The Church
Congratulations on completing the Gospel of Luke! We now come to our last section with the age of the church. Read and reflect as we continue to dive into the Bible with Fr. Mike Schmitz.
45 sessions
1Intro to The ChurchWelcome to The Church period! Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to discuss the final time period of the Bible Timeline, covering the early Church, Rome, the early martyrs and the Holy Spirit.Section 11: Begin Here
2Day 322: The AscensionLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Fr. Mike draws our attention to the Ascension of Jesus and encourages us to respond to Christ’s call to participate in his mission.Nov 18: Acts 1; Romans 1; Proverbs 26:24-26
3Day 323: PentecostLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Fr. Mike shares the powerful story of the Holy Spirit coming upon the apostles in the upper room.Nov 19: Acts 2; Romans 2-3; Proverbs 26:27-28
4Day 324: The Name of JesusLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Fr. Mike reminds us that God gives us gifts so he can be known in the world and all great miracles are attributed to the name of Jesus.Nov 20: Acts 3; Romans 4-5; Proverbs 27:1-3
5Day 325: Boldness in FaithLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Fr. Mike highlights the boldness of Peter and John as they stand before the council of church leaders and defend the name of Jesus.Nov 21: Acts 4; Romans 6-7; Proverbs 27:4-6
6Day 326: Life in the SpiritLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Fr. Mike discusses the ministry of the apostles and encourages us to allow God to work in our lives in the same way.Nov 22: Acts 5; Romans 8; Proverbs 27:7-9
7Day 327: The DiaconateLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Fr. Mike draws our attention to the cultural division present in the early Church and the origin of the ordination to the diaconate.Nov 23: Acts 6; Romans 9-10; Proverbs 27:10-12
8Day 328: Stephen is MartyredLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Fr. Mike reflects on Stephen's heroic martyrdom and points out how those around him refused to hear him and hardened their hearts.Nov 24: Acts 7; Romans 11-12; Proverbs 27:13-14
9Day 329: The Ethiopian EunuchLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Fr. Mike focuses on the story of Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch and the importance of having guidance when reading Scripture.Nov 25: Acts 8; Romans 13-14; Proverbs 27:15-17
10Day 330: Saul's ConversionLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Fr. Mike breaks down Saul's miraculous conversion and how Jesus works through his Church as powerfully as he worked through the incarnation.Nov 26: Acts 9; Romans 15-16; Proverbs 27:18-20
11Day 331: Peter & The GentilesLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Fr. Mike explains Peter's dream in Acts 10 in which the Lord tells him to "rise and eat."Nov 27: Acts 10; 1 Cor 1-2; Prov 27:21-22
12Day 332: Barnabas and PaulLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Fr. Mike begins by explaining the confusion the early Christians experience in their struggle to integrate the Gentiles into the Church.Nov 28: Acts 11; 1 Cor 3-4; Proverbs 27:23-27
13Day 333: Peter is RescuedLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Fr. Mike helps us grapple with the mysterious reality that we are each called to say "Yes" to God’s destination for us.Nov 29: Acts 12; 1 Cor 5-6; Proverbs 28:1-3
14Day 334: Meaning of FastingLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Fr. Mike highlights the importance of prayer and fasting, instructing us how to empty ourselves to feel our spiritual need for Christ. Nov 30: Acts 13; 1 Cor 7-8; Proverbs 28:4-6
15Day 335: Run the RaceLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Fr. Mike highlights the fickle nature of humanity and the futility of striving for the praise of men.Dec 1: Acts 14; 1 Cor 9-10; Proverbs 28:7-9
16Day 336: Council at JerusalemLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Fr. Mike walks us through the Church’s first council and highlights its authority in the question of circumcision for Gentile converts.Dec 2: Acts 15; 1 Cor 11-12; Proverbs 28:10-12
17Day 337: Importance of LoveLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Fr. Mike unpacks the events in Acts 16, describing Paul’s trust in the Lord as God frees him from prison.Dec 3: Acts 16; 1 Cor 13-14; Proverbs 28:13-15
18Day 338: Death DefeatedLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Fr. Mike reminds us that we live in the same era as the Apostles and have the same Holy Spirit.Dec 4: Acts 17; 1 Cor 15; Proverbs 28:16-18
19Day 339: Priscilla and AquilaLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Fr. Mike reminds us that God uses crooked lines to make a straight story, like Paul’s witness to Priscilla and Aquila.Dec 5: Acts 18; 1 Cor 16; Proverbs 28:19-21
20Day 340: Holy Spirit's PowerLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Fr. Mike emphasizes the power of the Holy Spirit exemplified in Paul's interaction with those in Ephesus.Dec 6: Acts 19; 2 Cor 1-2; Proverbs 28:22-24
21Day 341: Weight of GloryLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Fr. Mike reflects on the healing of Eutychus, Paul's willingness to suffer for the Gospel and Paul's affection for the people he ministered to.Dec 7: Acts 20; 2 Cor 3-5; Proverbs 28:25-28
22Day 342: Generous HeartsLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Fr. Mike comments on the growing divide between Judaism and Christianity that Paul experiences on mission in Acts 21.Dec 8: Acts 21; 2 Cor 6-8; Proverbs 29:1-4
