The author of this letter identifies himself as James, probably the brother of Jesus and the leader of the Jerusalem council. The book of James has a distinctively Jewish nature that suggests it was composed when the church was still predominantly Jewish. The letter deals primarily with the practical aspects of the Christian faith, consisting of hard-hitting counsel for everyday conduct.

  The first-century church suffered severe persecution, and this letter is written in that setting. The intended readers seem to be Jewish Christians who are thinking of abandoning their faith and of lapsing back into Judaism. The author exhorts them to hold fast to their confession of Christ as Savior and Lord. The theme of Hebrews is the absolute supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ as revealer and as mediator of God's grace. As you read this book, look for the inspiration to keep going in the faith.

  Philemon a believer on Colosse, owns a slave named Onesimus who steals from his owner and then runs away. But Onesimus meets Paul and through his ministry becomes a Christian. Now he is willing to return to his master. Paul writes this personal appeal to ask Philemon to accept Onesimus as a Christian brother, not as a slave. Read this letter as a case study in the cost of asking for forgiveness and of granting it.

  Titus, a close friend of Paul, helps Paul organize and lead churches in the eastern half of the Roman empire. Paul writes this letter to Titus to help him lead the troubled church on the island of Crete. Paul covers such matters as qualifications of church leaders, guidelines for a godly life and an emphasis on faith that overcomes division among believers.

  Paul's second letter to Timothy; written shortly before Paul's death, represents the advice of someone who knows he is at the end of life. Languishing in a cold dungeon, chained like a common criminal, Paul knows that his work is done. He challenges Timothy to a more effective ministry and encourages him to preserve in his walk with God. Ask God to give you daily strength to keep walking with him, secure in the hope that is yours in Christ.

  Paul writes to Timothy with affirmation and advice on how to lead the church at Ephesus. Here you will find guidelines for running a church, practical help for believers in their relationships with others and advice on dealing with false teachers. Look for the underlying principles you can apply in your everyday life as you seek to be true to the faith.

  Paul writes this second letter to believers at Thessalonica who need clarification on the advice given in his first letter. Some people have misunderstood Paul and are so sure Jesus is coming soon that they stop working. While assuring the Thessalonians that Jesus is in fact coming again, Paul urges his readers to concentrate on living and working with what he has given them for today.

  Paul founds the church at Thessalonica during his second missionary journey. Paul writes to commend believers for growing in the Lord and to encourage them to correct some misunderstandings. The subject of Christ's second coming permeates this letter, with almost every chapter referring to it. As you live in a culture hostile to Christian values, look in this letter for guidelines on relationships and for perspectives on life shaped by eternity.

  During Paul's three-year ministry in Ephesus, Epaphras is converted and carried the gospel to Colosse. The young church that results then becomes the target of heretical attack. Paul's purpose in writing this letter is to refute the false teachers by asserting the supremacy of Christ and examining what that means for everyday living. As you read this letter, look for insights on ways to form attitudes and carry out actions that honor the Lord.

  Paul writes to the Philippians during his first Roman imprisonment to thank them for their love and help and to warn them against false teachers. The theme of the book is "joy" (the word "joy" in its various forms occurs 16 times). Be alert to Paul's warnings against pride and a self-seeking attitude that can lead to harmful divisions. Hold on to the practical tools Paul provides to help you shape your thinking according to God's ways.

  Paul writes this letter so that his readers might better understand God's eternal purposes for the church. One of those purposes is to reconcile people to God and to each other through the work of Jesus on the cross. Think about your own relationship with God and others and your own need for reconciliation. Look for Paul's practical advice on how to live in unity with God and one another.

  Paul's letter to the churches he established in Galatia (Acts 13:13 - 14:28) contains his classic statement of the foundational Biblical truth that a person is justified by faith in Christ. After warning the Galatians not to desert the gospel, Paul encourages them to live out the freedom they have in Christ. As you read this letter, ask God to help you enjoy the freedom you have in Christ as you live a Spirit-filled life (Galatians 5:22-23).

  Paul writes this second letter to the Corinthians a few months after the first letter. The divisions and problems addressed in I Corinthians are still present in the church, and false teachers are challenging Paul's integrity and his authority as an apostle. With passionate emotion, Paul moves back and forth between despair and ecstatic joy. Watch for practical advice on resolving conflict within the church and providing financial support for the church and for the poor.

  Paul writes to the church he started in Corinth (Acts 18:1-17), a church now struggling to live in obedience. In a letter marked by loving concern and a true pastor's heart, Paul addresses problems in Christian conduct and character. Look for practical information relevant to Christian living and relationships, as well as uplifting words about love (chapter 13) and the resurrection (chapter 15).

  Romans offers some of the most lively teaching on faith and life ever recorded. In this letter Paul tells of God's wonderful plan for redeeming his people and setting them free for service through the power of his Spirit. As you read about the riches of God's grace, be comforted that nothing "will be able to separate us from the love of God" (Romans 8:39) and respond to his love with a transformed life of service.

  Like a sequel to a movie, Acts picks up the action begun in the Gospel of Luke. Some refer to the book of Acts as "The Acts of the Holy Spirit," because it focuses on the coming of the Spirit on God's people - the church - in a new and powerful way. In this book Luke records Christianity's amazing growth and shows that revival comes not by human effort but by the power of the Holy Ghost. The Spirit so active in Acts is the same Spirit at work in your life today. The Book of Acts covers the first 100 years of Christianity.

  Why did God's Son come to earth? The Gospel of John has the answer: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). John's writings are designed to convince people to believe in Jesus as God in human form and, as a result, to "have life" (John 20:31). Reflect on the One who once lived among people like us and renew your trust that he will give you life to the full.

  Luke writes this Gospel to share the good news of salvation - a message intended for everyone. A physician by profession, Luke shows compassion for people considered outcasts, including tax collectors, women, children and the poor. Not only does Luke show great regard for people but he also show a deep concern for prayer, discipleship, joy and the ministry of the Spirit. As you read Luke's account of the life of Jesus, may you be like him who was "full of joy through the Holy Spirit" (Luke 10:21).

 The Gospel of Mark takes a fast-paced approach to introducing Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Mark shows Jesus moving quickly from teaching his disciples to healing sick people to confronting religious leaders on his way to death on the cross. Note Mark's sensitive portrayal of the compassionate suffering servant, Jesus, full of life and emotion and purpose. Note also his call to us to be disciples of Jesus. Keep in mind the love Jesus showed his disciples and ask yourself, "If Jesus was willing to suffer for me, what am I willing to do as his disciple?"

  Matthew writes this Gospel to reveal Jesus as the promised Messiah and King. He also tells us much about the life and ministry of Jesus, especially how he fulfills the promises of the Old Testament and how his followers should conduct their lives as citizens of God's kingdom. Matthew begins this Gospel with the birth of Jesus, who is called "Immanuel" or "God with us" (Matt. 1:23). He closes his story with Jesus' reassuring promise, "I am with you always" (Matt. 28:20).