Category Archives: NT260

Hebrews 3 on 9/5 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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The writer of Hebrews turns from angels to Moses, showing that while Moses was faithful in God’s house as a servant, Jesus is far greater because He is the Son who rules over the house itself (Num. 12:7; Heb. 3:1–6). Moses led Israel out of Egypt and received the law, but even his faithfulness pointed forward to something better. Jesus, as the true High Priest of our confession, not only delivers His people from slavery to sin but also builds God’s house—the people of God redeemed through His sacrifice (John 5:36–47; Heb. 2:17; 3:3–4). We are that house if we hold fast to our confidence and hope in Him (Heb. 3:6, 14).

The author then quotes Psalm 95, warning us not to harden our hearts like Israel did in the wilderness (Heb. 3:7–11; Ps. 95:7–11). Although the Israelites saw God’s mighty works, they grumbled, disobeyed, and fell under judgment, never entering God’s promised rest (Num. 14:20–35). That “rest” was more than a piece of land—it pointed to the deeper rest found only in Christ (Matt. 11:28–29; Heb. 4:9–11). Today, God still speaks, and today is the time to listen.

Finally, Hebrews warns us to guard against unbelief by encouraging one another daily (Heb. 3:12–13). Sin deceives and hardens hearts, but fellowship in Christ strengthens faith. Perseverance doesn’t earn salvation—it proves that we belong to Christ (1 John 2:19). The Israelites failed because of unbelief, and their story is a sober reminder to us: those who hear God’s Word must respond with enduring trust and obedience (Heb. 3:15–19).

🌀 Reflection:
Hebrews 3 calls us to fix our eyes on Jesus, who is greater than Moses, greater than angels, and greater than anything else we might be tempted to trust. The wilderness generation warns us that outward experiences of God’s power mean nothing without persevering faith. Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your heart.

💬 Mission Challenge:
Who in your life needs encouragement to keep holding fast to Jesus? Reach out to one person today—whether by a word, a prayer, or a reminder of God’s promises—and help them fight the deceitfulness of sin with the hope we have in Christ.

Hebrews 2 on 9/4 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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The writer warns us to pay much closer attention to the gospel so that we do not drift away. If breaking the old covenant message given through angels brought judgment, how much greater is the danger of neglecting the salvation first spoken by the Lord, confirmed by eyewitnesses, and attested by God through miracles and gifts of the Spirit (2:1–4). Psalm 8 is quoted to show that although humanity was made lower than the angels, God placed everything under their feet. Though this dominion was lost in Adam, it is fulfilled in Jesus, who was made lower for a little while, suffered death, and is now crowned with glory and honor so that He might bring many sons and daughters to glory (2:5–10).

Jesus became fully human so that He might call us His brothers and sisters, destroy the devil who held the power of death, and free us from fear (2:11–15). He did not come to help angels, but the offspring of Abraham. By becoming like us in every respect, He became a merciful and faithful High Priest, making propitiation for our sins. Because He Himself suffered and was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted (2:16–18).

🌀 Reflection:
We must not take lightly what God has spoken through His Son. Jesus became one of us—sharing flesh and blood, enduring suffering, and defeating death—so that He could be both our Brother and our High Priest. In Him, we find help in temptation, freedom from fear, and hope of glory.

💬 Mission Challenge:
Be intentional to share the hope of Christ with someone who is weighed down by fear, suffering, or temptation today. Remind them that Jesus has walked the same path and offers real help and deliverance.

Hebrews 1 on 9/3 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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The letter to the Hebrews begins by pointing back to creation and God’s unfolding plan. Long ago, God spoke in many ways through the prophets, but now He has spoken by His Son (1:1–2). This is a staggering shift: the One through whom the universe was made is also the heir of all things (Ps. 2:7–8; Col. 1:16). Jesus is both the beginning and the goal of creation. He is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact imprint of His nature, fully God in every way (1:3). He sustains the world by His powerful word, and after purifying sins like a priest (anticipating chs. 9–10), He sat down at God’s right hand as King, His work finished and His reign established (Ps. 110:1).

Because of who He is, Jesus is far greater than the angels. Some Jewish people during that time thought angels might deliver them from trials, even assigning them to individuals—but Hebrews makes clear that angels are servants, not saviors (1:14). The Son alone is uniquely declared God’s Son (Ps. 2:7; 2 Sam. 7:14), worshiped by angels (Deut. 32:43), enthroned with an eternal kingdom (Ps. 45:6–7), unchanging Creator of heaven and earth (Ps. 102:25–27), and exalted at God’s right hand (Ps. 110:1). Each text ties Him to the promises given to David, now fulfilled in Christ’s resurrection and exaltation as King of the universe. Angels may be glorious, but their glory flows from the Son they serve.

🌀 Reflection:
If you want to know God, look to Jesus (John 14:9). He isn’t one messenger among many—He is the final Word. He is the eternal Son who creates, reigns, and saves. Because He sat down after completing purification for sins, you can rest in His finished work and draw near with confidence (Heb. 10:19–22).

