Riverside Reading Plan

Riverside Reading Plan

By Riverside ChurchReligion & SpiritualityChristianity
Download on the App Store

Riverside Reading Plan episodes

  • Genesis 21 - February 18, 2025
    The long-awaited birth of Isaac ("laughter" in Hebrew) fulfills God's promise and demonstrates His perfect timing. The chapter contrasts Sarah's joy with Hagar and Ishmael's exile, revealing both the cost of covenant fulfillment and God's compassionate provision for the outcast. Paul uses this story to illustrate the difference between law and grace (Galatians 4). Abraham's treaty with Abimelech at Beersheba ("well of the oath") establishes peaceful coexistence with neighbors. Applications include trusting God's timing, dealing with family conflict, and balancing covenant faithfulness with neighborly peace.
    Download the full reading plan and learn more at www.riverside.faith/read
    5 min
  • Genesis 22&23 - February 19, 2025
    The binding of Isaac (Hebrew: "Akedah") represents the supreme test of Abraham's faith and provides one of Scripture's clearest pictures of Christ's sacrifice. God's provision of a ram introduces the theme of substitutionary atonement. The Hebrew word "yireh" (will provide) in "Jehovah-jireh" becomes a testimony to God's faithful provision. Chapter 23's detailed account of Sarah's burial demonstrates Abraham's faith in God's land promises. Jesus and the New Testament writers reference the Akedah to explain Christ's sacrifice. Applications include radical obedience, trusting God's provision, and investing in eternal promises.
    Download the full reading plan and learn more at www.riverside.faith/read
    7 min
  • Genesis 20-February 17, 2025
    Abraham's lapse with Abimelech reveals ongoing sanctification. The Hebrew word "nabi" (prophet) first appears here, describing Abraham's intercessory role. This chapter demonstrates God's protection of His covenant promises despite human weakness. Abimelech's response shows God's witness to the nations through His people. The theme of divine protection of the covenant line continues, pointing toward Christ's eventual birth. Applications include God's faithfulness despite our failures and the impact of integrity on our witness.
    Download the full reading plan and learn more at www.riverside.faith/read
    5 min
  • Genesis 19 - February 15, 2025

    Sodom's destruction reveals divine judgment while preserving the righteous. The contrast with Abraham's hospitality in chapter 18 emphasizes Sodom's moral corruption. This chapter demonstrates both God's justice and mercy, as He responds to Abraham's prayer by rescuing Lot. The Hebrew word "mal'ak" (angels) connects this visitation to chapter 18's divine appearance. Peter and Jude use this account to warn about future judgment while promising deliverance for the righteous. 

     Download the full reading plan and learn more atwww.riverside.faith/read


    6 min
  • Genesis 18 - February 14, 2025

    Divine visitation brings promise and judgment. The Hebrew hospitality language emphasizes Abraham's exemplary character. This chapter reveals God's intimate friendship with His people and His commitment to justice. Abraham's intercession for Sodom demonstrates bold prayer grounded in God's character. Sarah's laughter shows the journey from doubt to faith in God's promises. Jesus alludes to this visit when teaching about His return. Applications include hospitality, intercessory prayer, and believing God's promises despite circumstances.

    Download the full reading plan and learn more atwww.riverside.faith/read


    5 min
  • Genesis 17 - February 13, 2025

    The covenant of circumcision establishes Israel's distinct identity. Abram’s name changes to Abraham which marks a spiritual transformation. The Hebrew "el shaddai" (God Almighty) emphasizes God's power to fulfill impossible promises. This chapter connects physical circumcision to heart circumcision, a theme developed throughout Scripture. The promise of Isaac tests Abraham's faith in God's power. Paul later uses this chapter to teach about true faith and spiritual circumcision in Romans 4. Applications include identity in Christ and faith in God's power to fulfill His promises.

    Download the full reading plan and learn more atwww.riverside.faith/read


    4 min
  • Genesis 15&16 - February 12, 2025

    These pivotal chapters contrast God's covenant faithfulness with human attempts to fulfill His promises. The Hebrew "karat berit" (cut a covenant) describes the solemn ceremony guaranteeing God's promises. Chapter 15's covenant ceremony points to Christ's death, with God alone passing between the pieces. Hagar's story shows the consequences of trying to force God's timing, while revealing His compassion for the outcast. Paul uses these chapters to contrast law and grace (Galatians 4). Applications include trusting God's timing and methods rather than human solutions.

    Download the full reading plan and learn more atwww.riverside.faith/read


    6 min
  • Genesis 14 - February 11, 2025

    This chapter reveals Abram as a warrior-protector and introduces the mysterious Melchizedek. The Hebrew title "El Elyon" (God Most High) emphasizes God's sovereignty over all kings and nations. Melchizedek's priesthood prefigures Christ's eternal priesthood (Hebrews 7). Abram's refusal of Sodom's king shows rejection of worldly power in favor of divine provision. The chapter demonstrates God's power to deliver His people from overwhelming odds and prompts us to ponder spiritual warfare, integrity in business, and recognizing Christ's supreme priesthood.


    Download the full reading plan and learn more atwww.riverside.faith/read

    5 min
  • Genesis 12&13 - February 10, 2025

    Abram's call marks a crucial turning point in biblical history. The Hebrew word "lech lecha" (go forth) emphasizes the personal nature of God's call. These chapters establish God's covenant promises that drive the rest of Scripture: land, descendants, and blessing to all nations. Abram's faith and failures show God's grace in using imperfect people. The separation from Lot contrasts worldly and spiritual values. These chapters begin fulfilling God's promise to crush the serpent through Abraham's seed.


    Download the full reading plan and learn more atwww.riverside.faith/read

    6 min
  • Genesis 11 - January 7, 2025

    Babel's story reveals human pride and God's response. The Hebrew wordplay between "shem" (name) and "shamayim" (heavens) emphasizes human arrogance. This chapter explains language diversity and human dispersion while demonstrating God's power to humble the proud. The genealogy from Shem to Abram shows God preserving His chosen line. Jesus' incarnation ultimately reverses Babel's confusion, and Pentecost begins that restoration. Applications include warnings against pride and unity that exalts self rather than God.

    Download the full reading plan and learn more at www.riverside.faith/read


    4 min

About Riverside Reading Plan

From the publisher's feed

Whether you're opening your Bible for the first time, you've been reading it for decades, or you're somewhere in between, this podcast will be your daily companion as we explore God's story together. At Riverside, we believe that the Bible is good, the Bible is true, and the Bible is interesting. So over the next year, we'll be reading through carefully selected portions of text that revealed the grand narrative of God's relationship with humanity, and we'll dive into the transformational story of Jesus from day one of creation.