Opened Scriptures Bible Studies

Put in the effort to make progress in our walk with Christ.  1 Thessalonians 3:8  For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.   Paul reminds all of us about the eternal life that was given to us when we first trusted Jesus Christ.  Each Christian is somewhere on the path of spiritual growth where we begin as a babe in Christ and make progress toward a full and mature faith. It is a path that is sometimes marked by ups and downs, twists and turns. Yet, after every twist or valley, our trust in the LORD is strengthened. Pray for one another seeking God's will to be done. 1 Thessalonians 3:9-10  For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;  10)  Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?  Paul was full of joy, praise and thanksgiving. When we are most cheerful as Christians we should be most thankfu...

A note about the archive index containing all Bible lessons posted on this blog since its inception in 2019.   An index for  all lessons  posted from 2019 through 2021, was published on  September 7, 2022. An index for all lessons posted in 2022, was published  J anuary 24, 2023. An index for all lessons posted in 2023 was posted on  February 28, 2024.  Each index lists lesson titles and the date each one was posted, so that you can study subjects that we have written about. The link below will take you the YouTube channel of the church I attend, Heritage Baptist Church in Smithville Ohio.  Pastor Alvis asked me last year it I would teach the adult Sunday school class for this year.  We have looked at the Good And Perfect Gift of His Word and are now looking at how the Spirit of God ministers in our hearts with the Word of God.  This lesson seeks to answer the question "What is my part in Bible study?" We are not passive participants whe...

Paul ministered at Athens but was concerned for the Thessalonians. 1 Thessalonians 3:1-3  Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;  2)  And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellow labourers in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:  3)  That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.  Paul arrived at Athens when he became very anxious to know how the Thessalonian Christians were doing. Timothy was by his side working with Paul in the center of Hellenistic culture. Paul determined that it was better to send Timothy to check on the church at Thessalonica.  He would bring back a report on their status to Paul, and Paul would preach the gospel alone at Athens.  Athens was filled with idolatry, immorality and mythology.  Acts 17:16-18  Now while Paul waited for them at Athe...

1 Thessalonians 2:13  For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.  In our last post we fully examined this verse and the beautiful truths that come with it.  We must receive the gospel as it truly is, the very Word of God. Therefore, we should have hearts overflowing with joy because of the glorious gospel of Christ. The Word is ministered into our hearts by the Holy Spirit of God. The Word and the Spirit do a mighty work in us, seeking to transform each Christian more into the image of Jesus Christ, day by day. 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16  For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:  15)  Who both killed the Lord Jesus, a...

The apostle Paul is writing profound truths to all Christians, not just those in Thessalonica.  Receiving the scriptures with a right heart and mind. 1 Thessalonians 2:13  For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.   Paul always prayed for each church that he planted. He built solid relationships with new believers in each city, and his love for all Christians is evident in his writings.  Paul was very much like a good spiritual shepherd who always sought what was spiritually good and best for them. He prayed for them with unceasing thanksgiving in his own heart because of their faith, their loving service to God and others and their clear hope in Jesus Christ (See 1 Thessalonians 1:2-4). Paul offers unceasing praise to God the Father for the mighty gospel work that He...

1 Thessalonians 2:1-6  For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:  2)  But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.  3)  For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:  4)  But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.  5)  For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness; God is witness:  6)  Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.  The apostle Paul had a special bond of love for the Christians at Thessalonica. He felt free to share with them about the suffering he endured in bringing the gospel to them.  He...

1 Thessalonians 2:1-2  For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:  2)  But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.  In our last post, Paul expressed his love for the Christians at Thessalonica.  Their profession of faith was genuine because they immediately began serving the One,True Living God after turning away from idolatry. The apostle reminded them of terrible treatment that he endured at Philippi.  He also reminded them of the fierce opposition against the gospel that was stirred up by the Jews at Thessalonica. Paul referred to persecution he suffered as a way to prepare them when they experience suffering for the sake of the gospel. True pastors preach the gospel seeking to help people come to Christ.  1 Thessalonians 2:3-4  For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor...