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Physical fitness doesn’t happen by accident. It requires showing up every day and doing the work. Spiritual fitness works the same way, and this simple, four-step daily framework gives you a repeatable rhythm for engaging God’s Word and letting it shape who you're becoming. YOU CAN START YOUR DAY ANCHORED IN GOD'S WORD. Most of us want a deeper walk with God. What we need is a simple, daily rhythm that actually fits our life. Back to the Bible Daily with Braden Pedersen is a short, practical podcast built around one goal: helping you engage Scripture every single day and letting it shape who you’re becoming. Each episode walks you through God’s Word with warmth, clarity, and purpose. No complicated framework to learn. Just a trusted voice, the Bible, and a few unhurried minutes each morning. Start listening today. Search “Back to the Bible Daily” on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. If you haven't already done so, check out the daily Spiritual Fitness plan here

Jesus promised His disciples that even after He returned to heaven, they would not be alone. Jesus would send the Helper, the Holy Spirit to guide and teach believers in this new age. In Acts chapter 2 we see the dramatic entrance of the Holy Spirit. And we'll consider what this amazing gift means for us today.

Every word we say and action we take will send a message to those around us--and not always the message we want. And while it may sound like an impossible task to be mindful of everything we say or do, Laura found some advice in the Bible that she would like to share with you.

SPIRITUALLY FIT | TODAY In this episode of Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole welcomes Gary Dunker, who shares how purpose doesn’t retire at 75. Gary discusses his journey from pastoring to writing Christian-themed Western novels, drawing on his love of history and faith. Together, they explore Philippians 1:6 and challenge the idea that your best years are behind you, encouraging listeners to keep pursuing their calling at any age. BACK TO THE BIBLE DAILY In this episode of Back to the Bible Daily, Braden Pedersen explores the true meaning and purpose of prayer, drawing from Matthew 6:5–13. Discover why prayer matters, how Jesus taught us to pray, and how authentic communication with God shapes our relationship with Him. Learn why prayer is not a performance or formula, but a vital part of the Christian life. ADDITIONAL STEPS: STEP 1 - RECEIVE (Receive God's Word and Grow in Bible Knowledge) Jesus promised His disciples that even after He returned to heaven, they would not be alone. Jesus would send the Helper, the Holy Spirit to guide and teach believers in this new age. In Acts chapter 2 we see the dramatic entrance of the Holy Spirit. And we'll consider what this amazing gift means for us today. STEP 2 - REFLECT (How does this Scripture Apply to your life?) Every word we say and action we take will send a message to those around us--and not always the message we want. And while it may sound like an impossible task to be mindful of everything we say or do, Laura found some advice in the Bible that she would like to share with you. STEP 3 - RESPOND (How will you Win Today?) Self-control is a valuable gift, so don’t let it sit around gathering dust! Coach Kate Dreesen shares real-life examples and wise words from the Bible to give you plenty of reasons and ways to live a life of self-control. As you encounter problems and sudden unexpected changes to plans, remember 1 Timothy 1:7: 7 God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Self-control is a gift from God, and you can use it today! STEP 4 - REVEAL (How will you reveal Jesus to others today through praying and sharing?) What are you facing today that you'll need strength for? Mark leads us in prayer today asking God for His strength in meeting the day's challenges. BONUS STEP Click HERE for your DAILY FORWARD DEVOTIONAL

What are you facing today that you'll need strength for? Mark leads us in prayer today asking God for His strength in meeting the day's challenges.

Getting Started… From the opening genealogy, Matthew right away cements Jesus’ place within history. As the Son of David, Jesus’ ministry to Israel is on full display in these chapters. Whether healing the sick, or confronting the religious establishment, get to know Jesus like never before. In this verse-by-verse study, we’ll follow Jesus’ journey from birth, to death, to resurrection to ascension. As we follow Jesus’ ministry, we’ll see the calling of the first disciples and learn of Jesus’ heart for the lost. And in His confrontations with the religious leaders, we’ll learn what true faith looks like. In this study of Matthew, we'll cover in detail all 28 chapters of Paul’s letter. Dr. Harold J. Berry is a former professor of Bible and Greek at Grace University of Omaha. He served for many years as personal assistant to Theodore H. Epp, founder of Back to the Bible. Dr. Berry holds a Master of Theology degree from Dallas Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Divinity from Grace University. This study was adapted from Harold Berry, “Study in Matthew” (Lincoln, Neb.: Back to the Bible, 2020).

