New Testament in a Year

June 1st New Testament Readings

John 20:1-31
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today we read about Jesus' glorious resurrection! Verse 18 is awesome - "Mary Magdalene found the disciples and told them, "I have seen the Lord!""

Tyndale's One Year Bible Companion gives a great list today of the order of Jesus' 11 appearances after his resurrection:
1. Mary Magdalene and the other women
2. the disciples on the road to Emmaus
3. Peter
4. the ten disciples in the upper room
5. the eleven in the upper room with Thomas present (Below is an oil painting by Carravaggio from the year 1601 titled "The Incredulity of Saint Thomas")
6. the disciples at the Sea of Tiberius
7. the eleven on a mountain in Galilee
8. five hundred of the brethren
9. James
10. all of the apostles
11. those present when he ascended into heaven

Bible.org's commentary on today's John readings titled "The Burial and Resurrection" is at this link and "On Seeing and Believing" is at this link.

Worship Video: Today's readings in John about Thomas' doubts reminded me of the FFH song "Come Undone." Here's a great live version of this song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCLLNcWO6fo

Have you come undone?  Click here and become undone!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit." John 20:21-22 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you have received the Holy Spirit. Pray that you will allow Jesus to send you. Pray that you know Jesus' peace that surpasses all understanding.

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!

May 31st New Testament Readings

John 19:23-42
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I read an interesting commentary on John 19 verse 25: "Standing near the cross were Jesus' mother, and his mother's sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene."  Zondervan's commentary says that Mary Magdalene appears in the crucifixion and resurrection narratives of all four Gospels, but outside of these narratives we only read about her in Luke 8:2-3.  It is interesting to note that these are the only places in the Gospels where we find Mary Magdalene - though crucially important places in the Gospels!  Below is an oak painting by an unknown artist from Cologne, Germany from the year 1465 titled "Christ on the Cross with Mary, John and Mary Magdalene":

It is amazing to read about the actions of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, two secret followers of Jesus on the Jewish council, in verses 38 through 40 - "Afterward Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple of Jesus (because he feared the Jewish leaders), asked Pilate for permission to take Jesus' body down. When Pilate gave him permission, he came and took the body away. Nicodemus, the man who had come to Jesus at night, also came, bringing about seventy-five pounds of embalming ointment made from myrrh and aloes. Together they wrapped Jesus' body in a long linen cloth with the spices, as is the Jewish custom of burial."  That is a beautiful scene - these 2 men.  They were risking much to do this.  They were risking this for Jesus.  What about you and me?  Would we have taken this type of risk back then?  Would we take this type of risk even today?  What might be a risk - for Jesus - that we could take but that we are not taking today?  Below is an image of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus carrying Jesus' body into the tomb:

Bible.org's commentary on today's John readings titled "The Crucifixion" is at this link.

Worship Video: Today's readings reminded me of the song "The Power of the Cross" sung here by the Getty’s:

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

Do you know the power of the Cross? Click here for His Power!

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!

May 30th New Testament Readings

John 18:25-19:22
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~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today in John chapter 18 verse 38 we come across what many say is the most ironic question asked in all of history, as Jesus stands before Pilate: ""What is truth?" Pilate asked."  Why is this ironic?  Because Pilate asks what is truth, when Truth is standing right before him!  Jesus is Truth!  And Pilate couldn't see it.  Below is a painting from 1890 by Russian artist Nikolay Gay titled "Quod Est Veritas?" Christ and Pilate. This is a fascinating painting!  At first glance I do not like it at all, because Jesus is painted so darkly.  But, maybe that's the point of this painting. Pilate is asking What is Truth? - and he cannot see the very Truth right before him! Wow. . .  think there are people in our world today who see Jesus so dimly, like Pilate does in this painting?  I pray you and I see Jesus much more clearly, and much more as the Light! What is truth. This is a question that is still asked today of you and me.  What is truth?  Who is truth?

