Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

1 Corinthians 2. Day 153 - The New Testament in a Year

Episode Notes:

Today's Scripture: 1 Corinthians 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
Christ Crucified. The Wisdom of God. The Mind of Christ.

"For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." — 1 Corinthians 2:2

First Corinthians 2 continues Paul's emphasis on the centrality of the gospel. When he first came to Corinth, he did not rely on impressive speech, persuasive arguments, or human wisdom to win people over. Instead, he preached one message above all others: Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Paul understood that genuine faith is not produced by eloquent personalities or clever presentations. It is the work of the Holy Spirit through the proclamation of the gospel. The power that changes lives has never been found in the messenger. It has always been found in the message of Christ.

Paul then explains that there is a wisdom far greater than anything the world can offer. God's wisdom was hidden for ages but has now been revealed through Jesus Christ. The rulers of this world failed to recognize Him because they evaluated everything through human understanding rather than spiritual truth. What God has prepared for those who love Him cannot be discovered through human intellect alone. It must be revealed by the Holy Spirit, who searches the deep things of God and enables believers to understand the truth of His Word.

The chapter concludes by contrasting the natural person with the spiritual person. Apart from the work of the Holy Spirit, the things of God appear foolish because they are spiritually discerned. But those who belong to Christ have received the Spirit of God, allowing them to understand His truth and live according to His wisdom. Paul ends with a remarkable statement: "We have the mind of Christ." This does not mean we know everything Christ knows, but that through His Spirit and His Word, our thinking is being transformed to reflect His character and His priorities. First Corinthians 2 reminds us that spiritual maturity is not measured by knowledge alone but by a life shaped by the wisdom of God, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and centered completely on Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 1. Day 152 - The New Testament in a Year

Episode Notes:

Today's Scripture: 1 Corinthians 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
Unity in Christ. The Message of the Cross. God's Wisdom Over Human Wisdom.

"For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but it is the power of God to us who are being saved." — 1 Corinthians 1:18

Paul opens his first letter to the Corinthians by addressing a church that was rich in spiritual gifts but struggling with spiritual maturity. Instead of beginning with condemnation, he reminds them of God's grace. They have been sanctified in Christ, called to be His holy people, and richly blessed in Him. Yet almost immediately, Paul confronts the divisions that had developed within the church. Believers were aligning themselves with different leaders rather than finding their identity in Christ. Paul's question cuts to the heart of the issue: "Is Christ divided?" The church was never meant to be built around personalities or preferences. Our unity is found in the One who was crucified for us.

Paul then shifts to the central message of the Christian faith: the cross of Jesus Christ. To the world, a crucified Savior appeared weak, foolish, and insignificant. But what seems like foolishness to human wisdom is actually the very power of God to save sinners. God intentionally chose a way of salvation that no one could accomplish through intelligence, influence, or human achievement. The cross humbles every person because it reminds us that we contribute nothing to our salvation except the sin that made it necessary. Every believer stands on equal ground at the foot of the cross.

The chapter closes by reminding us that God's ways are higher than our own. He often chooses what the world considers weak, ordinary, and overlooked to accomplish His greatest purposes so that no one can boast before Him. Our hope is not found in our abilities but in Christ alone, who has become for us wisdom from God, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. First Corinthians 1 calls us to reject pride, pursue unity, and never lose sight of the cross. The gospel will never make sense to a world that values power and self-sufficiency, but to those who believe, it remains the power of God and the foundation of our hope.

Luke 24. Day 151 - The New Testament in a Year

Episode Notes:

Today's Scripture: Luke 24 (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
The Risen Christ. Hearts Set Ablaze. Sent to the Nations.

"Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures." — Luke 24:45

Luke concludes his Gospel with the greatest victory in human history—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Early on the first day of the week, the women arrive at the tomb expecting to anoint a dead body, only to find the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. Two angels announce the news that forever changed the world: "He is not here, but he has risen!" The resurrection is not merely the happy ending to Jesus' story; it is the foundation of the Christian faith. Death has been defeated, sin has been conquered, and the promises of God have been fulfilled in the risen Savior. What appeared to be the darkest moment at the cross has become the greatest display of God's power and redeeming love.

One of the most beautiful scenes in all of Scripture unfolds on the road to Emmaus. Two discouraged disciples walk away from Jerusalem, unable to understand the events they have witnessed. The risen Jesus joins them, though they do not yet recognize Him, and patiently explains how Moses, the Prophets, and all the Scriptures point to the Messiah's suffering and glory. Their hearts burn within them as Christ opens the Scriptures, and their eyes are finally opened when He breaks bread with them. Luke reminds us that all of Scripture ultimately tells one story—the story of God's redemption through Jesus Christ. From Genesis to Revelation, every page points us to Him.

