Luke 9. Day 136 - The New Testament in a Year

The Mission of the Twelve. The Feeding of the Five Thousand. The Transfiguration. 

"So they went out and traveled from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing everywhere." Luke 9:6

In this episode of "The New Testament in a Year," we read Luke Chapter 9, exploring the significant events and teachings of Jesus as He prepares His disciples for His upcoming departure. We review the empowering mission of the twelve apostles, the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, and the divine revelation during the Transfiguration. Together, we uncover the character traits of God revealed in these passages and reflect on three key devotion takeaways to strengthen our daily walk with Christ.

Luke 8. Day 135 - The New Testament in a Year

The Parable of the Sower. Jesus Calming the Storm. Healing of the Demon-Possessed Man. 

In this episode of "The New Testament in a Year," we explore the powerful events and miracles in Luke Chapter 8. We begin with a look at the Parable of the Sower, understanding the different types of soil that represent our hearts' receptiveness to God's word. As we witness Jesus calming a storm, we observe His control over nature and reflect on our own faith during life's challenges. The dramatic transformation of a demon-possessed man highlights Jesus' power over evil and His ability to bring profound healing and change. Our look-fors include understanding the Parable of the Sower, recognizing Jesus' power in calming the storm, and noticing the life transformation of the demon-possessed man. The devotion takeaways emphasize trusting Jesus, cultivating a receptive heart, and seeking transformation through encountering Him. Join us as we uncover the lessons and divine revelations in Luke Chapter 8, enriching our faith and guiding our walk with Christ.

Luke 7. Day 134 - The New Testament in a Year

The Faith of the Centurion. Jesus Raises the Widow’s Son. Jesus and John the Baptist. 

In this episode, we explore Luke Chapter 7, where we witness remarkable demonstrations of Jesus' authority and compassion. We discuss three pivotal events: the healing of a centurion's servant, which showcases Jesus' power and the unexpected faith of an outsider; the raising of a widow's son in Nain, highlighting His deep empathy and control over life and death; and Jesus' response to John the Baptist's doubts, affirming His messianic identity through His miraculous deeds. Our focus is drawn to look for themes of faith, compassion, and evidence of Jesus' divine mission. Through these stories, we are encouraged to embrace a faith that surprises, find hope in despair, and seek evidence of God’s active presence in our lives, applying these truths to deepen and manifest our faith in practical, everyday contexts.

Luke 6. Day 133 - The New Testament in a Year

Jesus’ Teachings on the Sabbath. The Beatitudes. Love for Enemies. 

“But I say to you who listen: Love your enemies, do what is good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." Luke 6:27-28

In this episode, we explore Luke Chapter 6, where Jesus addresses controversies surrounding the Sabbath, highlights the spirit of the law over strict adherence, and introduces the profound teachings of the Sermon on the Plain. We delve into the key events of selecting the twelve apostles and delivering transformative teachings on love, mercy, and the Beatitudes. Our "look-fors" guide us to focus on Jesus' radical views on the Sabbath, the revolutionary Beatitudes, and the call to love enemies—each illuminated with specific verses to deepen our understanding. The takeaways challenge us to prioritize mercy over ritual, practice radical forgiveness, and adopt the "Beatitude attitude" in our daily lives, pushing us towards spiritual growth and a more compassionate engagement with the world around us.

Luke 5. Day 132 - The New Testament in an Year

Miraculous Catch of Fish.  Jesus Heals a Leper. Jesus Forgives and Heals a Paralyzed Man. 

"When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch.”  Luke 5:4

In this episode, we explore Luke Chapter 5, where we witness Jesus expanding His ministry through both word and miraculous deeds. We delve into three pivotal moments: the miraculous catch of fish, the healing of a leper, and the forgiveness and healing of a paralyzed man. Each of these narratives not only demonstrates Jesus' authority and compassion but also invites us to reflect on our own responses to His call. As we uncover these stories, we are encouraged to embrace Jesus’ readiness to involve ordinary people in His extraordinary mission, to reach out with compassion to those often overlooked, and to put our faith into action in tangible ways. These takeaways from the chapter guide us in enhancing our walk with Christ, emphasizing the practical applications of His teachings in our daily lives.

