This Is the New Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. As we read, we’ll gain a broader understanding of the redemptive story of Scripture. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture.
The Book of Matthew: The Gospel of Matthew is a testimony of Jesus’s life and ministry told from the eyewitness perspective of Matthew, a Jewish tax collector who became a disciple of Jesus. This Gospel affirms Jesus as the Messiah promised in the Old Testament, and the reigning King who inaugurated the kingdom of God on earth. It also describes Jesus coming to call His people to turn away from their sin and toward Him.
How Matthew Fits Into the Story: As our introduction to the New Testament, Matthew’s Gospel contains the greatest number of direct connections to the Old Testament while also looking forward to the Messiah’s future return. Matthew wrote of Jesus as the climax of salvation history—the fulfillment of every prophecy and promise made to Israel, the incarnate presence and wisdom of God Himself, and the reigning sustainer of the Church.
Reflection Questions:
1. How is Jesus’s call to repent an invitation to follow Him?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
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147 thoughts on "Matthew"
By repenting we are acknowledging our sin instead of hiding from it, this brings us closer to Jesus. He wants us to not only acknowledge our sin but to turn away from it and towards Him.
The Bible teaches us to repent because God loves us so much and wants us to live a life in His name. A fruitful and loving life that he has provided for us. He loves us so much that there is no deed too wicked that cannot be forgiven if you choose to repent and follow Him.
He shows us that no matter what is done, He will always love us and wants us to always come back to Him ❤️ This is also my first day here, and I look forward to digging deep into God’s word!
Repentance is not God’s way of pushing us away—it is His loving invitation to come home.
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Turning towards Christ means turning away from our sinful desires. This is only possible when we allow the Holy Spirit to renew our minds through and through. I pray constantly that God will replace my thoughts with thoughts of Him. I often struggle with anxiety, and I have been noticing God placing verses on my heart throughout the day to push back against the lies of the enemy that I should be scared or worried about my life and future. God cares for us deeply, and when we can focus on that reality, we can enjoy turning from our sins and living in community with Him.
I pray that your mind be set free from every lie, every seed planted by the enemy, I command it to wither and die, in Jesus Name. I pray that you keep being aware of what’s occurring within and around you, and that you continue to pray and be in The Word, using the sword given to us to wield it against the lies of the enemy and keep overcoming with truth. in Jesus Name. Amen.
I feel like a call to repentance is an invitation to follow Him, because it asks us to drop what we’re doing and to put our eyes on Him and live the way He is teaching us to.
I love how much He loves us. It is so great how He always had us in mind for His rescue plan. We are such flawed humans no matter how hard we try. We need Him oh so desperately.
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It makes me feel so incredibly loved knowing that no matter what, I can come back to him. He wants me to. He is so incredibly patient and loyal.
Sunny, I completely agree. We are so loved by the Maker of Heaven and Earth, and He wants to spend time with us. When we sin, He already has open arms, and He is waiting for us to return to Him.
How easy he makes it for us to to turn back no matter how far we’ve stumbled or walked away.
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Hello everyone! This is my first day here with she reads truth. Can’t wait to dig deep into God’s word with all of you.
Welcome!
Welcome.
Humbling passage ❤️
Morning all, aren’t we so blessed for Gods mercy and steadfast love! I am! God has seen me, all of us, in the highs and lows in our life. When we constantly ask him to “make me new” we are inviting him to reshape us and see things through Gods lense.
For me it really is a lifetime of repenting and redirecting. Continuous desire to do the right thing is a direct result of a relationship with Him. Nothing more natural to continue the cycle of evaluation and redirection when you are His.
Jesus’s call to repent is an invitation to stop following the world and what it offers, to do a 180, and to put eyes on Jesus. Place faith in him. Repentance is a daily thing. It’s continually confessing to Jesus. Turning from sin and focusing on Jesus.
Faith and life in Jesus is rewarding and eternal. Your name is written in the book. You get to spend eternity with Jesus. Sins and things of this world are fleeting and will fade away.
But Jesus, He will never leave.
