Welcome to 90 Days in New Testament

I am so excited that you’ve joined us on this journey to read through the New Testament together as the body of Christ at NCC. My prayer is that God blesses you and speaks to you in fresh, personal ways through His Word.

I am so excited that you’ve joined us on this journey to read through the New Testament together as the body of Christ at NCC. My prayer is that God blesses you and speaks to you in fresh, personal ways through His Word.

Today is Day One ….Matthew 1–3
As you read Matthew 1–3, notice how God begins His story of salvation in quiet, unexpected ways. A genealogy. A humble birth. A voice crying out in the wilderness. None of it looks impressive by the world’s standards yet every part of it is purposeful. God keeps His promises across generations, even when people are flawed, broken, or forgotten.

Matthew shows us that Jesus did not appear out of nowhere. He stepped into real history, into a broken family line, to bring real hope. John the Baptist’s call to repentance reminds us that preparing for Jesus means more than gaining knowledge it means turning our hearts toward God. And at Jesus’ baptism, we see the Father is pleased with His Son and the Spirit’s presence showing up, revealing just how personal this story is: God drawing near to humanity.

Let this sink in, you are reading the Gospel, the Good News. And the Good News is this: God sent His Son, Jesus, to make a way for us. IT’S THE BEST NEWS!

He left it all for you.
You are deeply loved by the Creator of the universe.

As you begin this reading plan, remember: the New Testament isn’t just about knowing who Jesus is it’s about responding to Him. Ask God to help you see where He is already at work in your life and how He is inviting you to follow Him more closely.

Chapter 3 shifts from Jesus’ birth to preparation for His ministry. John the Baptist calls people to repent to turn their hearts back to God. May we be willing to do the same as we begin this journey together. As we talked about this past week, deal with any sin in your life and repent and turn to God the father.

I love what John says in Matthew 3:11

11 “I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
Matthew 3:11 NLT

Jesus had come to change everything.. Greater than anything before, He was coming to change peoples hearts.

The baptism of the Holy Spirit speaks of God coming to live within believers, empowering, guiding, and transforming them from the inside out. The fire represents God’s purifying and refining work, burning away sin and shaping us to reflect His holiness.

In short, John prepares the way, but Jesus completes the work. Water can wash the outside, but only Jesus can renew the heart. This verse invites us not just to repent, but to fully trust in Jesus, the One who brings true spiritual life and lasting transformation.

I pray He has changed your heart!

Prayer:
God, thank You for keeping Your promises and for sending Jesus to be with us. As I read Your Word, prepare my heart, renew my mind, and help me walk in obedience. Give me eyes to see, ears to hear, and the strength to obey what You reveal to me through Your Word. Change my heart God, only You truly can.

Amen.

May the Lord bless and keep you,
Chad Cooper