45 Days To Read The Gospel Challenge – The Gospel of Matthew Chapter Three: Repent ye: for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand.
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Time: 35 minutes to complete lesson: 20 minutes to read the entire post and take the interactive quiz, additional 15 minutes to view video resource and comment on social media.
Alt tag: #45 Days To Read The Gospel Challenge FREE
How to Get the Most Out of The Challenge
The Gospel consists of four books in the New Testament—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—that share the teachings of Jesus Christ. You can start the FREE “45 Day Challenge” at any time by visiting the ePrayer Circle homepage and selecting the “45 Day Challenge” menu option. Feel free to share these lessons and print them for use in your Bible study groups. You can also translate the content into multiple languages using the Google Translate menu bar on the homepage.
These lessons are for personal and non-profit use. These works have been registered under Creative Common License, Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivs CC BY – NC – ND 4.0 International Free to use as designed but are not for commercial use or sale. The “45 Days To Read The Gospel lessons” are available FREE 24/7 for your convenience.
.Transcript: HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF THIS CHALLENGE
Step One. Start in the order of: the Gospel of John, Luke, Mark and Matthew for understanding.
The instructions are designed for accessibility and ensures the learner is not overwhelmed and confused. Post your questions in the comment section and the author will answer you. Please share your experiences and opinions.
Step Two. Each lesson takes about 35 minutes to complete: 20 min to study the lesson and take the quiz. 15 minutes to read the Bible resource
It is recommended to read the entire post and then take the quiz before reading or listening to the bible resources. Each lesson is self-contained and includes all resources needed.
Step 3: You should complete two lessons a day. 5 Days a week in order to complete the “45 Days to Read The Gospel Challenge in 45 days”.
There is no law that says you have to complete these lessons in 45 days. You are free to work at your own pace. Study the lesson and take the quiz in the morning, and later listen to or read the bible resources.
Step 4: Get organize with pen and paper. Take notes. Each lesson contains: Header Sections (Table of Contents): (1) chapter summary, (2) objectives, (3) outline, (4) reflection question, (5) chapter highlights, (6) resources, (7) interactive quiz, and (8) a call to salvation.
Step 5: Enjoy. The Gospel Changes Lives. Get active and communicate with others. Share the lessons with friends. No stress. Work at your own pace. Upon satisfactory completion you will receive a personal Certificate
Thank you for taking this challenge. Let’s get started.
Isaiah 9:6 KJV“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son, is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
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Before Starting this Course:
Step 2: Share your thoughts or testimony to help others on Instagram @eprayercircleondemand, Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/eprayercircle, @eprayercircle, or in the comment section below each post.
Step 3: If you are not saved, please get saved today. See the “Offer of Salvation” below. If you need prayer, comment or fill out the prayer request form.
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Read the Word in the parking lot while waiting on others.
Read the Word in the morning with coffee and at night for easy rest at bedtime.
Read the Word when you walk for exercise.
Send the Word to your social media platforms.
Text the Word to people to encourage them in the Lord: children, friends, spouses, acquaintances, or neighbors.
Keywords: #birthofjesus, #nothingimpossiblewithgod, #johnthebaptise, #jesuschrist, #gabriel, #prophesy, #allpower, #receiveinfaith
45 Days To Read The Gospel Challenge – The Gospel of Matthew Chapter Three: Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Overview of The Gospel of Matthew
The Gospel of Matthew was written by the apostle Matthew, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. Matthew was a former tax collector, called by Jesus to follow Him. His Gospel is believed to have been written between 50-70 AD, and it is the first book in the New Testament, even though it may not have been the first Gospel written. Matthew’s account emphasizes that Jesus is the promised Messiah and King, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies.
Matthew’s Gospel begins with a genealogy that traces Jesus’ lineage back to Abraham and King David, highlighting Jesus’ royal and Jewish heritage. It then moves into the story of Jesus’ miraculous birth, His baptism by John the Baptist, and the start of His ministry.
Mary and her husband Joseph were both from the lineage of King David. Matthew 1:17 “So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations, and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.” Matthew tells of a prophetic word that told of Jesus’ birth.
Matthew 1:23 “Behold, a virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” It is interesting to note that Joseph wanted to divorce Mary quietly because of her pregnancy. But an angel came to him and verified that Mary was pregnant by the Holy Ghost. Therefore, Joseph stayed married to Mary and did not consummate the marriage until Jesus Christ was born.
Note: Jesus Christ is a name translated in the English versions. It is accepted by God. For this purpose these studies are on the English speaking version. Philippians 2:9 KJV “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name:” There are many names people call Jesus but it is only one name to be saved by. If you mispronounce other names (thinking that is the original name) then you are not calling on the Lord.
It is known that what we pronounce today is not the way it was pronounced then. Develop a personal relationship with the Lord and you will know he answers to the name name Jesus Christ (the blood sacrifice). He is the God of the living. Psalms 100:3 KJV 3 Know ye that the Lord He is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.
The Gospel of Matthew is known for including many of Jesus’ key teachings, such as the Sermon on the Mount, where He teaches about love, humility, prayer, and the Kingdom of God. Throughout the Gospel, Jesus performs miracles, heals the sick, and casts out demons, showing His divine authority.
Matthew also places a strong emphasis on Jesus’ role as a teacher and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. He frequently references the Scriptures to show how Jesus’ life and mission align with what was foretold about the Messiah. The Gospel also includes Jesus’ parables, teachings on discipleship, and warnings about the final judgment.
The story of Jesus’ crucifixion, death, and resurrection is the heart of the Gospel. Matthew ends with the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, spreading the message of salvation.