Descendant of David READ Matthew 1:1 1 This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham. As the New Testament begins it gives the genealogy, or human ancestry, of Jesus the Messiah. The words “Messiah” and “Christ” are interchangeable. He was the “anointed one,” which is what the word “Christ” means. Jesus was God, the second person of the Trinity. But God could not die for sinful mankind so Jesus took upon Himself the limitations of a human body and Matthew 1 traces the line of His human ancestry. Two key human ancestors are mentioned in verse 1: David and Abraham. In history Abraham came first but Jesus is often linked to David. If Jesus were not the legal descendant of David, He would not be qualified to be the king of Israel. REFLECT Have you been impressed with the fact that Jesus was both fully God and fully man? Understanding that will help you better understand the New Testament Scriptures about Him. RESPOND With a Christian friend, read Genesis 12:1-3, a passage that tells about Abraham. Read also Luke 18:37-39 to see Jesus was known as the “son of David.” In the Bible a “son” refers to a descendant and “father” refers to an ancestor. Only the context reveals how close or distant the “son” or “father” is. Father Abraham READ Matthew 1:2 2 Abraham was the father of Isaac. Isaac was the father of Jacob. Jacob was the father of Judah and his brothers. This one verse quickly moves through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Then it singles out one of Jacob’s twelve sons, Judah. It would be through the line of Judah that Jesus would come, not from the line of one of Jacob’s other sons. A priest would have to come in the line of Levi, but that is not what Jesus chose to do. This would also mean that Jesus was restricted from the duties of a priest during His lifetime on earth. REFLECT Think about how the Bible quickly moves through the line of the ancestors to bring you to Judah through whose family line Jesus came. RESPOND Although Jesus was not born in the priestly line, He was called by the Lord, “a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek” (Psalm 110:4). Read also Hebrews 7:1-17 and Genesis 14:17-24. Family of Judah READ Matthew 1:3-4 3 Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah (whose mother was Tamar). Perez was the father of Hezron. Hezron was the father of Ram. 4 Ram was the father of Amminadab. Amminadab was the father of Nahshon. Nahshon was the father of Salmon. This passage lists the first of four women named in Matthew's genealogy of the Messiah. The inclusion of women's names was unusual in genealogies of this period. Tamar was one who prostituted herself. Including her in the genealogy of Jesus reveals the grace of God. The name “Ram” is also spelled “Aram.” “Salmon” brings us close to the story of Ruth, another woman in the genealogy. REFLECT Do you wonder why there are so many genealogies in the Bible? What if you were left a million dollars if you were in the right line, would you not search your ancestry? Much in the Old Testament depended on one’s ancestry. RESPOND With a friend, talk about what to do when reading the Bible and coming to a genealogy with names difficult to pronounce. It can be difficult to work your way through the list, but at least you can scan the list and look for familiar names. Sometimes there is a comment made about some person although no comments are made about others. For instance, glance through 1 Chronicles 4:1-10 to see what it says about Jabez. Salmon to Solomon READ Matthew 1:5-6 5 Salmon was the father of Boaz (whose mother was Rahab). Boaz was the father of Obed (whose mother was Ruth). Obed was the father of Jesse. 6 Jesse was the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon (whose mother was Bathsheba, the widow of Uriah). Matthew 1:1-6 records the human line of Christ from Abraham to David. Boaz’s mother, Rahab, was a prostitute who hid Israelite spies (see Joshua 2 and Hebrews 11:31). Ruth was a Moabite and her story can be read in the Old Testament book named after her, Ruth. God had excluded the Moabites from “the assembly of the LORD” (see Deuteronomy 23:2-4), but some exceptions were made. The male line included Salmon, Boaz, Obed, Jesse and David, and then Solomon. This brings one to the mention of Bathsheba, the mother of Solomon, who committed adultery with David. God’s grace can be seen even in genealogies. REFLECT Have you come from a long line of unbelievers in the Lord Jesus? This does not prevent you from turning to Jesus for salvation. Read John 6:37 in this regard. RESPOND One of the spiritual giants of the Bible is Abraham, yet he came from a family of unbelievers. Read Joshua 24:2-3. The Time of Kings READ Matthew 1:7-8 7 Solomon was the father of Rehoboam. Rehoboam was the father of Abijah. Abijah was the father of Asa. 8 Asa was the father of Jehoshaphat. Jehoshaphat was the father of Jehoram. Jehoram was the father of Uzziah. Even though “father” really only means “ancestor,” Solomon was the father of Rehoboam, as the word is commonly thought of. It was under Rehoboam that the 12 tribes of Israel divided into two kingdoms: one in the south under Rehoboam with the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, and the other ten tribes in the north under Jeroboam. The divided kingdom is told about in 2 Kings 9:11-25:30. REFLECT Consider reading the Old Testament if you have never done so. While you will find things you will not understand, it will help you to know the history of Israel. Think of it in this way: 1 Samuel tells primarily about the first king, Saul; 2 Samuel tells primarily about the second king, David; 1 Kings tells primarily about the third king, Solomon; 2 Kings primarily tells of the divided kingdom that began in Rehoboam’s time. RESPOND Many know about Isaiah 6 that records the vision Isaiah had when King Uzziah died. Few seem to know what brought about Uzziah’s death. For this background read 2 Chronicles 26:16-23.

