New Testament in a Year

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  • March 13th New Testament Readings

    Luke 1:1-25
    ~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
    ~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

    Today we begin the Gospel of Luke!

    Author: Luke
    Place: Perhaps Caesarea
    Date: A.D. 60-65
    Content: Luke was a physician and a traveling companion of the Apostle Paul. He wrote his Gospel for a cultured Greek named Theophilus in order to show the true humanity of Jesus and his place in history. For this reason Luke was careful to examine all the evidence very carefully and give precise dates for the events that took place. He begins with an account of Jesus’ virgin birth, giving many details not found elsewhere. Jesus’ Galilean ministry is described, followed by a lengthy account of Jesus’ trip to Jerusalem. After Jesus’ death and resurrection, the disciples are left rejoicing, waiting for the promised power of God from heaven to fill them.
    Theme: Whereas Matthew shows Jesus to be the Jewish Messiah and Mark shows Jesus as the servant of God, Luke depicts Jesus as the perfect God-man whose genealogy may be traced back to Adam. Jesus is the greatest man in history and is placed within the flow of world events by Luke. He is the greatest man because of what he taught, what he did, why he died – and because he rose again from the dead. For this reason we ought to accept him as our Lord. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 22) More commentary on the Gospel of Luke is     at this link.  Below is “Saint Luke” from an illuminated manuscript, circa 1130:

    In today’s readings in Luke chapter 1 we read about the birth of John the Baptist being foretold by the angel Gabriel.   Gabriel shares with Zechariah this powerful message about John in verses 16 & 17 – “He will persuade many Israelites to turn to the Lord their God. He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah, the prophet of old. He will precede the coming of the Lord, preparing the people for his arrival. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will change disobedient minds to accept godly wisdom.””  This is a message for us to consider today – do we need to be persuaded to turn to God?  Do we need our disobedient minds changed to accept godly wisdom?  Can we open our ears to the message of John the Baptist some 2,000 years later?  Will we prepare our hearts for the coming of the Lord?  One interesting side note – only two angels are mentioned by name in the Bible – Michael and Gabriel.  And here is Gabriel delivering the message from today’s readings to Zechariah:

    Zechariah

    Worship Video: Today’s readings eminded me of Nicole Nordeman’s song “Holy:”


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6a80TfszMU

    Are you pursuing holiness in your life? Click here and cry Holy!

    Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” Luke 1:16-17 NIV

    Prayer Point: Pray that you, like John the Baptist, will live a life that brings many people back to the Lord. Pray that you will be as zealous for God as John the Baptist was zealous for God.

    Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

    Love, Trust and Obey Jesus,
    Mike

    p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

  • March 12th New Testament Readings

    Mark 16:1-20
    ~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
    ~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

    Today we finish up the Gospel of Mark!  The Gospel of Luke starts tomorrow.  In Mark chapter 16 verse 6 is the key to our Christian faith: “The angel said, “Do not be so surprised. You are looking for Jesus, the Nazarene, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He has been raised from the dead!” Do you believe this angel’s proclamation?  Do you truly believe that Jesus rose from the dead?  Below is “The Resurrection” by the northern German Renaissance painter Matthias Grünewald from the year 1515:

    Resurrection_jesus

    Jesus’ resurrection is the key to the Christian faith.  The resurrection is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and of Jesus’ own statements.  The Christian faith stands or falls on the bodily resurrection of Jesus.  We can read more about this important point from Paul in 1 Corinthians 15.  The One Year Bible Companion outlines these 5 points in their commentary that the resurrection guarantees:
    1. Jesus was truly the Son of God. (    Romans 1:4)
    2. God the Father accepted what Jesus did at Calvary on the basis of the resurrection. (    Romans 4:25)
    3. Jesus as our Risen Lord pleads for his people before the Father. (    Romans 8:34)
    4. Believers have the hope of eternal life. (    1 Peter 1:3-5)
    5. Believers will also rise and have resurrected bodies like that of Jesus.  (    1 Corinthians 15:49, Philippians 3:21, 1 John 3:2)

    Resurrection

    Worship Video: Today’s readings about Jesus’ resurrection reminded me of the terrific song “Christ Is Risen” by Matt Maher:


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBqPXvP6aso

    Do you believe Christ is Risen? Click here to Believe!

    Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture this week: “”Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.” Mark 16:6 NIV

    Prayer Point: Pray that you will know truly in your heart that Jesus is risen and that He sits at the right hand of the Father until he comes again in Glory.

    Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

    Love, Trust and Obey Jesus,
    Mike

    p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

  • March 11th New Testament Readings

    Mark 15:1-47
    ~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
    ~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

    It is interesting in the One Year Bible how we go through the 4 Gospels one after another in the beginning portion of the year.  In some ways it may seem repetitive – but I think repetitive is good when we’re talking about the story of Jesus…  we really cannot hear and meditate upon this story enough.  Also, what I like is the nuances of each Gospel – or maybe things that are indeed in a few of the Gospels that somehow just stand out to me in some new way in one of the Gospels.  Today is one of those days where something jumped out at me that I have not really noticed before – and that is Pilate in verses 9 & 10 – “”Should I give you the King of the Jews?” Pilate asked. (For he realized by now that the leading priests had arrested Jesus out of envy.)”  It’s interesting that Pilate used the term King of the Jews here – and again later in the narrative – and that he also had this term nailed to the cross.  And the question I have is this – did Pilate do this simply to try and irritate the leading priests?  I think this is probably the case.  But, I’m looking forward to some further study on this. 

    Worship Video: Our readings today about the crucifixion of Jesus reminds me of the song “Jesus Paid It All” sung here by Celtic Worship (with bagpipes!):


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfUNU-sPwbQ

    Do you believe that Jesus Paid It All for you? Click here and Believe!

    Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Are you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate. “Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied.” Mark 15:2 NIV

    Prayer Point: Pray that Jesus is your King today and forevermore. Pray that you will always submit to your King, Jesus.

    Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

    Love, Trust and Obey Jesus,
    Mike

    p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

  • March 10th New Testament Readings

    Mark 14:53-72
    ~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
    ~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

    Today in Mark chapter 14 we read an amazingly powerful statement from Jesus in verses 61 & 62 – “Then the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the blessed God?” Jesus said, “I am, and you will see me, the Son of Man, sitting at God’s right hand in the place of power and coming back on the clouds of heaven.”  Wow.  This is it.  This is a statement that changes everything.  The question for us is this – is this more than just a statement from Jesus? Do you believe this is Truth?

    Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of the song “Wake Up Sleeper” by Austin French:


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKgHg5gMTBw

    Are you asleep? Click here and come Awake!

    Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “The high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?” “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Mark 14:61-62 NIV

    Prayer Point: Pray in your heart that you know Jesus as your Christ, the lamb of God who died for your sins and was resurrected, sitting now at the right hand of the Father. Pray for Jesus’ return in glory. Pray, “Come Lord Jesus, quickly Come!”

    Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

    Love, Trust and Obey Jesus,
    Mike

    p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

  • March 9th New Testament Readings

    Mark 14:22-52
    ~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
    ~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

    This week we will be reading about Jesus’ passion in the Gospel of Mark. Today In Mark chapter 14 verses 35 & 36 we read this about Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane: “Going a little farther, Jesus fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” What a powerful prayer here from Jesus! Jesus knows what is coming. He knows what the road to Calvary will bring. He knows that God has the power to take this suffering away from him – BUT, here’s the amazingly important piece of this prayer, which I think each of us would do well in praying in our prayers – “Yet not what I will, but what you will.” This is such a powerful prayer from Jesus to God. We get a glimpse here of a prayer from the Messiah to the Father – and again, I think we would do well to pray this in our prayers as well. This of course is very similar to the Lord’s Prayer, which Jesus taught in Matthew in the Sermon on the Mount, when we pray – “Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be Done.” Not our will, but Thy Will be done. In your prayer life, do you model Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane and in the Lord’s Prayer? Do you pray that not your will – but God’s perfect will – be done?