In chapter 19 verse 17 today we read: "Carrying the cross by himself, Jesus went to the place called Skull Hill (in Hebrew, Golgotha)."   I'm sure you've probably heard the term "Calvary" used for this hill as well.  Note that Calvary came from the Latin word calvaria, which means a skull.  In the past I used to get confused as to why sometimes I'd hear this hill called Calvary or Skull Hill or Golgotha.  It's all the same place, just different "translations" of a horribly sad place... 

Bible.org's commentary on today's John readings titled "Jesus before Pilate: Part I" is at this link and "Part II" is at this link.

Worship Video: Today's readings remind me of the song "How Great Thou Art," sung here live by Lauren Daigle:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BL06fxHPVo

Is your soul singing "How Great Thou Art?" Click here and Sing!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." "What is truth?" Pilate asked." John 18:37-38 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you realize Jesus is Truth. Pray that Jesus is your King. Pray that you are listening, trusting, and obeying 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!

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!

May 29th New Testament Readings

John 18:1-24
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~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Sad readings today. Judas kissed Jesus to betray Him.  Seems that betrayal has been a part of our human condition for maybe all time?  Well, since the Fall to be sure, which is pretty much all time for us humans...  (you'll recall just after the Fall Cain murdered Abel - yet another betrayal... )  Do betrayals continue today?  Why do you think this is?  What can free us from betraying each other?  Or should I ask Whom can free us from betraying each other?  Below is the nineteenth century "The Judas Kiss" by French artist Gustave Dore:

Bible.org's commentary on today's John readings titled "Jesus, Lord at Thy Death" is at this link and "Did Jesus take the Fifth Amendment?" is at this link.

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of the song "Thy Word is a Lamp," sung here by Michael W. Smith & Amy Grant:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSZlIVP9u0Y

Is God's Word a lamp unto your feet? Click here for the Light of the World!

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!

May 28th New Testament Readings

John 17:1-26
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

John 17 is such an amazing chapter... this is Jesus praying!  So powerful.  I honestly am at a loss for words on this chapter.  I could probably try to write something about each and every verse.  But, maybe what makes the most sense is for you to re-read this chapter again.  Do you see Jesus praying for you in this chapter?

Bible.org's commentary on today's John readings are extensive!  They've divided this chapter up into 3 commentaries, which shows the depth of what's going on in this chapter.  I recommend you take a few minutes to check out each of these commentaries.  The first commentary titled "The High Priestly Prayer of Jesus: Part I" is at this link, "Part II" is at this link, and "Part III" is at this link.

YouTube:  Our readings in John today reminded me of the Sanctus Real song "Pray:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_J4I4gsvYA

When is the last time you prayed? Click here and Pray!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on three verses of Scripture today: "After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." John 17:1-3 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you know our Father God, the only true God. Pray that you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, God's Son whom He sent to save us. Pray and rejoice if you will have eternal life. Pray for those in your life that don't yet know Jesus, that they will accept him as their Lord & Savior.

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!

May 27th New Testament Readings

John 16:1-33
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

John chapter 16 is amazing today!  I love verse 8's teaching from Jesus about the Holy Spirit: "And when he comes, he will convince the world of its sin, and of God's righteousness, and of the coming judgment."  One commentary on this verse and verse 9 today says:  "Apart from the Spirit's convicting work, people can never see themselves as sinners."  Wow.  This is powerful to reflect upon.  Did you ever have a time in your life that you did not see yourself as a sinner?  Was this time before you experienced the Holy Spirit?  Do you believe this to be true - that many in our world today cannot see themselves as sinners, apart from the work of the Holy Spirit and Jesus?  This I think should demonstrate to us who is truly doing conversion work in our world - not us, but Jesus and the Spirit.  We cannot convert anyone on our own human power.  The Holy Spirit must enter the room...

Bible.org's commentary on our John readings today titled "The Ministry of the Holy Spirit" is at this link.

