Opened Scriptures Bible Studies

Matthew 27:45  Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.  As the moment of Jesus' death drew near, some startling events occurred. A supernatural darkness covered "all the land" from the 6th to the 9th hour. This corresponds to a timeframe beginning at noon and lasting until three PM. Thus, when the sunlight was at its peak hours, God turned out the lights! Scholars debate about whether the world was plunged into darkness, or was restricted to Judea where Jesus lived and ministered. This seems to have been a darkness that covered Judea only, making it a most notable miracle. Exodus 10:21-23  And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt.  22  And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days:  23  They saw not one another, neither rose any fro...

  Below is the link to our church YouTube channel where you can view the livestream of the Sunday school lesson I shared on August 2nd. This is a series of lessons about the good kings of Judah under whom revival occurred. Jehoshaphat was in a good place. He recovered from the alliance he made with wicked king Ahab, and when he returned to Jerusalem, God's prophet strongly rebuked the king. Rather than hardening his heart toward God, he heard and heeded the message. 2 Chronicles 20 begins by telling us that a massive army composed or Moabites, Ammonites and natives of Mount Seir, were advancing toward Judah. Their purpose was to drive Judah out of the land that God gave them. We learned that testing's or trials often follow times of revival and faithfulness to God. Satan does not want us to worship God, He does not want us to live for God's glory, nor does he want us to share the gospel with others. We also learned that God uses trials and afflictions for our good. Jehoshap...

Here is where to find indexes to all Bible lessons posted on this blog since its inception in 2019. Click on the drop down menu and look for the archives tab. Then find the date listed below to find the appropriate index. I hope this will help you find lessons on a particular book of topic that we have studied through. 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 202 3 was published on February 28, 2024.  An index for all lessons posted in 2024 was published on January 21, 2025. An index for all lessons posted in 2025 was published on January 24, 2026. Below are the links to the YouTube channel of Heritage Baptist Church where my family attends. Pastor Alvis is an excellent pastor, a close friend and one who lives in accord with the gospel. His sermons are well grounded in God's truth and he is always careful to preach an...

Matthew 27:32  And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.  Some may wonder why the Jews forced a bystander named Simon, to bear the cross of Christ. We must remember that Jesus was slapped on His face, and pummeled by their fists. They plucked off the hair of Jesus' beard and they mercilessly taunted Him. Then, a crown of thorns was smashed onto His head, causing more pain. Finally, the scourging consisting of 39 lashes with the Roman cat of nine tails whip, inflicted much damage to Jesus' back. Thus, the cumulative effect of all this, coupled with a loss of blood, weakened Jesus such that His enemies compelled Simon to bear His cross. Luke 23:27  And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him.  28  But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.  29  For, behold, th...

Matthew 27:27-31  Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.  28  And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.  29  And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!  30  And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.  31  And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.  Jewish historian Josephus stated that there were about 500 Roman soldiers in the hall of judgment when Jesus was led away for execution. Forcefully putting a crown of thorns upon Jesus' head was designed to mock Him as a king as well as to inflict pain. Jesus being spat upon was the ultimate sign of disrespect and shame and this fulfilled Messianic ...

  I need to point out that some theologians and denominations and pastors in the past, have looked at the Jews rejection of their own Messiah. Over the years, many of them have vilified the entire Jewish race for what happened during the betrayal, suffering, and death of Christ. We must be reminded that the Jewish people have not been cast off by God (See Romans 9-11).  He has a plan for them and they will be gloriously saved during the seven years of tribulation. Those who promote such negative views of the Jewish people are wrong. Yes, they rejected Jesus and yes, the called for his crucifixion and gloried in it. However, as we have repeatedly noted, this was in accord with God's plan of redemption. Also, I pointed out that Pontius Pilate represented the Gentiles of the world, and all Gentiles are guilty of the death of Christ, for He came to die for the sins of all people, Jews and Gentiles. Romans 3:9-11  What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have...

  Good morning to each of our Readers.... Below is a link that will take you to the YouTube channel of Heritage Baptist Church in Smithville, Ohio. There you will find a livestream of the Sunday School lesson that I taught on July 26, 2026. We learned how Jehoshaphat began very well and if his tory stopped there, we would say it was all sunshine and blue skies because so many good things happened. However, his story continued on and what happened next is very perplexing. Jehoshaphat initially strengthened himself against Israel because wicked king Ahab ruled and he feared being attacked. Remember, ten tribes broke away from Judah and Jerusalem, and formed Israel, the northern kingdom.  Judah and Jerusalem continued with kings in the line of David and the Levitical priesthood established by Moses, and were known as the southern kingdom. We learned that from 2 Chronicles 17. However, in the next chapter, we find Jehoshaphat traveling to Samaria after he made and "affinity" with...