Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

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

Matthew 22. Day 90 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Matthew 22. Day 90 - The New Testament in a Year
Episode Notes: 
Today's Scripture: Matthew 22(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 Wedding Feast.  The Greatest Commandment.  The Resurrection Affirmed. 
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command.  The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself."  Matthew 22:38-39
In this episode, we explore Matthew Chapter 22, where critical parables and teachings of Jesus are highlighted. We begin by delving into the Parable of the Wedding Feast, which illustrates the inclusive nature of God’s invitation to His kingdom. We're encouraged to recognize the implications of rejecting this call and the importance of being properly prepared through righteousness. As we move further, our understanding deepens with Jesus’ profound summary of the law through the Greatest Commandment, emphasizing the essential role of love in our relationship with God and others. We also tackle the challenging question about the resurrection posed by the Sadducees, which allows us to appreciate the scriptural basis and the powerful affirmation of life beyond death.
The takeaways from this chapter provide practical guidance for living out the teachings of Jesus in our daily lives. We are reminded of the universality of God’s invitation and encouraged to reflect this inclusivity in our own lives, perhaps by welcoming those who feel marginalized. The episode also brings to light the central nature of love in our faith, urging us to actively seek the good of others and deepen our love for God. Lastly, by affirming the reality of the resurrection, we are motivated to adopt an eternal perspective in our actions and interactions, promoting a life that truly reflects the values of the kingdom of heaven. Each of these insights not only enriches our understanding but also challenges us to transform this knowledge into action within our communities and personal lives.

Matthew 21. Day 89 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Matthew 21. Day 89 - The New Testament in a Year
Episode Notes: 
Today's Scripture: Matthew 21(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:
Triumphal Entry.  Cleansing of the Temple.  Parables.
"Jesus went into the temple and threw out all those buying and selling. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves. He said to them, “It is written, my house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of thieves!”  Matthew 21:12-13
In this episode, we read Matthew Chapter 21 and focus on three key "look-fors" that illuminate the scripture’s teachings. First, we witness the Triumphal Entry, where Jesus fulfills ancient prophecy by riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, prompting us to reflect on the crowd’s response and the unease of the city's leaders. Then, we explore the Cleansing of the Temple, a powerful display of Jesus' authority and his zeal for spiritual purity, challenging us to consider the integrity of our own spiritual practices. Lastly, through Jesus’ teachings and parables, particularly the Parables of the Two Sons and the Tenants, we gain insights into obedience, authority, and the consequences of our responses to God's calling.
Our takeaways from this chapter are thought-provoking and encourage us to integrate the teachings into our daily lives. We discuss the importance of humble service, inspired by Jesus' modest entry into Jerusalem, which teaches us that true leadership in God's eyes is rooted in humility and service to others. We also consider the significance of maintaining spiritual integrity, spurred by Jesus’ cleansing of the temple, which calls us to align our actions with our beliefs. Lastly, we examine the value of obedience to God through the lens of Jesus' parables, encouraging us to be faithful stewards of what He has entrusted to us. These lessons not only enhance our understanding of the scripture but also inspire us to live out our faith more authentically and dynamically.

Matthew 20. Day 88 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Matthew 20. Day 88 - The New Testament in a Year
Episode Notes: 
Today's Scripture: Matthew 20(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 to the Workers.  Jesus Predicts His Death.  Healing of the Two Blind Men.
"whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,  and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave" - Matthew 20:26-27
In today's episode, we explore Matthew Chapter 20, where the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard takes center stage, teaching us about God’s boundless grace and fairness. We examine the landowner's generosity as he pays the late workers the same as those who worked all day, illustrating that the last will be first in the Kingdom of Heaven. As we explore further, Jesus' prediction of His death prepares us for understanding His ultimate sacrifice, while the request made by James and John's mother opens a discussion on true leadership as servanthood. Additionally, the healing of two blind men near Jericho reinforces the power of faith and Jesus' compassion towards those who believe in Him.
Our reflections lead us to three profound devotion takeaways: recognizing the vastness of God's grace, understanding the essence of leadership as servitude, and the importance of persistence in faith and prayer. We're reminded that God's grace is a gift, not earned by our deeds but given freely, encouraging us to extend the same grace to others. The episode challenges us to embrace our roles as servants in our communities, putting others first as Christ did. Lastly, the persistent faith of the blind men inspires us to maintain our prayers and faith, even when faced with discouragement. Each of these points not only deepens our understanding of the scriptures but also provides practical ways to enhance our daily walk with Christ.

Matthew 19. Day 87 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Matthew 19. Day 87 - The New Testament in a Year
Episode Notes: 
Today's Scripture: Matthew 19(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 Sanctity of Marriage.  Blessing the Children.  The Rich Young Ruler. 
Jesus said, “Leave the little children alone, and don’t try to keep them from coming to me, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14
In this episode, we explore Matthew Chapter 19, exploring critical teachings of Jesus on marriage, children, and wealth. We focus on key elements such as the sanctity and permanence of marriage as Jesus addresses the Pharisees' challenging questions on divorce, highlighting how our relationships should reflect God's original intention for unity and lifelong commitment. We also witness Jesus embracing little children, teaching us the importance of humility and openness in receiving the kingdom of heaven, and challenging our perceptions of value and worth. The encounter with the rich young ruler further probes the tension between earthly wealth and spiritual riches, urging us to consider what we might be holding onto that could hinder our full commitment to following Christ.
Through our reflections on these passages, we glean profound insights and encouragement for our spiritual journey. The unwavering truth of marriage calls us to honor and cherish our relationships more deeply, aligning them with divine principles. In embracing childlike faith, we're invited to renew our trust and wonder in our walk with God, stripping away cynicism. The discussion around the rich young ruler reminds us of the cost of discipleship, challenging us to evaluate our priorities and the place of material possessions in our lives. Each of these teachings encourages us to pursue a deeper, more meaningful relationship with Christ, reshaping our actions and decisions in the light of His teachings.

UPDATED! Matthew 18. Day 86 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Matthew 18. Day 86 - The New Testament in a Year
Episode Notes: 
Today's Scripture: Matthew 18(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:
Child-Like Faith. The Lost Sheep.  The Unforgiving Servant.
"What do you think? If someone has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, won’t he leave the ninety-nine on the hillside and go and search for the stray?"  Matthew 18:12
In this episode, we explore Matthew Chapter 18, where the emphasis on humility, forgiveness, and community shines through. We explore important "look-fors" such as Jesus’ profound teaching using a child to illustrate humility and the essential nature of innocence in faith. The parable of the lost sheep and the repeated call to forgive not just seven times but seventy-seven times are discussed in depth, providing us with a blueprint for understanding and practicing relentless forgiveness and unconditional love within our communities. These stories from Jesus not only teach us about the values that should govern our personal interactions but also about the persistent grace we must offer to one another.
The takeaways from this chapter offer us rich, actionable insights into how we can improve our walk with Christ. We are reminded of the importance of embracing humility, mirroring the trust and dependency of a child towards their parent. This episode encourages us to reflect on our own forgiveness practices, urging us to extend grace as abundantly as it is given to us by God. Additionally, by recognizing the unique value of every individual, we are called to actively engage in seeking out and nurturing those who are lost or sidelined. These reflections not only deepen our understanding of God’s kingdom but also challenge us to apply these truths in practical, everyday actions to enhance our communal and personal faith journeys.v