💬 Mission Challenge:
Take 3 minutes today to worship Jesus out loud—praise Him as Creator, Sustainer, and Savior. Then share Hebrews 1:3 with someone who is discouraged and tell them why it gives you hope this week.

James 5 on 9/2 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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James closes his letter with strong warnings and powerful encouragements. He begins by denouncing the wealthy oppressors who hoard riches, defraud workers, and live in selfish luxury, reminding them that their wealth will decay and that the Judge hears the cries of the defrauded (5:1–6). In contrast, believers are called to patience and steadfastness until the Lord’s coming, just like the farmer waits for rain or Job endured suffering (5:7–11). Instead of grumbling or swearing oaths, they are to live with integrity and hope in God’s promises (5:9, 12).

The chapter ends with a strong call to prayer and mutual care in the church. Those who suffer should pray, the cheerful should sing, and the sick should call the elders for prayer and anointing (5:13–15). James highlights the power of prayer by pointing to Elijah, showing how God works mightily through His people when they pray in faith (5:16–18). Finally, he urges the community to lovingly pursue those who wander from the truth, knowing that bringing someone back can save them from death and cover a multitude of sins (5:19–20).

🌀 Reflection: Do you believe prayer is as powerful as James describes? What would change if you consistently brought your struggles, joys, and others’ needs before God with faith?

💬 Mission Challenge: Take time this week to intercede for someone who is sick, suffering, or straying from the Lord. Pray persistently, trusting God to work.

James 4 on 9/1 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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James confronts the root of quarrels and divisions in the church: selfish desires that battle within people’s hearts (4:1–3). Instead of seeking God, they covet, fight, and even pray with wrong motives. Friendship with the world, he warns, is enmity with God (4:4). Yet grace is greater—God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (4:6). The way forward is clear: submit to God, resist the devil, draw near to Him, and repent with sincerity (4:7–10). James then reminds believers not to slander or set themselves as judges, since there is only one Lawgiver and Judge—God Himself (4:11–12).

James also warns against arrogance in planning for the future (4:13–17). Life is a mist that quickly vanishes, and every plan must be made in humility, recognizing the Lord’s will. Boasting in tomorrow is sin, and so too is neglecting to do the good we know we ought to do. In all things, James calls for wholehearted devotion to God, humble repentance, and lives that reflect dependence on Him.

🌀 Reflection: Where do selfish desires stir up conflict in your life? What would it look like to humble yourself before God and live with “if the Lord wills” shaping your plans?

💬 Mission Challenge: This week, seek reconciliation with someone you’ve spoken against or quarreled with. Let your words be humble and your actions show you belong fully to God.

James 3 on 8/31 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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James warns of the power and danger of the tongue. Though small, like a bit in a horse’s mouth or a rudder steering a ship, the tongue can direct the whole course of life (3:1–5). Left unchecked, it becomes a fire set on fire by hell itself, capable of destroying relationships and staining the whole body (3:6–8). With the same mouth we bless God yet curse those made in His image—a contradiction that should not be among believers (3:9–12). Words reveal the condition of the heart, and no one can truly tame the tongue apart from God’s Spirit.

In contrast to earthly, selfish wisdom that produces jealousy, disorder, and strife, James points us to the “wisdom from above”—pure, peaceable, gentle, merciful, impartial, and sincere (3:13–18). This heavenly wisdom brings a harvest of righteousness sown in peace. True wisdom is not shown in clever speech but in humble conduct, meekness, and peacemaking.

🌀 Reflection: Do your words more often build up or tear down? Where do you see the need for God’s wisdom to replace selfish ambition in your speech and relationships?

💬 Mission Challenge: This week, practice peacemaking with your words—whether in conversation, online, or in prayer. Speak truth with gentleness and mercy, showing wisdom from above.

James 2 on 8/30 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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James warns against showing favoritism in the church. To honor the wealthy while dishonoring the poor is to violate the royal law of love and become “judges with evil thoughts” (2:1–7). God often chooses the poor to be rich in faith, heirs of His kingdom, while the rich of this world are often those who oppress and blaspheme Christ’s name. To show partiality is sin and makes one guilty of breaking God’s whole law (2:8–11). Instead, believers must live and speak as those judged under the “law of liberty,” remembering that mercy triumphs over judgment (2:12–13; Lev. 19:18; Matt. 22:39).

Faith without works is dead (2:14–26). Mere words of blessing for the needy, without action, are useless. Even demons believe the truth about God, but they do not obey Him (2:19). True saving faith always produces works—like Abraham offering Isaac or Rahab protecting the spies. Their obedience demonstrated the reality of their faith. James is not teaching salvation by works, but that genuine faith is never alone; it is proven by what it does (Gen. 15:6; Heb. 11:17, 31).

