Opened Scriptures Bible Studies

  Paul spent almost two years at Corinth and then was led by the Spirit of God to other places to preach the gospel (See Acts 18). Aquila and Priscilla discipled Apollos before he went to Corinth. Acts 18:24-26  And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.  25)  This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.  26)  And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.  He made several close friends who were new converts to Christ at Corinth. He also had other close friends like Aquila and Priscilla who spent time at Corinth.  Luke's record from the book of Acts tells us that Aquila and Priscilla remained at Ephesus after Paul departed.  The...

Paul's faithful preaching led to many conversions at Corinth. 1 Corinthians 4:15  For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.  Paul is addressing the issues of divisions and creating cliques by following certain men.  From this text it is clear that many men in Corinth considered themselves superior to the apostle and better qualified to teach in the church. The Spirit of God guided Paul to speak to this issue because following a man instead of following hard after Christ will lead to spiritual disaster.  Creating conflicts, divisions and schisms in the church is something God hates (See Proverbs 6:16-19).  Elevating one man over another creates strife and causes Christians to lose sight of our mission to advance the Great Commission (See Matthew 28:18-20).  At Corinth, God led Paul to two faithful servants of Christ.  Acts 18:1-3  After these thin...

Pastor Mike Alvis is my pastor at Heritage Baptist Church in Smithville Ohio. He is a passionate preacher of the gospel a careful expositor of God's truth and the Lord has used him greatly in my life. I am blessed to count Pastor Alvis as my brother in Christ and a close friend.  Below are links to Pastor Alvis's Sunday sermons and Wednesday lessons from the month of June. I hope that these will be a great blessing to each of you who are able to watch/hear them. Bob  

  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. A comment about comments. I want to thank each of you who have commented lately.  I appreciate your feedback and I pray earnestly for the Lord to bless His Word as it goes forth in this format. I know that many do not comment due to a fear of government reprisals or of a desire to maintain their privacy. For those who wish to comment, please feel free to post how God is using His Word in this blog to help you in your walk with the Lord. On the left side column of the bl...

Paul is going to get very real with the church at Corinth. They were self satisfied, seeking spiritual experiences and failing to do the Great Commission work that we are called to do (See Matthew 28:18-20). Paul's character and reputation was maligned by those who caused divisions in the church.  The apostle will rebuke the Corinthians by simply reminding them of all his personal sufferings for the sake of the gospel.  As we read through these things, we should remember that the Christian life often involves suffering for Christ's sake, because He suffered all for us. Physical suffering and abuse was certain.  1 Corinthians 4:9  For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.  What a beginning statement! Paul declares that sometimes it seems like the Father made His apostles the lowest, and destined for martyrdom. It is true that all of the apostles e...

A proud and puffed up people cannot please God. 1 Corinthians 4:8  Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.  Many Corinthians were inflated with pride because they gloried in their spiritual gifts. In contrast to how the apostles lived, the Corinthians lived as kings.  Jesus taught us to deny self and to take up our cross and follow Him. Jesus brings us His own doctrine, which He calls His yoke, (See Matthew 11:29).  Taking up Christ's cross implies being a faithful and bold witness for our Lord. It also implies cheerfully submitting to any suffering and persecution that we might face because of our faith in Christ.  Taking up the cross means a willingness to die to self and to live for Christ, even if we face martyrdom. We are humbled by taking up our cross. Mark 8:34-35  And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto the...

Let God be Judge and we His faithful servants.  1 Corinthians 4:1-5  Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.  2)  Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.  3)  But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.  4) For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.  5)  Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.  Paul was guided by God's Spirit to connect the believer's future judgment with Christ's command not to be judging others. When we stand before the judgment seat of Christ we will give an account for our faithfulness to the Great Commission.  Jesus will ju...