Immerse: Bible Reading Experience - NLT Daily Bible In A Year

Day 2: The Birth of Jesus and John the Baptist's Ministry

Get your copy of Immerse Messiah or the complete Immerse Bible set at https://immersebible.com

Welcome to Immerse: The Daily Bible Reading Experience. On Day 2, we delve into the historical context of Jesus' birth during the Roman census ordered by Emperor Augustus. Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem, where Mary gives birth to Jesus. The story recounts the shepherds' visit and the angels' announcement of the Messiah's birth. Following Jesus' birth, we learn about his presentation at the temple, Simeon and Anna's prophecies, and Jesus' growth in wisdom. The account continues with John the Baptist's role, preaching repentance and baptizing people in the Jordan River, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy. The episode culminates with the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness by the devil. Join us as we explore these foundational events in the Gospel narrative.

00:00 Introduction and Census Decree
00:19 Journey to Bethlehem
00:35 Birth of Jesus
00:51 Shepherds and Angels
01:42 Visit of the Shepherds
02:32 Jesus Presented at the Temple
03:24 Simeon's Prophecy
04:10 Anna the Prophetess
04:43 Return to Nazareth
04:59 The Boy Jesus at the Temple
06:40 John the Baptist's Ministry
09:28 Baptism of Jesus
09:54 Genealogy of Jesus
13:23 Temptation of Jesus
14:48 Conclusion

Immerse contains the full text of the New Living Translation with brief introductions to each book. Nothing has been added or removed from the Bible text. Click here to look inside.

Welcome to Immerse: Messiah!

Messiah is the first of six volumes in Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience. Messiah takes the reader on a unique journey through every book of the New Testament. Each section of Messiah begins with one of the Gospels, and together they combine to provide a life-changing reading experience centered on Jesus.
This fresh arrangement of the books highlights the depth of the New Testament’s fourfold witness to Jesus the Messiah. The Son of God, who fulfills all the longings and promises of the collected Scriptures, can be experienced in Messiah through the rich variety of lenses provided by the books of the new covenant.

QUICK START GUIDE - Download from the One Million More Bibles initiative at https://onemillionmore.bible/one-million-more-resources/
3 ways to get the most out of your experience
  1. Use Immerse: Messiah instead of your regular chapter-and-verse Bible. This special reader’s edition restores the Bible to its natural simplicity and beauty by removing chapter and verse numbers and other historical additions. Letters look like letters, songs look like songs, and the original literary structures are visible in each book.
  2. Commit to making this a community experience. Immerse is designed for groups to encounter large portions of the Bible together for 8 weeks—more like a book club, less like a Bible study. By meeting every week in small groups and discussing what you read in open, honest conversations, you and your community can come together to be transformed through an authentic experience with the Scriptures.
  3. Aim to understand the big story. Read through “The Stories and the Story” to see how the books of the Bible work together to tell God’s story of his creation’s restoration. As you read through Immerse: Poets, rather than ask, “How do I fit God into my busy life?” begin asking, “How can I join in God’s great plan by living out my part in his story?”
4 Questions to get your conversations started:
  1. What stood out to you this week?
  2. Was there anything confusing or troubling?
  3. Did anything make you think differently about God?
  4. How might this change the way we live?
The Immerse Bible Series is the proud winner of the prestigious Bible of the Year award from the ECPA Christian Book Awards. Immerse: The Reading Bible is specially crafted for a distraction-free listening and reading experience, helping you dive in and get immersed in Scripture. You’ll have a great experience using Immerse by yourself. But for an even richer experience, try reading with friends.

Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience is an invitation to a different kind of community interaction with the Bible. Less like a Bible study, more like a book club.

– 8 or 16-week Bible listening plans take you through a large section of the Bible like the New Testament or the Torah
– Meet once a week for a free-flowing discussion about the text
– Wrestle with questions and celebrate ‘aha!’ moments together

Nothing impacts spiritual growth more than spending time in Scripture. Immerse removes many of the barriers that make Bible reading difficult and invites communities to become transformed together through the power of God’s word.

