One Chapter One Thought

Genesis 5 records the first genealogy found in the Bible. It traces the lineage of Adam down to Noah. 

With humanity infected by sin, Genesis 4 records the first murder. Cain rises up against his brother Abel and kills him. God confronts Cain and banishes him from the land. Cain settles in the land east of Eden and begins a family. 

The devil slithers into the Garden to tempt the woman. The woman—and the man—disobey God and sin. Their sin brings disastrous consequences upon the world. 

God rests on the seventh day. He creates man from the dust of the ground and places him in the Garden to work and keep it. Finding no suitable helper for him, God creates woman to be his counterpart. 

God creates the world. He makes human beings in his image and tasks them with being with stewards in the world. At the end of his creative work, God declares the world he made, "very good." 

The Old Testament can seem like a strange place. But on this bonus episode of One Chapter One Thought, Pastor Chris lays out some things to keep in mind as you read the Old Testament, which will hopefully make it easier to understand. 

James warns the rich of their peril; they must repent and stop placing their faith in their wealth. Persecuted Christians must be patient and wait for the Lord's timing. The prayer of faith brings restoration. 

James warns his readers against worldliness. They should not boast about tomorrow because only the Lord knows the future. 

Season 2 of One Chapter One Thought begins January 5th, 2026. This year, we'll begin working our way through the Old Testament 

Genuine faith looks like controlling one's tongue. A community which is humble and open to God's wisdom will be peaceable. 

Christians should not favor the rich over the poor. Instead, they should live in a way that demonstrates the inward reality of their faith. 

Believers should count trials to be a blessing because they produce endurance in their faith. Genuine faith heeds the word and lives righteously in the world. 

Since Jesus is better than everything in the old covenant, believers should offer sacrifices which are pleasing to God: praise and worship. The God of peace will sustain them in their faith. 

Jesus is the founder and perfecter of the believer's faith. Believers should not grow weary in battling sin. To purify them, God disciplines his children. Those who hold fast to faith have a kingdom that cannot be shaken. 

Believers live by faith. The same faith that Christians have after Jesus came had been exemplified by the "heroes" of the Old Testament, like Abraham and Moses. 

Christ's sacrifice for once-for-all-time. His great sacrifice leads believers to have full assurance of their faith. But they must still pay attention to the temptations which could lead them away from Jesus. 

The earthly holy place was meant to be symbolic of the heavenly temple in which Christ made redemption. He went into the heavenly temple and shed his own blood for the redemption of the world. 

Jesus brings us into the new covenant which confers many blessings upon believers. 

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Jesus is a priest after the order of Melchizedek, who was a greater priest than all the Old Testament priests. 

The author warns his readers not to turn back from Christ. Yet, ultimately, he has assurance of their condition because their of life of love and promise of God. 

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Jesus is the greater high priest after the order of Melchizedek. Yet some of the audience has trouble understanding deeper spiritual truths because they have become dull of hearing. 

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God's people can experience true spiritual rest. Jesus is the great high priest who can sympathize with us. 

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Jesus is greater than Moses. Therefore, God provides rest for his people through Jesus. 

Believers must pay close attention to what they believe so they don't drift. They must look to Jesus, the founder of their salvation. 

The author of Hebrews demonstrates the magnificence of Jesus. He then argues that Jesus is superior to angels. 

Paul sends greetings to the believers in Roman and ends with a meditation on the gospel. 

Strong and weak Christians should accept one another just like Christ did. 

Paul helps the Roman Christians navigate the differences between those who have a strong understanding of their freedom in Christ and a weaker understanding of their freedom in Christ. 

Believers should submit the governing authorities. Christians should also live in holiness because Christ's return is drawing near. 

Paul turns to the practical application of the gospel. Believers must continually devote themselves to the Lord. They must also use their gifts to build up the body of Christ. 

God has not fully rejected Israel because he is still saving a remnant. Even though Israel has largely rejected Christ, that fact in one way should be a cause of pride among Gentile believers. Instead, Gentiles must realize that they are dependent on the Jewish people, who brought forth the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. 

While the Jews had the Law, they missed the point of it and instead tried to obtain righteousness through it. Paul demonstrates that righteousness is not achieved through the Law but through faith, which connects someone to the Righteous One, Jesus Christ. 

Paul expresses anguish over the state of the Jewish, for they have largely rejected Christ. Just having a certain ethnic heritage is no guarantee of salvation, but instead depends on God's will and purpose. 

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There is no condemnation for anyone who believes in Christ. They also receive the Holy Spirit who gives them power and hope. They can be assured that Christ's love will never let them go. 

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Christians have been freed from the law's power to serve Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. Yet, believers will still battle sin and not do everything that they want to do. 

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Believers should not use forgiveness as an excuse for sin. Instead, they should resist sin and live out their new identity in Christ. 

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Christians can have peace with God through faith. The relationship we have with God is made possible through Christ's great work, which overturns the sin of Adam. 

