The New Testament in a Year

2 Corinthians 12. Day 179 - The New Testament in a Year

2 Corinthians 12. Day 179 - The New Testament in a Year
Paul’s Vision of Heaven.  The Thorn in Paul’s Flesh. Paul’s Love for the Corinthians. 
"Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and in difficulties, for the sake of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong."  - 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Have you ever felt like your struggles are holding you back? In 2 Corinthians 12, we learn that even Paul, a great apostle, experienced a "thorn in the flesh"—a constant struggle that kept him grounded and reliant on God's strength. As we explore Paul’s vision of heaven, his humility, and his ultimate surrender to God's grace, we find comfort in knowing that God’s power is made perfect in our weaknesses.
This episode challenges us to see our limitations not as barriers, but as opportunities for God to work through us. We examine how God’s grace sustains us, how humility leads to true strength, and how we can embrace the challenges in our lives as moments for spiritual growth. Through Paul's testimony, we learn that when we are weak, God is strong, and His grace is sufficient for every trial we face.

2 Corinthians 11. Day 178 - The New Testament in a Year

2 Corinthians 11. Day 178 - The New Testament in a Year
Paul's Godly Jealousy.  Paul's Sacrificial Service.  Paul’s Boast in Weakness. 
"If boasting is necessary, I will boast about my weaknesses." - 2 Corinthians 11:30
 
Are you guarding your faith against deception? In this episode, we explore 2 Corinthians Chapter 11, where Paul expresses his deep concern for the Corinthians, fearing they might be led astray by false apostles. We dive into the hardships Paul endured for the sake of the gospel, contrasting his genuine ministry with the false boasting of others. Through this chapter, we see how God’s strength is made perfect in our weaknesses and how we, too, can stand firm in our faith, even when faced with challenges.
Together, we'll uncover the importance of guarding our hearts and minds with the truth of the gospel, embracing the sacrifices that come with following Christ, and finding strength in our weaknesses. Paul's words encourage us to remain steadfast, reminding us that true strength comes not from our own abilities, but from our reliance on God. Let’s journey together to strengthen our faith and trust in God's unwavering faithfulness.
 

2 Corinthians 10. Day 177 - The New Testament in a Year

2 Corinthians 10. Day 177 - The New Testament in a Year
The Nature of Spiritual Warfare.  Paul’s Defense of His Authority.  Worldly and Godly Standards. 
"For although we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh, since the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds". 2 Corinthians 10:3-4
How do you fight spiritual battles? In 2 Corinthians Chapter 10, we’re reminded that, as believers, our weapons are not of this world but mighty through God for demolishing strongholds. Paul’s defense of his authority reveals a critical truth: spiritual authority is given by God for the purpose of building up the church, not for self-promotion.
We often find ourselves caught between worldly standards and God’s standards. This chapter challenges us to focus on what God has done through us, to take every thought captive, and to boast only in the Lord. As we reflect on these truths, we’ll gain a deeper understanding of how to walk in humility and spiritual strength, relying on God’s power rather than our own.
 
 

2 Corinthians 9. Day 176 - The New Testament in a Year

2 Corinthians 9. Day 176 - The New Testament in a Year
Sowing and Reaping. God’s Provision and Blessing. The Result of Generosity. 
"The point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously."  2 Corinthians 9:6  
 
What does it mean to give cheerfully, and how does our relationship with Christ transform our view of wealth? In this episode, we dive into 2 Corinthians Chapter 9, where Paul teaches us the powerful connection between authentic salvation and generosity. You'll discover how a heart transformed by Christ views wealth differently, seeing it as a tool to bless others and glorify God.
As we explore this chapter together, we’ll learn about God’s generous provision, His faithfulness, and how our acts of giving can lead to many expressions of thanks to God. You’ll walk away inspired to give with joy, trust in God's provision, and let your generosity be a reflection of your new life in Christ. Join us as we continue our journey through 2 Corinthians, uncovering wisdom that deepens our walk with God.
 

2 Corinthians 8. Day 175 - The New Testament in a Year

2 Corinthians 8. Day 175 - The New Testament in a Year
Macedonian Example.  Excel in Generosity.  Give Willingly.
"Now as you excel in everything—in faith, speech, knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love for us — excel also in this act of grace.   I am not saying this as a command. Rather, by means of the diligence of others, I am testing the genuineness of your love.  For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: Though he was rich, for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.  2 Corinthians 8:7-9
 
How do we approach generosity in our Christian walk? In this episode, we explore 2 Corinthians Chapter 8, where Paul encourages the Corinthians by highlighting the generosity of the Macedonian churches. These believers, despite their own poverty, gave joyfully and generously, setting an example for us all.
As we read, we focus on three key themes: the example of the Macedonian churches, the call to excel in the grace of giving, and the importance of willingness in our generosity. We then consider how these principles can deepen our relationship with God and enhance our daily lives as believers. Generosity is not just about money but about reflecting God’s grace and love in every aspect of our lives.
 