Jesus’s call to repent is an invitation to follow Him. Repents says to turn away from sin and turn toward the Lord. Repentance, when done daily with a sincere heart and not just merely saying “I’m sorry”, positions us to turn to God. It helps us go back to right standing with the Lord. Repentance helps us keep short accounts with God and helps us to turn away from sin when we are convicted by the Holy Spirit. This is an invitation to leave the place of distance from God and turn from sin to turn back to the heart of God and receive his divine forgiveness. I John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Repentance is an integral starting point to receiving the gospel message and embracing the redemption our Lord purchased with His precious blood. John said it in the wilderness, Repent for the kingdom of Heaven is near! The Messiah, the long awaited and talked about Saviour of the world was here. He has come from Heaven to die for fallen and sinful humanity. He will die a painful death and will be resurrected to life! Jesus is alive and is sitting on the right hand throne of God. Repentance is the starting place for a redeemed people to receive their redeemer. Our redeemer….. He Lives!
Jesus calls us towards repentance with love and compassion, God wants us to turn away from sin and to turn towards Him, also God promises us that if we turn from our sin truly then we will experience His forgiveness and have new life. I really do think its so beautiful how Jesus does not just command us to repent, but He revals to us the way.
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Jesus offers the best life if I give up my worldly desires. He is the everlasting joy
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I enjoy that Matthew is such a connector of the Old and New Testaments! It’s a thrill to be reminded of the prophecies that Jesus fulfills. Hundreds of years of promises, remembered and watched for, happening in the life of Jesus. So wow.
I like the question about repentance being an invitation. A reminder that truly, following Jesus is the only way we realize how much we need Him to help us be repentant and follow Him. So many times we try to do or be like Him on our own, in our own “strength”, when God’s whole design is for us to depend on Him completely! The vine and the branches as in John 15:5.
Looking forward to more tomorrow!
The Hebrew word is “shuv” which means to turn back”. It is the root word of Teshuva which means to turnaround or to return.
The Bible calls to shuv continually.” All we like sheep have gone astray.” Isaiah 53:6. All of humanity has strayed from God’s path.
When we do teshuva we repent and turn from our sins and turn back to God. It is a decision and a deliberate action.
“Goodbye World, I stay no longer with you
Goodbye pleasures of sin, I stay no longer with you
I’ve made up my mind to go God’s way the rest of my life (that’s it)
I’ve made up my mind to go God’s way the rest of my life” lyrics are from Donnie Mclurkin’s Carribean Medley
Thanks for sharing this!!
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”
True then, true now.
Praying for our lost and prodigals to see The Light.
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To all who prayed for my friend’s dad that fell last week, thank you. Sadly for the family and friends, he passed away over the weekend. For him, he loved the Lord and is rejoicing with Him.
So sorry, praying for your friend’s family.
So sorry, Searching, but thankful he is with His Lord! Prayers for peace and comfort for his friends and family…and you! ❤❤❤
Praying for your friend and their family.
So sorry for this earthly loss, but rejoice that he is rejoicing with Him now! ❤️
Today’s verses brought a lit of thought and reflection. The light that shines in darkness. I love that. Jesus is the Light of the world. He is also the Light in my life, and as one of our sisters mentioned, the light that shines to allow me to see the sin in my own life. I’m so thankful for Jesus. I found the words from Ezekiel to be very sobering. There have been times in my life when I wasn’t walking in the faith I had come to know in Jesus, then later, just like the Prodigal Son, returned to my faith in Jesus. I’m so thankful that God, in the NT, tells me there is nothing – nothing- that can separate me from His love. I look forward to this overview if the NT with all of you. I gained so much from interacting with you.
I had another CT scan today to measure the growth of my kidney cancer. Most days, I do pretty good at not thinking about it. I’m not even sure most days what to pray about it. Is it better that it stays the same size, and therefore, they don’t treat it, and just wait another six months and look at it again? Or would it be better if it’s grown to the point where they take it out and then I know it’s not in there with the chance of spreading somewhere else. So, I’m really praying for God’s will to be done. He always knows what’s best, so I don’t have to know what to specifically pray for. Today, as I was scanned, I just prayed that there would be a very clear scan that gives the doctors an accurate picture and measurement of what is there. so they can make the best decision on how how to move forward. May His will be done.