Before the Exile READ Matthew 1:9-11 9 Uzziah was the father of Jotham. Jotham was the father of Ahaz. Ahaz was the father of Hezekiah. 10 Hezekiah was the father of Manasseh. Manasseh was the father of Amon. Amon was the father of Josiah. 11 Josiah was the father of Jehoiachin and his brothers (born at the time of the exile to Babylon). Matthew 1:6-11 are the verses that record Jesus’ earthly genealogy from David to the Babylonian exile in 586 B.C. This passage also reveals some contrasts of ungodly fathers and godly sons as well as godly fathers and ungodly sons. This should encourage people to realize that no one is locked into an ungodly line of ancestors. It is also sobering to see that an ungodly person can come from a godly line of ancestors. REFLECT No one becomes a believer in Jesus because ancestors have done so. It is a personal decision for everyone. RESPOND Spend time with a fellow believer talking about the ancestors you know as well as your present family. Be sure that neither of you is locked into thinking you are controlled by or counting too much on the past. After the Exile READ Matthew 1:12-13 12 After the Babylonian exile: Jehoiachin was the father of Shealtiel. Shealtiel was the father of Zerubbabel. 13 Zerubbabel was the father of Abiud. Abiud was the father of Eliakim. Eliakim was the father of Azor. These verses begin to record genealogy after the 70-year Babylonian captivity of the southern kingdom. The book of Ezra tells of those who returned to the land with Zerubbabel. Ezra is a book that not only tells of history but has much for spiritual application today. See especially Ezra 7:10 that is considered the key verse of the book. REFLECT As you read the Old Testament, do you not only look for the history of Israel but also spiritual principles that apply to your life today? All the Bible in some way points to Jesus. RESPOND With a companion, read Ezra 7:10 to find the key three things that Ezra did. Talk about the significance of practicing the same in your life. Common Names READ Matthew 1:14-15 14 Azor was the father of Zadok. Zadok was the father of Akim. Akim was the father of Eliud. 15 Eliud was the father of Eleazar. Eleazar was the father of Matthan. Matthan was the father of Jacob. As you scan these names, you come to one that is familiar—Jacob. The problem, however, is that there were common names in Bible times just as there are common ones today. The name “Jacob” is also seen in verse 2 where we learn he was the son of Isaac. The one in verse 15 is a different Jacob. Common names are also found in the New Testament. There were several Marys, but Matthew’s genealogy will soon bring us to the most notable Mary. REFLECT Do you have a name that is common in your culture? How do you distinguish yourself? It was common in Bible times to tell who the parents are. RESPOND Are you feeling lost in a group of people by the same name? Read Matthew 10:29-31 to see how special you are. Joseph and Mary READ Matthew 1:16 16 Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Mary gave birth to Jesus, who is called the Messiah. Previously in this genealogy it has been said of a person that he is “the father of…” but not here with Joseph. It does not say Joseph is the “father of Jesus” but only that he was “the husband of Mary.” Because Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit in the virgin Mary, Joseph was not the father of Jesus. Had Joseph been the father of Jesus then Jesus would have inherited a sin nature, which He did not. This genealogy ends by stating, “Mary gave birth to Jesus who is called the Messiah.” When we speak of the “virgin birth of Jesus,” we must remember the conception was the miracle; His birth was a natural one. REFLECT Think of the truths brought out in these comments. Does this make the birth of Jesus seem even more real to you? RESPOND Visit with a fellow believer about the birth of Jesus, and how it is referred to in this passage of Scripture. Discuss also about the fact that the birth of Jesus did not take place in a clean hospital but in a facility where animals were kept. Read Luke 2:1-7 to be reminded of this special event. 28 Generations READ Matthew 1:17 17 All those listed above include fourteen generations from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the Babylonian exile, and fourteen from the Babylonian exile to the Messiah. These comments conclude the genealogy that Matthew gives to show that Jesus is the legal heir to the throne of David. Commentators seem to agree that genealogies do not have a complete listing of individuals and some genealogies are different. For instance, the genealogy in Luke 3:23-38 appears to be the genealogy of Mary whereas the one in Matthew 1 is that of Joseph. REFLECT Are you amazed at the truths found in genealogies when studied closely? Have you thought about your own ancestors? Did some know Jesus as Savior? RESPOND To the Jewish people it was important to know the physical ancestors of the one who claimed to be their Messiah. To all people it is important to know that the Messiah is also the Christ who gave up His divine privileges to take on a body with limitations so He could die for lost mankind. Read Philippians 2:1-11 in this regard.

