Opened Scriptures Bible Studies

Peter wanted to know about John's future.  John 21:20-22  Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?  21)  Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?  22) Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.  After Jesus confronted Peter about denying Him 3 times, Peter turned around and saw "the disciple whom Jesus loved." This is the phrase John used to speak of Himself. He never wrote in first person.  Peter, in obedience to his Master's orders, followed him, and turned about, seeing the disciple whom Jesus loved. John does not name himself, as thinking his own name not worthy to be preserved in these records. At this point, Peter has confessed his denial and expressed his love for Christ, but he still had some of his "old man" left in him, to contend with. Pet...

There is a lot going on in the book of Zechariah, and it will take 2-3 posts to provide you with a good overview. My Pastor, Pastor Michael Alvis preached lessons giving an overview of Zechariah, on August 27, September 10 and 24, 2023. Zechariah is one of 3 post exilic prophets, meaning that they prophesied when the Jews captivity was over. Haggai and Malachi are the other two post exilic prophets.  These men prophesied when the Jews returned from Babylon,  to rebuild the Temple of Jehovah, and the holy city Jerusalem.  This also means that Zechariah ministered during the time of Ezra the priest, and Nehemiah, the civil administrator.  Zerubbabel was a chief leader of the very first wave of Jews who returned to Jerusalem, after the decree of King Cyrus.  One theme in this book,  is how God can turn the hearts of pagan kings in order to accomplish His will. Another theme in this book is that Satan will try to resist or thwart God's purposes.  Hagg...

The next paragraph finds Jesus addressing Peter's denial of Him, the night He was betrayed. He gave Peter 3 opportunities to confess faith in Him. Jesus prophesied Peter's denial of Him. Matthew 26:33-35  Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.  34)  Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.  35)  Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.  When they were done eating, Jesus turned to speak to Peter. During His earthly ministry, Peter was a leader of the disciples.  Peter had professed his love and devotion to Christ more than the rest.  Peter denied Jesus 3 times and realized what he did.  Matthew 26:73-75  And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy sp...

We began our study through John's gospel on May 28, 2020. 66 posts later, we had worked our way through John 12.  Then, I took a break, with the intention of coming back to this gospel at a future date.  We resumed our study in John's gospel on June 20,2023, picking up in chapter 13. Now, we have reached the last chapter of John's gospel. I hope each reader has been as richly blessed as I have been, by this in depth, careful study. After these things Jesus appeared to His disciples again. John 21:1  After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.  John and Luke used the phrase "after these things" very effectively. Wherever we find this phrase used in the gospels, it is always used to tell us what Jesus is currently doing. Thus, we read "After these things Jesus showed..." The phrase is also a reminder for us to look back at the events immediately preceding what Jesus is presentl...

{The Archive Index for years 2019 through 2021 was posted on September 7, 2022. The titles of each lesson and their publish dates are listed. Th index for 2022 was posted January 24, 2023. I hope this is a good resources to help you study God's Word.} We come to the end of John 20, with one more chapter to think about, before we complete our study through John's gospel.  This chapter ends with the account of "Doubting Thomas" which highlights living by faith or by sight. The unbelief of Thomas contrasted with the disciple's faith.  John 20:24-25  But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.  25)  The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe .   Thomas' name means "twin" and his surname of "Didymus" mean...