As we begin a tour of the 'Messianic Psalms,' those psalms that make reference to Christ, we’ll see that Psalm 2 functions as one of two doorposts that form the doorway into the Psalter. This psalm also gives us a glimpse of Christ in his royal messianic role as the LORD’s Son. The prominence of Christ makes Psalm 2 one of the most quoted by the New Testament writers.

Too often we think that effective Christian witness depends on our knowledge, wisdom, and skill. We think that we need to be experts in debate, while remaining unshakable in composure. But nothing could be further from the truth. God calls frail and unlikely people like us to testify to the risen Savior so that His power may be seen through our weakness.

Sin is inherently disorienting and divisive, leaving us lost and estranged from God. Jesus not only meets us in our lost estate and shows us the way to the Father but takes us to Him Himself. He is the only Savior who exists and the only One who is needed, the merciful Redeemer proclaimed in Scripture so that we might find our way, truth, and life in Him.

Jesus’ Olivet discourse is a challenging passage filled with symbolism and elements of mystery, yet our Savior’s main message is abundantly clear: the end will surely come and we must keep watching and be ready for His return. We may do so with hope, endurance, and fruitful witness through the grace of the One who finished His work on the cross, Jesus Christ.

Paul concludes his letter to the Colossians with his final greetings and a set of instructions for the church in Colossae. We will see that Paul uses his apostolic authority to direct the church’s mission from afar, but to do so, he relies on a cadre of others who are to share in his discipling ministry.

Jesus loved to teach eternal truths from unexpected sources, including a lesson on money from the poorest person in Israel. But the widow in Luke 21 teaches us far more than just financial stewardship. She demonstrates a life transformed by grace that walks humbly, reverently, and trustfully before the Lord. Even before He went to the cross, she followed the Savior who paid the ultimate price so that we might become truly rich through faith in Him.

Jesus used many teaching tools during His earthly ministry, including puzzling questions that made people think and clear rebukes that made them repent. As His disciples, we need both if we are to turn from ourselves to the grace of the Savior who rules over all creation, David’s Son who is David’s Lord.

Christians often wonder what heaven will be like. God has not chosen to disclose every detail about the age to come but He does reveal the most important truths we need to know to live in godliness and hope. In Luke 20, Jesus not only refutes the Sadducees’ theological attack but provides vital teaching about the life to come for everyone who trusts in Him.

In this passage, we see that King Ahaziah of Judah walked with the house of Ahab, just as his father and grandfather had done, because his relatives from the house of Ahab were his counselors. And though his death left no one able to rule the kingdom, the counsel of the Lord was at work to preserve the house of David until the true and eternal King would come. Likewise, when we walk in the ways of the world because we are following the counsel of the world, the Lord graciously confronts us and gives us an opportunity to repent and be saved, rather than being judged along with the world.

As Jesus’ crucifixion approached, His enemies placed Him in a seemingly no-win scenario: either support paying taxes (angering the people) or deny paying taxes (angering the Romans). Either way, His ministry would soon be over. But the all-wise Savior defeated their plot through an unforeseen victory, anticipating His supreme unforeseen victory on the cross.