An Unexpected Pregnancy READ Matthew 1:18 18 This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Modern translations say Joseph and Mary were “engaged,” but it was a more serious thing than in the western world today. It was legally binding and was called a “betrothal.” Although considered husband and wife from that time on, they did not begin living together until about a year later. Unfaithfulness during this time was considered adultery and punishable by death. REFLECT Imagine Joseph’s shock when he learned that during this time when they were not living together that Mary was pregnant. What would you have done in his situation? RESPOND Join with another follower of Jesus and read Matthew 1:18-25 so you will gain more from the verses and comments being made on this important passage. A Righteous Man READ Matthew 1:19 19 Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. Joseph decided to divorce Mary quietly rather than make a public example of her. This says much about Joseph. Another man in his situation would have likely had the guilty party stoned to death, but not Joseph. This shows the love he had for Mary. She was especially chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus, and Joseph was the right kind of man for this situation. REFLECT Does this increase your appreciation of Joseph? RESPOND Mary’s husband may have been only a carpenter, but he was an honorable person. One’s life is always a testimony about their words. Joseph Do Not Be Afraid READ Matthew 1:20-21 20 As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” An angel of the Lord appeared in a dream and told Joseph he should not be afraid to continue the relationship with Mary. Joseph was told that the child in her had been conceived by the Holy Spirit. Joseph was even told what to name the child—“Jesus.” This name means “The LORD saves,” or “Jehovah is salvation.” Such a message from an angel had never been heard in the history of mankind. One is left wondering at this point if Joseph would believe the dream. REFLECT What would you have expected Joseph’s reaction to be hearing of something that was totally unreasonable by the human mind? RESPOND For the preciousness of all human life, read Psalm 139:13-14. Talk with a fellow believer about these verses and how precious all life is to God. God With Us READ Matthew 1:22-23 22 All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet: 23 “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” Matthew wrote his Gospel to show the Jewish nation that Jesus was qualified to be the Messiah. At this point he quotes from the Jewish scriptures. The verse cited is from Isaiah 7:14 in the Septuagint, which is the Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament. The child was to be called “Immanuel.” The Hebrew meaning of “Immanuel” is “God is with us.” REFLECT This passage of Scripture reveals the importance of Old Testament prophecies being fulfilled in the New Testament. RESPOND Think ahead to the crucifixion of Jesus and read Psalm 22 to see how many verses in that passage refer to what occurred at the time of His crucifixion. The Birth of Jesus READ Matthew 1:24-25 24 When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. 25 But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus. Joseph was a man of God and did what the angel of the Lord told him to do. Some teach the perpetual virginity of Mary; that is, that she never had sexual relations with Joseph after the birth of Jesus. The words “until her son was born” in the original text as well as in translations indicate otherwise. Some also believe Mary was sinless in order to give birth to a sinless Savior, but that is contrary to Romans 5:12 and Mary’s own words when she refers to Jesus as “God my Savior” (see Luke 1:47). REFLECT Do you realize that Mary referred to Jesus as her Savior? RESPOND Read Matthew 13:54-56 and John 7:1-10 to see the normal understanding would conclude that these passages refer to brothers (and sisters) born after the virgin birth of Jesus. The New Testament letters of James and Jude (shortened name for Judas) were written by what would be considered Jesus’ half-brothers. John 2:12 reveals that “his brothers” are distinguished from “his disciples.”