Your prayers will be appreciated.
Praying, Teresa, that the scan will be clear, and then accurately read so that doctors will have the correct information to advise you.
Praying sister.
Praying Teresa.
Praying in agreement, Teresa! Usually they know on scene if it’s a good image and I am praying for the eyes/person reading the scan to see clearly and accurately what is or isn’t a concern! ❤❤❤
Praying for answers for you Teresa and wisdom for the doctors and staff treating you
Prayers for you, Teresa. ❤️
Praying sweet Teresa! God knows what is best. May His will be done.
I’ve been here, before. Pray that God’s will be fine, but also pray that it clears up, that your body eats it. imagine a clean healthy kidney- then make it so. you have the power to do that- in Jesus name. <3
Reflection Questions:
1. How is Jesus’s call to repent an invitation to follow Him? I love this verse, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15). Repent first, then believe the gospel. Repentance is a preliminary step before one can follow Jesus. Repentance has been since the Old testament, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). “Turn from their wicked ways” = repentance. One step, one habit at a time. “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3). However, choosing this step of repentance trigger immediate resistance. Three forces will unite to fight us. First is the world (which can include our “best” friends who used to gossip with us, our unsaved parents or in-laws, loved ones who will mock us, estrange us “For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household”). Second is our screaming flesh telling us we deserve better. And last but not least the devil with its demons/ unclean spirits who roam about finding a clean place to occupy. All three will unite their power to pull us back. This is the painful part, personally for me, the ultimate test of allegiance, “Matthew 10:37: “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me”, Luke 14:26: “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.” Is the Christian walk easy? Not at all. May we be on guard and choose right. There is a promise for those that suffer the grief of rejection and family estrangement, Mark 10:29–30: “So Jesus answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life.'”
2. Repentance is important for redemption. Redemption is the process of being bought back, cleared of debt. Repentance is owning the wrong, accepting that we have created this mount of debt and counting. It takes radical honesty and self-examination, revelation to realize we can never pay off this debt. Repentance strips away the pride and defensiveness.
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Dear shes, I am asking for earnest prayers over a 13 y/o youth named Mya in the social care since baby, child of alcoholic mom (now going as he/him with a different name) with many behavioral challenges and aggression, causing great fear for many staffs to the point they call in sick constantly to avoid interaction and the high risk of assault. Please pray for this child’s well-being, deliverance over oppressions (several mental illnesses, anger, violence) and solutions for the care staff (among them is my husband) and other youths at risk who are in the same home. It is a high stress circumstance and no one wants to deal with this child. But GOD! Please pray that this child’s life will be turned around, and no more abuse on anyone that s/he interacts with. Thank you shes.
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Be blessed dear sisters.
My goodness! I am praying now for Mya and all the workers, including your husband, who have to interact with her. Praying for protection and safety as well as guidance. And praying for God’s hand on Mya, that she will find His love, salvation and healing.
Much to think about that you shared, Mercy ❤️
Praying for Mya and for each person, staff or youths that interact – that all will be protected, that Mya and also the other youths would turn to the Lord, for every mental illness and emotional pain to be healed. Lord, please help these children, and guide and protect the staff.
Thank you! ❤️❤️❤️
Praying for Mya. How heartbreaking.
Prayers, indeed, Mercy. A bad situation, for sure.
Oh, Mercy, how sad and unnerving! Praying in agreement for Mya and all affected.
And do I “leave my nets IMMEDIATELY”?
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Sometimes yes, but more often than not… no. (Insert sad face emoji!)
wow, what a question. I think of safety net first reading your thought.
From Romans… “There is no favoritism with God.”
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So why do we act like there is? Oy vey! We all need to repent… every one of us. Right?
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RIGHT!!