🌀 Reflection: Do you ever rely on what you say you believe, without living it out? Where might God be calling you to put action behind your confession of faith today?

💬 Mission Challenge: Look for one specific way to live out mercy and love toward someone in need this week—showing that your faith is alive.

James 1 on 8/29 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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James writes to believers scattered across the world, calling them to live out real faith in the middle of trials (1:1). He says that testing produces steadfastness and maturity, and even when life is hard, we can ask God for wisdom—because He gives generously to those who trust Him without doubting (1:2–8; Prov. 2:1–8). The poor can boast in their exaltation in Christ, while the rich should remember how quickly wealth fades (1:9–11; Isa. 40:6–8). Those who endure trials will receive the crown of life (1:12; Rev. 2:10). Temptation, James reminds us, does not come from God but from our own sinful desires, which lead to sin and death. Instead, every good and perfect gift comes from God, who brought us new life through His Word (1:13–18; Rom. 8:28; 1 Pet. 1:23).

True faith is not just hearing but doing God’s Word (1:19–25). James urges believers to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, putting away sin and receiving the implanted Word that saves (1:19–21; Prov. 10:19; Jer. 31:33). God’s Word is like a mirror—showing us who we are and what needs to change—but blessing comes to those who act on it (1:22–25; Matt. 7:24–27). Real religion is more than words or rituals: it shows up in bridled speech, compassion for the vulnerable, and living unstained by the world (1:26–27; Isa. 1:17; John 13:35).

🌀 Reflection: Are you tempted to only hear God’s Word without living it out? Where might the Spirit be showing you something in the “mirror” of Scripture that needs action today?

💬 Mission Challenge: Look for one way today to put your faith into action—whether by serving someone in need, speaking with kindness, or practicing patience.

Matthew 28 on 8/28 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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At dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb (v. 1). A great earthquake shook the ground as an angel rolled back the stone, his appearance blazing like lightning, leaving the guards paralyzed with fear (vv. 2–4). The angel told the women, “He is not here, for he has risen, as he said” (v. 6; cf. 12:40; 16:21), and instructed them to tell the disciples to meet Jesus in Galilee (v. 7). On the way, Jesus Himself met them, greeted them, and received their worship, again sending them to tell His brothers the good news (vv. 8–10). Meanwhile, the chief priests bribed the soldiers to spread a false story that the disciples stole the body (vv. 11–15).

In Galilee, the eleven disciples met Jesus on the mountain He had appointed (v. 16). They worshiped Him, though some doubted (v. 17). Jesus declared, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (v. 18) and gave the Great Commission—to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all He commanded (vv. 19–20). He promised His presence always, to the very end of the age (v. 20). Matthew’s Gospel closes with the risen King commissioning His people for a mission that spans the globe and all of history.

Key Verse: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).

🌀 Reflection: The resurrection changes everything. Jesus is alive, and His authority is absolute. His mission is not optional—it’s the calling of every believer. How will you personally live out the Great Commission this week?

💬 Mission Challenge: Share the good news of Jesus’ resurrection with one person today, and invite them to explore who He is and what He has done.

Matthew 27 on 8/27 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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Matthew 27 records the events of Jesus’ trial, crucifixion, death, and burial. Judas, filled with remorse, returns the thirty pieces of silver and hangs himself (vv. 3–10). Jesus is brought before Pilate, who, though recognizing His innocence, hands Him over to be crucified under pressure from the crowd (vv. 11–26). Soldiers mock Jesus, dressing Him in a scarlet robe and placing a crown of thorns on His head before leading Him to Golgotha (vv. 27–31). Simon of Cyrene is compelled to carry His cross, and Jesus is crucified between two criminals (vv. 32–44). From noon until three, darkness covers the land, and Jesus cries out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” before yielding His spirit (vv. 45–50). At His death, the temple curtain is torn in two, the earth quakes, and a centurion confesses, “Truly this was the Son of God!” (vv. 51–54).

Joseph of Arimathea lays Jesus’ body in his own new tomb, sealing it with a large stone (vv. 57–61). The chief priests and Pharisees, remembering Jesus’ prediction that He would rise, request Pilate to secure the tomb to prevent the disciples from stealing His body. A guard is posted, and the tomb is sealed (vv. 62–66). This chapter is the somber climax of Matthew’s Gospel, showing the depth of Jesus’ suffering, the reality of His death, and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, all preparing for the victory to come.

🌀 Reflection: The cross is where God’s justice and mercy meet. Jesus, the sinless One, bore our guilt, experiencing separation from the Father so we could be reconciled to Him. The tearing of the temple curtain signals that the way to God is now open—not through repeated sacrifices, but through the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ (Hebrews 10:19–22). As we consider the cost of our salvation, may it lead us to deeper worship, repentance, and gratitude.

💬 Mission Challenge: Share with someone today why the cross is central to your faith, and invite them to read Matthew 27 with you.