Opened Scriptures Bible Studies

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. Test all things and follow that which is shown to be good. 1 Thessalonians 5:21  Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.  God's Spirit guided the apostle Paul to give us some very good admonition. We must exercise ourselves to prove all things. The word "prove" is a metallurgical term referring to testing the purity of metals like gold or silver, in order to ascertain their value. In light of Paul's warning against quenching the Spirit and his instruction to embr...

Be ready hearers when the Word of God is preached to us.  1 Thessalonians 5:20  Despise not prophesyings.  What does Paul mean when he tells us "Despise not prophesyings?" This saying seems to connect with Paul's warning given to the church at Corinth. Some Corinthians greatly abused the gifts of the Spirit of God. Many of them wanted gifts which were noticeable and prominent, such as speaking in tongues or other miracles.  They were driven by self glory and hearing the praise of men for having marvelous manifestation of gifts.  Paul addressed all of these issues with them in two long letters to that church. God's purpose for the gift of speaking in tongues.  Act 2:5-11  And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.  6 ) Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.  7)  And they were all amazed and...

The YouTube link below takes you to the livestreams of the church I attend, Heritage Baptist Church, in Smithville Ohio. Pastor Alvis asked me to teach the adult Sunday School class last October. We are currently in a series of lessons on how the Holy Spirit of God ministers the Word of God in our heart. This particular lesson focused on the truth that God has prepared a way for Christians to know His deep things, and this is through the ministry of His Spirit. We learned how the Holy Spirit compares spiritual things with spiritual, which is by making comparisons and contrasts.  In this lesson, we looked at the 1st Adam and compared him with the 2nds Adam, the Lord Jesus Christ. We noted things that were common to both Adams as well as things that differed. I hope the livestream will be a blessing to those who are able to view it. Bob

1 Thessalonians 5:19  Quench not the Spirit.  What does it mean to "quench the Spirit"?  It is obvious Paul is warning all Christians not to quench the Spirit and that quenching Him is not something we should do. The Greek word means to put out a fire by dumping a generous amount of sand, dirt and water on it.  Thus, certain wrong actions on our part can lead to quenching the Holy Spirit because we interfere with His work in trying to make us more like the Lord Jesus Christ. Quenching by refusing to heed the sanctifying work of the Spirit. Genesis 6:3  And the LORD said, My spi rit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.  During the time that Noah built the ark, he preached about the righteousness of God and judgment for sin via a global  flood (See 1 Peter 3:10; 2 Peter 2:5). Remember that fire is a symbol of the Spirit of God. When He came on the day of Pentecost, cloven tongues ...

Ceaseless prayer and expressions of thanksgiving.  1 Thessalonians 5:17-18  Pray without ceasing.  18)  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.  After encouraging us to joyfully worship the Lord, Paul pivots to address our prayer needs.  The Holy Spirit guided Paul to remind us that we must pray frequently throughout each day.  For those who are students or work in a vocational setting, this would mean having an attitude of always being ready to pray.  The apostle instructs us to give thanks in everything because this is the will of God.  This means to give thanks when life seems full of blessings and to give thanks when life is full of hardship. Why should we give thanks when we suffer from a serious illness, or family problems, or financial challenge? Because this is God's will for us and we must trust Him by obeying.  We must keep Paul's instruction on prayer together with how Jesus teac...

Rejoice and praise our wonderful Father in heaven always. 1 Thessalonians 5:16  Rejoice evermore.  Here we have various short exhortations that are easily remembered and they will be very useful to direct the focus of our lives. Paul describes a lasting spiritual joy that we have for our Father in heaven because He abundantly supplies for our daily needs.  He superabundantly provided for our spiritual need of salvation, through repentant faith in Jesus Christ, His Son.  Rejoicing evermore is the idea that no adversity in this life will cause us to cease from rejoicing every day throughout the day. Our Father knows all of our needs and will supply them. Matthew 6:25-34  Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?  26)  Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gathe...

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. As this letter draws to a close, Paul shares some final guidance about Christian living. Never mistreat anyone. Pursue that which is good. 1 Thessalonians 5:15  See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.  Paul is exhorting us to live a principled life marked by Christian virtue in our responses to other people.  In particular, the apostle is focused on how we respond toward our enemies a...