One Single Story

One Single Story is a weekly podcast from Open Door Church to help the church engage with the Bible outside of Sunday morning. Currently, we are going through one book of the Bible each week and focusing on a theme in each. Why One Single Story? We believe that the Bible is one single story from beginning to end. It is the story of Jesus Christ: why we need Him, that He was coming, came, died, rose again, ascended to heaven, and today lives with us. For this, we are thankful. Reading plan available at www.onesinglestory.com.

Rebuilding Through Opposition - Ezra 4:24 –6:22 | August 7, 2026 08/07/2026

Rebuilding Through Opposition - Ezra 4:24 –6:22 | August 7, 2026 Welcome to today's edition of One Single Story. Pastor Stephen Mizell and Pastor Jay Rivenbark are joined by Pastor Alyssa Bream for a conversation from the book of Ezra, exploring how a stalled building project was reignited by the power of preaching, how God can turn opposition into a launching pad for His purposes, and why public celebration matters after a long season of resistance. Scripture Focus: Ezra 4:24-6:22 - After the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem is halted by royal decree and years of opposition, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah call the people to restart the work. What follows is a picture of restoration through prophetic preaching, an investigation that backfires into royal funding for the temple, and a joyful, community-wide dedication once the work is finished. In This Episode: How different spiritual gifts and personalities work together to accomplish a shared vision Why restarting a stalled effort is often harder than starting it in the first place The power of praying and speaking God's Word out loud to break discouragement and stagnation How an official investigation meant to shut the temple down ended up funding its completion Personal stories of obstacles God repurposed for good, from imprisonment to painful life transitions Why public celebration and gratitude are essential after completing a difficult, resistance-filled assignment The healing that comes from pausing to acknowledge and give thanks for what God has done Key Quote: "When you stand firm in your calling, God will ensure that the very hands that tried to hold you back are the ones that have to watch you succeed." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday podcast from Open Door Church offering a brief, conversational lesson from that day's reading in the One Year Bible. Each episode brings together pastors and voices from the Open Door community to dig into Scripture and apply it to everyday life and faith. Open Door Church is located in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at or . Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily devotional conversation grounded in God's Word. Coming This Week: Join us as we continue moving through the One Year Bible reading plan, uncovering fresh insight and practical encouragement from Scripture each weekday with the One Single Story team. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #BookOfEzra #TempleRebuilding #PowerOfPrayer #Perseverance /episode/index/show/onesinglestory/id/42351515

The Foundation Before the Walls - Ezra 3:1–4:23 | August 6, 2026 08/06/2026

The Foundation Before the Walls - Ezra 3:1–4:23 | August 6, 2026 Welcome back to One Single Story! Today Pastor Stephen Mizell and Pastor Jay Rivenbark are joined by Pastor Alyssa Bream for a conversation on Ezra chapters 3 and 4, exploring what it means to lay a spiritual foundation before anything else can be rightly built - in our churches, our families, and our own hearts. Scripture Focus: Ezra 3:1 –4:23 - The remnant of Israel returns to Judah under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Joshua. Before rebuilding the temple walls, they rebuild the altar and restore worship, even in the face of fear and local opposition. When the foundation is laid, the younger generation shouts for joy while the older generation weeps over memories of what once was. In chapter 4, surrounding enemies offer to help with construction, and Zerubbabel must discern between true partnership and a dangerous compromise. In This Episode: Why the returning exiles rebuilt the altar before the temple walls, and why our vertical alignment with God must come before we try to fix external structures or security How misalignment in our relationship with God shows up as cracks in every other area of life - marriage, finances, and beyond Navigating the tension between honoring the past and embracing what God is doing next Learning to distinguish mission from method as leaders and churches grow and change How to discern the difference between kingdom-minded collaboration and compromising partnerships Personal stories of when to say yes to working with others, and when to say no Key Quote: "When you have the courage to say no to a false partnership, you clear the way for God to demonstrate His unfiltered power through your willingness to follow Him." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday devotional podcast that walks through the One Year Bible reading plan, offering a brief, honest conversation around God's Word. Hosted by the pastoral team at Open Door Church, each episode connects a short passage of Scripture to real, practical life so you can grow in your walk with God one day at a time. Open Door Church, Edenton, North Carolina Visit us: visitopendoor.com | onesinglestory.com Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily conversation around the Word of God. New episodes release every weekday - hit subscribe and turn on notifications to follow along with the One Year Bible reading plan all season long. Coming This Week: Join us as we continue through the book of Ezra this week, following the returning exiles as they navigate opposition, rebuild what was broken, and learn to walk in faithful obedience to God even when the road isn't easy. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #BookOfEzra #Zerubbabel #SpiritualFoundation #Worship #ChristianLeadership /episode/index/show/onesinglestory/id/42333970