    In today’s readings in Mark we also read about Jesus’ betrayal and arrest.  This image below from artist Ambrogio Bondone Giotto from around 1300 A.D. called “The Kiss of Judas” captures the unfortunate scene:

    judaskiss_1.jpg

    Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of the song “One True God” by Mark Harris.  Here’s a great live version of this song:


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xuTmGRYFqM

    Do you know our One True God? Click here to meet Him!

    Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

    Love, Trust and Obey Jesus,
    Mike

    p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

  • March 8th New Testament Readings

    Mark 14:1-21
    ~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
    ~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

    In Mark chapter 14 today we read the beautiful story of Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, who anoints Jesus, and as he tells us in verse 8 – “She has done what she could and has anointed my body for burial ahead of time.””  A new insight I learned on this today is from Zondervan’s commentary – In Jesus’ day it was a normal Jewish custom to anoint a dead body with aromatic oils in preparing for burial.  Jesus seems to be anticipating suffering a “criminal’s” death, for only in that circumstance was there no anointing of the dead body.

    anointing.gif

    Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of the fantastic song “Create in me a Clean Heart” performed here by Donnie McClurkin and a choir:


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILRjmPGvVB8

    Do you want a clean heart? Click here to be made clean!

    Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

    Love, Trust and Obey Jesus,
    Mike

    p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

  • March 7th New Testament Readings

    Mark 13:14-37
    ~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
    ~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

    In Mark chapter 13 today we read about the signs of the end of the age. For me personally, Jesus’ words in verses 32 & 33 have always been so powerful when it comes to end-times considerations – “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.” I think this teaching from Jesus is so important for each of us to keep in mind. No one knows the day or the hour of the end of times. Only God the Father. I have some friends who are very into speculating and discussing end-times prophecies and events. For me personally, these verses above make me realize that we truly do not know when the end of time will come – but, yes, we know it will come. And therefore I believe we should live every day loving God and loving people around us – and not get so focused on speculation of end times that we forget about these 2 great commandments. . .  🙂 My other thought on these verses is this – not only do we not know when the end of the age will come, but we do not know when the end of each of our lives will come. Hopefully we will live long lives. But it’s not guaranteed. You know how life is – there is cancer and there are accidents and the list could go on. So, I guess I’d recommend this – don’t worry about when the end of the age will be. Don’t worry about when the end of your life will be. Instead, be on guard and be alert each and every day to make sure you are loving God and loving people – as if each day might be your last day.

    Stakes

    Worship Video: Today’s readings in Mark about Jesus’ Second Coming reminds me of the FFH song “One of these Days:”


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHdSgQVIb5c

    Are you prepared for Jesus’ Second Coming? Click here and be prepared for that Day!

    Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.” Mark 13:26-27 NIV

    Prayer Point: Pray that you are looking forward to the day of Jesus’ return. Pray “Come, Lord Jesus, quickly come.”

    Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on my reflections above on Mark 13:32-33, I am reminded of something I read on another Christian blog recently and it really did make me think. Here’s how this blog put it, and I think this relates well to these Mark verses – “Breaking News: mortality rate is STILL 100%! You are not guaranteed all the days you believe you have coming to you. What would you do differently if today was your last day alive?”  Powerful question for each of us to consider, no?  What would you do differently if today was your last day alive?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

    God bless,
    Mike

    p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

  • March 6th New Testament Readings

    Mark 12:38-13:13
    ~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
    ~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

    In Mark chapter 12 verses 41 through 43 today we read the powerful narrative of the Widow’s Mite – “Jesus went over to the collection box in the Temple and sat and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two pennies. He called his disciples to him and said, “I assure you, this poor widow has given more than all the others have given. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.””  How does this narrative speak to you?  When it comes to your time, treasure, and talents, do you give to God out of your surplus?  Or do you give to God all that you have?  What should we learn today from the widow about giving?

    widowsmite.jpg

    Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of the Aaronic blessing and here’s the blessing sung as a duet.  Beautiful!


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQNZs7preGw

    Has the Lord blessed you? Click here to be kept forever!

    Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

    God bless,
    Mike

    p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

  • March 5th New Testament Readings

    Mark 12:18-37
    ~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
    ~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

    I have heard Jesus’ teaching about the 2 greatest commandments in Mark chapter 12 verses 29-31 summarized as simply Love God & Love People:  “Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: `Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: `Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.””

    Here is a very interesting note about Jesus’ quote above from Deuteronomy 6:4 that starts ‘”Hear, O Israel!” – This verse begins what is known as the Shema – which was named after the first word in this verse and means “Hear.”  The Shema became the Jewish confession of faith, which was recited by pious Jews every morning and evening and it is still recited in synagogue services today.  More very interesting information about The Shema from a Jewish website is at this link.

    Shema

    Worship Video: Today’s readings in Mark today about the Shema reminded me of this singing of the Shema in both Hebrew and English:


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKIcvrMm8S8

    Do you love the Lord your God? Click here and love Him forevermore!

    Please join us in memorizing and meditating on three verses of Scripture today: “”The most important commandment,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:29-31 NIV

    Prayer Point: Pray that you will love God today with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength. Pray that you will love your neighbor as much as you love yourself. Pray that God would show you today who your neighbor is and that you will love them.

    Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

    Love, Trust and Obey Jesus,
    Mike

    p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

  • March 4th New Testament Readings

    Mark 11:27-12:17
    ~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
    ~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

    In Mark chapter 12 we read Jesus’ profound Parable of the Tenants, which exposes the planned attempt on Jesus’ life. At the end of the parable Jesus quotes from Psalm 118 verses 22 & 23 when he says in Mark chapter 12 verse 10: “Haven’t you read this scripture: “‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?”” I have heard some awesome sermons on this verse – about how our Christian lives should be based upon and aligned with the true foundational Cornerstone – and that cornerstone being Jesus Christ. Do you believe that Jesus is the cornerstone of Christianity? Is Jesus the cornerstone of your life? Do you align your life with Jesus’ teachings? Do you live your life based on being in alignment with the true Cornerstone – the only Cornerstone – Jesus? Will you pray to Jesus that He will be your Cornerstone now and forever?

    Today we also read about Jesus’ teaching of giving Caesar what belongs to him, and I came across this very cool image below, which shows a silver denarius coin that was from Jesus’ era with Tiberius Caesar’s image & name stamped on it.  The wording on this coin below reads from right to left: “TI (BERIUS) CAESAR DIVI AUG (GUSTI) F (ILIUS) AUGUSTUS” – which reads translated: “Tiberius Caesar, august son of the deified Augustus”. Jesus could have been holding such a coin as below when he said in verses 15 through 17 – “Show me a Roman coin…” When they handed it to him, he asked, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. “Well, then,” Jesus said, “give to Caesar what belongs to him. But everything that belongs to God must be given to God.” This reply completely amazed them.”

    Commentary on our Mark chapter 11 & 12 readings today are at bible.org at this link and at this link.

    Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of the song “Cornerstone:”


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gv5Aaab0XU4

    Is Jesus your Cornerstone? Click here and meet the Cornerstone!

    Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Jesus said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” Mark 12:17 NIV

    Prayer Point: Pray that you would give your heart, mind, soul and strength to God today, and not to worldly things.

    Comments from You  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

    Love, Trust and Obey Jesus,
    Mike

    p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!