The Promise of Life Through Christ

AMY TURNER

The Bible teaches that Jesus rose from the dead, and this truth gives hope to all who believe in him. In the first man, Adam, death came into the world. Because of him, every person faces sin and death. But through Jesus, called the new Adam, there is a new future. His resurrection is described as the first fruit, meaning it is the beginning of what is to come for those who follow him.

The order is clear. Christ was raised first, and when he returns, those who belong to him will also be raised. What happened to Jesus will one day happen to his people. Just as we shared in Adam’s weakness, we will share in Christ’s victory over death. Our story does not end in the grave, but in life with him.

This hope is not only for later but also for today.

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose from the dead, so also God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep [a]through Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 4:14

The Meaning of the Helmet of Salvation

JEFF TURNER

In Ephesians 6, Paul tells believers to wear spiritual armour, including the helmet of salvation. For Roman soldiers, a helmet was essential protection against powerful head strikes in battle. Such blows could end a fight instantly. Spiritually, this helmet represents the believer’s hope of final salvation.

In 1 Thessalonians, Paul calls it the helmet of the hope of salvation. This points to the confidence that God will complete the work He began in every believer. Philippians 1:6 reminds us that He will bring His people to glory. This hope is not uncertain; it is a promised inheritance that can never perish, kept safe by God’s power through faith.

The greatest threat to a believer would be the fear of losing salvation. The helmet of salvation guards against that fear. It protects the mind with the assurance that eternal life rests on God’s promises and the finished work of Christ.

But since we are of the day, let’s be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.

1 Thessalonians 5:8

The Peace That Comes from Jesus

FLOYD ROGERS

The kind of peace Jesus gives is not like what the world offers. It comes directly from Him and reflects His close relationship with God the Father. Jesus said that He and the Father are one, so the peace He provides is godly. It comes from heaven.

This peace can’t be found through people, possessions, or even quiet surroundings. It is found only through knowing Jesus personally. When someone enters into a real relationship with Him, they begin to experience a peace that is steady, even when life is uncertain or difficult.

This peace does not depend on what is happening around us. It remains, even when we face struggles. It is a gift that Jesus gives to those who trust in Him.

Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.

John 14:27

The Fullness of Life Found in Christ

AMY TURNER

In a letter to the Colossians, Paul speaks about Jesus using powerful words. He explains that the complete nature of God lives in Christ, and those who trust in him are made whole. Paul is showing that everything about Jesus is shared with his followers.

Christ is not lacking in any way. He is more than enough for the needs of the heart, the body, and the mind. Through him, people are able to live the life that God intended for them. Christ is not empty or missing something.

Jesus is the head over all power and authority, and those who are in him share in this fullness.

and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over every ruler and authority;

Colossians 2:10

Understanding the Role of Apostles in the Early Church

JEFF TURNER

In 1 Corinthians 12:28, the Bible lists different roles in the church, starting with apostles. This order is important because it shows the special place apostles had in the early Christian community.

Apostles were the first group chosen by Jesus. There were twelve of them, all witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection. After Judas left, Matthias took his place. These men were the first to preach the gospel and teach what Jesus had shown them. The teachings they shared became known as the apostles’ doctrine. Early Christians would meet to learn from these teachings, which formed the foundation of the church.

The apostles also received special messages from God and wrote much of the New Testament. Because of their role, they are given a unique honor in Christian history. Paul is also counted among the apostles, even though he was not one of the original twelve.

After the apostles came prophets, who were early preachers who received guidance from God to help the church. Next were teachers, who helped explain the faith clearly. These roles are similar to today’s pastors and teachers. Evangelists, who focus on sharing the gospel with those outside the church, also play a key part, as seen in Ephesians.

The apostles hold a special place as the foundation of the church, a group that cannot be repeated. The church was built on the foundation of apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone. I hope this understanding helps explain how the early church was organized and why apostles had a unique role.

having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone,

Ephesians 2:20