Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Matthew 3. Day 71 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Matthew 3. Day 71 - The New Testament in a Year
Episode Notes: 
Today's Scripture: Matthew 3(CSB)
Podcast Homepage: The New Testament in a Year
Bible Reading Plan: Navigators Reading Plan
Contact Sean through email here:  seanbailey1985@gmail.com
NTIY on Facebook: Facebook.com/newtestamentinayear
NTIY Website: www.newtestamentinayear.com
Episode Highlights:
John the Baptist's Message.  The Baptism of Jesus.  Identity in Christ.  
“I baptize you with water for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is more powerful than I. I am not worthy to remove his sandals. He himself will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."  Matthew 3:11 
In this episode, we journey into Matthew Chapter 3 with a keen focus on understanding the critical moments and messages that set the foundation for Jesus's ministry. As we explore, we pay particular attention to John the Baptist's emphatic call to repentance, a theme that resonates through the ages as a fundamental step towards spiritual renewal and readiness for the Kingdom of Heaven. We're invited to reflect on our own lives in light of John's message, considering what it means to produce "fruit in keeping with repentance" and how this prepares us for a deeper relationship with Christ. The baptism of Jesus by John in the Jordan River is another pivotal event we explore, highlighting Jesus's humility and obedience, the affirmation of His divine sonship, and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, which together mark the commencement of His public ministry.

Matthew 2. Day 70 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Matthew 2. Day 70 - The New Testament in a Year
Episode Notes: 
Today's Scripture: Matthew 2(CSB)
Podcast Homepage: The New Testament in a Year
Bible Reading Plan: Navigators Reading Plan
Contact Sean through email here:  seanbailey1985@gmail.com
NTIY on Facebook: Facebook.com/newtestamentinayear
NTIY Website: www.newtestamentinayear.com
Episode Highlights:
Visit of the Wise Men.  The Flight to Egypt.  Herod Massacres Innocents. 
 
"Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped him". Matthew 2:11
 
In this episode, we read and discuss Matthew Chapter 2, exploring the significant events that marked the early life of Jesus Christ. We uncover the profound visit of the Magi, a moment that signifies the recognition of Jesus' kingship beyond the Jewish community. The gifts they bring,  gold, frankincense, and myrrh, each carry deep prophetic meaning, shedding light on Jesus' identity as king, God, and sacrifice. We also navigate through the darker aspects of this chapter, witnessing King Herod's deceit and his brutal decree that led to the massacre of the innocents. This tragic event fulfills Jeremiah's prophecy, reminding us of the spiritual battle surrounding Jesus' mission from the very beginning. Through these events, we're invited to see the intricate tapestry of prophecy and fulfillment, showcasing God's sovereign hand over history.
 

Matthew 1. Day 69 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Matthew 1. Day 69 - The New Testament in a Year
Episode Notes: 
Today's Scripture: Matthew 1(CSB)
Podcast Homepage: The New Testament in a Year
Bible Reading Plan: Navigators Reading Plan
Contact Sean through email here:  seanbailey1985@gmail.com
NTIY on Facebook: Facebook.com/newtestamentinayear
NTIY Website: www.newtestamentinayear.com
Episode Highlights:
 
The Genealogy of Jesus.  The Birth of Jesus Foretold.   Joseph’s Obedience.  
 
"But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”  Matthew 1:20-21
 
In this episode, we are focusing our attention on Matthew Chapter 1. We will discuss that the genealogy of Jesus not only connects Him to Abraham and David, emphasizing His rightful claim to messianic and royal lineage, but it also brings forward unexpected names, showcasing God's inclusive grace and the sovereign orchestration of history. As we look into the foretold birth of Jesus, we reflect on Joseph’s righteousness and his immediate obedience to God’s plans, even when those plans defy societal norms. The significant names of Jesus: "Jesus" meaning "The Lord saves" and "Immanuel" meaning "God with us", stand out, underlining His mission and identity in a way that invites us into a deeper understanding of the divine narrative that the Bible unfolds.
Through this journey, we are encouraged to consider the implications of Joseph's obedience when faced with divine instruction, seeing it as a model for faith in action. The episode brings to light the importance of legal fatherhood in connecting Jesus to David's lineage, affirming His place in Jewish heritage and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.  This exploration opens up a unique perspective on God's active role in history and encourages personal reflection on the presence of God in our own lives, pushing us toward a more intimate and faithful walk with Christ.

