While Ecclesiastes is one of the 'older' books in the Bible, it might also be the most modern. In the opening chapter, the Teacher reminds us that life seems pointless when we look for meaning around us and not above us.

The final prayer of Jesus in John 17 is a window into the heart of God's Son. It should therefore be the very thing which drives the church forward as God answers that prayer anew in every generation.

When Peter calls his readers to grow in the grace of Jesus Christ, he is speaking from many experiences of living in and by the grace of God.

The picture of our heavenly Father's provision in Matthew 6:25-33 is beautiful example for those who are looking to be imitators of God in all things, including their parenting.

When viewed in the context of the entire book, Paul's well-known instructions to husbands and wives in Ephesians 5 is perfectly consistent with the self-giving, servant-conformed heart to which God calls his children.

When Abraham stepped out in faith in order to be a blessing to all the families of the earth, he provided a powerful picture of how families of faith in Christ can be a blessing just as they have been blessed.

While the ending of Mark's Gospel at 16:8 does seem abrupt, in light of the book's structure and intent, it's abruptness can be understood as a call to the reader to respond to the risen Jesus.

The darkness that surrounded the cross of Jesus was a darkness behind which God hid his face, causing Jesus to cry out with feelings of abandonment. But the actions of two Marys and a man named Joseph remind us that we must press on with faith in the midst of the darkness.

Mark's account of the suffering and death of Jesus reminds us that in spite of ridicule all around, Jesus submitted to the cross because of his incomparable love for those lost.

Matthew's Gospel give us a clear picture of both the misunderstandings about following Jesus, but also the realilty of that call by one who is Master over all things.