Welcome to all of you She’s who are joining us for the first time. Blessings to you.❤️
So excited and happy to start! Thank you.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
I John 1:9
That’s the verse that came in my head. He is faithful and he is just. He offers each of us the opportunity. We just have to take it.❤️
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What a gracious gift God has offered in return for repentance! Repentance is a complete change- heart soul and mind turning away from sin that serves self toward God. who calls us to serve, made
such an incredible sacrifice to grant us such a blessing!
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Pursue was my word of the year in 2025 and man did it teach me things. Ladies, it’s so simple look upward and pursue His ways and everything else falls into place – especially His command to love others.
Love that! My words for the year have really led me to press in. My word one year was presence. And one year Transformation. Surrender. But, not good, I can’t remember mine for this year!! (thinking face!)
Its an invitation to follow him and make things new, living a new life. Salvation not only applies to the end of life, but also a working strategy for the way we can live our lives for good, as God our creator intended.
Such an important point to remember! Salvation is for now, too ❤️
His call to follow him is a call to embody the name we were given “Christians” or little Christs. We must follow the example laid out for us by our savior and treat others the way Christ treated people. We must hold them accountable but in grace and mercy. We must love but also hold each other to follow the Biblical principles He laid out for us.
Yes, amen!
Jesus’s call to repentance is an invitation to follow Him because he wants us to turn away from evil and follow him with all our hearts. When we do this we live forever with God who is full of grace, mercy, compassion and love.
I think sometimes when I read these scriptures that it’s kind of like the pastor’s message. This is for unbelievers or someone else. But really, I think these are a reminder to us as Christ followers to keep searching our hearts and allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of sin or where we aren’t surrendering to God!
This also shows God’s heart for the lost and His desire to redeem them!
Praying for all!
“This is for unbelievers or someone else. But really, I think these are a reminder to us…”
Same.
Life is hard. Following is hard. Father God help us.
I’m right there with you. Following Him leads to great things. Not always easy, but worth it.
Q. 1) Simply put, Jesus’ call to repentance involves putting away the old nature and choices, turning instead to a heart for Jesus- a desire to join Him in His work and ways and walking in obedience in relationshio with Him. It’s not about self-cintrol and folliwing rules. Unstead we follow Jesus and His path to grace.
This is from BIBLEHUB:
“The Invitation of Jesus is a central theme in the New Testament, encapsulating the call to discipleship, salvation, and eternal life. This invitation is extended to all humanity, emphasizing the grace, love, and mercy of God through Jesus Christ. The Gospels provide numerous instances where Jesus invites individuals to follow Him, offering rest, spiritual nourishment, and a relationship with God.
Invitation to Follow
One of the most direct invitations is found in the calling of the first disciples. In Matthew 4:19, Jesus says, “Come, follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” This call to follow is not merely an invitation to physical proximity but a call to a transformative relationship and mission. The disciples’ immediate response signifies the compelling nature of Jesus’ invitation and the authority with which He speaks.”
I was reminded in my reading of Hebrews 12:1. Then I looked for a video featuring my song choice. The band actually read Hebrews 12:1-2 during the song below;what confirmation! I had never heard or watched this video before.
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SONG SHARE:
I Have Decided to Follow Jesus (hymn).
I Have Decided | Live | Elevation Worship
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This version by Elevation worship includes these lines:
Tag]
Everything all I am
And all I have to bring
I will give to you my everything…
[Bridge]
I will follow, my heart surrendered
My Jesus I am yours
I will follow, my life in your hands
My Jesus I am yours
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤❤❤
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“Come, follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” ❤️- so clear, thank you for this one.
Reflection Questions:
1. How is Jesus’s call to repent an invitation to follow Him?
It’s an invitation to follow Him because confessing your sins to God and repenting is an act of turning away from things that take you away from the Lord. It’s taking you from external and internal darkness into His light and presence.
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
We’re finally in the New Testament!!! This was a long journey y’all. I know we’re reading about it, but imagine it from the perspective of the Israelites. This was a long journey.
Jesus’ call to repentance isn’t just merely a turning away from sin, but also a turning toward him. He doesn’t just offer justification, but he also offers relationship that fulfills our greatest human need and guides our lives! These passages today remind me that redemption is not transactional, it is transformational.