James 5. Day 68 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

James 5. Day 68 - The New Testament in a Year
Episode Notes: 
Today's Scripture: James 5(CSB)
Podcast Homepage: The New Testament in a Year
Bible Reading Plan: Navigators Reading Plan
Contact Sean through email here:  seanbailey1985@gmail.com
NTIY on Facebook: Facebook.com/newtestamentinayear
NTIY Website: www.newtestamentinayear.com
Episode Highlights:
Warning to the Rich.  Patience in Suffering.  The Power of Prayer.  
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect."  James 5:16
 
In this episode of "The New Testament in a Year," we explore James Chapter 5 , focusing on the crucial themes of justice, patience, and the power of prayer. This concluding chapter offers warnings and encouragements, addressing both the wealthy oppressors and the suffering believers. It reminds us of the temporary nature of earthly wealth and underscores the importance of using resources in God-honoring ways, while also highlighting the virtues of patience and steadfastness through trials, drawing inspiration from biblical figures like the prophets and Job.

James 4. Day 67 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

James 4. Day 67 - The New Testament in a Year
Episode Notes: 
Today's Scripture: James 4(CSB)
Podcast Homepage: The New Testament in a Year
Bible Reading Plan: Navigators Reading Plan
Contact Sean through email here:  seanbailey1985@gmail.com
NTIY on Facebook: Facebook.com/newtestamentinayear
NTIY Website: www.newtestamentinayear.com
Episode Highlights:
The Source of Conflicts.  The Call to Submission and Humility.  The Warning Against Worldliness. 
"Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.:  James 4:7
In this episode of "The New Testament in a Year," we focus on James Chapter 4, a scripture rich with wisdom on resolving conflicts, embracing humility, and recognizing the pitfalls of worldliness. We uncover the root causes of disputes among believers, highlighting how unchecked desires can lead to division and distance from God's path. This chapter emphasizes the importance of humility in accessing God's grace, offering practical ways to develop a spirit of humility in one's own life. This guidance not only aims to mend interpersonal conflicts but also to foster a deeper relationship with God by resisting worldly temptations.
 

James 3. Day 66 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

James 3. Day 66 - The New Testament in a Year
Episode Notes: 
Today's Scripture: James 3(CSB)
Podcast Homepage: The New Testament in a Year
Bible Reading Plan: Navigators Reading Plan
Contact Sean through email here:  seanbailey1985@gmail.com
NTIY on Facebook: Facebook.com/newtestamentinayear
NTIY Website: www.newtestamentinayear.com
Episode Highlights:
The Power of the Tongue.  Taming the Tongue.  Earthly and Heavenly Wisdom. 
 
"With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in God’s likeness."  James 3:9
In today’s episode of The New Testament in a Year, we step into James chapter 3 and take a hard look at something we all deal with every single day… our words. This chapter shows us just how powerful our speech really is. The things we say have the ability to build people up or tear them down, to bring life or cause damage.
James doesn’t sugarcoat it either. Controlling the tongue is one of the hardest things we’ll ever try to do, and on our own, we won’t get it right. That’s why we need the Lord to shape our hearts so our words begin to reflect His truth and His love.
We also see a clear contrast between two kinds of wisdom. One that comes from the world, full of pride and selfish ambition, and one that comes from above, marked by humility, peace, and righteousness. This chapter calls us to check not just what we say, but what’s driving it. Because what comes out of our mouth is always revealing what’s going on in our heart.
 