The Star of Bethlehem READ Matthew 2:1-2 1 Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, 2 “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” This passage tells of the specific place and time of Jesus’s birth. Jesus has always existed but this was the time when He took on the form of humanity and was born of the virgin Mary. Wise men from the east came looking for Him and asked where they might find Him. They referred to Him as “the newborn king of the Jews.” This could not have been good news to King Herod. Plus, the wise men wanted to worship Jesus; no one had done that for Herod. REFLECT Perhaps you are familiar with the story of the birth of Jesus, but think on the details mentioned and what it must have meant to King Herod at the time. RESPOND Meet with a fellow believer and study the story about the birth of Jesus in detail to learn more about what took place at that time. Imagine that you were there. Where Was He Born? READ Matthew 2:3-4 3 King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. 4 He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?” Not only was King Herod troubled about the news of a newborn king of the Jews, but also “everyone in Jerusalem.” Herod called those who knew the Jewish scriptures and asked where Jesus was supposed to be born. At least Herold knew enough to ask those who knew the Jewish scriptures. His interest was at a high level and he wanted all the details he could get about the birth of this rival king. REFLECT What if someone asked you today where the Old Testament tells of the place where Jesus would be born? Do you know a verse you could turn to? RESPOND Make it your desire to look up references in the Old Testament when you are studying the New Testament. Whether looking online or having a Bible with notes, verses in the Old Testament will be alluded to as you read the New Testament. Take the time to look up these Old Testament verses and you will grow in your knowledge of the Word of God. And You O Bethlehem READ Matthew 2:5-6 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote: 6 ‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’” Matthew records the verse to which the religious leaders pointed. Micah 5:2 was the verse they cited that records the words of the prophet about the birthplace of the Messiah. King Herod now had more information about where this newborn king of the Jews could be found. At this point, one wonders what he has in mind. REFLECT If you read Micah 5:2, would it make you think of the coming Messiah? This is an example of how some Old Testament prophecies are seen to be fulfilled in the New Testament. RESPOND As you read Micah 5:2 you will see it does not just refer to Bethlehem, but to “Bethlehem Ephrathah.” Some point out there were two Bethlehems in the time of Jesus. This passage is specific, however, as to which is meant. This Bethlehem was about six miles south of Jerusalem. Go to Bethlehem and See READ Matthew 2:7-8 7 Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. 8 Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!” Herod needed to know how long ago it was when the wise men first saw the star. On learning that he told them to go to Bethlehem and “search carefully for the child.” Herod wanted to be sure he had the correct rival in his sights. He feigned spirituality when he asked the wise men to report to him so he could worship the child also. REFLECT Have you known some who have pretended to be spiritual when making an excuse? RESPOND With a friend, read the story about how Jacob deceived his father and claimed it was enabled because of the Lord working on his behalf. See the story in Genesis 27:18-20. Gifts We Bring READ Matthew 2:9-11 9 After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! 11 They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The wise men went their way after King Herod interviewed them to learn how long ago it was that they first saw the star in the east. Notice that Jesus was now in a house so this indicates some time had passed since His birth. The wise men are often thought of as three in number because they presented three gifts to Jesus. The Bible does not say how many wise men there were. In addition, they likely traveled with a large group accompanying them. REFLECT Have you thought about the number of the wise men? The three gifts were gold, frankincense and myrrh. RESPOND With a friend, thank the Lord for what we know about the birth and early days of the Lord Jesus. God inspired these words to be written in the Bible to inform people about the incarnation of His only son who had existed with Him from eternity past. Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17 that tells of God breathing out the Scriptures and what they are beneficial for.