Opened Scriptures Bible Studies

  So far, we read about Paul's tireless drive to preach the gospel, and the Lord’s willingness to confirm his ministry with unique displays of His power. The words "God wrought" remind us that He alone receives glory for the bountiful harvest of souls at Ephesus.  A fear of God fell upon many people living in a pagan culture. They were stunned by events that unfolded before their very eyes. People were cured of diseases, demons were exorcised and lives dramatically changed by the power of the gospel. Many people became painfully aware of their own sinfulness. They knew through Paul’s preaching that they stood condemned in their sins before a holy and just God. They also perceived the mercy of God in His gracious offer of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. Stadium at Ephesus where riot occurred.  Resistance to the Word of God arose.  Acts 19:23   And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.  The word "stir" means that there was riotous, t

We continue to examine how the church at Ephesus began. Notice how Paul wanted to preach in Asia, but the Holy Spirit directed him to travel to Europe and preach at Philippi. Then Paul passed through Ephesus and preached to the Jews who wanted to hear more. However, Paul did not stay because he was traveling to Jerusalem.  Later, Paul did arrive at Ephesus and found 12 Jewish disciples who only knew the preaching of John the Baptist. Paul showed how John was pointing people to Jesus Christ, and the twelve men believed. Paul then began preaching in the synagogue with all purposefulness. Paul's labor was an intense ministry marked by some Jews believing but many opposing the gospel of Christ.  God did special miracles through Paul Acts 19:11  And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:  12) So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.  One important key in Paul's mi

I would like to study another one of Paul's four prison epistles with you, this time looking into the book of Ephesians. All four books present some of the most sublime and enriching truths for believers to glory in. There are many unique words and special phrases found in Ephesians and nowhere else.  The key themes are Christ as the Head of the invisible Church, the Church as the grand mystery of God not revealed until Christ's ascension, and the living Temple of the Holy Spirit in contrast to pagan temples made of expensive stones and given lavish beauty.  We know a lot about the culture of Ephesus and the materials that remain add greatly to our understanding of what Paul encountered when he reached this amazing city.  However, in order to study the book, we need to go back to the book of Acts to read how this church began.  Library remains at Ephesus The Holy Ghost forbid Paul from preaching in Asia.  Acts 16:6  Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Ga

Paul is reaching the end of his most personal letter to a church family that he loved dearly. He has given us much wonderful truth as guided by the Spirit of God, and we benefit from studying it.  Rejoicing from being "in the Lord." Philippians 4:10  But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.  In this text, the word "but" is used to transition to a different subject that Paul wanted to bring before the people. Paul uses the phrase "in the Lord" again to remind all of us of the rich blessings, privilege's  and responsibilities that we have "in Christ." All that we do, say or think should be done through the view that we are "in the Lord" as Christians.  How will what we say, think or do reflect  upon the name of our glorious Savior, Jesus Christ?  This is the seventeenth time that Paul has spoken about joy or  rejoicing

  Here is pastor Alvis’s sermon for Fathers Day. It was a tremendous sermon and the texts were from Colossians. I pray that it will be a blessing to you all. Bob

I am so thankful that we have had this time to really study the book of Philippians. God put much truth in this epistle that we need to hear and heed today. I would like to begin by picking up where we left off in our last post, regarding prayer.  Peace from God is connected to praying rightly. Philippians 4:6  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  We noticed that believers are exhorted to not be distracted with worry or laboring under great anxiety. Jesus taught us that our Heavenly Father loves us more than the sparrows and He will provide for our needs because He already knows what we need and when we need it.  We noted that prayer time should be spent seeking the blessing of God upon our spiritual endeavors, as well as making it a time to worship  and extoll the God of glory. Ou