Worship Video: Today's readings reminded me of the classic hymn "Be Thou My Vision" sung here Celtic style:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiukM6WHQEQ

Do you have true Vision for your life? Click here for eternal Vision!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray for peace in your life. Pray for more of Jesus in your life. Pray that when trouble comes to you in this world - and it will come - that you will take heart in knowing that Jesus overcame the world.

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!

May 26th New Testament Readings

John 15:1-27
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today we read one of my favorite chapters in the Bible - John 15. I cannot tell you how much this chapter means to me and I hope to you as well. John 15 takes place just after the Last Supper, the night before Jesus dies on the cross, so this is one of Jesus’ last teachings to the disciples – and to you and me. It is so beautiful. My quick personal story on this chapter is that I have only preached verbally once – and it was when I was in Bulgaria several years ago on a short-term mission trip. Our team ended up going to a small Roma church – and I mean small – in a village outside of the capital city of Sofia. As we drove up to the village where the church was located I saw rows and rows of grape vines in and around the village. I knew I would be preaching that evening – each person on our team took a turn every night. And initially I was planning to preach from a Psalm – but, when I saw the vineyards I quickly decided to preach from John 15, and it turned out to be so beautiful. I literally ended up outside of the church – all of us could not fit in the tiny 1 room church - under some grape vines preaching from John 15. God showed up. I cannot even remember what I said, but God moved. I pray that as you read John 15 today God moves for you as well. John 15 is something special. (John 16 & 17 are something special as well. . .)

Today in John 15 verses 12 & 13 we read these words of Jesus' - “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” Why would Jesus give us such a command as this? Why would Jesus give this command the night before he died on the cross? How did Jesus show his love for us? Do you agree that there is no greater love than laying down one’s life for his friends? Did Jesus do this for you and me? If we are to love each other as Jesus loved us, how do we do this? When we look at Jesus’ life and how he lived it, what might we be able to model in our lives? When we look at Jesus laying down his life for us, how might we be able to “lay down our life” for our friends? Do you love others as Jesus loved you?  Below is a moving painting by Spanish Baroque era painter Francisco de Zurbaran from the year 1635 titled "Agnus Dei":

Bible.org's commentary on today's John readings titled "Abiding in Christ" is at this link and "The Christian and the World" is at this link.

Worship Video: Based on the painting above titled "Agnus Dei," here's the song sung by Michael W. Smith:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPBmFwBSGb0

Do you know our Agnus Dei? Click here and meet the Lamb of God!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you have received the Spirit of Truth - the Holy Spirit - within you, through your faith in Jesus. Pray that you will love Jesus and keep his commands. Pray that you are rejoicing because the Holy Spirit lives with you and is in you today!

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!

May 25th New Testament Readings

John 14:15-31
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Wow.  Today's John chapter 14 readings start off strong with a very short sentence of teaching from Jesus in verse 15 - "If you love me, obey my commandments."  Not too complicated there, eh?  :)  Really... it's quite easy to understand.  And believe.  But to obey... hmmm...   I've been thinking about that "obey" word quite a bit lately.  In fact, it's a word that has been spray painted around my neighborhood lately - "obey" - I think for some political statement reasons.  It's not really a popular word.  But it's a pretty straightforward teaching from Jesus.  Obey.  Obey my commandments.  "If you love me, obey my commandments."  I really do believe that true freedom is found in this.  When we are obedient to Jesus' teachings and God's will in our lives, we truly will be living "free" lives.  I know it sounds like an oxymoron.  But I believe it is true.  The more we obey Jesus' teachings, the freer we truly become.  Do you think this is true?  Are you obeying Jesus' teachings in your life?  Do you feel freer?  And below is a little obedience humor for you based on verse 15 above... :)

Well, if we are wondering how on earth we can possibly obey Jesus' teachings, He graciously answers this for us in the next two verses in today's readings: "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world at large cannot receive him, because it isn't looking for him and doesn't recognize him. But you do, because he lives with you now and later will be in you."  Basically, we cannot obey Jesus' teachings on our own.  Using our own will power or smarts or strength, we will fail.  We need the Holy Spirit, living with in us, to give us the grace and strength to obey Jesus' teachings.  The Holy Spirit rounds out the Trinity and leads us and guides us.  Are you looking for the Holy Spirit?  Do you recognize the Holy Spirit living within you?  Do you believe the Holy Spirit is leading you into all truth?