For more great resources for your church or small group, visit https://www.immersebible.com/

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What is Immerse: Bible Reading Experience - NLT Daily Bible In A Year?

Take a breath, find your place, and read deeply. Discover the joy of reading God’s word with the Immerse New Living Translation (NLT) Bible.

This daily Bible podcast will take you through the Bible in a year following the Immerse Bible Reading Experience. So grab your family and small group and go through the Bible in a year together with Immerse. Each of the 6 volumes is available online or at your favorite Christian bookstore.

Henry: Welcome To Immerse: The
Daily Bible Reading Experience.

Day two.

At that time, the Roman Emperor
Augustus decreed that a census should

be taken throughout the Roman Empire.

This was the first census taken when
Corus was the governor of Syria,

all returned to their own ancestral
towns to register for this census.

And because Joseph was a
descendant of King David, he

had to go to Bethlehem in Judea.

David's ancient home.

He traveled there from the
village of Nazareth in Galilee.

He took with him Mary, to whom he was
engaged, who is now expecting a child.

And while they were there, the
time came for her baby to be born.

She gave birth to her firstborn son.

She wrapped him snuggly in strips of cloth
and laid him in a manger because there was

no lodging available for them that night.

There were shepherds staying in the fields
nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep.

Suddenly an angel of the Lord
appeared among them and the radiance

of the Lord's glory surrounded them.

They were terrified, but
the angel reassured them.

Don't be afraid.

He said, I bring you good news.

That will bring great joy to all people.

The Savior.

Yes, the Messiah.

The Lord has been born today in
Bethlehem, the city of David, and

you will recognize him by this sign.

You will find a baby wrapped snugly
in strips of cloth lying in a manger.

Suddenly the angel was joined by a vast
host of others, the armies of heaven,

praising God and saying, glory to God in
the highest heaven and peace on earth,

to those with whom God is pleased.

When the angels had returned to
heaven, the shepherd said to each

other, let's go to Bethlehem.

Let's see this thing that has happened,
which the Lord has told us about.

They hurried to the village and
found Mary and Joseph, and there

was the baby lying in the manger.

After seeing him, the shepherds told
everyone what had happened and what the

angel had said to them about this child.

All who heard the shepherd's story were
astonished, but Mary kept all these

things in her heart and thought about
them Often, the shepherds went back to

their flocks, glorifying and praising
God for all they had heard and seen.

It was just as the angel had told
them eight days later when the

baby was circumcised, he was named
Jesus the name given him by the

angel even before he was conceived.

Then it was time for their purification
offering as required by the law of

Moses after the birth of a child.

So his parents took him to Jerusalem
to present him to the Lord.

The law of the Lord says if a
woman's first child is a boy, he

must be dedicated to the Lord.

So they offered the sacrifice required
in the law of the Lord, either a pair

of turtle doves, or two young pigeons.

At that time, there was a man
in Jerusalem named Simeon.

He was righteous and devout,
and was eagerly waiting for the

Messiah to come and rescue Israel.

The Holy Spirit was upon him
and had revealed to him that he

would not die until he had seen
the Lord's Messiah That day.

The Spirit led him to the temple.

So when Mary and Joseph came to
present the baby Jesus to the Lord,

as the law required, Simeon was there.

He took the child in his arms and
praised God saying, sovereign Lord,

now let your servant die in peace.

As you have promised, I have
seen your salvation, which you

have prepared for all people.

He has a light to reveal God
to the nations, and he is the

glory of your people, Israel.

Jesus' parents were amazed at
what was being said about him.

Then Simeon blessed them and he said
to Mary the baby's mother, this child

is destined to cause many in Israel
to fall and many others to rise.

He has been sent, has a sign from
God, but many will oppose him.

As a result, the deepest thoughts
of many hearts will be revealed and

a sword will pierce your very soul.