In summary, the Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus as the promised Messiah, the fulfillment of God’s promises, and the King of all nations, whose life, death, and resurrection bring salvation to the world.
Note From Editor: The name “Jesus Christ” is an English translation, and it is accepted by God. Philippians 2:9 KJV says, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.” People call Jesus by many praise names, but only one name is called upon for salvation by English speaking people and that is Jesus Christ. If you mispronounce other names thinking they are the original, you might not be calling on the Lord.
Language has changed over time, but when you have a personal relationship with Jesus, you will know that the name Jesus Christ, the Savior is accepted by God. The Holy spirit bears witness. Jesus gave His life for us. Psalm 100:3 reminds us, “Know ye that the Lord, He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.”
Keywords: “Jesus Christ, Son of God, birth of Jesus, Virgin Mary, Joseph, King David lineage, Holy Ghost, Emmanuel meaning, God with us, prophecy of Jesus, angel of the Lord, Philippians 2:9, name of Jesus, blood sacrifice, personal relationship with God, God of the living, Psalm 100:3, Bible prophecy, Matthew 1, Jesus the Savior, King James Bible.”
Alt tag: #repent ye Pic source: Adobe
OVERVIEW OF THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW CHAPTER THREE
In this class, we will explore Matthew Chapter 3, which introduces John the Baptist and his mission to prepare the way for Jesus Christ through a message of repentance. Students will learn about John’s role in fulfilling prophecy, his call for true repentance, and the significance of Jesus’ baptism. This chapter also highlights the differences between outward religious practices and genuine faith, and the importance of bearing good fruit in the Kingdom of God.
John the Baptist preached repentance and baptized people in the wilderness of Judaea, Jordan, and Jerusalem. His message was simple and powerful: “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2, KJV). John was the fulfillment of the prophecy from Isaiah, which said, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight.”
When the Pharisees and Sadducees came to be baptized, John rebuked them, calling them a “generation of vipers.” He challenged them to show genuine repentance through their actions. The Pharisees were known for their hypocrisy and adherence to human traditions over God’s Word. They denied the existence of angels and the supernatural. They were ritual and legalists. The Sadducees were more politically motivated and did not believe in the supernatural. The Sadducees were compromised, nationalists, and political opportunists. Though these groups often disagreed with each other, they united in their opposition to Christ.
John emphasized that being a descendant of Abraham wasn’t enough to secure a place in God’s Kingdom. True heirs are those who repent and have faith, not just biological descendants. Matthew 3:10 KJV He warned that “the ax is already laid at the root of the trees,” meaning judgment was imminent, and those who did not bear good fruit—leading others to faith—would face destruction.
John’s baptism was a call to repentance, but he pointed to the one who was coming after him—Jesus—who would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. John humbly declared that he was not worthy even to carry Jesus’ sandals.
When Jesus came to be baptized, John was in awe, feeling unworthy to baptize Him. But Jesus insisted, saying it was necessary to fulfill all righteousness. Through His baptism, Jesus set the perfect example of obedience and demonstrated the significance of baptism. It symbolized cleansing from sin and pointed to His death and resurrection, through which new life would come.
Note: Jesus taught everyone (noblemen, tax collectors, and prostitutes among other sinners) who would hear and accept salvation. Then told them to tell others, Thus bearing fruit when others convert. Your faith with repentance will generate fruit because the word of God does not come in word only but with power. 1 Corinthians 4:20 KJV “For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.”
Baptism symbolizes being cleansed of all sins and unholy attachments, and it invites the Holy Spirit to dwell within you. It also represents the believer’s participation in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, signifying new life in Him.
Alt tag: #jesusgetsbaptized adobe stock
Time: 35 minutes to complete lesson: 20 minutes to read the entire post and take the interactive quiz, additional 15 minutes to view video resource and comment on social media.
Objectives for Chapter Three -The Gospel of Matthew. What you will learn:
1. You will learn what John the Baptist preached in the wilderness.
2. You will learn why John the Baptists disapproves of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
3. You will learn why Jesus was baptized by John and what baptism means.
Outline for Chapter Three of the Gospel of Matthew
1. The preaching of John the Baptist.
2. He reproves the Pharisees and Sadducees.
3. The baptism of Jesus.
Reflection and Discussion: Something to think about.
Do you remember when you were baptized and accepted salvation? If not why? and if you are not saved, will you consider getting saved today? See the offer of salvation below.
Resources For This Lesson
Click here for the King James Bible version in the text (pdf), mobile viewing on the web (KJV), YouTube audio and video Chapter three (total time 3:35 min.)
See “Chapter Three Highlights” below for scriptures and help with the quiz. If needed, refresh the screen to retake the quiz.
alt tag: #Highlights
1. You will learn what John the Baptist preached in the wilderness. Matthew 3: 1-6 KJV
1In those days came to John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
2And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
3For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
4And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
5Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, 6And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
2. You will learn why John the Baptists disapproves of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Matthew 3: 7-10 KJV
7But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
8Bring forth, therefore, fruits meet for repentance:
9And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
10And now also the ax is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire.
3. You will learn why Jesus was baptized by John and what baptism means. Matthew 3:11-17 KJV
11I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
12Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.
13Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
14But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
15And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
16And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
17And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Interactive Quiz
alt tag: #Quiz
#1. What did John the Baptist preach in the wilderness?
#2. Why did John the Baptists disapprove of the Pharisees and Sadducees?
#3. What is the reason Jesus gave for being baptized by John?
Results
Congratulations! You Passed. Please proceed to the next lesson.
Please revisit the lesson. Then retake the quiz. You can do it.
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Call to salvation:
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Romans 10:9-10 9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation.
John 3:5-6 5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is the Spirit.