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Abraham is the example of faith. He believed God and was made right with God. His salvation did not depend on his ethnic heritage, but upon his faith. 

Everyone has sinned. But all people can be made right with God through what Jesus has done. 

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Paul points out the hypocrisy of the Jews. Those who are truly part of God's people have been made alive by the Holy Spirit. 

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Paul is thankful for the Romans and explain why he isn't ashamed of the gospel. He explains the bad news: that all people are idolators and exchanged the truth of God for a lie. 

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The faithful female disciples meet an angel in the empty tomb who proclaims to them that Jesus is risen. They leave the tomb terrified. 

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Jesus is tried, mocked, and crucified, fulfilling Scripture. The centurion recognizes Him as the Son of God as He dies, and His body is laid in a tomb.

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The plot to arrest Jesus unfolds as He celebrates the Last Supper with His disciples. He is betrayed, arrested, and denied by Peter after praying in anguish at Gethsemane.

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Jesus teaches about the coming destruction of the temple and future tribulation. He urges His followers to stay awake and ready for His return.

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Jesus tells the parable of the tenants and confronts religious leaders with divine wisdom. He summarizes the greatest commandments as loving God and loving others, and he also praises a widow’s offering.

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Jesus enters Jerusalem as the promised King and cleanses the temple. He teaches about faith, prayer, and the authority of God over human traditions.

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Jesus teaches about marriage, riches, and true greatness in serving others. He heals blind Bartimaeus, who calls out in faith and follows Him on the way to Jerusalem.

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Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John, revealing His glory. He heals a demon-possessed boy and teaches His disciples about humility and service in His kingdom.

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Jesus feeds four thousand and warns about the “leaven” of the Pharisees. Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ, but Jesus begins to teach that He must suffer, die, and rise again.

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Jesus exposes the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, teaching that sin comes from within the heart. He heals a Gentile woman’s daughter and a man who was deaf and mute, showing compassion beyond Israel.

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Jesus is rejected in His hometown and sends out the twelve disciples on mission. He feeds five thousand people and walks on water, revealing His divine authority and compassion.

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Jesus delivers a man possessed by many demons, heals a woman with chronic bleeding, and raises Jairus’s daughter from the dead. Each miracle shows His power to restore and give life.

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Jesus teaches in parables, including the parable of the sower. He calms a raging storm, revealing His power over nature and the disciples’ lack of faith.

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Jesus heals on the Sabbath and appoints the twelve apostles. The religious leaders accuse Him of being possessed, but Jesus teaches that a divided kingdom cannot stand.

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Jesus forgives and heals a paralyzed man, showing His authority over sin. He calls Levi the tax collector and challenges the religious leaders’ views on fasting and the Sabbath.

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John the Baptist prepares the way for Jesus, who begins His ministry by preaching the gospel and calling disciples. Jesus demonstrates His authority through teaching, healing, and casting out demons.

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The river of life flows from God’s throne, and the tree of life brings healing to the nations. Jesus promises to return soon, and His people eagerly await Him.

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John sees a new heaven and a new earth, where God dwells with His people forever. The New Jerusalem shines with God’s glory, and death and pain are no more.

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Satan is bound for a thousand years as Christ reigns with His people. After Satan’s final rebellion, he is thrown into the lake of fire, and all are judged before God’s throne.

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Heaven celebrates God’s justice, and Christ returns riding a white horse. He defeats His enemies and reigns as King of kings and Lord of lords.

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Babylon the great, representing worldly wealth and power, collapses under God’s judgment. The nations mourn her fall, while heaven rejoices.

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John sees the vision of the great prostitute riding the beast, symbolizing corrupt world power. Her judgment is certain, as she opposes God and His people.

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The seven bowls of God’s wrath are poured out, bringing final judgments on the earth. Despite the severity, people still curse God and refuse to repent.

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John sees those who have conquered the beast praising God with song. The seven angels prepare to pour out the final plagues of God’s wrath.

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The Lamb stands with His faithful people, and angels proclaim judgment. The chapter ends with the harvest of the earth, separating the righteous from the wicked.

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The beast from the sea and the beast from the earth rise to deceive and persecute the world. They demand worship and mark their followers, opposing God’s people.

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vision of a woman, her child, and a dragon portrays the cosmic struggle between God’s people and Satan. The dragon is defeated by the blood of the Lamb and the word of testimony.

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Two witnesses proclaim God’s truth, are killed, and then raised to life. The seventh trumpet sounds, announcing God’s kingdom and Christ’s eternal reign.

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John sees a mighty angel with a little scroll and is told to eat it. The scroll is sweet to his mouth but bitter to his stomach, symbolizing the joy of God's salvation and the bitterness of God's judgment. 

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The fifth and sixth trumpets release demonic torment and massive destruction on the earth. Despite the horror, people still refuse to repent of their sins.