23Day 343: God Uses Paul's PastLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Fr. Mike reminds us that God uses Paul's past to further his ministry, and that God does the same with each of us, today.Dec 9: Acts 22; 2 Cor 9-11; Proverbs 29:5-7
24Day 344: Thorn in Paul's SideLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Fr. Mike reflects on the thorn in Paul's side, a weakness that he struggled with and begged God to take away.Dec 10: Acts 23; 2 Cor 12-13; Proverbs 29:8-11
25Day 345: One in ChristLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Fr. Mike notes how Felix remained unmoved by Paul's teaching, showing us that unless we act on what we believe, there is no change.Dec 11: Acts 24; Galatians 1-3; Prov 29:12-14
26Day 346: Fruits of the SpiritLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Fr. Mike reminds us of the context of Galatians and reiterates Paul’s admonition not to revert to our previous ways of life.Dec 12: Acts 25; Galatians 4-6; Prov 29:15-17
27Day 347: A WitnessLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Fr. Mike outlines Paul’s trial before King Agrippa and his efforts to use his conversion story to convert those hearing his case.Dec 13: Acts 26; Ephesians 1-3; Prov 29:18-21
28Day 348: Rules for a New LifeLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Fr. Mike highlights a secret to holiness visible in Paul’s ability to see his arduous trip to Rome as the will of God.Dec 14: Acts 27; Ephesians 4-6; Prov 29:22-24
29Day 349: Holy IndifferenceLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Today we conclude the book of Acts, and Fr. Mike reflects on our deep conviction to be the church and servants of all in the world.Dec 15: Acts 28; Philippians 1-2; Prov 29:25-27
30Day 350: Faith and WorksLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Fr. Mike unpacks the beautiful truths contained in the letter of James, including a discussion of faith and works.Dec 16: James 1-2; Philippians 3-4; Prov 30: 1-6
31Day 351: Draw Near to GodLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Fr. Mike reflects on the effects of wealth on our souls and our relationship with God.Dec 17: James 3-5; Colossians 1-2; Prov 30:7-9
32Day 352: Purified by FireLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - As we begin reading 1 Peter today, Fr. Mike walks us through Peter's powerful message about persevering in trials.Dec 18: 1 Peter 1-2; Col 3-4; Proverbs 30:10-14
33Day 353: Sharing the GospelLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Fr. Mike shares how verse 1 Peter 3:15 has been one of the most influential Bible verses for him.Dec 19: 1 Peter 3-5; 1 Thess 1-3; Prov 30:15-16
34Day 354: The Divine NatureLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Fr. Mike reflects on the powerful reality that the sacrament of Baptism makes us partakers of God's Divine nature.Dec 20: 2 Peter 1-3; 1 Thess 4-5; Prov 30:17-19
35Day 355: Things of this WorldLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Fr. Mike reminds us that we are called to surrender our hearts and minds to the Lord and reject the things of this world.Dec 21: 1 John 1-3; 2 Thess 1-3; Prov 30:20-23
36Day 356: God Is LoveLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Today, Fr. Mike reminds us that God created us out of love, for love.Dec 22: 1 John 4-5; 1 Timothy 1-3; Prov 30:24-28
37Day 357: Truth and LoveLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Fr. Mike emphasizes that Christian love isn't just about feelings—it's about living in God's truth by obeying his commandments.Dec 23: 2 John, 3 John; 1 Tim 4-6; Prov 30:29-33
38Day 358: Rebellion to FaithLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Fr. Mike leads us through the book of Jude and discusses its main message of calling us to lives of faithfulness.Dec 24: Jude; 2 Timothy 1-2; Proverbs 31: 1-7
39Day 359: John's ApocalypseLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Fr. Mike makes us aware of the symbolism found throughout this apocalyptic book.Dec 25: Revelation 1-3; 2 Tim 3-4; Prov 31:8-9
40Day 360: Heavenly WorshipLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Fr. Mike discusses the heavenly throne room and our opportunity to be brought into this throne room during every Mass.Dec 26: Revelation 4-7; Titus 1-3; Prov 31:10-15
41Day 361: Judgement..RepentanceLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Fr. Mike summarizes and contextualizes the book of Philemon, addressing the tension of slavery addressed in the Bible.Dec 27: Revelation 8-11; Philemon; Prov 31:16-18
42Day 362: Clothed with the SunLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Fr. Mike continues to interpret the symbols within Revelation. He compares story of Our Lady of Guadalupe to the woman in Revelation.Dec 28: Rev 12-14; Hebrews 1-4; Prov 31:19-22
43Day 363: New PriesthoodLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Fr. Mike draws a parallel between symbols in Revelation and persecution of the first Christians and encourages us to hold firm in our faith.Dec 29: Rev 15-17; Hebrews 5-8; Prov 31:23-25
44Day 364: Christ's SacrificeLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Fr. Mike emphasizes the reality of God’s judgment, the resurrection of the dead, and how Christ’s sacrifice is presented to God.Dec 30: Rev 18-20; Hebrews 9-10; Prov 31:26-29
45Day 365: The Beginning & EndLearn more at: https://ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear - Fr. Mike concludes our journey through the Bible by reflecting on the promise of a new heaven and a new earth in Revelation 21.Dec 31: Rev 21-22; Hebrews 11-13; Prov 31:30-31