Opened Scriptures Bible Studies

Paul had a commission from Christ and a burden to preach the gospel.  1 Corinthians 9:16-17  For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!  17)  For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.  Paul could have boasted that he was preaching the gospel of Christ at his own expense but that was not his motivation for preaching the gospel. Paul had a clear commissioning from the Lord Jesus Christ and a burden laid upon him by the Holy Spirit to preach the gospel.  The apostle Paul was always faithful to his calling to preach the gospel of Christ.  He faithfully preached it when the churches supported him as they ought to and when they did not help defray his expenses. Paul resolved to preach the gospel whenever and wherever he could do so.  The idea of a "woe" upon him means that Christ would judge him if he f

Those who labor in gospel ministry have a right to expect their temporal needs will be met by the local church.  1 Corinthians 9:9-11  For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?  10)  Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.  11)  If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?  We can understand the scope of the problems within the church at Corinth by noticing how much time Paul devoted to correcting various issues. False teachers and people were puffed up with pride and arrogance. They relentlessly attacked the authority and character of Paul. Paul did not ask the church at Corinth to cover his costs for travel, lodging, food or other necessities related to preaching the gospel. He worked w

Sinners converted to Christ proved Paul's commission from Christ.  1 Corinthians 9:1-2  Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?  2)  If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.  Paul is guided by God's Spirit to address those false teachers and those who caused division in the church at Corinth.  Those people cast aspersions on Paul's integrity and character. They questioned his claim to be an apostle of Jesus Christ.  Paul began by reminding them that each person converted to Christ at Corinth was a living testimony that Paul was sent by Christ to preach the gospel.  Malcontents attacked credibility of the apostle Paul. 1 Corinthians 9:3-6  Mine answer to them that do examine me is this,  4)  Have we not power to eat and to drink?  5)  Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of th

While giving us the mind of God concerning meats offered to idols, Paul's posture was refusing to eat or drink or do anything that might make another Christian stumble. Living for the glory of God and seeking to advance the gospel of Christ stirred Paul to live an exemplary life as an apostle and a Christian. In this chapter Paul is going to show us what putting others first really looks like. He is going to testify about the selfless love of Christ and how this shaped what he did or did not do. Paul raises four questions for the Corinthians to think about. 1 Corinthians 9:1  Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?  We must not lose sight of the reality that the Spirit of God is guiding Paul as he writes to each church.  Though Paul bares his heart and shares his burdens with us, he did so because the Spirit of God seeks to teach us about true humility. Paul begins by asking three rhetorical questions and each one r

An idol is nothing but a tendency toward idolatry lurks within us.  1 Corinthians 8:7  Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. Idolatry was a huge issue in the ancient cultures. Most ancient cities have excavated colossal statues of idols.  Large quantities of small idols made of metal, stone, ivory and even wood, have also been discovered by archaeologists.  What about idolatry in modern times? Is this an issue for Christians today?  Yes, idolatry is still an issue that we face and will always face until the Lord calls us home.  However, idolatry looks very different today because most do not have little statues in our homes that we fall down and worship.  My definition of idolatry is simply anything or anyone that receives a higher priority in our heart  than the priority we give God.  The Websters 1828 dictionary defines idolatry as:  &quo

  THE DARIMANI FAMILY PRAYER LETTER MISSIONARIES TO GHANA, AFRICA “FAITHFUL IN GHANA”  Building a Home that Will Stand Good morning to our Readers. This is a missionary update from Aquila who ministers in Ghana, Africa. He too, faces many different challenges and has specific prayer requests. Pleas read his update and pray with them for God's direction and supply. Bob This year, our theme has been “Building a Home that Will Stand.” The Lord is using this theme both in our family and the ministry to motivate us to dedicate our families to Him and see Him work through our family to reach the unsaved. We are grateful to the Lord for how far He has brought us since the beginning of this year. He has faithfully protected and provided for the ministry and our family here in Ghana. We know that it is through your prayers that we are seeing the hand of God at work in Ghana. THE DARIMANI FAMILY - PRAYER LETTER We had a wonderful service on Easter Sunday in March where some of our village ch

  Good morning to our Readers. I recently received another update form a missionary couple that our church supports. They have a unique ministry in Australia and New Zealand where the have a thriving ministry to Chinese people who come to Australia for work or school. They have many specific prayer needs. Please lift them up in prayer too. Bob                                                                            The Humphrey Herald                                                                                                                                                     August 2024 "God is so good to me", said Ming.    Jack and Ming are applying godly principles to their lives and are experiencing blessings from the Lord.    God just gave Ming a job closer to her home and double the salary of her current job!   Jennifer and Tom are building a home just 30 minutes from us.   Yesterday, assisted Jennifer with a boundary issue she has with her neighbor.    John