Category Archives: New Testament

Acts 4 on 10/13 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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After the healing (ch. 3), Peter and John were arrested for preaching Jesus’ resurrection (vv. 1–4). Before the Sanhedrin, Peter—filled with the Holy Spirit—said the man was healed by the name of Jesus Christ, whom they crucified and God raised (vv. 8–10). He called Jesus the rejected cornerstone and declared, “There is salvation in no one else” (vv. 11–12). Though the leaders tried to silence them, the apostles replied, “We can’t stop speaking about what we’ve seen and heard” (vv. 18–20).

Released, the church prayed for boldness, quoting Psalm 2 and trusting God’s plan (vv. 23–28). God shook the place, filled them again with the Spirit, and they kept speaking God’s word with boldness (vv. 29–31). The believers were of one heart and soul, sharing so no one lacked; Barnabas sold a field to help those in need (vv. 32–37).

🌀 Reflection:
Where do you feel pressure to be quiet about Jesus (vv. 18–20)? Ask the Spirit for courage and clarity today, trusting God’s control when opposition comes (vv. 28–31).

💬 Mission Challenge:
Do one bold, loving act this week: share a brief Jesus story or offer prayer to someone who’s open—and pair it with practical help (a meal, a ride, or a gift) so your words and works line up (vv. 32–37).

Acts 3 on 10/12 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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One afternoon, Peter and John went to the temple to pray and met a man who had been lame since birth (vv. 1–2). Every day, he sat at the gate asking for money, but Peter told him, “I don’t have silver or gold, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!” (v. 6). Peter helped him up, and immediately the man’s legs were healed. He began walking, leaping, and praising God as the people watched in amazement (vv. 7–10).

Seeing the crowd gather, Peter used the miracle to point everyone to Jesus. He explained that the man was healed not by their own power, but through faith in Jesus’ name (v. 16). Peter reminded them that they had rejected and killed the Author of life, but God raised Him from the dead (vv. 14–15). He urged them to repent and turn to God, so their sins could be forgiven and times of spiritual refreshing could come from the Lord (vv. 19–20). Peter showed how the prophets, including Moses and Abraham, had foretold these days and that God’s promise of blessing through Jesus was meant for all nations (vv. 22–26).

🌀 Reflection:
Where do you need to trust the power of Jesus’ name instead of your own strength? (vv. 6, 16). Ask God to remind you that true change—whether healing, forgiveness, or courage—comes through faith in Him alone.

💬 Mission Challenge:
Like Peter and John, take time this week for the one person God puts in your path (v. 7). Listen to their need, pray for them, and point them to Jesus. You never know how one act of care might open a door for someone to know Christ.

Acts 2 on 10/11 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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When the day of Pentecost came, the believers were all together praying. Suddenly, a sound like a strong wind filled the room, and what looked like tongues of fire rested on each person. The Holy Spirit filled them, and they began to speak in other languages so that people from many nations could hear about the mighty works of God (vv. 1–11). Some were amazed, but others made fun of them (vv. 12–13). Then Peter stood up and explained that this was what the prophet Joel had promised—God was pouring out His Spirit on His people in the last days (vv. 16–21). He told the crowd that Jesus, whom they had crucified, was the One God raised from the dead and made both Lord and Christ (vv. 22–36).

The people were heartbroken and asked what they should do. Peter told them, “Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (vv. 37–38). That day, about 3,000 people believed and were baptized (v. 41). The new believers learned from the apostles, spent time together, shared meals, and prayed (v. 42). God worked through them with many signs and wonders, and the church became a joyful, generous, and worshipful community. Each day, the Lord added more people who were being saved (vv. 43–47).

🌀 Reflection:
Where do you need the Holy Spirit’s help today? Ask God to fill you with His power so you can share His love and live with joy like the early believers did (vv. 4, 42–47).

💬 Mission Challenge:
Think of someone in your life who doesn’t know Jesus. Pray for them by name and look for a way to tell them what God has done for you (v. 11). Maybe share a verse, invite them to church, or simply tell them how Jesus has changed your life.

Acts 1 on 10/10 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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Luke’s “second volume” opens by tying back to “all that Jesus began to do and teach” and showing that the risen Lord continues His work through His people (vv. 1–3). Jesus commands the disciples to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the Father’s promise—the baptism with the Holy Spirit (vv. 4–5). Still thinking in national terms, they ask about restoring the kingdom to Israel, but Jesus redirects them: the timing is the Father’s, their task is witness—empowered by the Spirit—to Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and the end of the earth (vv. 6–8). He then ascends and is taken up in a cloud of God’s presence, with angels assuring that He will return in the same way (vv. 9–11).

Back in Jerusalem, about 120 believers gather in the upper room and devote themselves to unified, persevering prayer—along with the women, Mary the mother of Jesus, and His brothers (vv. 12–14). Peter stands and anchors the community’s next step in Scripture: Judas’s fall fulfilled what the Holy Spirit spoke “by the mouth of David,” and another must take his office (Ps 69:25; 109:8; vv. 15–20). The replacement must be an eyewitness from John’s baptism to the ascension—“a witness to His resurrection.” After praying for the Lord’s choice, they cast lots, and Matthias is numbered with the eleven (vv. 21–26).

