Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

John 1. Day 206 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Episode Notes:

Today's Scripture: John 1 (CSB)

The Word Became Flesh. Grace and Truth in Jesus. Come and See.

"The Word became flesh and dwelt among us." — John 1:14

John opens his Gospel by taking us all the way back before creation. Jesus is introduced as the eternal Word who was with God and was God. Everything was created through Him, and in Him is life and light. Then John gives us the incredible truth at the heart of the gospel: the Word became flesh and lived among us. The eternal Son of God stepped into human history so we could know the Father. Jesus did not merely bring grace and truth. John says grace and truth came through Him.

The chapter then moves from theology to invitation. John the Baptist points to Jesus as "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world," and the first disciples begin following Him. Again and again, the response is simple: come and see. John 1 reminds us that Christianity begins with a Person. Jesus is the Creator, the Lamb, the Messiah, and the Son of God. The invitation is still the same today: come to Him, see who He is, and let your life be changed by the One who brings light into the darkness.

1 Peter 5. Day 205 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

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Today's Scripture: 1 Peter 5 (CSB)

Lead with Humility. Cast Your Cares on God. Stand Firm in the Faith.

"Casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you." — 1 Peter 5:7

First Peter 5 closes the letter with a call to humility, faithful leadership, and trust in God. Peter urges church leaders to shepherd God's people willingly, not for selfish gain or control, but by becoming examples to the flock. Then he broadens the command to everyone: "Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another." Pride tells us we have to carry everything ourselves, but humility recognizes our dependence on God. That is why Peter can tell us to cast all our cares on Him. We can hand God what is weighing us down because He genuinely cares for us.

Peter also warns believers to stay alert because the devil prowls like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. His response is simple: resist him, firm in the faith. We are not promised a life without suffering, but we are promised that suffering will not have the final word. Peter points us to the God of all grace, who will restore, establish, strengthen, and support His people after they have suffered for a little while. First Peter ends where it began, with hope. Stay humble, give God what you cannot carry, stand firm when the enemy attacks, and trust the God of grace to hold you steady all the way to the end.

1 Peter 4. Day 204 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

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Today's Scripture: 1 Peter 4 (CSB)

Living for the Will of God. Serving with What God Has Given You. Faithful Through Suffering.

"Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins." — 1 Peter 4:8

First Peter 4 calls believers to live with a clear sense that our old way of life is behind us. Because Christ suffered in the flesh, Peter says we should be ready to break with sinful desires and spend the rest of our time pursuing the will of God. That kind of life may look strange to the people around us, but Peter reminds us that we are living for something greater than their approval. He calls the church to stay alert in prayer, love one another deeply, practice hospitality, and use whatever gifts God has given us to serve others. Everything we have is meant to be stewarded for the glory of God.

Peter then returns to the reality of suffering. He tells believers not to be surprised by the fiery trial that comes their way, as though something unusual were happening. Suffering for Christ is not evidence that God has abandoned us. Peter says we can even rejoice when we share in Christ's sufferings because His glory will one day be revealed. First Peter 4 reminds us that faithfulness may cost us something, but it is never wasted. Keep loving, keep serving, keep trusting God with your life, and when suffering comes, entrust yourself to your faithful Creator while continuing to do what is good.

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

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Today's Scripture: 1 Peter 3 (CSB)

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

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Today's Scripture: 1 Peter 2 (CSB)

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)

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

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Today's Scripture: 3 John 1 (CSB)

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

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Today's Scripture: 2 John 1 (CSB)

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.

1 John 5. Day 198 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Episode Notes:

Today's Scripture: 1 John 5 (CSB)

Faith That Overcomes. Confidence in Eternal Life. Confidence in Prayer.

"And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son." — 1 John 5:11

First John 5 closes the letter by bringing together faith, obedience, love, and assurance. John says that everyone who believes Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and that faith is what overcomes the world. Our confidence is not found in our own strength, but in the Son of God. John makes the message unmistakably clear: eternal life is found in Jesus Christ. Whoever has the Son has life. Whoever does not have the Son does not have life. John writes so that believers can know, not merely hope, that they have eternal life.

John also gives us confidence in prayer. "If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us." Prayer is not a way of forcing God to follow our plans. It is learning to bring our desires under His will and trusting that He hears us as a loving Father. The chapter ends with a simple but serious command: "Guard yourselves from idols." Anything that takes the place in our hearts that belongs to Christ can become an idol. First John 5 leaves us with a strong foundation: believe in the Son, rest in the eternal life He gives, pray with confidence, and keep Jesus at the center of everything.

1 John 4. Day 197 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Episode Notes:

Today's Scripture: 1 John 4 (CSB)

Testing the Spirits. God Is Love. Perfect Love Drives Out Fear.

"We love because he first loved us." — 1 John 4:19

First John 4 begins with a call to discernment. John tells believers not to believe every spirit, but to test what they hear because false teachers are in the world. The central question is what they say about Jesus Christ. Truth matters, and not everything that sounds spiritual comes from God. John then reminds us that believers have confidence because "the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." Our security does not come from being clever enough to detect every lie. It comes from belonging to Christ and remaining grounded in the truth He has given us.

John then moves to the heart of the chapter: God is love. We know what love is because God showed it to us by sending His Son so that we might live through Him. His love came first. That means Christian love is never simply a feeling or personality trait. It is a response to the love we have already received from God. John says that perfect love drives out fear and then gives us the simple foundation for everything: "We love because he first loved us." First John 4 reminds us to hold tightly to the truth about Jesus and to let the love of God become visible in the way we treat others.