Obadiah Theme: This prophet pronounces God’s judgment on a neighboring nation. Don’t miss: “The day of the Lord” (v. 15) is a common theme for many of the prophets, looking toward a time of judgment … and justice. Jonah Theme/story: A prophet tries to run away rather than preach where God sends him. A “great fish” (or whale) turns things around. Don’t miss: The strange epilogue in chapter 4. Micah Theme: This prophet calls the people of Judah to return to the Lord and act with justice. Don’t miss: The summary of “what the Lord requires” in 6:8. Nahum Theme: Writing around 660 BC, this prophet declares God’s judgment against the enemy superpower, Assyria. Don’t miss: The language in 2:7–9 describes a water-based method of attack that might have been used by the Babylonians to conquer the Assyrian capital of Nineveh in 612 BC. Habakkuk Theme: As his people’s enemies keep winning, this prophet struggles to understand what God is doing, and why. Don’t miss: The “call to worship” in 2:20. Zephaniah Theme: For those who think God has gone silent, this prophet assures them that divine action is imminent. Don’t miss: Singing in the middle of crisis (3:14). Haggai Theme: After the Jews have returned to a damaged Jerusalem, this prophet calls on them to rebuild the Lord’s temple. Don’t miss: The hopeful message of 2:9. Zechariah Theme: As Jews resettle their homeland after the Babylonian captivity, this prophet looks ahead to the Lord’s future plans. Don’t miss: Multiple prophecies about the coming Messiah, including one fulfilled on Palm Sunday (9:9). Malachi Theme: This prophet asks his people to honor God with their attitudes, their actions and their money. Don’t miss: The promise of Elijah’s return in 3:23—which Jesus later saw fulfilled in John the Baptist (Matthew 11:14).
2 Corinthians Theme: In a kinder, gentler connection with Corinth, Paul still asserts his authority in the face of certain detractors. Don’t miss: The “ministry of reconciliation” described in 5:11–21. Galatians Theme: In Christ, we have freedom from the and from the flesh. Don’t miss: The “fruit of the Spirit” listed in 5:22–23. Ephesians Theme: God’s eternal plan, and how it involves the Church. Don’t miss: The beautiful prayers at the ends of chapters 1 and 3. Philippians Theme: Joy in the Lord … even in difficult situations. Don’t miss: The apostle’s confidence in 1:6 that God is still working in us. Colossians Theme: Keeping the faith … together. Don’t miss: Music and the Word in 3:16. 1 Thessalonians Theme: Personal greetings from Paul and exhortations for the church. Don’t miss: The percussion of holy living in 5:16–22. 2 Thessalonians Theme: The Christian’s responsibility to work diligently and avoid deception. Don’t miss: The glimpse into Paul’s own ministry in 3:7–8. 1 Timothy Theme: Paul advises the young leader Timothy on matters of worship, organization, and right teaching. Don’t miss: Warnings against the love of money in chapter 6. 2 Timothy Theme: Often considered Paul’s final epistle, this letter contains both personal and ministerial advice. Don’t miss: What it says about Scripture in 3:16–17. Titus Theme: Guidance for church leadership. Don’t miss: What appears to be an early Christian hymn quoted in 3:4–7. Philemon Theme: Paul urges his friend Philemon to welcome back a runaway slave. Don’t miss: In verse 24, the mention of two Gospel-writers among Paul’s companions. Hebrews Theme: How Christ has fulfilled the Jewish traditions. Don’t miss: The heroes and heroines of faith in chapter 11.
James Theme: Living what you say you believe. Don’t miss: Touches of satirical comedy in 1:23–24; 2:1–4; 2:15–16; and 3:5. 1 Peter Theme: God provides comfort to those who suffer for Christ. Don’t miss: Guidance for talking with non-believers in 3:15–16. 2 Peter Theme: The danger of false teaching. Don’t miss: Qualities of the growing believer, in 1:5–8. 1 John Theme: Love and truth. Don’t miss: The value of confession in 1:9. 2 John Theme: Christian love. Don’t miss: The size of this letter; it fit on one sheet of papyrus. 3 John Theme: Offering a loving welcome to traveling ministers. Don’t miss: The brief descriptions of Diotrephes and Demetrius. Imagine what they would have been like. Jude Theme: The danger of false teachers. Don’t miss: The beautiful blessing of verses 24–25. Theme: This highly symbolic work encourages believers with assurance of God’s ultimate victory over the forces of evil. The connection between the Catholic Mass and the book of Revelation is striking. Read and observe. Don’t miss: All the songs: “Holy, Holy, Holy”; “Worthy is the Lamb”; “Hallelujah.”