Trusting God's Sovereignty - Ezra 1:1 –2:70 | August 5, 2026 08/05/2026

Trusting God's Sovereignty - Ezra 1:1 –2:70 | August 5, 2026 Welcome to the August 5th edition of One Single Story. Today Pastor Stephen Mizell and Pastor Jay Rivenbark are joined by Pastor Alyssa Bream to open the book of Ezra, exploring what it means to trust God's sovereignty over volatile political landscapes and what kind of faith is required to leave comfort behind and rebuild what has been broken. Scripture Focus: Ezra 1:1 –2:70 - Seventy years after the fall of Jerusalem, the Persian king Cyrus issues a decree allowing the exiles to return home. Ezra opens by linking directly to the close of 2 Chronicles, and chapter two records the detailed registry of families who answered the call to leave Babylon and rebuild the temple and the city. In This Episode: How the Lord stirring the heart of Cyrus reveals God's control over every earthly leader and government Why comfort and convenience can keep believers from stepping into God's will The disruptive faith required to leave a settled, comfortable life for a hard rebuilding project Parallels between the returning exiles and modern-day missionaries who leave home for the sake of ministry Why Ezra 2's long list of names and numbers matters - authenticating heritage, honoring pioneers, and recognizing ordinary people who made restoration possible The connection between "deconstruction of faith" and the deeper rebuilding God calls his people to Key Quote: "We just have to be ready to follow him, and it wouldn't be faith and trust if it was an easy path that you just walked in. It has to require some courage." One Single Story is a weekday devotional podcast walking through the One Year Bible reading plan one section at a time. Each episode offers a brief, conversational lesson designed to help listeners connect Scripture to everyday life and grow in their walk with God. Join us at Open Door Church in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at and . If this episode encouraged you, subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily lesson from God's Word, and share it with someone who needs encouragement in their faith today. Coming This Week: Join us as we continue through the book of Ezra, tracing the story of the returning exiles as they lay the foundation for rebuilding the temple and face the challenges of restoration in Jerusalem. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Ezra #BookOfEzra #ReturnFromExile #GodsSovereignty #Rebuilding /episode/index/show/onesinglestory/id/42321065

When the Heart Has No Remedy - 2 Chronicles 35:1–36:23 | August 4, 2026 08/04/2026

The Lost Book of the Law - 2 Chronicles 33:14–34:33 | August 3, 2026 08/03/2026

The Lost Book of the Law - 2 Chronicles 33:14–34:33 | August 3, 2026 Welcome back to One Single Story. Today Pastor Stephen Mizell and Pastor Jay Rivenbark are joined by Pastor Alyssa Bream for a conversation on how the authority of Scripture can quietly get lost inside our ministries and our personal lives, and what it looks like when a heart finally responds to God's Word with real conviction instead of casual familiarity. Scripture Focus: 2 Chronicles 33:14-34:33 - This passage covers the collapse and restoration of the southern kingdom, from Manasseh's idolatry to young King Josiah's discovery of the lost Book of the Law and the last great revival before the exile. In This Episode: How the Book of the Law was physically lost inside the temple meant to protect it, and what that says about how Scripture gets buried in churches today The difference between casually reading the Bible out of habit or obligation and reading it with intentionality, asking the Holy Spirit to bring real change Why emotional response alone, like "collective effervescence," isn't the same as true conviction unless it leads to actual life change Josiah's grief and public covenant renewal as a model for repentance, described as the one legal move believers have in the courts of Heaven The tension between individual mercy and corporate accountability, and how one tender heart can delay judgment even when it can't erase it How pastors' personal preferences, cultural pressure, and congregational comfort can each cause parts of Scripture to be avoided or ignored Key Quote: "There is that collective effervescence that can happen in secular areas, all of this, but if it doesn't lead to change... it's just emotion that lands nowhere." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday devotional podcast walking through the One Year Bible reading plan. Each episode offers a short, conversational lesson connected to that day's Scripture reading, helping listeners move from simply reading the Bible to truly understanding and applying it. Join us at Open Door Church in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at visitopendoor.com and onesinglestory.com. Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a daily episode of One Single Story. Join thousands of believers building a consistent Bible reading habit, one weekday conversation at a time. Coming This Week: We continue in 2 Chronicles this week, following the story of collapse and restoration in the southern kingdom. Stay with us all week as we dig into the reforms of Josiah and what they mean for us today. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #2Chronicles #Josiah #Repentance #Revival #BibleReadingPlan /episode/index/show/onesinglestory/id/42292195

Guarding Your Eyes and Ears as God's Gift - Proverbs 20:12 | July 31, 2026 07/31/2026

