Matthew
Matthew was a tax collector who became one of Christ’s twelve disciples. He offers irrefutable proof that the long awaited Jewish Messiah had come to inaugurate God’s kingdom on earth. The book of Matthew helps us to understand how the life and teaching of Jesus built upon what had come before, connecting many stories of the Old Testament with the story of the New Testament.
Mark
The book of Mark was written to encourage suffering believers. He shows how Jesus was the suffering servant who came to die for our sins. He also portrayed Jesus as the Savior of the entire world, including Romans as well as Jews. This great news story touches on the ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus.
Luke
The Gospel of Luke offers us more of the story of Jesus. You will gain new information from Luke and see Jesus from a new perspective. Of all the Gospel writers, Luke gives us the greatest variety of teachings, parables and events from the life of Jesus. Luke elaborates on the accounts within Matthew and Mark.
John
Non-Jewish followers of Jesus, especially those struggling with Greek philosophies of that day, were taught that salvation comes through special knowledge and that Jesus was divine but not truly human. The Gospel of John is about a personal God known primarily for his sacrificial love, and profiles that love, revealed in the person of Jesus Christ.
Acts
The book of Acts reminds us that despite modern challenges the church can be alive and well. Acts shows how revival and church growth comes, not by human effort, but through the power of the Holy Spirit. The zeal that took the gospel across ethnic and national boundaries can inspire us today.
Romans
The book of Romans articulates the foundation of Christian belief, explaining how the Good News of salvation has been made available through Jesus’ death on the cross and is actually worked out through the Holy Spirit’s work in all believers. This book helped Martin Luther to discover that faith alone justifies the believer. Reading through Romans you will find the foundation of grace through faith. Discover the teaching of faith and righteousness works out in everyday life.
1 Corinthians
Apostle Paul gave the Corinthians what they needed, straightforward advice. This book covers the human weaknesses of Christians. Topics covering many issues that we still face today in our society. This is practical information relevant to Christian living and church relationships. You will also find what is said about spiritual gifts.
2 Corinthians
Apostle Paul discusses the joys, sorrows, ambition, frustrations and assurances he has for the believers in Corinth. Practical examples and advice on resolving conflict; personal conflicts between church members, theological conflict over false teachings, cultural conflict between the church and the world.
Galatians
The book of Galatians takes you back to basics, what the gospel is, how you receive it and how you apply it in your daily life. Paul uses several techniques and stories to persuade the Galatians to return to the pure Gospel.
Ephesians
Discovering the purpose of our lives is our greatest achievement. This book answers that question, “Why am I Here?” This book will tell you what God’s intentions for his children are. With practical ways to live in unity with God and one another.
Philippians
This book offers one of Bible’s most prominent psalms of praise to Jesus, Chapter 2:5-11. Paul wrote this book while under house arrest in Rome. You will gain practical tools to help reshape your thinking according to God’s ways, Chapter 4:4-9.
Colossians
There is no limit to the things we can learn about Jesus Christ. The book of Colossians is one way we can discover s few more things about Jesus and how we can honor him. The supremacy of Christ and what that means for our everyday lives. Look for specific ways we can develop attitudes and actions to honor the lord.
1 Thessalonians
As you read Thessalonians watch for practical ways that Christians can live holy lives in a culture hostile to Christian values. You’ll find guidelines on relationships and boundaries for living in an immoral culture. Overshadowing all of this is a perspective on life that is shaped by eternity. You will also find exciting clues about the end times and Jesus’ second coming.
2 Thessalonians
This letter from Paul provides an eternal perspective with which to evaluate society’s shifting views. It reminds us that this world is terminal, careening toward its conclusion. It also reminds us that Christians have a hope for eternity that enables them to live day-to-day in an anti-Christian environment.
1 Timothy
Christians are called to harmonize with others in a group called a church. 1 Timothy summarizes guidelines for running a church, offering practical help to believers in their relationship with each other and with church leaders.
2 Timothy
Apostle Paul attempts to pull together the wisdom of a lifetime of service to God, as he challenges Timothy to a more effective ministry. The information contained in this book points to the hope that belongs to all of us in Christ.
Titus
This short letter tells Titus, a young leader of an argumentative church, to refute false teachers, calm church disunity and find quality leaders. Even with God’s Spirit at work, church life means sweat and tears. Those church leaders, who persevere, will discover the power and satisfaction that God gives, then and now.
Philemon
This letter written to Philemon gives us a case study in the cost of asking for forgiveness and of granting forgiveness. In addition to teaching about forgiveness, this letter from Paul also serves as a great example of the importance of equality and acceptance in the body of Christ.
Hebrews
Notice throughout this book the strong emotional appeals made to persuade the Jewish believers to stick with the new covenant rather than going back to the old covenant. There are frequent contrasts between Old Testament ritual law and the New Testament faith. Hebrews can help us find inspiration to keep going in the faith, and warn us of the danger of defeat.
James
This book, written by the brother of Jesus, takes a no-nonsense approach to hypocrisy. James describes the evil of a tongue out of control, showing favoritism toward the rich and boasting about plans for tomorrow. You will find a string of hard-hitting, specific, practical instructions to help you live an authentic Christian life.
1 Peter
1 Peter shows us that difficulties and hardships don’t have to wear us down. In fact, this book teaches us that God can use difficulties to strengthen us. Read 1 Peter to discover how faith, refined by suffering, can help us see the Lord more clearly.
2 Peter
As you read this book look for these themes; The need to develop Christian character; the importance of holding to the truth; warnings against false teachers and admonitions on how to live in view of the Lord’s coming.
1 John, 2 John, 3 John
In 1 John watch for several key definitions. John restores the meanings of words that some false teachers at that time had distorted. You’ll also find vivid images with special significance, such as light and darkness or Father and children.
2 John is about keeping on target spiritually. This short book will challenge you to watch out, to be certain about what you believe and how you live.
Read 3 John to see Christian love in success and in failure. 1 John teaches us to love; 3 John illustrates the right and wrong ways.
Jude
Don’t miss this books powerful impact and colorful imagery. Watch for its direct warnings, and God’s tremendous promises that accompany them. In few short words, Jude sounds an alarm we dare not disconnect.
Revelation
Revelation is apocalyptic literature. That said; look for a combination of warnings and encouragements, alternating challenges and hope. Watch for descriptions of the future as God’s kingdom ultimately conquers evil in the last days. Also notice the picture of the ruling Christ, his divine attributes and his heavenly glory. Revelation tells us that we must live committed, holy lives if we want to participate in God’s victorious kingdom.
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