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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.

While there is suffering, evil, sickness, and death in this world, the book of Joel reminds us that we have an everlasting hope through it all. Joel warns the people of Judah as a horrifying locust plague has come upon them. He urges the people to repent and return to God, predicting that this is just the beginning of their judgment. Thankfully, Joel’s prophecies do not end there. He continues to teach the people about the promise of hope that lies ahead in the kingdom of the Messiah. Listen as this prophet describes the day of salvation which we are privileged to live in now.

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.

Edom was at odds with Israel ever since its forefather Esau had struggled in the womb with his twin brother Jacob, the patriarch of Israel. After Edom played a role in the destruction of Jerusalem, the prophet Obadiah gives warning to the nation of their coming judgment, fulfilling God's promise from hundreds of years earlier: "I will bless them that bless thee, and curse them that curseth thee." (Gen. 12:3)

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.

After finding out that the Corinthian church was filled with pride and committing sexual immorality, Paul teaches believers about the dangers of abusing freedom. The real problem is that the believers have a misunderstanding of grace. The Corinthian church was basing its faith on cheap grace. Cheap grace is grace without the cross, grace without repentance, and grace without cost. Listen to Paul as he tells believers about Christ who has given us grace as forgiveness for our sins but also as power to flee from our old ways.

The Israelites have not been pursuing holiness as they should be. Rebellious and sinful, the people are in need of a savior. The prophet Malachi plays an important role in Israelite history. God warns Israel through Malachi. He tells them to repent and speaks of future restoration, foreshadowing of the coming Messiah. Listen to Malachi as he warns the people while still managing to remind them of God’s endless love.

A new generation of Israelites is about to enter the Promised Land. God’s people need a reminder of God’s law and promises before they enter Canaan, as they are about to face many dangers. Sit at the feet of Moses as he reminds the Israelites about God’s blessings, faithfulness, holiness, and warnings.

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.

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.

When all of the men in her family die, Ruth is left a widow, and her mother-in-law, Naomi, is left helpless. Ruth, a very loyal daughter-in-law, decides to stay with Naomi, hunting for food to help them survive. The widow unexpectedly meets a wealthy man named Boaz, who takes an interest in her. Could this man be God’s rescue plan for Ruth and Naomi?

“God is light.” (1 John 1:5) 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.” (1 John 5:13) It encourages believers to live obedient lives in light of the salvation they have in Christ.

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.

Idolatry, rebellion, disobedience, pride. Second Kings illustrates the collapse of a divided nation that turned its back on God. This, however, does not change the fact that God is faithful. Like any good father, he does not allow his children's sinfulness to carry on without discipline.

A plumb line and a basket of ripe fruit: two things the prophet Amos sees in visions. But what could these things symbolize? Listen to Amos, a lowly shepherd, as he warns the wealthy and religious Israelites about their idolatry and injustice to the poor. Could God be giving this prophet signs of the coming judgment?

God’s providence always comes through, even in the worst of situations. This is something we learn in the life of Queen Esther. A woman of strength and humility, Queen Esther endures the struggles that come with living a life of obedience to God. She knows that God’s hand is on her and that His plans are not moved, not even by the actions of evil men.

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.

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 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.

Humans are prone to amnesia. We easily forget what God has done for us because of an inward focus on ourselves. The Israelites did just this. They forgot about the miraculous things God had done to unite them to Himself. In turn, they abandoned God’s way: “...Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 17:6) In Judges, we learn that God keeps His promises despite the sinfulness of His people.