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Absolutely! Turning toward Him is His desire, as you say, for the relationship, the restoration of fellowship that He created us for. I appreciate your comments!
Let it be so
It is written
Repent
Follow me
Today’s scriptures are hard. It (Salvation) is something I drew a hard line on. And then my niece died, and the service came. The question of did she know Jesus played over and over. Did she cry out to him in the end? Was she so messed up on drugs/withdrawal that she wasn’t in her right mind mentally. Does that matter in God’s mercy. I had told her to call out to Jesus over and over, and that he was the ONLY way to find peace and joy, and freedom. But the addiction was strong. I want to believe she is with Jesus running free. My other Butterfly Shalan assures me she did. I just know God is judgement and mercy, his way is right. The opportunity is there for everyone, and we must submit and repent and turn.
I leave tomorrow to go home. Thank you for your continued prayers for my sister and her family.
Continued prayers for all!!
The question marks are so hard, aren’t they? I love Genesis 18:25…Abraham is fighting for God to save the righteous in Sodom and he says “Won’t the judge of all the earth do what is right?” I cling to that in my moments of uncertainty with loved ones. Won’t he do what is right? It doesn’t mean all will be saved, but it means I can trust Him with the outcome. ❤️
Oh the question marks… they wreck me.
But as you said, we must trust Him with the outcome.
And I will add to pray, pray, PRAY.
I know! Funnily, I think that’s why I quit putting them. And I had just had the Convo with my sis…about the people that have never heard of Jesus..then what? And I said, I trust God is the one in charge, I just know I must go and tell for that reason.
But thank you for that reply…I was hoping for replies :)
Continuing prayers
Praying you have peace concerning the questions that have no answers. You did what you could, you shared what you knew – she heard, and maybe she acted on that. That is where hope comes in. Continued prayers for you and the family. Safe travels home. ❤️
❤️ Praying for you and your sister’s family to have peace after all this. May the peace of GOD guard and wash over each and every one’s heart and mind.
Rhonda, the questions after someone dies are so very hard. I struggled with them mightily after my sister’s husband died in a car crash. He was Jewish. He and I had enjoyed many theological discussions. I got more of an understanding of the OT from him, and he learned more about Jesus from me. I even gave him a book called “Jesus in the Old Testament.” I was impressed that he read it, and we discussed it. He even called me in as the chaplain to him and his family when his (Christian) grandmother was dying. And I preached her funeral. When he died and I attended his Jewish funeral and supported my sister in her grief, I remember the questions well. And still struggle with them sometimes. His faith was so very strong. But, according to his faith, Jesus wasn’t the Messiah. I finally had to come to the conclusion that you mentioned…. God is just. He always does what is right. I can trust Him, not only with my salvation, but with the eternal destiny of each and every person, knowing that ONLY God knows their heart and their true relationship with Him. I can trust Him. The questions may (will) remain during my lifetime. But in eternity, I can trust that God is God, and all will be right in eternity, and all my tears will be wiped away in heaven.
Continuing to pray for you, your sister, and family, sweet Rhonda. ❤️
(heart)
Praying for peace for your heart in these thoughts, Rhonda, and for safe travels home through this iffy weather. Continued prayers for your sister/family. Sister, you have shared Jesus with them. Their choice is not on your hands. I hope you can rest in that. Love you! ❤❤❤
I agree!
Ezekiel 18:23 is a stark reminder that God does not take pleasure in the death of the wicked. Unlike my fleshly thoughts of when the wicked die, I tend to think – “good! He/she got what was coming to them!”
What I need to remember daily is that I too was once on that path destined for hell. But God in His mercy called out for me to follow Him. Praise God. For that I am forever grateful, and I will pray for the lost – the wicked, and the not so bad, that all might come to the saving knowledge of Christ.
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For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
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Looking forward to doing this study with you all! Welcome to all the new She’s! ❤️
Good words, Sharon ❤️
The call to repent means leaving all behind that separates us from Jesus,to walk towards Him and with Him. He offers us forgiveness, mercy & grace and desires for us to be in relationship with Him – we just have to accept that invitation. The life He has for us in fellowship with Him is far more abundant than without. Thank you Lord for making a way, for your gift of redemption and salvation to us. Amen
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GM ladies. Here is our list of prodigals. Add any names in the comments.