The chapter closes as Jesus appears to His disciples, proves that He has physically risen from the dead, and commissions them to proclaim repentance for the forgiveness of sins to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. Before ascending into heaven, He blesses them and promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, preparing them for the mission that will unfold in the book of Acts. Luke ends not with fear or uncertainty but with joy, worship, and confident expectation. The empty tomb changes everything. Because Christ is alive, our sins are forgiven, our hope is secure, and our mission is clear. As we finish Luke's Gospel, we are reminded that the same risen Savior who walked with the disciples still walks with His people today, opening our eyes to His Word and sending us into the world to proclaim the good news that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Luke 23. Day 150 - The New Testament in a Year

Episode Notes:

Today's Scripture: Luke 23 (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
The Innocent King. The Crucified Savior. The Promise of Paradise.

"Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing." — Luke 23:34

Luke 23 brings us to the darkest day in human history—and at the same time, the greatest display of God's love and grace. Jesus is brought before Pilate, then Herod, and back to Pilate, where each ruler finds no legitimate reason to condemn Him. Though repeatedly declared innocent, Jesus is handed over to be crucified because the crowds demand the release of Barabbas, a guilty insurrectionist, in His place. The innocent dies for the guilty. In that exchange we see the heart of the gospel: Jesus willingly takes the place that sinners deserve so that sinners can receive the life they do not deserve.

As Jesus hangs on the cross, Luke uniquely emphasizes His compassion and mercy. Rather than calling down judgment on those mocking Him, He prays, "Father, forgive them." One criminal joins the crowd in ridicule, while the other recognizes Jesus' innocence and places his faith in Him, asking to be remembered when He comes into His Kingdom. Jesus responds with one of the most hope-filled promises in all of Scripture: "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise." Salvation is not earned through a lifetime of good works but received through faith in the crucified King. Even in His final moments, Jesus continues to seek and save the lost.

The chapter ends with Jesus committing His spirit into the Father's hands before breathing His last. Darkness covers the land, the temple curtain is torn from top to bottom, and the centurion declares that Jesus was truly righteous. Joseph of Arimathea courageously requests Jesus' body and lays Him in a new tomb, while the women faithfully prepare to return after the Sabbath. Luke 23 reminds us that the cross was not a tragic accident but the fulfillment of God's eternal plan of redemption. At Calvary, justice and mercy meet. The spotless Lamb of God bears our sin so that we might be forgiven, reconciled to the Father, and given the hope of eternal life. Before the resurrection dawns, Luke calls us to stand at the foot of the cross and marvel at the Savior who loved us enough to die in our place.

Luke 22. Day 149 - The New Testament in a Year

Episode Notes:

Today's Scripture: Luke 22 (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
The Last Supper. Surrender in Gethsemane. The Faithfulness of Jesus.

"Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me—nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done." — Luke 22:42

Luke 22 brings us into the final hours before the crucifixion and reveals both the weakness of humanity and the unwavering faithfulness of Christ. As the Passover approaches, Judas agrees to betray Jesus, setting in motion God's eternal plan of redemption. During the Passover meal, Jesus transforms this ancient feast into what we now know as the Lord's Supper. The bread and the cup become reminders of the new covenant established through His body and His blood. While the disciples are still thinking about positions of greatness, Jesus teaches that true greatness in His Kingdom is found in humble service. Even on the eve of His suffering, His focus remains on preparing His followers for what lies ahead.

The scene then shifts to the Garden of Gethsemane, where we witness the depth of Jesus' humanity and His perfect obedience to the Father. Fully aware of the suffering that awaits Him, Jesus prays with such intensity that His sweat becomes like drops of blood falling to the ground. Yet His prayer is ultimately one of complete surrender: "Not my will, but yours, be done." While Jesus remains faithful in prayer, the disciples sleep, and moments later Judas arrives with the crowd to betray Him with a kiss. Peter's attempt to defend Jesus with a sword is quickly corrected, reminding us that God's Kingdom will not be established through human force but through Christ's willing sacrifice.

The chapter concludes with Jesus' arrest, Peter's heartbreaking denial, and Jesus standing before the Jewish council. Peter's failure is especially sobering because it comes from one who genuinely loved the Lord yet relied too heavily on his own strength. But even here, Jesus' grace shines through. After Peter's third denial, the Lord turns and looks at him—not with condemnation, but with a look that would eventually lead Peter to repentance and restoration. Luke 22 reminds us that our hope is never found in our own faithfulness but in Christ's. He willingly drank the cup of God's wrath so that we could receive the cup of salvation. In every moment of betrayal, weakness, and suffering, Jesus remained perfectly obedient, accomplishing the redemption that only He could secure.