Guarding Your Eyes and Ears as God's Gift - Proverbs 20:12 | July 31, 2026 Welcome back to One Single Story! Today Pastor Stephen Mizell and Pastor Jay Rivenbark are joined by Pastor Wendy Korbusieski for a candid conversation about our eyes and ears as God-given gates to the heart and mind. As they close out this section of Proverbs, the team unpacks what it means to steward our senses well in a media-saturated world, and how to move from merely seeing and hearing to truly perceiving with spiritual clarity. Scripture Focus: Proverbs 20:12 - Solomon closes this section of Proverbs by pointing to the hearing ear and the seeing eye as things the Lord has made, reminding us that our senses are not accidental but purposefully designed instruments meant to be used for His glory. In This Episode: Why our eyes and ears are intentional gifts from God, not accidental features to be taken for granted How church "property use" guidelines offer a helpful picture for the personal stewardship of our senses The difference between quality and quantity when evaluating media intake, and why even "wholesome" content can become harmful in excess How information overload affects sleep, anxiety, and spiritual sensitivity Practical filtering questions to evaluate what we watch and listen to, including the classic "What would Jesus do?" The connection between physical senses and spiritual discernment, and how believers can become spiritually dull without realizing it A sound bar analogy for what it feels like when spiritual clarity finally comes into focus Key Quote: "When you realize that your capacity to perceive is a direct gift from God, you stop wasting your vision on the temporary and you fix your gaze on things that are eternal." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday devotional podcast offering brief, practical lessons drawn from each day's reading in the One Year Bible. Hosted by the pastoral team at Open Door Church, each episode invites listeners to grab their Bible, a pen, and paper, and join a conversation centered on the Word of God. Open Door Church is located in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at visitopendoor.com and onesinglestory.com. Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a weekday devotional, and join us as we walk through the One Year Bible together, one single story at a time. Coming This Week: Join us for more daily devotionals from the One Year Bible as we continue through Proverbs and beyond, exploring practical wisdom for everyday faith and life. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Proverbs #Wisdom #SpiritualDiscernment #ChristianMedia /episode/index/show/onesinglestory/id/42271815

Known by their Actions - Proverbs 20:11 | July 30, 2026 07/30/2026

Known by their Actions - Proverbs 20:11 | July 30, 2026 Join Pastor Stephen Mizell, Pastor Jay Rivenbark, and Pastor Wendy Korbusieski for today's edition of One Single Story as they dig into Proverbs 20:11 and explore why our actions, not our words or potential, are the truest indicator of who we really are. Scripture Focus: Proverbs 20:11 - Solomon teaches that even children are known by their actions, whether their conduct is pure and right. This verse challenges us to evaluate character not by charisma or potential, but by consistent, observable behavior. In This Episode: Why behavior is a more reliable metric than potential, personality, or charisma How to shift focus from charisma and passion to a track record of daily conduct when evaluating interns, leaders, and staff The danger of overlooking red flags in dating and hiring because of surface-level charm Distinguishing authentic transformation of character from short-lived, well-rehearsed behavior modification How consistency and pressure reveal a person's true heart over time Practical questions for assessing faithfulness: Do they keep commitments? Are they teachable? Do they serve without recognition? Key Quote: "You can write a beautiful description of your life, but your conduct is the only script the world reads." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday devotional podcast offering a brief, practical lesson from each day's reading in the One Year Bible. Hosted by the pastoral team at Open Door Church, this podcast helps listeners connect Scripture to everyday life through honest, conversational Bible study. This episode is brought to you by Open Door Church in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at or . Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily devotional. New episodes release every weekday to help you stay grounded in God's Word. Coming This Week: Continue walking through the One Year Bible with us as we move deeper into Proverbs, uncovering practical wisdom for daily living, relationships, and character. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Proverbs #Wisdom #Character #Integrity /episode/index/show/onesinglestory/id/42260890

The Path to a Clean Heart - Proverbs 20:8-10 | July 29, 2026 07/29/2026

Integrity and Legacy - Proverbs 20:7 | July 28, 2026 07/28/2026

Integrity and Legacy - Proverbs 20:7 | July 28, 2026 Welcome back to One Single Story! Today Pastor Stephen Mizell and Jay Rivenbark are joined by Wendy Korbusieski for a candid conversation about integrity, legacy, and what it really means to live a whole life in a culture obsessed with image and online personas. This episode digs into why what we build in private always finds its way into public, and why that matters for every parent, leader, and follower of Christ. Scripture Focus: Proverbs 20:7 - This standalone proverb declares that the righteous walk in integrity, and blessed are their children after them. The hosts unpack this legacy-defining verse and what it means to leave behind more than material wealth. In This Episode: The difference between leaving children a material inheritance versus a spiritual legacy of integrity Why character, not cash, is the true marker of a life well-lived What hidden, consistent integrity looks like for leaders in an age of online personas and public branding The critical difference between authenticity and transparency How private compromises can quietly shape the spiritual future of your children and grandchildren A powerful illustration comparing internal toxicity to a chemical leak, and how unresolved issues eventually affect the people around us Personal, honest reflections on owning past mistakes with grown children Key Quote: "It's what's out of the spotlight that really defines who you are... it is my private life that enables me to have a public life of ministry." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday devotional podcast offering brief, thoughtful lessons drawn from that day's reading in the One Year Bible. Hosted by the pastoral team at Open Door Church, each episode brings scripture into conversation with real life, real questions, and real faith. Open Door Church is located in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at or explore the full podcast library at . If this episode encouraged you, subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily lesson from God's word. Share it with a friend who needs to hear this message today. Coming This Week: Join us for more daily devotionals from this week's readings in the One Year Bible, as we continue exploring practical wisdom from Proverbs and beyond for everyday faith and leadership. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Proverbs #Integrity #ChristianLeadership #Legacy #Authenticity #DailyDevotion /episode/index/show/onesinglestory/id/42217710

