The book of 1 Chronicles is often neglected, yet it has so much to teach us—even the genealogies! Along with 2 Chronicles, 1 Chronicles surveys Bible history, charting the gracious purposes of a faithful God over the centuries, with the aim of encouraging and enlightening its readers. Here, Andrew Thomson draws out key lessons and principles to help us avoid the pitfalls and enjoy the blessings that God's people Israel experienced. Promises and praise are central themes which will warm our hearts as we set about responding to David's call to seek the Lord and his strength.

Although the Bible can seem incomprehensible, the Opening Up the Bible series is designed to provide a basic grounding and introduction to the individual books within it. These simple (but not simplistic) tools will help individuals and small groups understand God’s Word, no matter what background or knowledge they already have.

Each volume takes you section-by-section through the covered book, opening up God's word with wisdom, insight, and practical application. Additionally, the "For Further Study" points at the end of a section provide guidance to other areas of scripture that further illuminate the lesson, and the "To Think About and Discuss" section provides thought-provoking questions that can be used by both individuals and groups to gain understanding and apply the subject matter to life today.

Andrew Thomson is pastor of Kesgrave Baptist Church in Suffolk. He became a Christian while studying at Oxford, where he also met his wife, Helen. He ran a Christian bookshop in Woking for some years before being called to the ministry. His first pastorate was at Mitchley Hill Evangelical Church in Sanderstead, Surrey, before moving to Kesgrave in 2010. Andrew and Helen are blessed with three children: Esther, Gemma and Joel.