In Romans 13:1-7, Paul urges believers to submit to governing authorities, reminding us that all authority is established by God. As Good News Citizens, we reflect the Gospel not only in our personal lives but also in how we live publicly—by respecting leaders, obeying laws, and contributing to the good of our communities. Doing what is right, paying what is owed, and showing honor demonstrates both integrity and trust in God’s sovereignty. Our earthly citizenship becomes a testimony to our heavenly one, as we live with peace, humility, and a commitment to doing good for the sake of Christ.

In Joshua 24:14-15, Joshua calls the people of Israel to wholehearted devotion to God. He challenges them to choose whom they will serve, either the false gods of their past or the one true God who delivered them. With bold conviction, Joshua declares, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” This passage reminds us that a good news family begins with a clear and faithful choice: to serve the Lord together. It’s not just about personal faith, it’s about shaping our homes with intentional love, truth, and commitment to God. How can you encourage faith and obedience in your home, whether you live alone, with a spouse, children, or extended family?

After a grueling trial and gruesome crucifixion, the beaten, lifeless body of Jesus hung on the cross. With Friday sundown and the approaching Sabbath, there was a rush to dispose of the deceased. Determined to honor their rabbi, some of Jesus' followers arranged for Jesus to receive a proper burial. But they didn’t know that the borrowed tomb would only be needed for a very short time. Jesus would not be dead for long. God was about to make His most powerful move yet to fulfill His promise to rescue His people.

In Luke 23, only a handful of hours into His last day before death, Jesus had already been falsely accused and wrongly condemned to death. He was flogged by officials, forsaken by His followers, and left so weak that He could not even carry His cross as He marched to the place of His execution. Yet the emotional anguish and physical pain He bore could not keep Him from obediently fulfilling the Father’s purpose. Christ came to be a ransom for sinners so that those who believed could become part of the forever family of God.

As Jesus and His disciples left the upper room, Jesus embarked on the final leg of His journey to the cross. He entered the garden of Gethsemane, knowing all His disciples would fail to stand and watch and pray. He knew Peter would deny Him three times. He was utterly alone, but He never wavered. In the garden, Jesus did what Adam could not do. He stood against the devil and bowed His will to the Father’s. By doing so, He brought many sons and daughters to glory.

Matthew 26:6-13 tells the story of a woman anointing Jesus with expensive perfume, an act of deep love and honor. While others criticized her, Jesus praised her, saying she had done a beautiful thing, preparing Him for burial. This moment shows that true worship is discovering that the Lord is worthy to love and follow. Worship starts in the inner person, is often costly, and is honored by Him even when we are criticized or dismissed as foolish.

In Matthew 25, Jesus tells a parable about a master who entrusts his servants with different amounts of money before leaving on a journey. Two servants invest and multiply what they’re given and are rewarded, while one hides his talent out of fear and is rebuked. Jesus uses this story to show how He invests in us by giving us gifts and opportunities to use for His glory. He entrusts to us opportunities, blessings, resources, and places of influence. He expects growth and faithfulness. He also promises His joy when we are faithful.

Matthew 23:1-26 shows Jesus confronting the hypocrisy of religious leaders who burden people with rules but neglect justice, mercy, and faithfulness. he invites us to a genuine relationship with God, freeing us from empty religion and outward appearances.