Laziness, Discernment, and True Loyalty - Proverbs 20:4-6 | July 27, 2026 07/27/2026

Humility in Victory - Psalm 18:37 -50 | July 24, 2026 07/24/2026

Humility in Victory - Psalm 18:37 -50 | July 24, 2026 Welcome to today's edition of One Single Story. Pastor Stephen Mizell and Pastor Jay Rivenbark are joined by Pastor Sheryl Daughety to close out their study of Psalm 18, wrestling with what it means to win with humility, keep our hearts guarded when God gives us victory over our enemies, and rest in the truth that our lives are part of a much bigger, generational story than our current circumstances. Scripture Focus: Psalm 18:37-50 - The closing verses of David's psalm of deliverance, celebrating his triumph over his enemies and crediting every bit of his strength and success to God, before anchoring the entire song in God's unfailing love toward him and his descendants forever. In This Episode: Understanding David's bold language about pursuing and overtaking his enemies, and the difference between righteous confidence and prideful gloating Why some seasons of life call us to move from simply being rescued to actively taking the offensive How to maintain private humility so it never becomes a public pride problem The connection between ongoing challenges and staying spiritually dependent on God Why seasons of difficulty can actually protect us from complacency and decline How God's covenant love across generations gives us rest and perspective in chaotic seasons Seeing our lives as one chapter in a much larger story God is writing for the generations behind us Key Quote: "When you realize that your victory is backed by an eternal covenant, your shout of praise becomes an anchor for the generation that's coming behind you." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday devotional podcast that walks through the One Year Bible reading plan, offering honest, conversational teaching that connects scripture to everyday life. Each episode brings together pastors in real dialogue around God's Word, making Bible study approachable, practical, and rooted in community. This episode comes from Open Door Church in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at or . Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a day of walking through God's Word together. New episodes release every weekday to help you stay grounded in scripture no matter how busy life gets. Coming This Week: Join us as we continue moving through the One Year Bible reading plan, digging into new passages each weekday and unpacking how they speak to real challenges in our walk with God. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Psalm18 #Humility #GenerationalBlessing #KingDavid #BibleDevotionalf /episode/index/show/onesinglestory/id/42200935

He Delights in Us - Psalm 18:16 -36 | July 23, 2026 07/23/2026

He Delights in Us - Psalm 18:16 -36 | July 23, 2026 Join Pastor Stephen Mizell, Pastor Jay Rivenbark, and Pastor Sheryl Daughety for a heartfelt conversation on Psalm 18:16-36, exploring what it means to be rescued by God not out of obligation, but because He genuinely delights in us. This episode digs into the difference between obedience born from fear and obedience born from love, and what it looks like to stand firm when life gets unstable. Scripture Focus: Psalm 18:16-36 - David shifts from recounting his physical rescue from deep waters to a personal declaration of integrity, righteousness, and trust in God. This section highlights God making David's feet "as sure as the feet of a deer" even in high, treacherous places. In This Episode: Why David's declarations of blamelessness reflect a heart postured toward God, not sinless perfection The difference between fearing punishment and being motivated by knowing God delights in you How childhood teaching about conditional love can create insecurity in our relationship with God Untangling the tension between "God loves you no matter what" and the reality that intimacy with Him requires repentance What spiritual stability looks like when leading through volatile or uncertain seasons Practical convictions that keep our feet steady on slippery spiritual ground Key Quote: "You should stop trying to hold yourself up through your own grit and rest in the hand that is currently supporting your weight, and that is the Almighty God." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday devotional podcast offering a brief, practical lesson from that day's reading in the One Year Bible. Hosted by the pastoral team at Open Door Church, each episode is designed to help listeners connect Scripture to everyday life through honest, conversational Bible study. Open Door Church is located in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at and explore more episodes at . Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a weekday devotional. Hit the notification bell to join us for daily conversations around the Word of God. Coming This Week: Stay tuned as we continue walking through the One Year Bible reading plan, with fresh daily conversations on Scripture, faith, and how to live it out in real life. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Psalms #PsalmOfDavid #GodDelightsInYou #SpiritualStability #TrustInGod /episode/index/show/onesinglestory/id/42176305

