Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Philippians 1. Day 119 - The New Testament in a Year

Episode Notes:

Today's Scripture: Philippians 1(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:

Partnership in the Gospel. Joy in Suffering. Living Worthy of Christ.

"For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21

Philippians 1 opens with Paul writing from prison, but the tone of the chapter is not bitterness, fear, or defeat. It is joy. Paul looks at the Philippian church with deep affection because they have partnered with him in the gospel from the beginning. He prays that their love would keep growing with knowledge and discernment so that their lives would be pure, fruitful, and centered on Christ. This chapter reminds us that Christian love is not just emotion. It is love shaped by truth, wisdom, and the desire to honor God.

As we keep reading, Paul helps us see suffering through the lens of the gospel. His imprisonment did not stop the mission. God used it to advance the gospel, encourage other believers, and make Christ known in places Paul may have never reached otherwise. Even when others preached with wrong motives, Paul rejoiced that Christ was still being proclaimed. That kind of perspective only comes from a life fully surrendered to Jesus.

The heart of the chapter is Paul’s statement, “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Paul is not being dramatic. He is showing us the center of his life. If he lives, he wants his life to be fruitful for Christ. If he dies, he knows he will be with Christ. Philippians 1 challenges us to ask what our lives are really built around. It calls us to gospel partnership, joyful endurance, and a life worthy of the good news of Jesus. Whether we are facing encouragement or hardship, comfort or pressure, this chapter reminds us that Christ is enough, the gospel is still moving, and our lives should point clearly to Him.

Ephesians 6. Day 118 - The New Testament in a Year

Episode Notes: 

Today's Scripture: Ephesians 6(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:

Relationships Governed by Christ. Duty and Respect in Service.  The Full Armor of God. 

"Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens." Ephesians 6:11-12

Ephesians 6 brings Paul’s teaching on the Spirit-filled life into the everyday places where faith is lived out: the home, our responsibilities, and the unseen spiritual battle around us. Paul begins by addressing children and parents, showing that obedience, honor, discipline, and instruction are not merely family values, but discipleship issues. He then speaks to servants and masters within the world of the first-century church, reminding every believer that our work, authority, service, and leadership are ultimately lived before the Lord. In every role, Christ remains the true Master.

As the letter closes, Paul lifts our eyes to the reality of spiritual warfare. Our struggle is not finally against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil. Because of that, we are not called to stand in our own wisdom, strength, or willpower. We are called to be strengthened in the Lord and to put on the full armor of God. Truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer are all necessary for the believer to stand firm. Ephesians 6 will help you reflect on faithful obedience in daily life, Christ-centered relationships, and the spiritual readiness we need as we follow Jesus in a world filled with real opposition.

Ephesians 5. Day 117 - The New Testament in a Year

Episode Notes: 

Today's Scripture: Ephesians 5(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:

Imitation of God.  Living in the Light.  Wisdom in Conduct.  Roles of Wives and Husbands. 

"Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise— making the most of the time, because the days are evil."  Ephesians 5:15-16

Ephesians 5 calls us to live differently because we belong to Christ. Paul tells us to be imitators of God and to walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself for us. This chapter reminds us that following Jesus is not just about avoiding what is wrong. It is about becoming more like Him in the way we love, speak, think, and live. We are called to leave behind the deeds of darkness and walk as children of light.

As you listen, you will be challenged to think about whether your life is marked by wisdom, purity, love, and surrender to Christ. Ephesians 5 teaches us to make the most of the time we have, to be filled with the Spirit, and to let our homes and relationships reflect the gospel. Paul also points to marriage as a picture of Christ and the church, reminding husbands and wives that love, respect, sacrifice, and faithfulness matter deeply. This chapter will help you reflect on what it means to walk in love, live in the light, use your time wisely, and honor God in your relationships.

Ephesians 4. Day 116 - The New Testament in a Year

Episode Notes: 

Today's Scripture: Ephesians 4(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:

Understanding the Mystery. The Role of the Apostle Paul. Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Strength. 

Ephesians 4 shows us what it looks like to live a life worthy of the calling we have received in Christ. Paul reminds us that the gospel does not just save us individually. It brings us into one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God. Because of that, we are called to walk with humility, gentleness, patience, and love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit.

As you listen, you will be challenged to think about how your faith is shaping the way you live, speak, serve, and treat others. Ephesians 4 reminds us that every believer has been given gifts to build up the body of Christ, and that spiritual maturity means we are no longer tossed around by every false teaching or feeling. This chapter calls us to put off the old self, be renewed in our minds, and put on the new self that looks more like Jesus. It will help you reflect on unity, maturity, forgiveness, and what it means to live differently because Christ has changed your life.

Ephesians 3. Day 115 - The New Testament in a Year

Episode Notes: 

Today's Scripture: Ephesians 3(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:

Understanding the Mystery. The Role of the Apostle Paul. Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Strength. 

 "Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us— to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."  Ephesians 3:20-21

Ephesians 3 opens our eyes to the beauty of God’s plan in Christ. Paul explains that what was once a mystery has now been revealed. Through Jesus, Gentiles are not outsiders looking in. They are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers in the same promise. This chapter reminds us that the gospel does not build walls between people. It brings people together under the grace and lordship of Jesus Christ.

As you listen, you will be encouraged to see the church as a family made up of people from different backgrounds, stories, and places, all brought near by the same Savior. Ephesians 3 also reminds us that Paul served by grace, not by his own strength or importance. That same grace calls us to serve with humility and love. This episode will help you reflect on the wideness of God’s mercy, the power of the gospel to unite people, and Paul’s prayer that we would be strengthened by the Spirit and rooted deeply in the love of Christ.