We invite you to join us in reading through the Bible together.  We're not trying to complete it in a limited time frame like a month or a year; but rather, we want to create a habit (or discipline) of getting to know God's heart through what He's told us about Himself. 

For a more mobile friendly view of the daily readings, try our new site at https://app.nvbc.net, still a work in progress.

We start our study in the Gospel according to Mark. The daily readings are short; please read the passages so that you learn how to read God’s Word, how to listen, and then apply it. Your reading will also give you a good head start in understanding Sunday’s sermon.

When reading, ask yourself the following questions:

• What does it say about God?
• What does it say to/about me?
• What can I learn from this reading?

January 12-18

• Sunday: Psalm 110  “He will execute judgment among the nations …”
• Monday: Mark 2:1-12  This is how Jesus did ministry! Taught and healed! Significant in Jesus’ ministry is being disrupted – in this case, a significant one. Do you live your life and ministry with God interrupting or is it so well planned and predictable that it doesn’t happen to you?
• Tuesday: Mark 2:13-17  Notice how Jesus was “teaching them” (vs 13)? Jesus had a vibrant social life – he had plenty of  time to relax at people’s home, eat, chat, teach, do miracles, etc. Jesus’ social gatherings were not exclusive (i.e. just my  friends, my family) – others could see … gate crash, etc. Is your social life an open one?
• Wednesday: Mark 2:18-22  Interesting how often Jesus got criticized! Are you a professional critic? In the response, Jesus says what he brings is “new”. Are our lives smelling and displaying a new and fresh aroma of Jesus’ work? Or is it same old, same old …boring?
• Thursday: Mark 2:23-28  Legalism was alive and well during Jesus’ time! Did you know that Baptists can be legalists too?  Peter (Acts 10:13) was stuck in his convictions in ‘doing the right thing’, unaware that there is a new order ushered by Jesus, fueled by the Spirit …
• Friday: Mark 3:1-6  An interesting miracle – the man didn’t ask to be healed, Jesus called on him. Notice Jesus’ emotions in  vs 5! When you get upset with people, is that your only emotion? Why is that?
• Saturday: Mark 3:7-11  How often do you withdraw from the hustle and bustle of life, work and family? Away from all  technology, entertainment, etc.? Notice the two things mention in vs 11-12: how come?

January 19-25

• Sunday: Psalm 111  “I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart …”
• Monday: Mark 3:13-21  We have often discussed on the word “calling” – this is how it works! Read 1 Samuel 16:7. One may  think they have the qualifications or the gravitas to be called … but God may not.
• Tuesday: Mark 3:22-30  Notice Jesus’ technique for dialogue and debate: ask back a question. A good question often is more revealing than an answer. Vs 28-30 … a simple interpretation is ‘denying the deity of Jesus as the Son of God and  Savior’ is an “unforgiveable sin”
• Wednesday: Mark 3:31-35  Jesus broadens the understanding of relationships to a different level – “whoever does the will of  God …” (vs 35). So, do you treat others within the fellowship at NVBC … do you look at them, worry or care for them, like a  sibling, parent, etc?
• Thursday: Mark 4:1-9  Do notice the frequency of Jesus’ “teaching” (vs 2). Why is that important? Every Christian should be ‘taught’ and have a desire for learning; we should the desire of a “student”. Jesus was not interested in just passing on theological knowledge, he was also wanting change in their life …the gist of this parable
• Friday: Mark 4:10-20  Do not underestimate the implication of this parable! We live in a world of hardship, worry, deceit of the  ‘American dream’ life, etc. – do you know how this affects your own spiritual life?
• Saturday: Mark 4:21-25  vs 24-25 is profound. Are you aware of the “measure” you use? Has God been adding or decreasing … to/from you?

January 26 - February 1

• Sunday: Psalm 112