Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Romans 4. Day 100 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Romans 4. Day 100 - The New Testament in a Year
Episode Notes: 
Today's Scripture: Romans 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:
Abrahams Faith.  Boasting in the Law.  The Promise to All. 
"For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would inherit the world was not through the law, but through the righteousness that comes by faith."  Romans 4:13
Romans 4 reminds us that salvation has always been by faith. In this milestone 100th episode, Paul takes us back to Abraham and shows us that he was counted righteous before the law was ever given. That matters because it means our standing before God is not based on our works, our religious performance, or our ability to keep the rules. Righteousness is received by faith. Abraham believed God, and that faith pointed forward to the promise that would be fulfilled in Jesus.
As you listen, you will be reminded that the gospel is bigger than one nation, one background, or one group of people. God’s promise is for all who believe. Romans 4 calls us to stop boasting in ourselves and start trusting fully in the grace of God. This chapter challenges us to live with a faith that is not just spoken, but practiced daily through trust, obedience, humility, and hope in the God who keeps His promises.

Romans 3. Day 99 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Romans 3. Day 99 - The New Testament in a Year
Episode Notes: 
Today's Scripture: Romans 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:
All are Sinners.  Justification through Faith.  The Purpose of the Law
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus"   Romans 3:23-24
Romans 3 reminds us of a truth that levels every one of us: we all need grace. Paul shows us that sin is not just a problem for some people. It is a problem for all people. Jews and Gentiles, religious and nonreligious, moral and immoral, everyone stands in need of a Savior. This chapter helps us see that the law was never meant to make us right with God. It reveals our sin, exposes our need, and points us to the only One who can save us.
As you listen, you will be reminded that righteousness is not something we earn. It is something we receive by faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 3 pushes us to stop trusting in our own goodness, our own effort, or our own religious performance, and instead rest in the grace of God. This episode will help you reflect on your need for mercy, understand the beauty of justification, and see why the good news of Jesus is not just helpful, but absolutely necessary.

Romans 2. Day 98 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Romans 2. Day 98 - The New Testament in a Year
Episode Notes: 
Today's Scripture: Romans 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:
God's Righteous Judgement.  The Dangers of Hypocrisy.   Circumcision of the Heart. 
"For the hearers of the law are not righteous before God, but the doers of the law will be justified."  Romans 2:13
Romans 2 brings us face to face with a truth we all need to hear: God is not impressed by religious talk if our hearts are far from Him. In this chapter, Paul reminds us that God’s judgment is righteous, truthful, and impartial. He exposes the danger of hypocrisy, especially when we know the truth, teach the truth, or talk about the truth, but fail to live under the truth ourselves. This chapter challenges us to stop measuring our faith by outward appearances and start asking whether our hearts are truly being changed by God.
As you listen, you will be encouraged to examine your own life with honesty and humility. Romans 2 reminds us that real faith is not just about what we say, what we know, or what others see on the outside. True transformation happens when God changes the heart. This episode will help you think about whether your life is lining up with what you believe, how hypocrisy can damage your witness, and why genuine obedience flows from a heart surrendered to Christ.

Romans 1. Day 97 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Romans 1. Day 97 - The New Testament in a Year
Episode Notes: 
Today's Scripture: Romans 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:
Paul's Introduction.  The Power of the Gospel.  God's wrath revealed from Heaven. 
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek.  For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith."  Romans 1:16-17
WELCOME TO THE LETTER TO THE ROMANS.   Often referred to as "the greatest letter ever written".   We begin our episode by examining Paul's introduction, where he emphasizes his apostolic authority and his mission to preach a gospel that is inclusive of all, irrespective of ethnic or cultural backgrounds. As we navigate through the chapter, we are encouraged to consider the power of the gospel as God's means of salvation for everyone who believes, the revelation of God's righteousness, and the significance of living by faith from beginning to end.
The episode also presents us with profound devotion takeaways that challenge and encourage us to integrate the truths of Romans 1 into our daily walk with Christ. We reflect on the transformative power of the gospel, not only as a message of salvation but as a dynamic force that changes lives and societies. We are called to live by faith, making daily choices that reflect our beliefs and trust in God's promises. Lastly, we address the importance of upholding and living out the truth, being mindful of the human propensity to suppress it. These takeaways not only deepen our understanding but also provide practical applications to ensure that the truths we learn are not just heard but lived.

Matthew 28. Day 96 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Matthew 28. Day 96 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year
Episode Notes: 
Today's Scripture: Matthew 28(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 Empty Tomb.  Jesus' Appearance.  The Great Commission.  
"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" - Matthew 28:19
Matthew 28 brings us to the hope every believer builds their life on: Jesus is alive. In this chapter, the empty tomb changes everything. We see the joy of the resurrection, Jesus appearing to His followers, and the Great Commission that sends His people into the world to make disciples. This chapter reminds us that our faith is not built on wishful thinking, but on the risen Christ who has all authority in heaven and on earth.
Matthew 28 also challenges us to live like the resurrection is true. Because Jesus is alive, we can face trials with hope, bring our doubts honestly before Him, and walk in the power He gives us each day. The Great Commission reminds us that following Jesus is not passive. We are called to share the gospel, make disciples, and help others know and obey Christ. As we read this chapter, we are reminded that the empty tomb is not just something to celebrate. It is something that should shape the way we live every single day.

