New Testament: Part 1
The Gospels: Matthew - John & Acts
Matthew: Part 1
The Gospel of Matthew tells the story of Jesus' birth, life, death and resurrection as a continuation and fulfillment of the whole Biblical story of God and Israel. Matthew begins with details of how Jesus descends from the line of David, making Him a king. It proceeds to share Jesus' teachings that prove He's an authoritative teacher like Moses. Throughout the book, we see that Jesus is Emmanuel, or God with us, and welcomes everyone into the upside down kingdom where leaders serve. From the calling of the disciples to the parables to the Great Commission, this New Testament book shows readers how the promises and prophecies God made to His people in the Old Testament do come to pass through Jesus.
Matthew: Part 2
Matthew begins with details of how Jesus descends from the line of David, making Him a king. It proceeds to share Jesus' teachings that prove He's an authoritative teacher like Moses. Throughout the book, we see that Jesus is Emmanuel, or God with us, and welcomes everyone into the upside down kingdom where leaders serve. From the calling of the disciples to the parables to the Great Commission, this New Testament book shows readers how the promises and prophecies God made to His people in the Old Testament do come to pass through Jesus.
Mark
The Gospel of Mark is a carefully crafted story that gives an account of Jesus' life and addresses the question of whether or not He is the Jewish Messiah. In the first half, everyone questions who He is, the middle questions the disciples' belief about Him and the second half tells how He became the Messiah. Many Jews hoped that the Messiah would overthrow the Romans and rule as king, but as we read this book, we see that He came as a servant to set up the kingdom of God on earth. While He is the Son of God, He also sacrificed His life to save people from slavery to sin. The book's abrupt ending challenges us to decide if we believe He is the Messiah.
Luke: Part 2
Luke documents how Jesus expands God's kingdom and covenant by creating a new Israel that includes the poor, outcasts and others to whom Jesus brings restoration and reverses their life circumstances as He gives them freedom and release from the tyranny of evil and sin. Throughout the book, we see that Jesus is indeed the messianic king, but He will reign over Israel by suffering. His actions usher in an upside down kingdom marked by self-giving love, and He challenges his disciples to follow His example and share in His ministry.
John: Part 2
Not only is Jesus the Messiah, but He's also the Son of God who gives eternal life to everyone who believes on His name. We see this reality through the signs and miracles He performs, and seven times He answers "I Am" when people question His identity. He also uses His time on earth to introduce people to the new birth. By believing that He is the Messiah and God's son, they have eternal life and freedom from sin and are empowered to perform radical acts of kindness, generosity and selfless love as they listen to His voice and obey Him.
Acts: Part 1
Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to empower his disciples as they carry the good news of his kingdom to the nations of the world. Before Jesus was taken into heaven where He was enthroned to share God's rule over the world, He instructed His followers to be a witness for Him. The book of Acts details their witness.
Acts: Part 2
Jesus' followers received the Holy Spirit on Pentecost and became filled and equipped to spread the good news that would restore God's kingdom over the world. Through persecution, the believers were scattered. They continued to preach, and the church at Antioch was born. It grew into the first multiethnic, international church from which missionaries were sent throughout the world to preach about Jesus, the messianic Messiah and risen king of all nations. Paul even continued to preach despite imprisonment and wrote important letters to the churches.