Verse 27 is a beautiful teaching from Jesus: ""I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid."  Have you received the gift of peace from Jesus?  Do you have peace of mind and heart? 

Bible.org's commentary on today's John readings today titled "Having a Friend in High Places" is at this link.

Worship Video: Today's readings reminded me of Delirious' song "What a Friend I've Found (Jesus, Friend Forever):"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WP0LcrQzkfo

Is Jesus your friend? Click here and meet your best friend forever!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on three verses of Scripture today: "If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever — the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you." John 14:15-17 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you have received the Spirit of Truth - the Holy Spirit - within you, through your faith in Jesus. Pray that you will love Jesus and keep his commands. Pray that you are rejoicing because the Holy Spirit lives with you and is in you today!

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!

May 24th New Testament Readings

John 13:31-14:14
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

I love the dialogue today between Thomas and Jesus in John 14 verses 4 through 6!  Somehow I didn't quite remember the context of Thomas' question setting up Jesus' profound statement in verse 6.  Beautiful.  Jesus starts us off in verse 4 - "And you know where I am going and how to get there."" "No, we don't know, Lord," Thomas said. "We haven't any idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?" Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."  These last two sentences of Jesus' we've probably all heard many times.  But how often have we asked Thomas' question either to ourselves or to God or to now one in particular - "how can I know the way?"  Jesus answers this for us perfectly.  Have you ever felt in your life that you didn't know the way? Do you believe that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life?

Verses 12 through 14 today are so convicting for me - because I really rarely follow this teaching (or fully believe in it?) of Jesus' - "The truth is, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, because the work of the Son brings glory to the Father. Yes, ask anything in my name, and I will do it!" Do you believe that you can do the same works Jesus has done, and even greater works?  I'll confess - I'm not so sure that I do.  I mean, it's encouraging to think that I could, even if I don't fully believe it.  And, yet, I believe most everything else Jesus teaches.  Why would I doubt this teaching?  Maybe it's because I have some sort of inferiority complex - or maybe I think it would be prideful to think this.  But Jesus teaches it quite plainly!  Or...  maybe...  I haven't really asked Jesus for the guidance and wisdom to believe this - and asked for even just this in his name.

Bible.org's commentary on our John readings today titled "Having a Friend in High Places" is at this link.

Worship Video: Today's readings remind me of the terrific Phil Wickham song "Battle Belongs:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtvQNzPHn-w

Are you fighting a battle? Click here for your Battle Victor

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are loving everyone you come in contact with in your life. Pray that the world will see you are a disciple of Jesus, because of your love for others. Pray that you will love others like Jesus loves you.

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!

May 23rd New Testament Readings

John 13:1-30
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Wow.  Jesus' teaching in John 13 verses 14 - 17 are so powerful today: "And since I, the Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other's feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. How true it is that a servant is not greater than the master. Nor are messengers more important than the one who sends them. You know these things--now do them! That is the path of blessing."   Are you on the path of blessing?  What might it mean to "wash other's feet" today?  Yes, perhaps at times it literally means wash other's feet.  Could it mean other acts of service as well that perhaps we maybe think we are "too good for" or "above" in any way?  Jesus humbled himself to wash other's feet.  Are you humbling yourself to serve others in ways that your ego might not like?

Bible.org's commentary on our John readings today titled "Menial Service" is at this link and commentary titled "Judas" is at this link.

Worship Video: Today's readings remind me of the Chris Tomlin song "I will Rise:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKRF8UihM5s

Will you Rise when Jesus calls your name? Click here to Rise!

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!