Our journey together through the Bible from cover-to-cover takes an important turn in this instalment as our study pivots from the Old to the New, from Malachi and the prophets to Matthew and the gospels. One pair of authors describe the importance and uniqueness of this first book of the latter testament:
The gospel of Matthew has commonly been considered one of the most important books of the New Testament, and properly a gospel to be placed first in the New Testament. Although the order of the books in the Bible came through human choice rather than divine inspiration, this gospel serves as a sturdy bridge connecting the Old and New Testaments. It fittingly sets the stage for the books that follow. Matthew deals primarily with the life of Jesus Christ as fulfilling Old Testament prophecies relating to the coming King. He also helps explain why the prophecies relating to the kingdom of Christ on earth have had their fulfilment delayed until his second coming. Anyone desiring to master the New Testament may, accordingly, well begin with the gospel of Matthew, which introduces readers to the New Testament truth that follows.
Walvoord and Dyer, Matthew, 11
To help us kick of our expedition into the New Testament we welcome to the podcast, Dr. James Fazio. Dr. Fazio has served in education for 25 years, working in both public and private sectors. He currently serves as Academic Dean and Professor of Bible and Theology at Southern California Seminary, in San Diego where he teaches hermeneutics, theology, and apologetics.
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Dr. James Fazio Fazio has worked in education for twenty-five years, working in both public and private sectors. He currently serves as Academic Dean and Professor of Bible and Theology at Southern California Seminary, in San Diego, California, where he teaches hermeneutics, theology, and apologetics.
Josiah has served the Oakridge Bible Chapel family as one of its elders and one of its pastoral staff members since September 2018, before which he ministered as an associate pastor to a local congregation in the Canadian prairies. Josiah's desire is to be used by God to help equip the church for ministry, both while gathered (edification) and while scattered (evangelization). He is married to Patricia, and together they have five children—Jonah, Henry, Nathaniel, Josephine, and Benjamin.
