Opened Scriptures Bible Studies

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. The link below will take you the the YouTube channel of the church I attend, Heritage Baptist Church in Smithville Ohio.  Pastor Alvis asked me last year it I would teach the adult Sunday school class for this year.  We have looked at the Good And Perfect Gift of His Word and are now looking at how the Spirit of God ministers in our hearts with the Word of God.  This lesson looks at the fact that God wants to teach us, lead us and guide us as we study His Word. His Spirit is the author of the scriptures and He is o

A record of Paul's suffering before he reached Thessalonica. 1 Thessalonians 2:1-2  For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:  2)  But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.  Paul begins the next chapter expressing his comfort that his gospel ministry among the Thessalonians was not in vain.  Gospel preaching is not empty or fruitless. Rather, it is the power of God unto salvation for all who believe (See Romans 1:16). He reminds the church how badly he and Silas were treated at Philippi and yet the Lord enable them to boldly preach the gospel of Christ at Thessalonica. He acknowledged the contention raised by the unbelieving Jews and the ongoing strife that he faced when he preached.  However, all the persecution Paul endured was worth it all because the Lord saved many people at that time of tumult.  A d

God's standards were upheld by the Thessalonians. 1 Thessalonians 1:1-4  Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.  2)  We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;  3)  Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;  4)  Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.  Paul begins his first letter to the church at Thessalonica with words that show his love for all the saints in that place. The Thessalonians remained faithful Christians even though the city erupted in turmoil due to Jewish jealousy and opposition to the gospel. Paul commended them for their gospel ministry, love for God and obedience.  Oh, that this testimony was true in all churches today, that every Christian is r

I reviewed how the gospel reached Thessalonica to help us have a frame of reference for the two letters Paul wrote to this church.  We will quickly see how much the apostle Paul loved the saints of Thessalonica. They adhered to Paul's doctrine and readily served and loved God while living out the gospel truth. Greetings from Paul to a church that he loved deeply.  1 Thessalonians 1:1  Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.   Paul wrote this letter to the newly established church at Thessalonica. He deviates from his normal form of greeting in a couple of ways. First he called them the church of the Thessalonians rather than the "church of God" (See Acts 20:28; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 10:32; 11:22; 15:9; Corinthians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:5; 3:15). Second, he declares that this fellowship of Christians is "in God

(Photo of ancient temple at Thessalonica) 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. The city of Thessalonica was connected to the Egnation Way, a major Roman road. In addition, the city had a seaport on the Aegean Sea.  Thessalonica's strategic location made it into a prosperous city handling a large flow imported and exported goods or materials. Paul and Silas traveled on the Egnatian Way from Philippi after the conversion of the Philippian jailor.  The photo below shows a portion of the Egnatian Way as it is today. Many of the old Roman roads are sti

The link below will take you to the YouTube channel of Heritage Baptist Church. I am teaching the Adult Sunday School class because Pastor Alvis asked me to. This lesson is the second in a series seeking to learn to about how the Holy Spirit teaches and guides us as we read and study the Bible. I hope that it will be a blessing to each of you who are able to view the livestream. Bob

Finish your race well, anticipating the Lord's reward for faithful service.  2 Timothy 4:5-8  But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.  6)  For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.  7)  I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:  8)   Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.  Paul poured out his heart of love for Timothy, knowing that this young pastor needed truth to guide him in ministry from the apostle.  His last exhortation to Timothy concerning his ministry after Paul's martyrdom, is to be diligent and endure any hardship that may arise from preaching the Word of God.  Paul wanted Timothy to have the same heart for missions and evangelizing the world that he manifested during his apos

Preaching the Word is God's mandate for all pastors, elders, teachers and parents.  2 Timothy 4:1-5  I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;  2)  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.  3)  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;  4)  And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.  5  But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.   The final chapter of Paul's last instruction to young pastor Timothy is the very thing needed in the modern church. Pastors, elders, teachers, lay leaders and Christian parents need to be solidly anchored on the rock of inspired scripture. The most significant reason f