Acts 1 shows the church waiting on God’s promise, grounded in Jesus’ mission and Scripture, praying together, and preparing for Spirit-empowered witness (vv. 4–8, 14, 16, 24–26). What Jesus began, He now continues—by His Spirit, through His people—until He comes again (vv. 1–3, 9–11).

🌀 Reflection:
Where are you still asking “when” about God’s plans (v. 7) instead of embracing what He’s already made clear—pray, wait on the Spirit, and witness (vv. 4–5, 8, 14)? Ask the Lord to align your expectations with His mission and to make you a steady, Scripture-guided witness today (vv. 16, 21–22).

💬 Mission Challenge:
Map your “Jerusalem.” Identify one person in your immediate circle (home, class, team, or workplace) and—after praying for them by name (v. 14)—share a simple witness this week: a gospel conversation, an invitation to read John’s Gospel together, or an invite to church or community group (v. 8).

Luke 24 on 10/9 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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The resurrection changes everything. On the first day of the week, the women discovered the empty tomb, reminded by angels that Jesus had risen just as He said (vv. 1–8). Though the apostles first doubted, Peter saw the evidence and marveled (vv. 9–12). On the road to Emmaus, two disciples met the risen Jesus without recognizing Him until He broke bread with them. He explained how all of Scripture pointed to His suffering and glory, and their hearts burned as they understood (vv. 13–35). Later, Jesus appeared to the disciples, showing His hands and feet, eating with them, and commissioning them to proclaim repentance and forgiveness in His name to all nations, promising the Spirit’s power (vv. 36–49).

Luke closes with Jesus blessing His disciples and ascending into heaven. Their sorrow was turned to joy as they worshiped Him and continually praised God in the temple (vv. 50–53). The story that began in Bethlehem with the birth of Jesus ends in glory with His exaltation—and continues in the church’s mission to proclaim that Christ is risen and reigns forever.

🌀 Reflection:
Jesus’ resurrection is not just an event to know but a reality to live in. Because He lives, our doubts can turn to faith, our despair to joy, and our fear to peace. Where do you need to rest in the power of His living presence today?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Share the good news of Jesus’ resurrection with someone this week. Like the women at the tomb or the disciples on the road, don’t keep silent—proclaim that Jesus is alive and offers forgiveness and new life to all who believe.

Luke 23 on 10/8 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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Jesus was brought before Pilate and Herod, though both declared Him innocent (vv. 4, 14–15). Yet the crowds demanded Barabbas’s release instead, and Pilate gave in, handing Jesus over to be crucified (vv. 18–25). On the way to Golgotha, Simon of Cyrene carried the cross, and Jesus warned the women of Jerusalem about coming judgment (vv. 26–31). At the cross, He prayed for His executioners, was mocked by rulers and soldiers, and promised Paradise to the repentant thief beside Him (vv. 32–43). At His death, darkness fell, the temple veil tore, and a centurion declared His innocence (vv. 44–49).

Joseph of Arimathea courageously asked for Jesus’ body and placed it in his own tomb, while the women prepared spices but rested on the Sabbath (vv. 50–56). Luke’s account emphasizes both Jesus’ innocence and His saving work on the cross—dying as the spotless Lamb who forgives sinners and opens the way to God.

🌀 Reflection:
Jesus endured injustice, suffering, and death—not because He was guilty, but because we are. At the cross, we see His heart of mercy, His power to save, and His obedience to the Father. Reflect today on the wonder that the innocent Son of God bore your guilt and gave you His righteousness.

💬 Mission Challenge:
Share with someone this week the hope of the repentant thief—that no one is beyond the reach of Jesus’ mercy. Invite them to trust the Savior who still says, “You will be with me in Paradise.”

Luke 22 on 10/7 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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Luke 22 records the night of Jesus’ betrayal and arrest. The chapter begins with the plot of the chief priests and Judas to kill Him (vv. 1–6). During the Last Supper, Jesus redefines the bread and cup as symbols of His body and blood, establishing the Lord’s Supper and pointing to His coming sacrifice (vv. 7–23). When the disciples argue about greatness, Jesus teaches that true greatness is servanthood, even as He promises them a future place in His kingdom (vv. 24–30). He warns Peter of his coming denial but assures him that his faith will be restored (vv. 31–34). In Gethsemane, Jesus prays in deep anguish, submitting to the Father’s will, while His disciples struggle to stay awake (vv. 39–46).

The chapter then turns to Jesus’ arrest by the crowd led by Judas and His healing of the servant’s ear (vv. 47–53). Peter denies Him three times before the rooster crows, fulfilling Jesus’ prediction and leaving Peter in bitter weeping (vv. 54–62). Jesus is mocked, beaten, and brought before the council, where He affirms His identity as the Son of Man who will sit at God’s right hand (vv. 63–71). Luke 22 highlights Jesus’ humility, obedience, and love as He prepares to lay down His life for sinners.

