Winning the Lost

PRAY FOR ETHIOPIA OVERVIEW: The gospel was first brought to Ethiopia in the first century, but many Ethiopian Christians still face persecution today. In southern Ethiopia, political unrest and the rise of Wahhabism, an extreme branch of Islam, among the Oromo people have resulted in a wave of attacks against Christians across the region. Eastern Ethiopia has one of the largest Somali populations in the world, and Christians there are persecuted by both their communities and their families. In northern Ethiopia, militants among the Ethiopian Orthodox Church persecute Christians outside their denomination. Several majority-Muslim tribal groups throughout Ethiopia also persecute Christians. Freedom of religion is guaranteed under Ethiopian law, and the national government generally works to protect the rights of Christians. But recent political unrest has created opportunities for large attacks on Christians and churches throughout the country. Still, many churches in Ethiopia continue to plant new churches and send missionaries to difficult areas. In November 2020, a civil war broke out in the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia, causing immense suffering and greatly affecting churches and pastors. MAJOR RELIGION: 59 percent of Ethiopians are Christians. Islam is growing, and Muslims now compose nearly 40 percent of the population. PERSECUTOR: Believers in the south and east face persecution, especially those who leave Islam to follow Christ. Some believers living in the north are persecuted by militants among the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, and armed rebel groups attack Christians and churches. Voice of the Martyrs – Praying for Persecuted Christians in Ethiopia

Matthew – Jesus, The Messiah If you’re looking for a central theme in Matthew’s Gospel, perhaps the short answer is Jesus, the Messiah, bringing Salvation history to fulfillment. Strauss nailed it with this summary: Jesus doesn’t just fulfill some random prophecies here and there; He is the point of them. He’s the One tying all of Israel’s history together. He’s the One saving His people from their sins. You can’t overstate this: Matthew is showing us that the entire Old Testament was moving toward this moment. Matthew, more than any other Gospel, is shouting, “Wake up! This is your Messiah!” He’s constantly pointing back to the Old Testament and saying, “Look! Fulfillment!” It’s all over the place: Matthew 1:23 – the Virgin Birth, fulfilling Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 2:6 – the birth in Bethlehem, fulfilling Micah 5:2. Matthew is practically screaming, “How did you guys miss this?!” The structure of the Gospel helps drive this home. We start with the prologue, where Matthew shows Jesus’ Divine and Royal Lineage through Joseph’s story. Then, boom, right into His Ministry to Israel in chapters 4 to 11. Jesus is teaching, healing, and showing up the religious leaders who thought they had it all figured out. Then, starting in chapter 11, we get the rejection of Jesus by Israel but the growing acceptance by His disciples. This tension builds until Jesus heads to Jerusalem, confronts the religious leaders, and ultimately faces rejection and death. But Matthew doesn’t leave us there. Chapters 26 to 28 show that even though Jesus is rejected, He’s victorious. He’s the Messiah who conquers through His Sacrifice. And check out how Matthew writes. He’s concise. No fluff. He’s more of a reporter, documenting the facts, but when Jesus speaks, that’s where Matthew shines. There are five massive teaching sections. Why? Because the Jews wanted to know what you said, not only what you did. Jesus isn’t only a Miracle Worker—He’s a new Moses, laying down the Law of the Kingdom. Matthew’s Gospel has a super strong Messianic focus. But here’s the plot twist—the Messiah didn’t just come for only Israel. He came for the world. There’s a Mission to the Gentiles here too, which would’ve blown people’s minds. It’s like, “Hey, remember that whole Abrahamic covenant about being a blessing to the nations? Yeah, that’s still happening.” Matthew’s got some real "mission to the nations" going on. As you read Matthew, let this sink in: Jesus is the fulfillment of all those ancient promises, and He’s still fulfilling them today. He’s not just a figure from the past. He’s the King, the Messiah, and the Savior who still brings Salvation and Hope. #YouVersion

When God speaks, He does not leave the message unclear. Through the plagues in Egypt, He revealed His power over every false god and confronted the idols people trusted in. Today’s study reminds us to look honestly at our own hearts and listen when God makes His truth known. J. Vernon McGee 🐟

“Just as there are certain microbes, plants and animals that are useful and others harmful to man, so it is with things from above. While God gives love, the devil gives evil. God turns evil to good. He gives us calm in tempest and the wisdom to utilize evil events for the beautifying of our souls.” —Richard Wurmbrand, founder of The Voice of the Martyrs https: //t.me/Winning_The_Lost

Let us look upon a crucified Christ, the remedy of all our miseries. His cross hath procured a crown, his passion hath expiated our transgression. His death hath disarmed the law, his blood hath washed a believer's soul. This death is the destruction of our enemies, the spring of our happiness, and the eternal testimony of divine love. ~ Stephen Charnock 1628~1680

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