The New Testament gospels record the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. And woven throughout the story, we find several key historical and theological realites that help shape our understanding of Jesus Christ and why He came into the world.

In Acts 2, Luke, the author of Acts, records the first church service, where the apostle Peter preached the first gospel sermon at Pentecost. There, he explained the Old Testament and proclaimed Jesus as both Lord and Messiah. Peter’s message summarizes the gospel message that was taught by the apostles and the early church.

Acts begins with the church's explosive birth at Pentecost through Peter's sermon. Luke then records the church's unstoppable growth amid fierce opposition from Jewish leadership—opposition that culminates in Stephen's heartbreaking martyrdom. But here's the beautiful irony: this tragic incident not only highlights the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ but actually catapults the good news far beyond Jerusalem's borders.

The second half of Acts covers Paul's life and ministry. The text records his profound conversion, growth in Scripture knowledge, arrest in Jerusalem, imprisonment in Caesarea, appeal to Caesar, and journey to Rome for house arrest. There he continued preaching the gospel, so Acts concludes with the gospel traveling from Jerusalem to Rome.

Why do the four gospels often differ in their content and emphasis as it relates to Jesus Christ? Primarly because each gospel writer describes Christ's person and work, but they do so with distinct purposes. These clear differences don't detract from Jesus and the good news of salvation—rather, they show this powerful message from different angles.

Do you know the details surrounding the birth narrative of Jesus Christ and why such an account is in our Bible? It is important to understand that the second member of the Trinity being born into this world is not only the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, but also necessary for man to be made right with God.

While the Bible describes in detail Christ's birth and public ministry, the gospel record is completely silent about His life between ages 12 and 30. Can we discern what Jesus did during those 18 years? And if so, does it matter for us as Christians? Today, Tom explores the "Silent Years" of Jesus' life.

Jesus' three-and-a-half-year public ministry launches with a powerful encounter with John the Baptist. The Old Testament promised a forerunner would prepare the way—and that man was John, who baptized Jesus. Then comes the dramatic 40-day temptation by Satan himself. But what does this mean for us as Christians today?

Jesus not only decreed the events of the cross but also willingly went to the cross to save sinners. Christ orchestrated everything perfectly so that He would die during Passover as the ultimate sacrifice, giving His life ""as a ransom for many"" in fulfillment of God's eternal plan of redemption.