One of my best friends during high school and college had the unusual first name of Cliff’s. His last name was Notes. Yes, Cliff’s Notes saved me valuable time I could divert from reading to investing in more meaningful efforts like sports, goofing off, and sleeping. Unfortunately, I found that cutting corners also cut my grade point average.
Today is my version of MMCBL. No, it’s not a new drug. It’s Monday Morning Condensed Bible Lesson. Unlike Cliff’s Notes, this is designed to encourage more reading, not less. It stems from a challenge once given to me in a Bible class: name 1 verse, 1 chapter, 1 book to recommend for seekers or new Christians. After giving it some thought, here’s my list:
VERSE: I had to fudge a bit on this. It could be either of the following:
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
1 Corinthians 15:3 “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.”
The first explains the magnitude of God’s love – He gave Jesus for (me) us. The second explains the magnitude of God’s gift – He gave Jesus to die for (my) our sins.
CHAPTER: With many to choose from, my suggestion was, and still is, Romans 12. It’s not complicated or confusing; in fact, a preacher or teacher would have to work hard to make it difficult to understand. In only 21 verses, we are given God-inspired wisdom on conduct, lifestyle behavior that brings maturity, how to get along with others, ways to promote harmony and unity, instructions on being responsible, directions on the use of our talents, reminders that nothing slips past God, and avoiding vengeance. In my opinion, we would all benefit from a regular reading and practicing of the chapter.
BOOK: My recommendation remains James. It contains only 5 chapters and 108 verses; it reads like Cliff’s Notes for believers. Yet, James touches on nearly every area of a disciple’s life: faith; prayer; trials and troubles; worship; dealing with people; helping those in need; money; greed; sharing; gossip; patience; slander; arrogance; humility; and more.
In following weeks, I hope to offer more MMCBL thoughts on these selections. In closing, to paraphrase 1 Corinthians 15:3, “Keep the first thing the first thing.”
Remember, you are greatly loved!
–Jackie Chesnutt, Chaplain and Emotional Support Coach for Myers-Davis (8/14/2026)
