Daily Bread Pastor Mike Anderson 2026

Click Here to Read or Listen to Hebrews 6 6 Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death,[a] and of faith in God, 2 instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And God permitting, we will do so.  These verses contain both a call to grow to maturity and also a warning to those who fallen away from the faith. The term " backsliders " has been used in our day. The writer urgest them to move beyond the elementary teachings of Christ.  What does that mean?   Someone has likened it to moving past the "ABC's" and "Times Tables" to spelling, writing and solving math problems. He uses the example of " repentance from acts that lead to death " and " faith in God ".  Today we might characterize this as someone who comes into a personal relationshi...

  Click Here to Read or Listen to Hebrews 5 5 Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. 3 This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. 4 And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was.  5 In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him,  “You are my Son;  today I have become your Father.”  6 And he says in another place,  “You are a priest forever,  in the order of Melchizedek.”  7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his r...

Click Here to Read or Listen to Hebrews 4 A Sabbath-Rest for the People of God 4 Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. 2 For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed.3 Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said,  “So I declared on oath in my anger,  ‘They shall never enter my rest.’”  And yet his works have been finished since the creation of the world. 4 For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “On the seventh day God rested from all his works.” 5 And again in the passage above he says, “They shall never enter my rest.”  6 Therefore since it still remains for some to enter that rest, and since those who formerly had the good news proclaimed to them did not go in because of their disobedience, ...

Click Here to Read or Listen to Hebrews 3 Overview of Hebrews 3 12 See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. 14 We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end. The author calls the Hebrews, his holy brothers and sisters, showing us his personal relationship with them. The author uses the ministry of Moses, one of the most important figures in the Old Testament. Moses was obedient and built God's house, but Jesus is the ruler and owner of God's house. Though Moses delivered the Israelites through the Red Sea, the Israelites forgot about it and soon rebelled in the desert worshipping other gods.  Since he is writing to a Jewish audience, he uses this example to warn the Hebrews of falling into the same trap their ancestors did....

Click Here to Read or Listen to Hebrews 2 Click Here for an Overview for Hebrews 2 Verses for Today "16 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. 17 For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted." (Hebrews 2:16-18) What Does This Mean?  As you might have read in the overview, the purpose of Hebrews 2 is to show the humanity. It shows how Jesus willingly entered into the human race to identify with us in every way possible, even deat...

Overview to the Book of Hebrews Click Here to Listen to Or Read Hebrews  Verses of the Day: God’s Final Word: His Son 1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 , sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. What Does This Mean?  As mentioned in the overview the letter, to the Hebrews is anonymous, though the leading candidate has often been the apostle Paul. The problem is stylistically it does compare very well to his other letters. Also, the major themes and concepts from his other letters are not found in Hebrews. Importantly we know the author of Hebrews is writing to Jewish Christians...

Click Here to Read or Listen to Paul's Letter to Philemon Background on the Letter to Philemon 8 Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, 9 yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus— 10 that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus,[b] who became my son while I was in chains. 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. 12 I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. 13 I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. 14 But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary Philemon was a wealthy slaveowner who also hosted a house church. We know Paul is a brilliant theologian, incredible missionary, but he also had a huge pastor's heart. Onesimus had ended...

Click to Read or Listen to Titus 3 Overview of Titus 3 Verses for the Day Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. What Does This Mean? Today there seems to be only distrust by disdain for our government. A lot of people have stopped watching the news. Or, they get in a really bad mood after watching it. Why? Because there is nothing positive or seemingly redeeming about it. However, I believe despite the amount of diviseness and vitriol which spews forth every day from both political parties, we need to both be aware of what is happening in our world and stay involved in the political process. And think today and other biblical passages would back that up. The most obvious way to do this is to vote on Tuesday, November 3rd.   This is one of the most sacred and important rights and freedom we have in our country as we...

Click Here to Listen to or Read Titus 2 - NIV 11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. What Does This Mean? Again today Paul is teaching Titus about the interplay between grace and works. Or, probably more aptly how grace transforms us, so that works flow and our character is displayed. Though we are not saved by works, grace still teaches us to say "no to ungodliness and worldly passions".  You might say that grace teaches to say "no" to things, as it is not a " get of out jail free card ". (Bibleref.com) Grace and godly living are not op...

Titus 1 - NIV   Overview of Titus Summary: Paul's letter to Titus was written in the mid-60s AD to establish church leadership and confront false teachers on the island of Crete. Key Verses in Chapter 1:5-9: The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. What Does This Mean? The word " elder " also means " ove...

2 Timothy 4 - NIV 4 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. As Paul closes his second letter to Timothy, he gives him his final charge. Paul feels, " the time of his departure is near" .  Paul is writing from prison and facing imminent martyrdom.  As you read through this whole chapter, you will see several names of peop...

2 Timothy 3 - NIV 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. We know from 2 Timothy 1, that Timothy was greatly influenced by his mother Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois. In Acts 16, we learn that Eunice was a Jewish believer, and Timothy's father was a Gentile. We don't here anything more about him, but we do know that Timothy's grandmother, Lois, also played a major role in his Christian upbringing.  Paul reminds us that Timothy was brought up to know the scriptures even from infancy, which could mean either an infant or young child. In either case, Timothy...

2 Timothy 2 - NIV 2 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. We know grace is a gift. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus. Grace is often explained by the acronym,  "God's Riches At Christ's Expense!" It is by grace God saved us, and His grace will lead us home.  So, what does Paul mean when he tells Timothy to be "strong in the...

2 Timothy 1 - NIV 2 Timothy is the apostle Paul’s final personal letter, written from a harsh Roman prison around A.D. 67–68 as he awaited impending execution. Paul wrote to his young protégé Timothy, who was leading the church in Ephesus, to pass on his mission and encourage him to stand firm. Key Details • Author: The apostle Paul. • Recipient: Timothy, Paul's "beloved child" in the faith. • Location & Date: Written from a Roman prison shortly before Paul's death, around A.D. 67–68. • Main Theme: Endurance in the gospel and faithfulness to sound doctrine amidst suffering and internal church attacks (Gospel Project) Chapters 1–2 (Call to Endurance): Paul urges Timothy not to be ashamed of the gospel or of Paul's imprisonment. He uses analogies of a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer to illustrate the sacrifice and hard work required to follow Jesus. (Gospel Coalition) 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the...

1 Timothy 5 5 Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity. 3 Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. 5 The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help. 6 But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. 7 Give the people these instructions, so that no one may be open to blame. 8 Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 9 No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithf...

1 Timothy 4 - NI V 4 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 3 They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. 4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. As we have seen, one of Paul's major concerns is the false teaching that is infiltrating the church in Ephesua. Though the teaching may come from false teachers, the source of it was " deceiving spirits and things taught by demons ". It is strange to think that demons can teach. But whether they teach in a way we normally think of or not, they are the ones who are influencing the church in a...

1 Timothy 3 - NIV Overview of 1 Timothy 3 Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons 3 Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. 2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full[a] respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap. 8 In the same way, deacons[b] are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hol...