Crying Out in Crisis - Psalm 18:1-15 | July 22, 2026 07/22/2026

Crying Out in Crisis - Psalm 18:1-15 | July 22, 2026 Welcome to One Single Story! Today, host Pastor Stephen Mizell and Pastor Jay Rivenbark are joined by Pastor Sheryl Daughety for a powerful conversation through Psalm 18:1-15, exploring the many names David gives to God, the intensity of crying out in crisis, and what it means to know God as multi-dimensional rather than distant. Scripture Focus: Psalm 18:1-15 - A psalm of David, written after his deliverance from Saul and all his adversaries. David responds to God's rescue not with a quick thank you, but with an overwhelming, intentional outpouring of praise, worship, and adoration. In This Episode: Why David's gratitude and worship after deliverance challenges us to praise God as much as we petition Him The meaning behind God's many names in this psalm - rock, fortress, savior, shield, stronghold A word study on the Hebrew terms behind "rock" and "cliff," and their surprising connection to California's Big Sur Why David describes his rescue in such cosmic, cinematic imagery, even though it was a series of localized escapes How to remember that God hears our prayers even when our voices feel small, desperate, or drowned out The spiritual warfare present in David's long, protracted season of running and waiting to become king Key Quote: "The volume of your faith matters infinitely more than the volume of your voice." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday podcast offering a brief, honest conversation around a section of that day's reading in the One Year Bible. Each episode brings together pastors and hosts digging into Scripture together, making God's Word approachable, personal, and applicable to everyday life. One Single Story is a ministry of Open Door Church in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at | Subscribe so you never miss a daily edition of One Single Story, and join us as we walk through the One Year Bible together, one single story at a time. Coming This Week: Stay with us as we continue moving through the Psalms this week, uncovering more of David's honest, unfiltered relationship with God through prayer, praise, and the trials that shaped his faith. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Psalm18 #PsalmsOfDavid #KingDavid #PrayerLife #FaithOverFear /episode/index/show/onesinglestory/id/42159505

Guarding Your Heart from Worldly Wealth - Psalm 17:1-15 | July 21, 2026 07/21/2026

Guarding Your Heart from Worldly Wealth - Psalm 17:1-15 | July 21, 2026 Join Pastor Stephen Mizell, Pastor Jay Rivenbark, and Pastor Sheryl Daughety for today's edition of One Single Story as they dig into Psalm 17:1-15, David's urgent prayer for vindication in the face of ruthless enemies. The conversation explores what it means to invite God to examine our hearts, why integrity requires ongoing internal scrutiny, and how believers can guard against chasing worldly wealth instead of resting in God's presence. Scripture Focus: Psalm 17:1-15 - A high-tension petition from David, written while he feels surrounded by prideful and ruthless people. David asks God to test his heart, protect him "as the apple of your eye," and hide him "in the shadow of your wings," ultimately contrasting worldly satisfaction in wealth with true satisfaction found in God's presence. In This Episode: Why David opens his prayer by insisting it doesn't come "from deceitful lips," and how our own prayers can be shaped by hidden motives The importance of inviting God to test our thoughts and examine our hearts, even when the process feels uncomfortable or exposing Unpacking the imagery of being kept as "the apple of God's eye" and hidden "in the shadow of His wings" How to respond to criticism, gossip, and attacks from both inside and outside the church A candid conversation about wealth, contentment, and the difference between having resources and pursuing them Practical ways to guard your heart, including being intentional about who you allow to influence you Why an ongoing internal audit of our motivations is essential to a satisfied, integrity-filled life Key Quote: "Let the world have its temporary treasures, but set your heart on the only thing that satisfies, and that is Christ." One Single Story is a weekday podcast from Open Door Church that walks through the One Year Bible reading plan, offering brief, honest conversations around Scripture to help you grow in your walk with God one day at a time. Each episode is designed to be a quick but meaningful stop in your day, connecting the day's reading to real life. This episode comes to you from Open Door Church in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more about the church at or explore the full podcast library at . Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily conversation around God's Word. New episodes release every weekday, walking through Scripture one step at a time. Coming This Week: Join us as we continue through the One Year Bible reading plan, exploring more of the Psalms and uncovering fresh insight for daily life and faith. Grab your Bible, a pen, and paper, and walk through God's Word with us each weekday. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Psalm17 #Psalms #AppleOfHisEye #Contentment #WalkingWithGod /episode/index/show/onesinglestory/id/42142115

Finding Contentment in God Alone - Psalm 16:1-11 | July 20, 2026 07/20/2026

Wages vs. Gift: How Grace Justifies the Ungodly - Romans 4:1-12 | July 17, 2026 07/17/2026

