About
Matthew J. McDonald, EdD
I am a resident of Boise, Idaho, where I reside with my wife and two sons. I am a devoted Christian and the founder of 15thirty Ministries LLC, an organization with a mission to simplify critical aspects of God's Word and the Christian Faith. With a sense of divine calling in my twenties, I embarked on a journey of dedicated learning, earnestly seeking knowledge. I achieved a doctorate in Theology, which deepened my appreciation for the intricacies of the Bible and the profound insights of theologians and apologists. In light of this understanding, I have made it my mission to present a more accessible version of biblical studies to the average learner. While I am not a theologian or a pastor, my passion as a dedicated layperson is to share my knowledge of God's Word with others. My Christian beliefs are firmly rooted in the confessional Lutheran tradition, and I am a member of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. For those who wish to learn more about this denomination, I recommend visiting lcms.org. Thank you for accompanying me on this journey, and I trust that the information I provide will be a valuable resource in your own spiritual growth. May God's blessings be upon you as you continue your quest for spiritual enlightenment.
Why 15thirty?
In the year 1530 the Lutheran Confession of Faith was submitted to His Imperial Majesty Charles V at the Diet of Augsburg by certain princes and cities. The Augsburg Confession is the written affirmation of faith of the Lutheran Church and what many regard as the beginning of the protestant reformation.15thirty Ministries LLC is intended to be a resource for lay people seeking to learn more about Holy Scripture. The content for 15thirty was created with a Lutheran perspective but is meant for people of all denominations, religions, atheists, agnostics, etc. The main theme for 15thirty Ministries is that the Bible in its entirety is true and that we are saved by grace through faith alone. No one can earn God's love or favor on their own, rather, it is God's grace through the workings of the Holy Spirit that we are saved. God bless. Matthew J. McDonald, EdD
Saved By Grace, Through Faith
Studying the scriptures is essential to the Christian faith as it provides guidance on how to live according to God's will, offers comfort, and inspiration, and encourages personal growth, wisdom, and discernment. The Bible is the foundation of Christian theology, it tells us about God's plan and character, and the role of Jesus and his teachings, parables, and prophecies that help shape the way we live. It teaches us about God's love, righteousness, grace, mercy, justice, and wisdom. And it teaches us that we are saved by faith. Being saved by faith, rather than by actions, is a central belief in Lutheran doctrine. It teaches that salvation is a gift from God through faith in Jesus Christ and his sacrifice on the cross; it cannot be earned through good deeds or works. It also shows that salvation and forgiveness of sin are impossible without grace, which is God's favor that we don't deserve. This understanding shows how important it is to believe in Jesus as the only way to be saved and how loving and merciful God is toward people. Regularly studying the scripture will deepen our understanding of God's word and help to apply it to our lives.