One Chapter One Thought

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.  More resources to help your Bible reading: www.lincroftbiblechurch.org/biblereading .

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.  More resources to help your Bible reading: www.lincroftbiblechurch.org/biblereading .

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.  More resources to help your Bible reading: www.lincroftbiblechurch.org/biblereading .

God's people can experience true spiritual rest. Jesus is the great high priest who can sympathize with us.  More resources to help your Bible reading: www.lincroftbiblechurch.org/biblereading .

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.