Wages vs. Gift: How Grace Justifies the Ungodly - Romans 4:1-12 | July 17, 2026 Welcome to today's edition of One Single Story! Pastor Stephen Mizell and Pastor Jay Rivenbark are joined by Pastor Alyssa Bream for a rich conversation in Romans 4:1-12, exploring the difference between wages and gifts, and what it means to be justified by faith rather than works. Scripture Focus: Romans 4:1-12 - Paul defends the doctrine of justification by faith, using Abraham as his central example. He shows that Abraham was credited righteousness through faith before he was circumcised, proving that God's grace has never depended on religious ritual or performance, for Jew or Gentile alike. In This Episode: How our cultural "bootstraps" work ethic distorts our understanding of grace Why viewing God as an employer instead of a Father leads us astray The shocking truth that God "justifies the ungodly" and what that phrase means across Bible translations Wrestling honestly with which sins we struggle to believe are truly forgivable What justification really means: "just as if you had never done it" Why Abraham's circumcision timeline matters for both Jews and Gentiles How faith always comes before outward signs, in the Old Testament and the New Key Quote: "Justification means just as if you had never done it. You have been made right, or righteous. And whether it is pride or greed or lying or adultery... the same act of forgiveness and justification happens." One Single Story is a daily devotional podcast walking through the One Year Bible reading plan, offering brief, honest, and thought-provoking conversations around God's Word. Each weekday, our hosts break down a passage from the current reading to help you grow in faith, one story at a time. Join us at Open Door Church in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at and . Subscribe and hit the bell so you never miss a new episode of One Single Story, and share it with a friend who could use some daily encouragement in the Word. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Romans #Justification #GraceNotWorks #Abraham #BibleTranslations /episode/index/show/onesinglestory/id/42112250

Justification by Faith: How Grace Levels the Playing Field - Romans 3:9-31 | July 16, 2026 07/16/2026

Justification by Faith: How Grace Levels the Playing Field - Romans 3:9-31 | July 16, 2026 Join Pastor Stephen Mizell, Pastor Jay Rivenbark, and Pastor Alyssa Bream for today's conversation through Romans 3:9-31, one of the most pivotal passages in all of Scripture. As Romans turns from exposing human sinfulness to declaring the way of justification, this episode unpacks what it means that righteousness comes not through the law, but through faith in Jesus Christ. Scripture Focus: Romans 3:9-31 - Paul builds his case that all people, Jew and Gentile alike, stand guilty before God, then reveals the solution: justification by faith apart from the works of the law. This passage is the theological hinge of Romans, moving from the diagnosis of universal sin to the good news of grace freely given through Christ's sacrifice. In This Episode: Why the law was never meant to save us, but to reveal our need for a Savior Understanding total depravity - we're not just sick, we're spiritually dead A Leonard Ravenhill quote on why Jesus came to raise the dead, not improve the bad How the cross allows God to be both "just and the justifier" of those who believe Why justification by faith erases every cultural, racial, and social divide Stories from the mission field in India and Argentina on the unifying power of shared faith in Christ What it means that salvation is a gift, not a performance-based achievement Key Quote: "When human performance stands bankrupt before the court of heaven, the righteousness of God stands in to write a check we could never clear." About One Single Story One Single Story is a weekday devotional podcast offering brief, thoughtful lessons from each day's reading in the One Year Bible. Hosted by the pastors of Open Door Church, this show helps listeners dig into Scripture with clarity, honesty, and practical application for everyday faith. Open Door Church is located in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at or . Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily lesson. New episodes release every weekday to help you stay grounded in God's Word one story at a time. Coming This Week: We continue our journey through Romans, exploring how Paul builds on the foundation of justification by faith to unpack what it means to live in the freedom and assurance of God's grace. Grab your Bible and join us for the next edition of One Single Story. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #BookOfRomans #Justification #Grace #Salvation /episode/index/show/onesinglestory/id/42100320

Circumcision of the Heart, Assurance, and God's Faithfulness - Romans 2:25 –3:8 | July 15, 2026 07/15/2026

Circumcision of the Heart, Assurance, and God's Faithfulness - Romans 2:25 –3:8 | July 15, 2026 Welcome back to One Single Story! Join Pastor Stephen Mizell, Pastor Jay Rivenbark, and Pastor Alyssa Bream as they dig into Romans 2:25 through 3:8, wrestling with what it really means to belong to God — is it about outward religious markers, or a genuine transformation of the heart? This episode tackles heart transformation versus behavior modification, the assurance of our relationship with God, and the philosophical puzzle of whether our sin somehow gives God more glory. Scripture Focus: Romans 2:25-3:8 - Paul confronts the Jewish reliance on circumcision as a badge of identity, arguing that true belonging to God is a matter of the heart, not an external ritual. He then turns to address whether human unfaithfulness can cancel out God's faithfulness, and closes by dismantling the twisted logic that sin might actually benefit God by showcasing His righteousness. In This Episode: Why circumcision became a "badge" for the Jewish people, and why outward compliance alone falls short The danger of measuring spiritual growth only by attendance, giving, or visible behavior How the Holy Spirit produces a genuine change of heart rather than mere rule-following Wrestling with doubt: does personal failure cancel God's faithfulness? A powerful sharecropper illustration about assurance being God's grip on us, not our grip on Him Breaking down the "cheap grace" argument that sinning glorifies God Understanding that God redeems evil in spite of it, never because of it Key Quote: "I tripped a couple more times, but I never failed because the tether was dependent on his holding, not my holding... the assurance we have is not based on our behavior, because that's useless. The assurance we have is based on his ability to hold us." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday devotional podcast offering brief, conversational lessons from each day's reading in the One Year Bible. Hosted by the pastoral team at Open Door Church, this podcast helps Christians dive deeper into Scripture, one story at a time, with practical application for everyday faith. Open Door Church is located in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at or explore the full podcast library at . Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a daily episode of One Single Story — join us Monday through Friday for fresh insight into God's Word. Coming This Week: We continue our journey through Romans, exploring Paul's teaching on righteousness, faith, and the law as he builds the theological foundation for the Gospel. Be sure to follow along in your One Year Bible reading plan and join us for tomorrow's episode. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Romans #BookOfRomans #HeartTransformation #GodsGrace #ChristianAssurance #ApostlePaul /episode/index/show/onesinglestory/id/42068185