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The seventh seal is opened, bringing silence in heaven and the beginning of the trumpet judgments. The first four trumpets bring devastation to the earth, sea, rivers, and skies.

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God seals 144,000 of His servants, protecting them from judgment. A great multitude from every nation appears before God’s throne, praising Him for salvation.

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As the Lamb opens six seals, judgments are unleashed on the earth, including conquest, war, famine, and death. The martyrs cry out for justice, and the world trembles before God’s wrath.

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A scroll sealed with seven seals is presented, and only the Lamb is worthy to open it. Heaven erupts in worship as Christ is praised for His sacrifice and victory.

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John is taken up into heaven and sees God’s throne surrounded by heavenly beings. The scene highlights God’s holiness, majesty, and eternal rule.

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Jesus speaks to Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea, exposing dead faith, encouraging perseverance, and calling for repentance. He promises rewards to those who overcome.

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Jesus addresses four churches—Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, and Thyatira—praising their faithfulness but warning against compromise and calling for repentance. Each church is promised a reward for overcoming.

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John receives a vision of the risen Christ, who walks among the churches and holds ultimate authority. Jesus comforts John and commands him to write what he sees to the seven churches.

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Jude urges believers to contend for the faith against false teachers who distort God’s grace and lead others astray. He reminds them of God’s past judgments on the ungodly and calls them to remain in God’s love, showing mercy while waiting for Christ’s return.

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Peter reminds the church that scoffers will question Christ’s return, but God is patient, giving time for repentance. He calls believers to live holy lives as they look forward to the new heavens and new earth.

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Peter warns against false teachers who secretly introduce destructive heresies. Their greed and corruption will lead to judgment, just as God has judged the ungodly in the past.

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Peter urges believers to grow in faith, virtue, and knowledge so they can be fruitful in Christ. He reminds them of the certainty of God’s promises and the reliability of Scripture as God’s inspired Word.

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Paul calls the believers to pray, live disciplined lives, and avoid idleness. He reminds them to follow his example of hard work and exhorts them to never grow weary in doing good.

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Paul warns about the coming rebellion and the man of lawlessness who will exalt himself against God. He reassures the church that Christ will defeat him and urges believers to stand firm in the truth they’ve received.

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Paul gives thanks for the Thessalonians’ growing faith and love, even in the midst of persecution. He encourages them with the promise that God will bring justice when Christ returns in glory.

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Paul reminds believers that the Day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, so they must stay alert and sober. He calls them to encourage one another, live in peace, and remain blameless as they await Christ’s return.

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Jude urges believers to contend for the faith against false teachers who distort God’s grace and lead others astray. He reminds them of God’s past judgments on the ungodly and calls them to remain in God’s love, showing mercy while waiting for Christ’s return.

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Paul urges the believers to live holy lives, especially in sexual purity, reminding them that God calls them to sanctification. He commends their love for one another and encourages a quiet, hardworking life. He comforts them with the hope of the resurrection, assuring them that when Jesus returns, the dead in Christ will rise first and all believers will be with the Lord forever.

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Paul explains that he sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage the church in their faith amid persecution. Timothy’s report of their steadfastness brings Paul joy and thanksgiving. Paul prays earnestly for their continued growth in love, holiness, and readiness for Christ’s coming.

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Paul reflects on his ministry in Thessalonica, reminding them that he and his companions preached with sincerity and did not seek human praise. He compares his care for them to a nurturing parent and commends their endurance in suffering. He longs to see them again but acknowledges that Satan hindered him from returning.

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Paul greets the Thessalonian church with gratitude, praising God for their faith, love, and hope in Christ. He reminds them that the gospel came to them not only with words but with power and the Holy Spirit. Their transformed lives became a testimony throughout the region, as they turned from idols to serve the living and true God and to wait for Jesus’ return.

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Jesus appears to His disciples at the Sea of Galilee and restores Peter, telling him to feed His sheep. The book closes with a reminder that not all of Jesus’ works are recorded.

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Jesus rises from the dead and appears to Mary Magdalene and His disciples. He breathes the Holy Spirit onto them and reveals Himself to Thomas, who proclaims, “My Lord and my God!”

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Jesus is mocked, beaten, and crucified. He declares, “It is finished,” and dies. His body is taken down and buried in a new tomb by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus.

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Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested. He is questioned by the high priest and Pilate and is denied three times by Peter. Pilate finds no guilt in Him but the crowd demands crucifixion.

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Jesus prays for Himself, His disciples, and all future believers. He asks for unity among His followers and that they may be with Him and see His glory.

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Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will come to guide and strengthen the disciples. He prepares them for sorrow and persecution but assures them of future joy and victory through Him. 

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Jesus teaches that He is the true vine and His followers must abide in Him. He calls them to love one another and warns that the world will hate them as it hated Him.

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Jesus comforts His disciples, promising to prepare a place for them and to send the Holy Spirit. He declares, “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” and assures them of His presence.

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