Matthew 27. Day 95 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Matthew 27. Day 95 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year
Episode Notes: 
Today's Scripture: Matthew 27(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:
Jesus Crucifixion.  Symbolism of the Crucifixion.  The Burial of Jesus.  
"When the centurion and those with him, who were keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they were terrified and said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” Matthew 27:54
Matthew 27 takes us to the weight of the cross and the cost of our salvation. In this chapter, we see Pilate struggle under pressure, the crowd choose Barabbas, Judas fall into despair, and Jesus suffer and die in our place. We also see powerful signs surrounding His death, including the darkness over the land and the tearing of the temple veil, showing that something far greater than a normal execution was taking place.
This chapter reminds us just how deep the love of God really is. Jesus was rejected, mocked, beaten, and crucified, yet He willingly endured it for sinners like us. Matthew 27 also challenges us to think about how we respond to Jesus. Some rejected Him, some mocked Him, some walked away, and some stayed near Him in faith. As we read this chapter, we are reminded to receive His grace with gratitude, forgive others because we have been forgiven, and hold on to hope because the cross was not the end of the story.

Matthew 26. Day 94 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Matthew 26. Day 94 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year
Episode Notes: 
Today's Scripture: Matthew 26(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 Anointing at Bethany.    The Last Supper.   Gethsemane. 
"Going a little farther, he fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:39
Matthew 26 brings us into some of the most powerful moments leading up to the cross. In this chapter, we see a woman worship Jesus through a costly act of devotion, Jesus sharing the Last Supper with His disciples, and the heavy moment of prayer in the garden of Gethsemane. Each scene helps us see the depth of Christ’s love, the meaning of Communion, and the importance of staying spiritually awake.
This chapter reminds us that following Jesus is not just about knowing the right things. It is about giving Him our hearts, remembering His sacrifice, and staying close to the Father in prayer. The woman at Bethany shows us what real devotion looks like. The Last Supper reminds us that Jesus gave His body and blood for us. And Gethsemane shows us the beauty of surrender, even when obedience is hard. As we read Matthew 26, we are challenged to love Jesus deeply, remember Him faithfully, and stay spiritually alert in every season.
 

Matthew 25. Day 93 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Matthew 25. Day 93 - The New Testament in a Year
Episode Notes: 
Today's Scripture: Matthew 25(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:
 
Parable of the Ten Virgins.  Parable of the Talents.  The Final Judgment. 
"Therefore be alert, because you don’t know either the day or the hour."   Matthew 25:13
In this episode, we walk through Matthew 25 and listen to Jesus teach about being ready, being faithful, and living with eternity in mind. Through the Parable of the Ten Virgins, Jesus reminds us that we cannot wait until the last minute to take our faith seriously. Through the Parable of the Talents, He shows us that God expects us to use what He has given us for His glory. And through the picture of the Final Judgment, Jesus makes it clear that the way we love and serve others reveals what is truly happening in our hearts.
Matthew 25 challenges us to live with purpose. We are called to stay spiritually ready, to use our gifts faithfully, and to show real compassion to those in need. Jesus is not just looking for words of faith. He is looking for lives that reflect faith. As we read this chapter, we are reminded that following Christ means living prepared, serving faithfully, and loving people in a way that points them back to Him.

Matthew 24. Day 92 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Matthew 24. Day 92 - The New Testament in a Year
Episode Notes: 
Today's Scripture: Matthew 24(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 Destruction of the Temple.  Signs of the End Times.  The Coming of the Son of Man.  
"Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the peoples of the earth will mourn; and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.  He will send out his angels with a loud trumpet, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other."  Matthew 25:30-31
 
In this episode, we walk through Matthew 24 and listen closely to what Jesus teaches about the destruction of the temple, the signs of the end times, and His promised return. This chapter reminds us that everything in this world is temporary, but the words of Jesus will never pass away. It also challenges us to pay attention, stay faithful, and live ready for the day when Christ returns.
Matthew 24 is not meant to make us afraid. It is meant to wake us up. Jesus calls His followers to live with expectancy, to stay watchful in their faith, and to hold on to hope no matter what is happening around them. As we read this chapter, we are reminded that our hope is not in this world, our circumstances, or our ability to figure everything out. Our hope is in Christ, and because He is coming again, we can live each day with faith, purpose, and confidence.

Matthew 23. Day 91 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Matthew 23. Day 91 - The New Testament in a Year
Episode Notes: 
Today's Scripture: Matthew 23(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:
Hypocrisy.  The "Woes".   Jesus' Emotional Response.
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of the bones of the dead and every kind of impurity.  In the same way, on the outside you seem righteous to people, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness." -Matthew 23:27-28
In today's episode, we explore Matthew Chapter 23, a pivotal passage where Jesus exposes the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and religious leaders. As we navigate through this chapter, we're encouraged to look for crucial elements such as the focus on hypocrisy, the understanding of the "woes," and Jesus' emotional response to the spiritual state of His people. Each of these points reveals deeper layers of understanding about living a life that genuinely reflects our faith. We examine how Jesus criticizes the leaders for neglecting the more significant aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness—while also challenging us to ensure our actions align with our words.
Our journey through this chapter brings forth several impactful takeaways that inspire us to enhance our walk with Christ. We explore the dangers of hypocrisy, emphasizing the need for authenticity in how we live out our faith both privately and publicly. The call to embrace humility stands out, urging us to find greatness not in recognition but in serving others quietly and diligently. Lastly, we reflect on the importance of embodying justice, mercy, and faithfulness in our everyday lives. These values, central to a robust Christian life, require our active engagement and a heartfelt commitment to practice them consistently, thereby shaping our actions and decisions in a way that honors God and serves others effectively