Why We Judge Others to Justify Our Own Sin - Romans 2:1-24 | July 14, 2026 07/14/2026

When Truth Gets Suppressed - Romans 1:18-32 | July 13, 2026 07/13/2026

When Truth Gets Suppressed - Romans 1:18-32 | July 13, 2026 Welcome to another episode of One Single Story! Host Pastor Stephen Mizell and Pastor Jay Rivenbark are joined by Pastor Alyssa Bream for a thought-provoking discussion on Romans 1:18-32, exploring what it means to suppress the truth of God and the subtle ways we trade the Creator's glory for idols of our own making. Scripture Focus: Romans 1:18-32 - Paul lays the theological foundation for the book of Romans with a sobering indictment of human sin. In this passage, he explains how people willfully suppress the truth about God despite creation making His existence obvious, and describes the downward spiral that occurs when God "gives people over" to their own desires. In This Episode: Understanding the difference between willful sin and actively encouraging others to sin How suppressing truth (like the tobacco industry hiding cigarette dangers) mirrors spiritual deception Why "entrapment evangelism" and pure apologetics often fail to lead people to genuine faith Modern-day idolatry: elevating personalities, denominations, family, and political movements above God The warning sign that "if God never contradicts you, you have an idol" Unpacking the three-fold repetition of "God abandoned them" and what it reveals about divine judgment Why God allowing us to experience the full consequences of sin can actually be an act of mercy Key Quote: "The safest place to live is fully surrendered to a God that you cannot escape." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday podcast offering brief, conversational lessons drawn from each day's reading in the One Year Bible. Hosted by the pastoral team at Open Door Church, this podcast is designed to help listeners engage more deeply with Scripture through honest, real-world conversation and practical application. Open Door Church, Edenton, North Carolina visitopendoor.com | onesinglestory.com Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily conversation around God's Word. New episodes drop every weekday to help you stay grounded in Scripture, one story at a time. Coming This Week: Join us as we continue working through the book of Romans in the One Year Bible reading plan, digging deeper into Paul's letter and uncovering fresh insight for daily faith and life application. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Romans #BookOfRomans #Idolatry #Evangelism #DivineJudgment #ChristianApologetics /episode/index/show/onesinglestory/id/42046715

Unseen Servants - 1 Chronicles 9:1 – 10:14 | July 10, 2026 07/10/2026

Unseen Servants - 1 Chronicles 9:1 – 10:14 | July 10, 2026 Join Pastor Stephen Mizell, Pastor Jay Rivenbark, and Pastor Wendy Korbusieski as they close out this week's conversation on 1 Chronicles 9 and 10. Together they unpack the quiet, unseen work of gatekeepers and doorkeepers in God's house, the tragic downfall of King Saul, and how God uses painful leadership transitions to make room for what He wants to do next. Scripture Focus: 1 Chronicles 9:1 – 10:14 - This passage closes out the genealogical prologue of Chronicles, highlighting the temple gatekeepers who guarded access to God's house and the various servants who supported temple worship, before recounting Saul's death on Mount Gilboa after he sought guidance from a medium instead of the Lord. In This Episode: Why the temple gatekeepers and behind-the-scenes servants in 1 Chronicles 9 matter to God's kingdom How faithfulness, not visibility, determines true significance in ministry Practical ways Open Door Church honors unseen volunteers, from baptism teams to cleaning crews What it means that the gatekeepers were armed Levites entrusted with guarding access points Saul's death in 1 Chronicles 10 and his fatal choice to consult a medium rather than seek the Lord Modern-day "mediums" leaders turn to instead of God, including culture, politics, and artificial intelligence How to use AI as a tool without letting it replace discernment and hard work Navigating painful leadership transitions and successions, from Saul and David to the church today Key Quote: "Significance in God's kingdom is really determined by faithfulness and not visibility." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a daily weekday devotional podcast that walks through the One Year Bible reading plan, offering a brief, conversational lesson from Scripture to help you grow in your walk with God one day at a time. Open Door Church is located in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at or . Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily edition, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement in God's Word today. Coming This Week: Join us next time as we continue through the One Year Bible, exploring new passages and fresh conversations around Scripture, faithful service, and following God's Word together. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #1Chronicles #KingSaul #Gatekeepers #ChristianLeadership /episode/index/show/onesinglestory/id/42029300

Grief, Family, and God's Grace - 1 Chronicles 7:1 – 8:40 | July 9, 2026 07/09/2026

