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The Church has always been in danger of “secret agents” who gain entry into the Christian community and thwart the Gospel, consequently leading believers astray. We see this in Jude’s letter as he tackles the same issues Peter did in his second letter. Unfortunately, believers in the Church are using God’s grace as a ticket to sin freely. The author insists that Christians must defend the true Gospel aggressively for the sake of the church’s well-being.

John writes to a believer named Gaius urging him to continue walking in truth and love. Along with general instruction for Church leaders, the apostle warns about those who oppose the Gospel of Jesus Christ, specifically warning Gaius about a man named Diotrephes. An individual with selfish ambition that is never satisfied, Diotrephese is no different from much of the opposition we face today. Listen to John as he addresses this in his godly wisdom.

“God is light.” This means we can always count on him to overcome evil with good. Having assurance of our salvation in Christ equips us to stand firm in the face of evil. This letter points Christians back to the Gospel. “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.” It encourages believers to live obedient lives in light of the salvation they have in Christ.

The apostle Peter writes to churches pertaining to the false teachers and opposition among them. His letter is a reminder that God's grace is not only pardon but also power to live righteously in the face of opposition. Because we have the Holy Spirit, we can pursue holiness, bear fruit, and deny false teachers. Peter's exhortations are an encouragement to remain steadfast and firm in the faith.

As Christians we have a hope that withstands all trouble. In fact while many strive to avoid suffering, believers can actually rejoice in it. Why? Because God will vindicate his people. We can rest in God's salvation now and look forward to the day he will bring full redemption. This letter, written by the Apostle Peter, points us to Christ in times of tribulation and encourages us to persevere in the midst of suffering.

Much like the wisdom literature in the OT, James offers snippets of wisdom to Christians. The practical instruction he gives serves to motivate believers to be doers not just hearers of the word. His audience, Jewish Christians, is in the midst of social conflict in which they are seeking worldly advice instead of pursuing God's way. James' letter should inspire Christians today to seek divine wisdom in all situations while translating one's faith into practice.

Hebrews is about persevering in the faith. Written concerning the Jewish Christians, this letter serves as a reminder that Christ is superior to priests, angels, and the old covenant laws. His sacrifice is once for all unlike the sacrificial system.

The Gospel does not discriminate. We see this in Paul’s letter to Philemon as he asks him to take back his runaway slave, Onesimus, not as a slave but rather as a beloved brother in Christ. Onesimus ran away from his master, Philemon, and escaped to Rome. On his journey he ran into the Apostle Paul and became a Christian. In Paul’s letter to Philemon, it becomes evident that the Gospel can transform lives and unite two unexpected people as brothers.

There is an inseparable link between our faith and how we live our lives. In his letter to his coworker, Titus, Paul gives us practical instruction on godly living as well as qualifications for Church leaders. While Paul paints a picture of what a healthy Church looks like, he also emphasizes the Gospel as the source of godliness: "...he saved us not because of works done by us in righteousness but according to his own mercy...."

This letter was written by Paul while he was imprisoned Rome. The apostle is experiencing persecution for his faith, but this is no surprise to him, nor is it stealing his hope. "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Tim. 3:12). He is writing this letter to encourage Timothy, his coworker, to be strong in the Lord in spite of suffering. He calls on him to be a good soldier of Jesus Christ, as we should all strive to be ourselves.

This letter was written by Paul while he was imprisoned Rome. The apostle was experiencing persecution for his faith, but this was no surprise to him, nor was it stealing his hope. “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim. 3:12). He was writing this letter to encourage Timothy, his coworker, to be strong in the Lord in spite of suffering. He called on him to be a good soldier of Jesus Christ, as we should all strive to be ourselves.

In light of Jesus' second coming, we should not be compelled to hide out until his return; rather, we should be actively participating in his restoration plan for the world as we wait in anticipation. Paul teaches the Thessalonians that the second coming should not paralyze believers from doing work for the kingdom. Instead it should motivate them to live in a way that is pleasing to God. We all have duties to complete before Jesus' return, so we should "...not grow weary in doing good" (2 Thes. 3:13).

Just like in Galatians, Paul teaches the church in Colossae to beware of men who add unnecessary elements to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Anything added to the Gospel results in "no Gospel at all" (Gal. 1:7). The main reminder given in this book is that Jesus is king over all. This means that we must trust in him alone and not in "the tradition of men" (Col.2:8). Listen to Paul's letter to Colossae, and be reminded of the superiority of Jesus, who is our only hope.

The Apostle Paul is imprisoned for Christ, yet he writes his most joy-filled letter yet. Writing to the church in Philippi, Paul gives countless pieces of encouragement. He commends the people for their support and tells them he is sure that "...he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6). Listen as the apostle tells us to rejoice in the Lord and press forward with our eyes fixed on Christ.

In Ephesians, Paul gives us a detailed description of Church members' relationship to Christ. The apostle is writing to strengthen the churches of Ephesus. He tells them, "In him [Jesus] you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit." (Ephesians 2:22) This reminds us that we are all part of the "body" of Christ, his Church. Listen to Paul, and be encouraged about your role in redemptive history.

Paul protests against the perversion of the Gospel. Many are teaching the Galatians that they can be justified by works, and, as a result, they’ve abandoned the truth. Listen to the book of Galatians and rest in the fact that we are justified by grace through faith.

After admonishing believers in Corinth for their sinful ways and abuse of grace, Paul writes a second letter, commending them for their positive response to his first letter. He expresses his joy in hearing that they've repented and embraced his teachings. Paul then goes on to encourage believers to "...take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). Listen as he reminds the church at Corinth that God has made them a new creation in Christ.

The Gospel is counterintuitive to humans. We are used to earning almost everything in our lives. In the book of Romans, Paul makes it clear that we cannot earn our way to God; in fact, even the “good” deeds we do are like filthy rags before the Lord. Listen to Paul as he teaches us that we are more sinful than we could ever imagine but also more loved than we could ever imagine.

After Jesus rose from the dead, he gave his Spirit to dwell within all who believe in him. The Holy Spirit is our counselor, leading, instructing, and equipping us. A sequel to the Gospel of Luke, this book gives a history of the early Church and provides a heavy emphasis on the work of the Holy Spirit. In many ways Acts serves as a transition from law keeping to grace and faith in Christ.

The apostle John shares with us his main goal: "...that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name" (John 20:31). John states that Jesus is the son of God whom the Father sent to us to accomplish something no one else could. Follow John as he prepares the way for the one who is the only way to eternal life.