Isaiah 43:19 Look, I am about to do something new;
even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.
Alice V – Brian, Rachel
Kim Mullins – Tyler
Tami – Chela, Quentin
Sharon – Nicholas, Jonathan
Rebecca W – Brett, Jake, Joey, Lindsay, Kelly, Abby, Katelyn, Katie
Emma Rageth – Olivia, Ali
Indiana Elaine – Kent, Shelley
Mari V – Rick, Marta, Toby
Tricia C – David, Allison, Christopher, Lina, Travis, Nicole
Mia Faith – Parker, Isaiah, Alexandra, Griffin, Annalee, Bill
Aleida – Victor
Maddie – Michelle, Julia
Rhonda – Michael
Charlotte Hill – Casey, John, Emma
Deb – Brandon, Angel
Linda J – Matthew
Mollie – Sam
MMD – Ethan, Hayden, Rachel
Carol H – Justin, Ezekiel, Elijah, Andrew
Kari – Rachel, Josh, James, Ayano
Mi Sherry – Kaitlyn, Aaron, Will
Cheryl Read – Renee, Jason, Kayden, Kylee
Wendy B – Amy, Colton, Kirk, Nick
Anne Klinkhammer – Molly
Sue Dalos – Chelsea, Kenny
Bessie – Ben
Annie Hewitt – Annie pls give me name/s:)
Sandy Lynn – Andy
Diane – Jon, Keith, Roger, Mike
Jane K – Leah
B – M, B
Susan B – Tammy, Amy
Carla – Cierra, Stephen
Lisa H – Cora
Kimberk – Megan, Randy
Adrienne – Raelynn, Tyler, Tracy
Brandi – Levi, Sarah, Ellen, India
Robin Bailey – Rodney, Brian
Erin L – Emerson, Zoe
Janet – Ryan, Amanda, Matthew, Stephanie
Sheryl – Adam, LaShonda
Maria J – Benjamin, Mike, Mark, Patrick
Maria B – Chris, Tristan, Madeline, Cristal, Shanty, Nicole, Luis
Melani Fryer – Matthew, Dylan, Courtney, Lydia
Therese – Ryan, Brittany, Sydney
Traci Gendron – Kara, Andrew
Jenny Carmichael – Katy
Mercy – boys in social care system
Kerry Rowley – Preston, Parker, Lindsey
Maria S – Joshua, Katie, Zoe
Melissa – Madison, Richard, Liam, Zac, Wesley
Felicia – Brittin, Tyler
Vicki – Ben, Sian
TC – Randi, Michael, Callie
Elizabeth – Trae, Xavier, Reya
Adie – Monica, Shawn, Stephanie
Susan B – Emma
Penni – Les, Jonah, Emily, Garret, Domi, Connor, Grace
Nat – Marissa, Melody
Martha Hix – Claire, Ralph, Tyler, Whitney, Trey
Phobie – Phobie, Greg, Steve, Jessie
Laura – Jordan, Taliah
April L – Molly, Becca
Karen Breaux – Brittany, Justin, Erin, Jordyn
Heather – Jack, Hudson
Cheryl Blow – Sara
Dianne – Ian
Leap – Liz, Teg, Taylor, Alison
Tara B – Clara Paige, Anna
Debra K – Stephen, Meagan, Daniel, Creg
Margaret W. —David, Matthew, Missy, Becca, Marianna
Melzie K- Jake, Cece & Elijah
Shar – K
Leala – Ryan, AJ, Sam
Jennifer – Matthew, Lauren and families
Cat-tee – A & A, K & T
K-Ann – G, T, S
Cathy McVey – Jeremiah, Brayden, Nolan, Ashlyn
Keri – Finley, Rudy, Scout, Nellie, Polly, Dottie, Goldie
Lena- Andrea, Lanie, Eiley, Everly, Schaefer
LaRae – Levi
Julie G – Matt, Katherine, Ray
AML – Jonathan, Jake, Emma, Becca
Kristin G – Brandon, Melissa
Allegra – Lydia, Nick, Micah, Jonah
Karen – Nathan, Bailey
Jazz – Blake, Zoie, Greg, Elizabeth
Gina – Carolyn, Steven
Cindy – Toby, Clarissa, Katie, Samantha
TS Woodruff – Danielle
Tammy H.- Alyssa
Danielle B – Joelle, Adam
Myra – Mitchell
Debby – Kristen
Jenn F – B&E, J&T
K – Alizabeth
Stephanie – Greg
Melanie C – Casey, Corey, Celeste, Kat
Mollie – Haley, Jeff, Rhonda
Margo – Lindsey, Drew, Lauren, Spencer
Meghan – Maddie, Brianne
Susan – Natassia
Donna – Kathy
Lena- Andrea, Lanie, Eiley, Everly, Schaefer
Donna – Linda
Melanie – Jeff, Gary, Drake, Logan, Ryan
KMC – Rachelle, Karah, Joshua
Donna- Sherry
Kelly – Kyla, Brendan
Marie S – Joshua, Carleigh, Zoe, Terry, Edie, Brady
