Opened Scriptures Bible Studies

Jesus' instructions regarding suffering for the sake of the gospel. Matthew 5:10-12  Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  11)  Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.  12)  Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.  Jesus turns His focus on instruction for those who are born again, and recipients of the new heart and new spirit promised by God. Those whom the Holy Spirit regenerates are those who progressed from a state of being poor in spirit and mourning over their sin. These regenerated believers are filled with humility and meekness and they have a new hunger for the things of God.  The new birth brings a pure heart as they begin walking in newness of life with Christ, as old patterns pass away. Thus, Jesus begins ...

The last three verses of the Beatitudes describes the life of one who has been converted to Christ. Thus, Jesus teaches us that those who are regenerated by the Spirit of God will be peacemakers as opposed to being troublemakers.  They will suffer gladly for the sake of the gospel and the name of Jesus knowing that their Father in heaven will reward their efforts.  Peacemakers are the blessed children of God. Matthew 5:9  Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.  A "peacemaker" is one who loves peace and pursues it. One of the Divine titles of Jesus is "prince of Peace and it is most fitting when His children reflect His character (See Isaiah 9:6). Therefore, Jesus makes it clear that the true children of God will be peacemakers.  This particular Greek word is only used five times in the Bible and looking at how it is used helps us understand this wonderful word. Salt slows down decay, so our lives need "salt" in order to have...

The pure in heart are blessed because they shall see God! Matthew 5:8  Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.  One by one Jesus shows us that we need the new heart and new spirit that God promised to give those who trust Him. One with such a heart begins by being poor in spirit and the recognition of being  devoid of  spiritual life. This leads a person to mourn over sin and have repentance toward God, as Paul puts it a "godly sorrow that leads to repentance" (See 2 Corinthians 7:10). Their heart becomes meek and humble before God, which is right where God wants us to be. God says He will dwell with, commune with, stay close to those who have humble hearts and contrite spirits. The gospel of Christ is meant to lead us to salvation through repentant faith in Jesus. Thus, those who are poor in spirit will inherit the kingdom of God.  Those who mourn over their sin shall receive comfort from God. Those who are meek shall inherit the new earth God i...

To be merciful to others is to enjoy God's blessing and happiness. Matthew 5:7  Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.  Those who enjoy a happy and blessed life are those who are merciful. They are impacted by the sufferings of other people and do their best to alleviate it.  Being merciful is an evidence of God changing our heart by the ministry of His Spirit and His Word.  "Merciful" means having a heart of compassion for others. It means being unwilling to inflict pain on others.  A merciful man will not seek revenge on others even if he justified in seeking it. A merciful man is the opposite of one who is cruel. Jesus Christ  experienced what we do so He can be our merciful High Priest.  Hebrews 2:17-18  Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.  18  For...

The power of the gospel is to lead sinners to repentance and new life. Matthew 5:2-5  And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,  3)  Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  4)  Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.  5)  Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Jesus lays out why each person has a need of a new heart and a new spirit from God. The poor in spirit have reached the end of themselves, They recognize that something important is missing from their lives, namely the absence of God in their soul. Jesus' promise of the kingdom is made to those who learn that they are spiritually impoverished. Many people mourn under the challenges of their own sin and living in a world that waxes worse under the curse of sin. Jesus speaks of those who mourn their lost, spiritual condition and the sin that is within. Consolation and comfort is promised to those who are mourning over their si...

Here is a note about indexes containing all Bible lessons posted on this blog since its inception in 2019.   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 2023 was posted on  February 28, 2024.  The index for all lessons posted in 2024 was published on January 21,2025.   Jesus continues teaching us about what constitutes true happiness, contentment and blessing. The state of enjoying God's blessing and happiness is reserved for the poor in spirit. The poor in spirit have been crushed by life circumstances and call upon the Lord for help. The kingdom of heaven belongs to all those called upon the Lord from all generations of humanity until this moment. Those who mourn shall receive comfort from ...