prophecy on the part of one or more members of the LORD’s covenant community? 

God bless us all, each & every one, & “Go & Sin No More.”

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