Opened Scriptures Bible Studies

Jesus prayed for the apostolic mission His disciples would assume. John 17:15-16  I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.  16) They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.  Jesus turned again to pray for His disciples. These men would be regenerated and filled with the Spirit of God on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2).  Jesus prayed that the disciples, soon to be apostles, would remember their mission and remain in the world, but not of the world (John 15:19-20).  The idea of the disciples not being of the world because Jesus is not of the world, means Jesus prayed for them to have a long and effective ministry.  Jesus told them the scope of their mission. Acts 1:7-9  And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.  8)  But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusal

  Historical context for the book of Amos.   The northern kingdom of Israel consisted of ten tribes. This nation was prosperous and realized significant taxation advantages from the key trade routes that ran through its territory.  King Jeroboam ruled during this time and his reign was marked by political stability and economic expansion.  Uzziah was king over Judah, so Amos' ministry overlapped with Isaiah.  However, even though the externals look good, God looks on our heart. Moral decay was spreading in Israel even though the people were doing well. This is a Bible principle that when people are prosperous and enjoying relative peace, then a nation and people tend to become self centered and self absorbed.  God made us to be dependent upon Him so that we might enjoy close communion with our Father. Thus, our lives should be God centric instead of ego centric. Israel was living as a self absorbed people who had put God off to the side. Living in prosperity and luxury makes one ca

Jesus prayed for His disciples and future church leaders.  John 17:9  I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.  Jesus begins to pray and what wonderful opening words He used! "I pray for them" our Lord says, referring to His disciples, who would be sent out as apostles for Great Commission work. But, Jesus' prayer is not limited to the apostles alone. He prayed for all godly pastors, evangelists and teachers who would carry on the mission when the apostles passed from the scene.  Thus, we see that our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ, is still praying and interceding for all men who presently labor, to share the Word of God within the churches. Jesus is not praying for the world, which is composed of all who are rebellious against God. He is praying specifically for His disciples, and all future generations of leaders within the church.  These men need the mighty help from God's Holy Spirit. These men need t

We now turn to the prophet Joel, to look at his book in an overview fashion. Pastor Alvis preached this in Sunday school on June 18, 2023.  My church is Heritage Baptist Church in Smithville, Ohio. Our church YouTube channel is HBC Smithville Oh.  This lesson was livestreamed and will bless those who are able to view it. Joel wrote his book during a tragic period in Judah’s history. Locusts had attacked the land, leaving destruction in their wake.  This is evident in Joel 1:2: “Hear this, you elders; listen, all who live in the land. Has anything like this ever happened in your days or in the days of your ancestors?” The book of Joel can be divided into two parts. The first part encompasses chapters 1 and 2a. Using the locust attack as a metaphor, Joel writes of an impending human attack and emphasizes the need for repentance.  In the second part of Joel’s book, the focus shifts to a promise of restoration and the outpouring of the Spirit. The book of Joel explores themes like God’s wr

Knowing and declaring the names of God.  John 17:6  I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.  Jesus turns His focus on the needs of His disciples, those hand picked men who would carry on kingdom ministry when Christ returned to His Father.  The word "manifested" means Jesus fully disclosed the Father to His disciples, making known His glory, His heart and His kingdom purposes. Manifesting the Father's name means bringing it into light, and causing it to shine and to illuminate others.  A little of the Divine nature was known by the works of creation. A little more was known by the Mosaic revelation.  But the full manifestation of God, His nature, and His attributes, came only through the revelation of Jesus Christ. Jesus specifically manifested the Father's name unto His disciples. This reminds us that we cannot ever be content with merely knowing things abo