Anna, a prophet, was
also there in the temple.

She was the daughter of UL from the
tribe of Asher, and she was very old.

Her husband died when they had
been married only seven years.

Then she lived as a
widow to the age of 84.

She never left the temple, but
stayed there day and night worshiping

God with fasting and prayer.

She came along just as Simeon
was talking with Mary and Joseph,

and she began praising God.

She talked about the child to everyone
who had been waiting expectantly

for God to rescue Jerusalem.

When Jesus' parents had fulfilled all the
requirements of the law of the Lord, they

returned home to Nazareth in Galilee.

There the child grew
up healthy and strong.

He was filled with wisdom,
and God's favor was on him.

Every year, Jesus' parents went to
Jerusalem for the Passover festival.

When Jesus was 12 years old, they
attended the festival as usual.

After the celebration was over,
they started home to Nazareth.

But Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem.

His parents didn't miss him at first
because they assumed he was among the

other travelers, but when he didn't show
up that evening, they started looking for

him among their relatives and friends.

When they couldn't find him, they went
back to Jerusalem to search for him there.

Three days later, they finally
discovered him in the temple,

sitting among the religious teachers,
listening to them and asking questions.

All who heard him were amazed at
his understanding and his answers.

His parents didn't know what to
think, son, his mother said to

him, why have you done this to us?

Your father and I have been frantic
searching for you everywhere,

but why did you need to search?

He asked, didn't you know that
I must be in my father's house?

But they didn't understand what he meant.

Then he returned to Nazareth with them
and was obedient to them, and his mother

stored all these things in her heart.

Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and
in favor with God and all the people.

It was now the 15th year Lorraine of
Tiberius, the Roman Emperor Pontius

Pilate was governor over Judea.

Herod Anus was ruler over Galilee.

His brother Philip, was ruler
over I urea and Tracheitis.

Lasus was ruler over Abini
Anus and Caiaphas were the

high priests at this time.

A message from God came to
John's son of Zechariah who

was living in the wilderness.

Then John went from place to place on
both sides of the Jordan River preaching

that people should be baptized to
show that they had repented of their

sins and turned to God to be forgiven.

Isaiah had spoken of John when he said,
He is a voice shouting in the wilderness.

Prepare the way for the Lord's coming.

Clear the road for him.

The valleys will be filled and the
mountains and hills made level.

The curves will be straightened
and the rough places made smooth.

And then all people will see
the salvation sent from God.

When the crowds came to John for
baptism, he said, you brewed of snakes.

Who warned you to flee the coming wrath?

Prove by the way you live that you have
repented of your sins and turned to God.

Don't just say to each other, we're
safe for we are descendants of Abraham.

That means nothing for I tell
you, God can create children of

Abraham from these very stones.

Even now, the acts of God's
judgment is poised, ready to

sever the roots of the trees.

Yes.

Every tree that does not produce
good fruit will be chopped

down and thrown into the fire.

The crowds asked, what should we do?

John replied, if you have two
shirts, give one to the poor.

If you have food, share it
with those who are hungry.

Even corrupt tax collectors
came to be baptized and asked

teacher, what should we do?

He replied, collect no more taxes
than the government requires.

What should we do?

Ask some soldiers.

John replied, don't extort
money or make false accusations

and be content with your pay.

Everyone was expecting the Messiah to
come soon and they were eager to know

whether John might be the Messiah.

John answered their questions by
saying, I baptize you with water,

but someone is coming soon who is
greater than I am so much greater that

I'm not even worthy to be his slave
and untie the straps of his sandals.

He will baptize you with the
Holy Spirit and with fire.

He is ready to separate the chaff from
the wheat with his winnowing fork.

Then he will clean up the threshing area,
gathering the wheat into his barn, but

burning the chaff with never ending fire.

John used many such warnings as he
announced the good news to the people.

John also publicly criticized Herod
Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, for

marrying Herods his brother's wife and
for many other wrongs he had done so.