Luke 4. Day 131 - The New Testament in an Year

The Temptation of Jesus.  Jesus in Nazareth.  Jesus' Authority and Power. 

 "And Jesus answered him, “It is said: Do not test the Lord your God.”  - Luke 4:12

In this episode we explore Luke Chapter 4, where we read and discuss the significant transitions and early days of Jesus’ public ministry. We start with a review of Jesus' baptism from the previous chapter and then move into detailed discussions about the temptations Jesus faces in the wilderness, His powerful declaration of His mission in Nazareth, and His authoritative teaching and miracles across Galilee. We focus on three key "look-fors": the strategies Jesus uses to overcome temptations using Scripture, His fulfillment of prophecy, and His miraculous authority. Our devotion takeaways highlight the practical aspects of using Scripture in our daily struggles, understanding and overcoming rejection in our faith journeys, and relying on God's authority to combat spiritual challenges. These insights are designed to deepen our understanding and encourage us to walk more closely with Christ.

Luke 3. Day 130 - The New Testament in an Year

The Prophecy of Isaiah. John's Message of Repentance. The Baptism of Jesus. 

"Therefore produce fruit consistent with repentance. And don’t start saying to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you that God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones. 9 The ax is already at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” Luke 3:8-9

In this episode of "The New Testament in a Year," we explore Luke Chapter 3, focusing on the roles of John the Baptist and the start of Jesus' public ministry. We begin by revisiting the previous chapter to set the stage, then we examine the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy through John's call to repentance and baptism. We're encouraged to pay attention to the prophecy of Isaiah, the message of repentance, and the significant event of Jesus' baptism—each highlighted with specific scriptures to deepen our understanding. Our takeaways from this episode emphasize the importance of genuine repentance, the strength we gain from God's affirmation, and the transformative influence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, offering practical applications to help us walk more closely with Christ.

Luke 2. Day 129 - The New Testament in an Year

"The Fulfillment of Prophecy.  The Humility of Jesus' Birth.  Good News for All.

"Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors!" Luke 2:13-14

In this episode of "The New Testament in a Year," we explore the rich narratives and spiritual insights of Luke Chapter 2. We begin by setting the historical context and then delve into key aspects to look for, including the fulfillment of prophecy, the humility of Jesus' birth, and the universal message of the good news delivered to the shepherds. These elements help us appreciate how God's plan unfolds through prophecies and humble beginnings. Our takeaways encourage us to trust in God's perfect timing, find joy and peace in humility, and remember that the gospel is meant for everyone. By reflecting on these themes, we strengthen our walk with Christ and apply His teachings more deeply in our lives.

The Role of Angels. Prophecies and Promises. Responses to Divine News. 

26 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged[c] to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.

In this episode of "The New Testament in a Year," we’re introduced to the miraculous circumstances surrounding the births of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. As we explore, we focus on three key "look-fors": the role of angels in divine communication, the fulfillment of prophecies and promises, and the varied human responses to God's revelations. These segments help us understand the depth of God’s involvement and faithfulness in human history. Our takeaways encourage us to trust in God’s perfect timing, immerse ourselves in His Word, and respond to His workings with heartfelt praise. Through these reflections, we aim to deepen our faith and enhance our daily walk with Christ, applying the lessons of trust, scripture engagement, and gratitude in practical ways.

Forgiveness.  Brotherhood.  Tactful Persuasion.

"For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a brief time, so that you might get him back permanently, no longer as a slave, but more than a slave—as a dearly loved brother. He is especially so to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord."  Philemon 1:15-16

In this episode of "The New Testament in a Year," we explore the unique personal letter of Philemon, focusing on themes of love, forgiveness, and Christian brotherhood. We discuss the subtleties of Paul's persuasive tactics, urging Philemon to welcome back his runaway slave, Onesimus, not just as a servant but as a beloved brother in Christ. Through our "look-fors," we uncover the deep layers of Christian ethics that advocate for transformative forgiveness and the breaking down of social barriers. Our devotion takeaways encourage us to apply these principles in our daily lives, fostering reconciliation, embracing unity within our Christian community, and approaching our faith discussions with tact and love. This study not only enriches our understanding of early Christian values but also provides practical ways to live out these teachings in our interactions today.