Opened Scriptures Bible Studies

Chapter 4 begins with a full paragraph warning all Christians about false teaching and spiritual warfare. 1 Timothy 4:1  Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils ;   The phrase "the Spirit speaketh expressly" connects with how the Spirit of God directly guided the apostles.  When Jesus ascended to His Father, He then gave commandments to the apostles through the Spirit of God (See Acts 1:2). For example, Paul and his fellow workers were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. Later, the Spirit did not allow them to enter into Bithynia at that time (See examples in Acts 13:2; 16:7-8; 28:25).   When Ananias lied to Peter, the apostle told them that they actually lied to the Holy Ghost, and they forfeited their lives (See Acts 5:1-11).  John 16:13  Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all tru...

Numbers 6:22  And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,  23  Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them,  24  The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:  25  The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:  26  The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.  27  And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.  This is a hymn of benediction. A benediction is  the act of blessing,  giving praise to God and rendering thanks for His favor.  A benediction is a blessing pronounced such as offering grace before and after meals. It is also a prayer that communicates God's richest blessings upon His redeemed people. It is a solemn or affectionate invocation of happiness, thanksgiving and gratitude. There is a hymn of benediction called "The Lord Bless You and Keep You." It was beautifully written...

A note about the archive index containing all lessons I have 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. Each index lists lesson titles and the dates each one was posted, so that you can study subjects that we have written about. We are nearing the end of chapter three in Paul's first letter to young Pastor Timothy. Instruction for Pastors on how to behave in God's house. 1 Timothy 3:14-15  These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:  15)  But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.   Paul expressed a hopeful anticipation of meeting with Timothy soon. However, he also knew that His Lord must guide him in that...

As most of you recall, Pastor Alvis asked me to assume teaching the adult Sunday school class at our church, Heritage Baptist Church. I began this series of lessons last October. We began by studying about the many good and perfect gifts our heavenly Father sends to us.  We looked at the good gifts of His Word, Worshiping God His Way in Spirit and in Truth. We looked at the gift of our Walk with the Lord and our need to be His witnesses who faithfully work for Him until He calls us home to heaven. At that point, Thanksgiving was upon us and we began looking at the feasts and high, holy days for Israel. We looked at Passover, the Feast of Trumpets, the Feast of Tabernacles, the Feast of Firstfruits and the Feast of Weeks. Below is the link to our livestream of Sunday's lesson on teh Feast of Weeks. I trust that all those who are able to watch it, will be greatly blessed by truths from God's Word.

Before we examine the qualifications of deacons and their wives, we must ask "How does a deacon differ from a bishop, elder or pastor? The book of Acts will provide the answer we seek. A serious problem arose because widows were neglected.  Acts 6:1  And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.  A problem was identified that needed to be addressed by the apostles.  "Grecians" refers to Jews who were born or lived in foreign lands and who spoke the Greek language. The last verses of Acts 2 explain how the early Christians helped support each other with food, clothing or shelter.  This practice continued and at this point, certain Grecian widows were overlooked when meals were passed out.  This caused some complaining and as God saved more people, it was easier to lose track of those who n...

1 Timothy 3:1-3  This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.  2)  A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;  3)  Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;  We are making progress through a very detailed list of  spiritual qualifications  for a man desiring the office of a bishop, elder, or pastor.  This man must have a definite call of God upon his life, for the role of spiritual oversight in God's church.  God called Abram to leave his homeland and family, in order to follow Him to the promised land (Genesis 12:1-5). Jehovah called Moses to lead His people out of Egyptian slavery, at the burning bush (Genesis 3-4).  Jehovah called Joshua to lead Israel into the promised land, as to assume the mantle of leadership when Moses died (Deuteronomy 1)...

A note about the archive index containing all lessons I have 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. Each index lists lesson titles and the dates each one was posted, so that you can study subjects that we have written about. Called to serve, teach and lead by example. 1 Timothy 3:1-3  This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.  2)  A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;  3)  Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;  Paul continues to teach us about the spiritual qualifications for the office of an elder, bishop or pastor.  A man must be clearly called of Go...