Herod put John in prison adding
this sin to his many others.

One day when the crowds were being
baptized, Jesus himself was baptized

as he was praying, the heavens
opened and the Holy Spirit in bodily

form descended on him like a dove.

In a voice from Heaven said,
you are my dearly loved son,

and you bring me great joy.

Jesus was about 30 years old when
he began his public ministry.

Jesus was known as the son of Joseph.

Joseph was the son of Heli.

Heli was the son of Mathe.

Mathe was the son of Levi.

Levi was the son of Malachi.

Malai was the son of Janai.

Janai was the son of Joseph.

Joseph was the son of Matthias.

Matthias was the son of Amos.

Amos was the son of Naim.

Nhem was the son of Esli.

Esli was the son of Naga.

Naga was the son of May,
was the son of Matthias.

Matthias was the son of Simeon.

Simeon was the son of Joseph
Jo was the son of Joda.

Joda was the son of Jo Aan.

Joann was the son of Risa.

Risa was the son of Zobel.

Zobel was the son of she.

She was the son of Neri.

Neri was the son of Malachi.

Malachi was the son of Addai.

I was the son of Koum.

Koum was the son of El, maam?

El Maam was the son of er.

Er was the son of Joshua.

Joshua was the son of Ellie Zer.

Ellie Zer was the son of Jora.

Jora was the son of Maat.

Maat was the son of Levi.

Levi was the son of Simeon.

Simeon was the son of Judah.

Judah was the son of Joseph.

Joseph was the son of Jonam.

Jonam was the son of Ayako.

Eliakim was the son of Mia.

Mia was the son of Mena.

Mena was the son of Madha.

Madha was the son of Nathan.

Nathan was the son of David.

David was the son of Jesse.

Jesse was the son of oped.

Ed was the son of Boaz.

Boaz was the son of Salmon.

Salman was the son of Naan.

Naan was the son of Amab.

Amab was the son of admin.

Admin was the son of Arni.

Arni was the son of Hezron.

Hezron was the son of Pez.

Pez was the son of Judah.

Judah was the son of Jacob.

Jacob was the son of Isaac.

Isaac was the son of Abraham.

Abraham was the son of Tara.

Tara was the son of Hor.

Hor was the son of Sir.

Sir was the son of Riu.

Riu was the son of Peg.

Peg was the son of Eber.

Eber was the son of Sheila.

Sheila was the son of Canaan.

Canaan was the son of our facts.

Ad our facts.

Ad was the son of Shem.

Shem was the son of Noah.

Noah was the son of Lemac.

Was the son of Mathusla.

Mathusla was the son of Enoch.

Enoch was the son of Jared.

Jared was the son of Mahalo.

Mahalo was the son of Keenan.

Keenan was the son of Enoch.

Enoch was the son of Seth.

Seth was the son of Adam.

Adam was the son of God.

Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit
returned from the Jordan River.

He was led by the spirit in
the wilderness where he was

tempted by the devil for 40 days.

Jesus ate nothing all that
time and became very hungry.

Then the devil said to him, if
you are the son of God, tell the

stone to become a loaf of bread.

But Jesus told him no.

The scriptures say people
do not live by bread alone.

Then the devil took him up and
revealed to him all the kingdoms

of the world in a moment of time.

I will give you the glory of these
kingdoms and authority over them.

The devil said, because they
are mine to give to anyone.

I please.

I will give it all to you
if you will worship me.

Jesus replied, the scriptures
say, you must worship the Lord

your God, and serve only him.

Then the devil took him to Jerusalem
to the highest point of the temple

and said, if you are the son of God,
jump off for the scriptures, say.

He will order his angels to protect
and guard you, and they will hold

you up with their hands so you won't
even hurt your foot on a stone.

Jesus responded.

The scriptures also say, you
must not test the Lord your God.

When the devil had finished
tempting Jesus, he left him

until the next opportunity came.

This concludes today's
immerse reading experience.

Thank you for joining us.