Opened Scriptures Bible Studies

The fruit of the Spirit of God is faith in Jesus Christ and the scriptures.  Galatians 5:22-23  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  23)  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.  Faith is the fruit we will examine in this post. The word translated "faith" speaks of having a firm conviction of God's truth.  Faith is believing what God says and taking Him at His Word.  Faith is the foundation for man’s relationship to God.  Faith is not passive but implies an active trust in God that yields a lasting passion for Him.  Faith in Jesus Christ is a gift from God to all who hear and heed the gospel. Ephesians 2:8-10  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God :  9)  Not of works, lest any man should boast.  10)  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before or...

  This excellent story of the hymn “Jesus Christ Is Risen Today” was put together by J. A. Medders. Note that the word "Alleluia" is sung at teh end of each line of text. Also, the choir does not sing all eleven verses written by Charles Wesley. Charles Wesley’s hymn, “Christ the Lord is risen today” (1739), was originally titled, “Hymn for Easter Day.”  This powerful hymn on the theological and doxological significance of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus appeared in the Wesleys’ hymnal, Hymns and Sacred Poems (March 1739), about ten months after Charles Wesley’s evangelical conversion in May 1738. Wesley’s hymn appears to have been inspired by the anonymously translated Latin hymn, “Surrexit Christus hodie” (Jesus Christ is risen today) from the Lyra Davidica in 1708. But upon comparing the two hymns, Wesley's work exceeds what can be found in the Lyra Davidica.   “Christ the Lord is risen today” is not a narratival hymn that reminds Christians of the historical events...

An angel of the Lord rolled away the stone of Jesus' tomb. Matthew 28:1-10  In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.  2)  And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.  3)  His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:  4)  And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.  5)  And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.  6)  He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.  7)  And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.  8)  And they departed q...

The fruit of the Spirit is goodness. Galatians 5:22-23  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  23) Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.  Fruit produced in us by the Spirit of God is clear evidence of being conformed to the image of the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, this study is of great importance because making us like Christ is our Father's intent. Old lifestyle passes away and we are made new creations in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  When we profess faith in Christ, we should see transformation taking place as our old way of life passes away. Old things that pass away covers all aspects of our lives.  All of the fruit of God's Spirit worked into us will shape us into men and women of Godly character. He will urge us to seek out other Christians as our close friends....

  The fruit of the Spirit is gentleness toward others even when we are wronged. Galatians 5:22-23  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  23)  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.  The next fruit of the Spirit is "gentleness" which means having moral excellence and a heart of kindness toward others. "Gentleness" is seen in those who have a mildness of temperament and sweetness of disposition toward others. The word translated "gentleness" is only used ten times in the New Testament.  It is translated "goodness (5), kindness (4) and gentleness (1)" so this gives us a good understanding of this fruit.  When faced with harsh treatment or challenging circumstances, an afflicted Christian is not easily rattled.  A heart shaped by the Holy Spirit of God will be gentle and kind toward others, even those who do them wrong. A Christian in whom this fruit is formed will not chaff unde...

The fruit of God's Spirit is longsuffering and this is greatly needed. Galatians 5:22,23  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  23)  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.  We have been studying fruit that the Spirit of God seeks to produce in us.  As God conforms us more and more into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ, this fruit will be manifest in our lives.  If we examine our heart and see that the Holy Spirit's fruit is lacking, then we have some soul searching to do. We need to make sure our profession of repentant faith in Christ is real, and that the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost is a reality of our heart. When a person fully trusts Christ for salvation, God does a glorious work in us. The promise of a new heart and a new spirit from God are fulfilled (See Ezekiel 11:19-20; 36:24-27). We receive a new heart and a new Spirit and old things begin passing awa...