sections of The New Testament
To a broken humanity in need of a Savior, God provides just that. The New Testament first accounts the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. After Jesus is resurrected, his followers scramble to gather themselves and follow the promised Holy Spirit into a new age. God’s people of the Old Testament looked forward in faith to their Savior; and God’s people in the New Testament experienced and reflected back in faith at the fulfillment of the Savior’s arrival. The impact of the life of Christ has yet to stop weaving grace and love into the fabric of humanity.
The Gospels—The Life of Christ
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John
Four accounts and four perspectives serve as a testimony to the life of Christ. Jesus, the Son of God, was born into the world and walked on earth—joining humanity in its own neighborhood. The personality and priorities of each writer shines through as they share what Jesus said and did while he walked among us. Jesus is revealed as “The Word of God,” and just like our words reveal what’s in our hearts, as Jesus lived among his people, his words and actions revealed the heart of God. Unfortunately, he was rejected by humanity, and crucified by the powers that be for calling on people to act in love and compassion for one another and God. After three days in the grave, the Son of God was raised from the dead, and his victory over death holds out a promise to all who have faith in him—that the tree of eternal life is available to those who follow Jesus.
The acts of the apostles
The Book of Acts
Immediately after Jesus was resurrected, his followers gathered to process what had just happened. As they step out in faith with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the church is born. A church of people who declare Jesus Christ as the resurrected Savior, begin to establish a new hope of life lived at peace and reconciliation with God.
Letters to the early churches
Romans through Jude
The apostles, the early church leaders, started spreading the good news of the gospel of Christ—that the reconciliation between God and humanity was complete, and that it was available to all people. As churches sprung up in different cities, there were letters passed from the early leaders of the churches—training, teaching, encouraging, and admonishing them during what was not an easy time. The Roman government and the Jewish religious establishment was not happy about the rapid growth of these believers in Christ. There was violent persecution against families who ascribed to this new faith.
The revelation of JOhn
Revelation
John was exiled on the Aisle of Patmos during this time of persecution. It was far from over, and in this mysterious book packed with symbolic visions, John was given comfort and direction for the members of the churches, and insight into the eternal age to come. The books ends with the promise of a new age, for anyone who hears and believes.
“The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.”