James 2. Day 65 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

James 2. Day 65 - The New Testament in a Year
Episode Notes: 
Today's Scripture: James 2(CSB)
Podcast Homepage: The New Testament in a Year
Bible Reading Plan: Navigators Reading Plan
Contact Sean through email here:  seanbailey1985@gmail.com
NTIY on Facebook: Facebook.com/newtestamentinayear
NTIY Website: www.newtestamentinayear.com
Episode Highlights:
The Sin of Partiality.  The Royal Law of Love. Faith and Works. 
"For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead."  James 2:26
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In today’s episode of The New Testament in a Year, we walk through James chapter 2 and get really honest about what real faith actually looks like in our lives. This chapter challenges us to stop showing favoritism and to take a hard look at the biases we may carry without even realizing it. God makes it clear that faith isn’t about how we treat the people who are easy to love, but how we treat everyone.
We also lean into what Scripture calls the “royal law” which is simply this: love your neighbor as yourself. That’s not just a nice idea, it’s the standard for how we live as followers of Jesus.
Then we get to one of the most important truths in the chapter: faith and action go hand in hand. James makes it clear that real faith isn’t just something we say, it’s something we live out. We’ll look at the lives of Abraham and Rahab and see how their faith showed up in what they did. Because at the end of the day, if our faith isn’t changing how we live, it’s time to ask if it’s truly alive.
 

James 1. Day 64 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

James 1. Day 64 - The New Testament in a Year
Episode Notes: 
Today's Scripture: James 1(CSB)
Podcast Homepage: The New Testament in a Year
Bible Reading Plan: Navigators Reading Plan
Contact Sean through email here:  seanbailey1985@gmail.com
NTIY on Facebook: Facebook.com/newtestamentinayear
NTIY Website: www.newtestamentinayear.com
Episode Highlights:
Trials and Joy. Wisdom from God. The Rich and the Poor. 
"Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance." James 1:2-3
 
In this episode of "The New Testament in a Year," we begin the book of James and are focusing on how to live out faith in the middle of trials and temptations. We explore the paradox of finding joy in trials, emphasizing that these challenges test our faith, leading to perseverance and ultimately spiritual maturity. It highlights the importance of seeking wisdom from God, essential for navigating life's trials and making decisions that align with His will, while stressing the need to ask in faith without succumbing to doubt.

Galatians 6. Day 63 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Galatians 6. Day 63 - The New Testament in a Year
Episode Notes: 
Today's Scripture: Galatians 6(CSB)
Podcast Homepage: The New Testament in a Year
Bible Reading Plan: Navigators Reading Plan
Contact Sean through email here:  seanbailey1985@gmail.com
NTIY on Facebook: Facebook.com/newtestamentinayear
NTIY Website: www.newtestamentinayear.com
Episode Highlights:
Bearing One Another's Burdens.  Sowing and Reaping.  Final Instructions. 
 
"Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up" Galatians 6:9 
 
In this episode of "The New Testament in a Year," we read Galatians Chapter 6, focusing on its significant themes and practical advice for living a life guided by the Spirit. This chapter concludes Paul's letter to the Galatians with important instructions on how believers can support each other, the consequences of our actions, and the transformative power of the cross of Christ.

Galatians 5. Day 62 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Galatians 5. Day 62 - The New Testament in a Year
Episode Notes: 
Today's Scripture: Galatians 5(CSB)
Podcast Homepage: The New Testament in a Year
Bible Reading Plan: Navigators Reading Plan
Contact Sean through email here:  seanbailey1985@gmail.com
NTIY on Facebook: Facebook.com/newtestamentinayear
NTIY Website: www.newtestamentinayear.com
Episode Highlights:
Stand Firm in Freedom.  Fruit of the Spirit.  The Law Fulfilled Through Love. 
 
"For you were called to be free, brothers and sisters; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love." Galatians 5:13
 
In this episode of "The New Testament in a Year," we embark on a journey through Galatians Chapter 5, exploring the dynamic themes of freedom, love, and spiritual transformation central to Paul's message. This chapter is crucial, as it addresses the essence of Christian freedom.  Highlighting that this liberty is not an excuse for self-indulgence but a call to serve one another through love. The episode we discuss Paul's persuasive arguments against returning to the restrictive yoke of the law and advocates for a life guided by the Spirit.