2 Corinthians 7. Day 174 - The New Testament in a Year

2 Corinthians 7. Day 174 - The New Testament in a Year
Godly Sorrow vs. Worldly Sorrow.   Paul’s Joy in the Corinthians’ Repentance.  The Power of Restored Relationships
"For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly grief produces death." - 2 Corinthians 7:10
In this episode, we uncover the transformative power of godly sorrow and the deep joy that comes from genuine repentance as we explore 2 Corinthians Chapter 7. We’ll see how Paul’s relationship with the Corinthians strengthens through their repentance and reconciliation, offering us a powerful lesson in the importance of restoring our relationships with God and others.
As we journey through this chapter, we’ll focus on understanding the difference between godly and worldly sorrow, the joy of reconciliation, and the strength found in a faith community. Together, we’ll explore how these lessons can improve our walk with Christ, encouraging us to embrace true repentance, seek reconciliation, and grow stronger in our faith through community.

2 Corinthians 6. Day 173 - The New Testament in a Year

2 Corinthians 6. Day 173 - The New Testament in a Year
Enduring Hardships. Character of God’s Servants. Set Apart. 
"Do not be yoked together with those who do not believe. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?"  2 Corinthians 6:14
 
In 2 Corinthians Chapter 6, Paul offers a powerful testimony of what it means to stay committed to Christ through trials, while also reflecting on the character traits that should define our lives as believers. This chapter challenges us to live a life that is holy and set apart, distinct from the world’s influences.
In this episode, we explore three key themes: the endurance required to face suffering, the character qualities that mark true servants of God, and the call to holiness that sets us apart as God’s people. Through these teachings, we’re encouraged to grow in our walk with Christ, reflecting His character in everything we do. As we journey through these truths, we’ll find practical ways to apply them in our daily lives, strengthening our faith and deepening our relationship with God.

2 Corinthians 5. Day 172 - The New Testament in a Year

2 Corinthians 5. Day 172 - The New Testament in a Year
Earthly Tent.  Walk by Faith.   Ambassadors.  
6 So we are always confident and know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight."  2 Corinthians 5:6-7
 
Are you ready to discover what awaits beyond this life? 2 Corinthians 5 gives us a profound glimpse into the eternal promises God has for those who trust in Him. In this episode, we’ll explore how our fragile, earthly bodies are just temporary "tents" and how we can live with confidence knowing that God has prepared a permanent, glorious home for us. We’ll also unpack what it means to live by faith, not by sight, and our calling to be ambassadors of Christ, sharing the message of reconciliation with the world.
As we read this chapter together, you’ll find practical insights on how to live with an eternal perspective, trust God even when life doesn’t make sense, and fulfill your mission as a representative of Christ. Join us as we delve into this encouraging chapter and discover the deep love and faithfulness of our God.

2 Corinthians 4. Day 171 - The New Testament in a Year

2 Corinthians 4. Day 171 - The New Testament in a Year
Jars of Clay.  Persecuted, Yet Not Abandoned. The Eternal Perspective. 
"Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us."  2 Corinthians 4:7
 
In this episode, we uncover the profound truths of 2 Corinthians Chapter 4, where Paul speaks about the treasure we hold in our fragile human vessels and the power of God that sustains us through trials. We explore how our weaknesses are opportunities for God to display His strength, the assurance that we are never abandoned in our suffering, and the call to fix our eyes on the eternal glory that far outweighs our present challenges.
As we journey through this chapter, we find encouragement to embrace our human frailty, knowing it reveals God’s extraordinary power. We also discover the strength to endure persecution with the confidence that God is with us, and the wisdom to focus on our eternal hope, allowing it to shape our daily lives.

2 Corinthians 3. Day 170 - The New Testament in a Year

2 Corinthians 3. Day 170 - The New Testament in a Year
Letter vs Spirit.  Old vs New.  Transformed in His Glory.
"He has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life."  2 Corinthians 3:6-7
 
In this episode of The New Testament in a Year, we explore 2 Corinthians Chapter 3, where Paul contrasts the Old Covenant of the law with the New Covenant of the Spirit. We unpack the transformation that comes through the Spirit and how it surpasses the fading glory of the law given to Moses. You'll learn how the Spirit brings life, freedom, and a continual process of being shaped into the image of Christ.
As we journey through this chapter, we discover how the New Covenant empowers us to live righteously, not through our strength but by the Spirit’s work within us. Through this episode, we are encouraged to embrace our freedom in Christ, allowing His transformative power to guide us daily, and to walk boldly in the life-giving grace that God provides.