The Four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—plunge us into the life and ministry of Jesus. These are lively books, presenting Good News urgently and passionately. Each of the Gospel writers emphasizes different elements of the story of Jesus, and together they offer us a picture of a Messiah—a King defined by his love, compassion, and righteousness.

The Gospels are bold. They reflect the complexity of the Kingdom Jesus speaks of; one marked by social inversion, liberation, and generosity. It is a disruptive yet inclusive message. Matthew presents Jesus as the continuation and fulfillment of God’s promises and covenants. Mark illuminates the ways in which Jesus’ message inverts our worldly presumptions and expectations, offering a redefined notion of what power looks like. Luke proclaims the deliverance and freedom of the Gospel, championing the justice and restoration found at the core of Jesus' words and work. John invites us to meditate on the mystery and wonder of our Creator, reminding us that the Gospel of Christ represents good news on a cosmic scale.

Together the four accounts welcome us into the Kingdom of God and invite us to follow Jesus every day of our lives.

Paired together, the books of Psalms and Proverbs invite us to ruminate on wisdom. As we read these books, we are encouraged to feel—to reflect; we are connected to those who have come before us as they navigated the joys and challenges of life and explore what it means to know God. 

The Book of Psalms presents a collection of poems from thousands of years ago, as contemporary and relevant today as they were at the time of their composition. Psalms spans the breadth of human emotions and experiences and serves as an unflinching reminder that joy and sorrow—gratitude and fear—are realities of the world. The wide spectrum of feeling is integral to our complex lives, and there is room for all of this in our relationship with God. We are united in our experience as children of God, as human beings attempting to make sense of the world around us. 

The Book of Proverbs offers inspiration, guidance, and advice for living wisely passed down over countless generations. A collection of instructional advice, poetic reflection, ethical rumination, and figurative teaching, Proverbs assures us the essence of wisdom is a life lived in pursuit of God—“Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.” It is a book that encourages growth, reminding us that we are all works in progress striving to be better. 

Psalms and Proverbs read together urge us towards intentionality—towards a life lived wisely and authentically with our Creator.

The Book of Psalms presents a collection of poems from thousands of years ago, as contemporary and relevant today as they were at the time of their composition. A creative epic, Psalms spans the breadth of human emotions and experiences. It serves as an unflinching reminder that joy and sorrow—gratitude and fear—are realities of the world. The wide spectrum of feeling is integral to our complex lives, and there is room for all of this in our relationship with God.

The Psalms offer us expressions and reflections on our life with God, with each other, and with creation itself. Through the timeless words of the psalmists, we experience camaraderie and connection with those who have come before us as well as with our communities today. We are united in our experience as children of God, as human beings attempting to make sense of the world around us. Through earthy tones and rich natural imagery, this Book of Psalms explores the central themes of joy and lament and invites us to draw close to God.

The Wisdom books of the Bible invite us to contemplate the diversity of the human experience. Encompassing a variety of genres and literary styles, these books explore themes of beauty, love, joy, and sorrow, and reflect upon the nature and character of God.

Songs of Songs is a book of evocative poetry centered around the universal human desire of love. Job reflects upon some of life’s most profound questions and invites us to bring our laments and questions to God. Ecclesiastes ruminates on the fleetingness of life, encouraging us to embrace the present moment for all its potential joys, sorrows, profundity, and mundanity. Proverbs offers teachings and traditions of wisdom, passed down through generations, encouraging us to live our lives well. And finally, Psalms shares raw and honest poetry illuminating what it means to connect with God in the midst of our complex lives.

Together, these five Wisdom books engage our hearts and minds as we contemplate what it means to live a life of faith. They invite us to draw closer to God and to consider our lives—from our daily rhythms to our overarching desires and ambitions—with intentionality.