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REPENT was the first word of John the Baptist’s gospel (Matt 3:1-2)
REPENT was the first word of Jesus’s gospel (Matt 4:17 and Mark 1:14-15)
REPENT was the first word in the preaching ministry of the twelve disciples (Mark 6:12)
REPENT was the first word of exhortation in the first Christian sermon (Acts 2:38)
REPENT was the first word in the mouth of the Apostle Paul through his ministry (Acts 26:19-20)
This is from Enduring Word commentary
I have been listening to Jennie Allen’s podcast, “Holiness, Repentance & Becoming More Like Jesus,” with Pastor Matt Chandler. They talk about being specific when we confess our sins to God. Don’t sugarcoat our sin by giving it a broad name. Name exactly what we are confessing to and asking forgiveness for and that allows a greater freedom from our sins. I am not doing their teaching justice, so if you are interested, look it up and listen to the podcast. I’m excited to be starting this New Testament study with all of you.
I really like this point about specific confession, thank you for sharing!
So good!
I love this! My husband and I work at a (Christian) university and we have so many conversations trying to help students think in biblical categories. We say
‘What is the Bible word for what you are describing?” That practice has helped me so much in my own walk to interrogate my heart and motives and rightly name my sin. It is uncomfortable but then such freedom comes, because once I repent it is done. No wallowing in shame or murkiness because i haven’t actually named the sin I have committed. I’ll go look for that podcast. Thank you!
That’s awesome, Rachel❤️
Excited to start the New Testament!!
Jesus’s call to repent is an invitation to turn toward Him and follow Him more fully. It’s not simply about changing behavior but about entering into a relationship with the One who offers grace, forgiveness, and new life.
Today’s reading deepened my understanding of redemption because it reminds me that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises and the center of the redemption story that began long before His birth.
Repentance brings us closer to our Savior and helps us to draw near to Him! This book ends with the crux and climax of all history -.Jesus’ death, burial , and resurrection!
Good morning, sweet She’s! I’m very excited for the study! I haven’t started yet. I’m up earlier this summer than normal as my kids and I are heading out in about an hour for our annual trip to San Luis Obispo. I’m asking for prayer for safe travels as it’s a 3 1/2 hour drive. I’m hoping to start the study once I get there as our first destination, of course is one of our favorite coffee shops. Love you all so much.
Prayers for safe travels and a wonderful, refreshing vacation with your kids❤️
Praying for your safe travels Mureil! Have a wonderful time away. ❤️
Have fun on your trip Mari V.
I always love how you and your two kiddos are so close from all ya’ll have been through. Tests are our testimonies! Struggles our strength!
I thank you for your daily texts and prayers to me and for my sister and family.
Have a great time. Praying for safe travels.
Where are you from, Muriel? I grew up in Southern CA (Long Beach area) but am in Missouri now. A friend of mine moved to SLO when we were in high school. She loved it there. Enjoy your time away! (I am sure you are there already, and my prayers for safe travels are likely late!)
