Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

1 Peter 3. Day 203 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Episode Notes:

Today's Scripture: 1 Peter 3 (CSB)
Podcast Homepage: The New Testament in a Year
Bible Reading Plan: Navigators Bible Reading Plan
Contact Sean: seanbailey1985@gmail.com
Follow NTIY on Facebook: facebook.com/newtestamentinayear

In Today's Episode
A Life That Reflects Christ. Ready to Give an Answer. Suffering for Doing Good.

"But in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you." — 1 Peter 3:15

First Peter 3 continues Peter's call for believers to let the gospel shape everyday relationships. He speaks to husbands and wives, then broadens the message to the whole church: pursue unity, compassion, humility, and blessing even when others respond with hostility. Peter's point is not weakness. It is Christlike strength under control. When we refuse revenge and choose to do what is good, our lives become a visible witness to the hope we have in Jesus.

Peter then tells believers to be ready to explain that hope with gentleness and respect. Christians may suffer for doing what is right, but Peter points us back to Christ, who also suffered unjustly and ultimately triumphed. Jesus' suffering was not defeat. Through His death and resurrection, He brought us to God and demonstrated His victory over every power opposed to Him. First Peter 3 reminds us that our witness is not only what we say about Jesus, but also how we respond when life is difficult. Honor Christ in your heart, live with integrity, and be ready to tell others why your hope remains secure.

1 Peter 2. Day 202 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Episode Notes:

Today's Scripture: 1 Peter 2 (CSB)
Podcast Homepage: The New Testament in a Year
Bible Reading Plan: Navigators Bible Reading Plan
Contact Sean: seanbailey1985@gmail.com
Follow NTIY on Facebook: facebook.com/newtestamentinayear

In Today's Episode
Living Stones. A Chosen People. Following the Example of Christ.

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." — 1 Peter 2:9

First Peter 2 reminds believers who they are and how that identity should shape the way they live. Peter describes Jesus as the living stone rejected by people but chosen and honored by God, and then says that we too are being built into a spiritual house. We are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, and a people who belong to God. That identity gives us purpose: we are to proclaim the goodness of the One who called us out of darkness and into His light. The Christian life begins with remembering who we are because of Christ.

Peter then turns to the way believers should live in the world. He calls us to honorable conduct, submission to rightful authority, and a life that reflects the character of Jesus even when we are treated unfairly. Christ becomes the model. He suffered without retaliating, entrusted Himself to the One who judges justly, and bore our sins so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness. First Peter 2 reminds us that following Jesus means more than carrying His name. We are called to reflect His character, trust God in suffering, and live in a way that points others to the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls.

1 Peter 1. Day 201 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Episode Notes:

Today's Scripture: 1 Peter 1 (CSB)
Podcast Homepage: The New Testament in a Year
Bible Reading Plan: Navigators Bible Reading Plan
Contact Sean: seanbailey1985@gmail.com
Follow NTIY on Facebook: facebook.com/newtestamentinayear

In Today's Episode
A Living Hope. Faith Refined Through Trials. Called to Be Holy.

"Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." — 1 Peter 1:3

First Peter opens by reminding believers that our hope is rooted in something far more secure than our circumstances. Through the resurrection of Jesus, we have been given a living hope and an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade. Peter is writing to Christians who are facing hardship, and he does not minimize their suffering. Instead, he shows them that trials can refine genuine faith like fire refines gold. Our pain is real, but it is not pointless. God can use even difficult seasons to deepen our trust in Him and prepare us for the glory that will one day be revealed.

Peter then calls believers to live differently because they have been redeemed at such a great cost. We are to prepare our minds, set our hope fully on God's grace, and live as obedient children rather than returning to old patterns. "Be holy, because I am holy." Holiness is not about becoming impressive or earning God's love. It is the response of people who have been rescued by the precious blood of Christ. First Peter 1 reminds us that we have a secure hope, a faith worth refining, and a Savior worth following. When life feels uncertain, hold tightly to the hope that is alive because Jesus is alive.

3 John 1. Day 200 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Episode Notes:

Today's Scripture: 3 John 1 (CSB)
Podcast Homepage: The New Testament in a Year
Bible Reading Plan: Navigators Bible Reading Plan
Contact Sean: seanbailey1985@gmail.com
Follow NTIY on Facebook: facebook.com/newtestamentinayear

In Today's Episode
Walking in Truth. Faithful Hospitality. Imitating What Is Good.

"I have no greater joy than this: to hear that my children are walking in truth." — 3 John 1:4

Third John is a short and personal letter to a believer named Gaius, whom John praises for faithfully walking in the truth. His faith was not just something he believed privately. It was visible in the way he treated others, especially traveling believers who were serving the gospel. John celebrates Gaius because his hospitality and generosity were helping advance the work of Christ. It is a good reminder that supporting ministry is itself a form of ministry. We may not all preach, travel, or lead publicly, but we can all use what God has given us to strengthen those who are faithfully serving Him.

John also gives a warning through the example of Diotrephes, a man who loved to have first place and refused godly authority. Pride had turned leadership into control. In contrast, John points to Demetrius as someone with a good testimony. The lesson is simple: "Do not imitate what is evil, but what is good." Third John challenges us to ask what our lives are helping multiply. Are we making ministry harder through pride and selfishness, or are we encouraging faithfulness through generosity, humility, and truth? Walk in the truth, support what is good, and use your influence to help others follow Christ faithfully.

2 John 1. Day 199 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Episode Notes:

Today's Scripture: 2 John 1 (CSB)
Podcast Homepage: The New Testament in a Year
Bible Reading Plan: Navigators Bible Reading Plan
Contact Sean: seanbailey1985@gmail.com
Follow NTIY on Facebook: facebook.com/newtestamentinayear

In Today's Episode
Walking in Truth. Loving One Another. Guarding Against Deception.

"And this is love: that we walk according to his commands." — 2 John 1:6

Second John is short, but its message is clear: truth and love belong together. John rejoices that believers are walking in the truth, and he reminds them of the command they have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. But biblical love is not separated from obedience. John says, "This is love: that we walk according to his commands." Real love is shaped by what God has said, not simply by what feels kind or compassionate in the moment.

John also warns the church about deceivers who deny the truth about Jesus Christ. Believers are called to guard what they have received and not give support to teaching that undermines the gospel. That can feel uncomfortable in a culture that often treats discernment as unloving, but John shows us that protecting truth is part of loving people well. Second John reminds us to walk in truth, love one another deeply, and stay anchored in the real Jesus revealed in Scripture.