Grief, Family, and God's Grace - 1 Chronicles 7:1 – 8:40 | July 9, 2026 Join Pastor Stephen Mizell, Pastor Jay Rivenbark, and Pastor Wendy Korbusieski for today's edition of One Single Story as they walk through 1 Chronicles 7-8. In this raw and honest conversation, the hosts explore grief and mourning, the complexity of family dynamics, God's covenant faithfulness in the middle of human brokenness, and how different gifts and strengths work together to build up the local church. Scripture Focus: 1 Chronicles 7:1 – 8:40 - These chapters trace the genealogies of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher, pausing to record Ephraim's grief over his slain sons before turning to a detailed focus on the tribe of Benjamin, including the line that leads to King Saul. In This Episode: Why God pauses a genealogical record to include Ephraim's raw grief over his sons The complexity of family dynamics when children from the same home turn out very differently A personal, present-day story of grief and the tension of showing up for a grieving friend Why grieving the loss of a child or grandchild is uniquely heavy for parents How God's meticulous preservation of Benjamin's line, despite Saul's failure, reveals His grace toward broken legacies The difference between God's commitment to us and our commitment to Him How the distinct strengths of the tribes picture the way spiritual gifts should work together in the local church The call to identify, empower, and release people into their God-given gifts Key Quote: "Let God handle the broken pieces of your legacy. His grace is busy working in your future while you're busy processing your past." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday podcast offering a brief, honest conversation around a section of that day's reading in the One Year Bible. Each episode invites listeners to open their Bible, grab a pen and paper, and dig into the Word of God together, one single story at a time. This episode is brought to you by Open Door Church in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more and connect with the church at , and find more episodes and resources at . Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily conversation around God's Word. New episodes release each weekday to walk alongside your One Year Bible reading plan. Coming This Week: Stay tuned as the hosts continue through the Old Testament narrative, uncovering more raw, real, and redemptive stories tucked inside Scripture's genealogies and history books. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #1Chronicles #GriefAndGrace #SpiritualGifts #BibleGenealogy #ChristianCommunity /episode/index/show/onesinglestory/id/42018720

Worship Comes First - 1 Chronicles 5:18–6:81 | July 8, 2026 07/08/2026

Worship Comes First - 1 Chronicles 5:18–6:81 | July 8, 2026 Welcome to today's edition of One Single Story. Pastor Stephen Mizell and Pastor Jay Rivenbark are joined by Pastor Wendy Korbusieski for a conversation about short-term faithfulness, why worship must be the centerpiece of church culture, and why the Levites never received a plot of land of their own. Scripture Focus: 1 Chronicles 5:18-6:81 - This passage covers the military victories of the eastern tribes before pivoting to their eventual exile due to spiritual adultery, then shifts into a detailed account of the tribe of Levi, mapping out the priests, temple musicians, and cities allocated to them throughout Israel. In This Episode: Why continued obedience matters more than past victories, and why we're often most vulnerable right after a win The contrast between God answering Israel's prayers in battle and their later exile for unfaithfulness How true faith is a daily, lifelong endeavor rather than a single moment of crisis-driven decision Why worship and spiritual leadership must be prioritized over administrative structure and programming in the church The tension between spiritual passion and godly structure, and how both are needed to protect against abuse and manipulation The strategic reason the Levites were scattered among the other tribes instead of given their own territory How dependence on the obedience of others shaped the Levites' ministry and kept them from self-reliance Key Quote: "We cry out in crisis, but we compromise in comfort." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday devotional podcast that walks through the One Year Bible reading plan, offering brief, practical lessons drawn from each day's Scripture reading. Hosted by the pastoral team at Open Door Church, each episode brings together different voices for an honest, conversational look at how God's Word applies to everyday life and faith. Open Door Church is located in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at or . Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily devotional. Join us every weekday as we dig into Scripture together, one story at a time. Coming This Week: Join us as we continue journeying through First Chronicles this week, uncovering more of the genealogies, worship structures, and spiritual lessons woven throughout Israel's history that still speak to the church today. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #FirstChronicles #Levites #Worship #ChristianLeadership #BibleDevotional /episode/index/show/onesinglestory/id/42001545

The Danger of Settling: Reuben, Jabez, and God's Promises - 1 Chronicles 4:5–5:17 | July 7, 2026 07/07/2026

Genealogies, Identity, and the Promise of the King - 1 Chronicles 2:18–4:4 | July 6, 2026 07/06/2026

Wealth Walls & the Danger of Pride - Proverbs 18:11-12 | July 3, 2026 07/03/2026

Laziness, Destruction, and the Fortress of God's Name - Proverbs 18:9-10 | July 2, 2026 07/02/2026

The Hidden Danger of Gossip: Tasty Morsels That Sink Deep - Proverbs 18:8 | July 1, 2026 07/01/2026

When Your Words Become Your Worst Enemy - Proverbs 18:6-7 | June 30, 2026 06/30/2026

Deep Waters, Wise Words, and Uncompromised Justice - Proverbs 18:4-5 | June 29, 2026 06/29/2026

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