🌀 Reflection:
Jesus shows us what it means to live in full obedience to the Father. He endured betrayal, denial, and suffering while continuing to love and serve. His words at the table remind us that our salvation rests on His sacrifice, not our strength. When we stumble, like Peter, His grace restores us and calls us back to faithfulness.

💬 Mission Challenge:
Think of someone who may feel far from God or burdened by guilt. Reach out with encouragement this week—share that Christ’s sacrifice was for them, too, and invite them to trust in His forgiveness.

Luke 21 on 10/6 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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In Luke 21, Jesus contrasts true worship with outward appearances. A poor widow gives two small coins, yet her offering is greater than the wealthy because she gave all she had (vv. 1–4). Jesus then foretells the destruction of the temple, reminding His disciples that earthly glory fades but God’s purposes endure (vv. 5–6). He warns of false messiahs, wars, natural disasters, and persecution, calling His followers to endure with faith and use trials as opportunities for testimony, with the assurance that God’s presence will sustain them (vv. 7–19).

Jesus speaks of the fall of Jerusalem as a sign of judgment (vv. 20–24) but also looks forward to His return, when cosmic signs will mark the coming of the Son of Man. Believers are told to “straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (v. 28). Through the fig tree parable, Jesus teaches readiness, affirming that His words will never pass away (vv. 29–33). He urges His followers to stay awake and pray, living in expectation of His return (vv. 34–36).

🌀 Reflection:
Luke 21 reminds us that while the world is filled with trials, uncertainties, and even collapse, Christ’s words stand forever. We are called to live with watchful hearts, enduring with faith and clinging to the hope that Jesus will return to redeem His people fully.

💬 Mission Challenge:
Encourage someone this week who is weighed down by fear or uncertainty. Share the hope of Luke 21:28 with them, and remind them that in Christ, redemption and peace are sure.

Luke 20 on 10/5 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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In Luke 20, Jesus’ authority is openly challenged. The religious leaders question Him in the temple, but their refusal to answer about John the Baptist exposes their hardness of heart (vv. 1–8). Jesus then tells the parable of the wicked tenants, warning of Israel’s rejection of God’s messengers and declaring that the rejected stone—Himself—has become the cornerstone (vv. 9–18; cf. Ps. 118:22). Later, when questioned about paying taxes to Caesar, Jesus amazes them with His wisdom: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (v. 25).

The Sadducees also try to trap Him with a question about the resurrection. Jesus answers that the resurrection life is unlike earthly life—there is no marriage, and God is “not God of the dead, but of the living” (v. 38). He affirms both His divine authority and the hope of eternal life (vv. 27–40). Finally, Jesus exposes the pride of the scribes who love honor but exploit others, warning that their hypocrisy will bring severe judgment (vv. 45–47).

🌀 Reflection:
Luke 20 reminds us that Jesus’ authority cannot be ignored or resisted without consequence. He is the cornerstone—either the foundation of salvation or the stone of judgment. Let us submit to His lordship, honor Him with our lives, and rejoice in the hope of the resurrection secured through Him.

💬 Mission Challenge:
This week, share the truth of Jesus as the cornerstone with someone searching for stability or hope. Offer to read Psalm 118:22–24 together, and point them to the life and joy found only in Christ.

Luke 19 on 10/4 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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In Luke 19, Jesus reveals Himself as Savior, King, and Judge. Zacchaeus, a wealthy and sinful tax collector, encounters Jesus in Jericho. To everyone’s surprise, Jesus calls him by name, stays at his house, and declares that salvation has come when Zacchaeus repents and makes restitution (vv. 1–10). Jesus then tells the parable of the ten minas, teaching that His kingdom will not appear immediately and emphasizing the call to faithful stewardship while we await His return (vv. 11–27).

As Jesus enters Jerusalem, He fulfills prophecy by riding on a colt. The crowds praise Him as King, though the Pharisees protest. Jesus declares that even the stones would cry out if His disciples were silent (vv. 28–40). Yet as He nears the city, Jesus weeps, grieving its blindness to the peace He offers and foretelling its coming judgment (vv. 41–44). Finally, Jesus cleanses the temple, driving out those who turned God’s house of prayer into a marketplace, as the leaders begin plotting His death while the people continue to cling to His teaching (vv. 45–48).

🌀 Reflection:
Luke 19 reminds us that Jesus seeks us in our sin and calls us to repentance, just as He did with Zacchaeus. He also calls us to faithfulness while we wait for His return, to welcome Him as King, and to worship Him with sincerity. I invite us to open our hearts to Christ’s presence, rejoice in His salvation, and prepare for His coming again.

💬 Mission Challenge:
Like Jesus with Zacchaeus, reach out this week to someone others might overlook or avoid. Share a meal, a conversation, or an act of kindness that points them to the Savior who came to seek and save the lost.