The New Testament

Twenty seven books and four genres of the New Testament

Every one of them is God-inspired with words heaven sent

A group of ENCS members spent six weeks on L two one five

A chronological overview and sharing brought the NT alive

The gospels provide an account of Jesus’ life and ministry

Acts is a narrative that embodies the first church history

The epistles are letters written to encourage and teach

On the apocalypse Revelation does prophesy and preach

Matthew is considered the gospel written to the Jews

To persuade them that Jesus is the Messiah, the good news

In style, it is thematic, didactic, and extremely structured

Effectively linking the Old and New Testaments, so we heard

Mark is considered the easiest gospel to read, full of action

Interpreted from Peter, it is focused on the Roman faction

Containing lots of vivid detail, candor, and essential facts

It equips believers to preach and to endure hostile acts

Luke is often considered the gospel written for the Gentiles

It is clearly the most literary skilful of the four gospel styles

Written to men and women of all ages from every nation

Because Jesus Christ offers everybody eternal salvation

John is considered the love gospel, written for the world

Seven spiritually deep signs of wonder were unfurled

Three reasons for unbelief despite power Jesus did wield

Through seven ‘I am’ statements Christ’s deity is revealed

Written by Luke, Acts is in fact the gospel's continuation

For Peter and others the Spirit caused a celebration

Paul’s four missionary journeys went to several places

Sharing the Word despite duress, thanks to God's graces

James is the letter of true religion, with a focus on faith 

"Faith without works is dead” he authoritatively did saith

The letter focuses more on conduct more than on creed

About practical morality via visual metaphors we do read

Galatians was Paul's first epistle, “The Freedom Letter”

The Judaizers' false teachings were an evil trend setter

Reflecting Paul’s agitation about thoughts so corrupt

His writing style was passionate, bold, and even abrupt

Thessalonians focuses on persecution and Christ’s return

Paul wrote them to allow the readers the truth to discern

About the second coming, new believers were confused 

In the midst of persecution, Paul told them to be enthused

First Corinthians addressed problems in the new church

Paul moved on but did not want to leave them in a lurch

Dealing with issues of division, lawsuits, and immorality

Plus questions on marriage and spiritual gifts we do see

Second Corinthians served as Paul’s apostolic defense

Responding in detail to opposition which did commence

As a result it was his most personal and emotional letter

By sharing his struggles, the message was even better

Romans is viewed as Paul’s “Magnum Opus” by most

Presenting the gospel very logically, not as a riposte

All of mankind has sinned but Christ has paid the price

Salvation is available to all as faith alone will suffice

Paul wrote Colossians during his first imprisonment

To expose heresy about self-salvation was the intent

Jesus became a man so He might all people redeem

Strict observance of rituals is actually a flawed scheme

Philemon was a very personal letter from Paul we see

The most pervasive theme is the proper use of authority

Ephesians said not to judge others from another nation

Akin to Colossians, doctrine was linked to application

Philippians is emotional yet is Paul’s “Joy and Crown”

Focusing on joy and the gospel when you boil it down

Paul wrote First Timothy as “The Pastor’s Handbook”

It is personal in nature as well as practical in outlook

About good deeds and sound doctrine, Titus is filled

Obedience and good works upon God’s grace do build

Second Timothy was the Apostle Paul’s “Swan Song”

A final exhortation to endure suffering and stay strong

Hebrews' authorship and date remain a great mystery

Persecution was faced, not for the first time in history

Christ is our mediator who offers hope and provision

His sacrifice and promises are presented with precision

First Peter can be referred to as “The Enemy Without”

Encouraging persecuted believers in case of doubt

The “already, not yet” tension of the New Testament

Explains why it is important that Christ was sent

Second Peter refocused on “The Enemy Within"

As heretical thoughts looked like they might win

The main points are similar to Jude in many spots

These words reflected the disciple's final thoughts

Oft-neglected Jude addresses destructive heresies

By studying His word and praying we do God please

First, Second, and Third John targeted the gnostics

Love, truth, and obedience are the appropriate mix

“The Book of Last Things”, Revelation John did write

For seven churches, their issues brought into the light

On the prophecy and Millennium, there are varied views

But what matters is how the story ends - the good news!