Jesus-God, does all the work. He finds us, He calls us, He saves us, He loves us perfectly.
Jesus is the light we needed to see what we’d become. His call to repent is how he explicitly tells us that we are broken and in need of a savior. Instead of carrying on like we have been, he wants us to follow him – literally!
Today,s reading reminded me that loving others well and displaying mercy is a key part of turning towards HIM.
I’m sure I’ve read that Ezekiel passage many times before but in today’s reading it really stuck out to me. Very sobering warning not to turn from Him.
Same
Me too
I found it very sobering as well.
Amen. I’ve been looking forward to starting this study as well! Thankful for this way to be in the word,
We have to repent to be able to walk in the ways of Jesus and follow Him.
That was my thought too❤️
Amen
Amen❤️
Jesus’ call to repent serves as an invitation to follow Him by extending mercy and forgiveness to us while providing a path towards reconciliation with God the Father.
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Today’s reading show me God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to bring His kingdom here.
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Build Your Kingdom Here [Lyrics]
by Rend Collective
Verse 1
Come set Your rule and reign
In our hearts again
Increase in us we pray
Unveil why we’re made
Come set our hearts ablaze with hope
Like wildfire in our very souls
Holy Spirit come invade us now
We are Your church
We need Your pow’r in us
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Verse 2
We seek Your kingdom first
We hunger and we thirst
Refuse to waste our lives
For You’re our joy and prize
To see the captives’ hearts released
The hurt the sick the poor at peace
We lay down our lives for heaven’s cause
We are Your church
We pray revive this earth
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Chorus
Build Your kingdom here
Let the darkness fear
Show Your mighty hand
Heal our streets and land
Set Your church on fire
Win this nation back
Change the atmosphere
Build Your kingdom here we pray
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Verse 3
Unleash Your kingdom’s pow’r
Reaching the near and far
No force of hell can stop
Your beauty changing hearts
You made us for much more than this
Awake the kingdom seed in us
Fill us with the strength and love of Christ
We are Your church
We are the hope on earth.
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Chorus
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Welcome to all new gals! We are glad you have joined us.
great song!❤️
Good morning! I’m always excited to read and study the Word. It reminds me to pray throughout the day and how the Lord forgives me of all my sins. Stop looking at others, but asking the Lord to order my steps.
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God doesn’t just call us to turn away from something but also to turn toward something. We must replace the old sinful way of life with the new life He is calling us toward. Turn from Satan to Christ. Since the fall of man God has always had a plan to redeem us. As long as we are still on earth there is time to repent but we should not put it off because no one is promised tomorrow.
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Amen
Good morning! I was really excited to begin our new study today! Thank you Karen for your share! Yes the Bible teaches us to follow Jesus but we need to repent of our sins and explain to Him in prayer that we need Him.
What feels glaring this morning after our OT overview is that we are hopeless and helpless without Jesus and His sacrifice for our sin! For “the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.”
Thanks be to God for the Light of Life!
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So true, Sally❤️
Yes. Totally thought this too. And the awesomeness that Jesus came! He fulfilled all the things!! Amazing.
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I know we did not read Matthew 1, The genealogy of Jesus, but as I recapped yesterday, I chanced upon TAMIS list of our prodigals, and I was reminded of the names of Jesus’ people! I had a feeling of hope for each person named.
Can you imagine those names in a future book on God’s Word, saved and walking with the Lord, Oh man, I have goosebumps!
This list of hundreds and they are added by the day, shall one day hear the call to repent, and begin their journey of following Jesus, and their salvation secured..
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I look forward to that day, in the meantime, I pray for them, as I keep following Him, knowing that because of Jesus, there is a HOPE for each and every one of us.
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AMEN.
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Looking forward to seeing you here tomorrow..
Much love covered in love, hugs and contiued prayers..x❤️
Amen
❤️amen
Joining you in prayer for our prodigals ❤️ l long to hear of each one of these loved ones returning to the Lord. What a glorious day that will be!
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What a beautiful thought, Tina! ❤❤❤
Amen ❤️