Buried Pearls Bible Study

In this hiatus from verse by verse study, I give an overview of the seals, trumpets and bowls found in the book of Revelation and give a general outline of the events that take place before we proceed in greater detail with a verse-by-verse breakdown. 

We move on from the vision of the throne room of the Almighty to the worthiness of the Lamb. This chapter is all about Christology - who Jesus is, His background and His worthiness as the slain Lamb. 

God's sovereignty and His glory is on full display in this portion of John's vision. We see the 24 elders and the 4 Living Creatures here. The stage is set for what's to come...

Here I discuss the letter to Laodicea, the final epistle of the seven written to the churches in Asia. This letter contains one of the most famous verse in the Bible where Jesus refers to the church as lukewarm. Laodicea was wealthy and they had become spiritually complacent. 

In the epistle to the church in Philadelphia there are many interesting verses. One refers to opening doors that no man can shut. Another famous verse describes keeping the church from the hour of trial that will affect those who dwell on the earth.

The church in Sardis receives a letter from John with words directly from Jesus where He says that He has found their works incomplete and that if they do not repent, He will come like a thief with judgment.

In the letter to the church in Thyatira, John writes about a woman operating in the same spirit as Jezebel from the Old Testament is manipulating the church into idolatry and licentiousness. 

The church in Pergamum is the recipient of the third letter. Jesus states that Pergamum is the throne of Satan and his dwelling place. He goes on to rebuke them for for false teaching and idolatry.

These verses are the letter to the church in Smyrna. John writes about how Jesus sees their tribulation, their poverty and their slander. Jesus goes on to say not to fear their impending incarceration.

The second chapter of Revelation opens with a letter to Ephesus, one of the seven churches in Asia that receive letters from John. In this epistle, John writes that Jesus says the church has lost the love it once had in the beginning.

A vision of Christ is given to John where a few Old Testament Scriptures are used as the basis for the imagery. There are many allusions to the Father that are used to describe the Son. 

A Christological perspective is offered in the greeting to this epistle. We see the sovereignty of God on full display as the final verse of this section states how He is in control of everything and all time. 

Here is an introduction to the book of Revelation. I talk about the author, date, provenance, and occasion as well as the typical perspectives on its interpretation.

Everyone has deserted Paul in his hour of need and he writes about how he knows that God will rescue him from every evil deed and safely deliver him to Heaven. 

Following up Paul's revelation about the divinity of the Word, he gives Timothy an exhortation to preach the Word in season and out of season.

These verses are some of the most famous in the Bible. Paul asserts that all scripture is breathed out by God and is useful for many purposes. 

The state of humanity in the last days is the subject of these verses. Paul writes about Jannes and Jambres, the Egyptian magicians who performed some of the same feats as Moses.

Paul exhorts Timothy to make himself an honorable vessel fit for use, set apart as holy, useful, and ready for every good work. These verses continue the theme of practicing godliness introduced earlier. 

An important biblical principle is discussed in these verses: to avoid fruitless arguments and irreverent chatter.

A believer is compared to a soldier of Christ who doesn't get entangled in the things of the world but rather seeks to please the one who enlisted him.

Paul instructs Timothy to guard the deposit that was entrusted to him and to take to heart the words which he has written.

The opening of the second Pauline epistle to Timothy includes some encouragement to not be fearful with one of the most famous verses of the Bible.

In the closing of the first Pauline epistle to Timothy, Paul encourages Timothy to pursue righteousness and godliness by fighting the good fight of faith.

Paul discusses how easily money can corrupt. I share my personal experiences in ministry and how I have seen money affect in tremendously.

An often debated topic is covered here which is the role of money in ministry. Paul quotes the Old and New Testaments here when he says that is is okay for a minister to receive money.

Instructions for how Timothy should treat older men, older women, younger women and younger men is the topic of these verses. Paul speaks specifically on what qualifies a widow for support from the church.

In these verses, Paul writes that we must toil and strive for godliness. He writes to Timothy that he must practice these things and immerse himself in them.

A warning to Timothy that many will depart from the faith. Paul writes that this will happen in later times. 

Paul writes about the qualifications for a deacon in these verses. They are similar as the qualifications for an overseer or pastor. 

Continuing the difficult theme from the previous chapter, Paul gives Timothy the qualifications that should be met in order for a man to be considered an overseer or pastor. 

In perhaps the most difficult verses in the Bible, I break down multiple perspectives and then share my thoughts on women pastors.

The power of humility and being poor in Spirit is evident when Paul writes that he is indeed chief among all sinners.

This episode gives the background information into who Timothy was, his relationship with Paul and the occasion for the epistle.

Paul gives his tremendous insight into the life of the Christian which is learning to be content in any and all circumstances. 

Another famous verse from Paul where he instructs the church in Philippi to "be anxious for nothing." He goes on describe a peace that surpasses all understanding.

In some of my favorite verses in the Bible, Paul plainly states that he hasn't arrived yet. I take great solace in the fact that Paul identifies that he could use some spiritual growth himself. 

The difference between a works-based salvation and the righteousness that is the result of faith in Christ is the focal point of these verses. Paul states that his earthly credentials are nothing compared to the inheritance found in Christ.

In Paul's recommendation of Timothy the church in Philippi, he gives a simple message which is that "all seek their own."

An exhortation about how to live one's life is the central theme in these verses written by Paul. One of the most famous verses in the Bible is the command to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."

A Christological approach is offered in theses verses. Many scholars believe that these verses include a psalm and that Paul was quoting lyrics. 

The cost of faith and the truth of suffering for Christ are discussed in these verses. Unity and bearing one another's burdens are also themes. 

The effects of persecution, incarceration and martyrdom on faith and how they influenced early Christianity are discussed in this episode. 

Paul's opens his epistle with a warm greeting which contains one of the most famous verses in the Bible which states that God will complete the good work that He has began in you.

Jonah is outraged over God's repentance and in order to show Jonah the error of his ways, God creates circumstances to teach him and reveal to him the truth.

Jonah preaches repentance to the city of Ninevah and they repent. God changes His mind and turns from the destruction that He said that He would do.

Jonah cries out to the Lord from the belly of the fish. He exhibits deep spiritual anguish but ultimately comes to promise his obedience. This experience is a typology of the crucifixion and resurrection.

When God surrounds the ship that Jonah is on with a storm, the other sailors ask him what they can do to satiate the storm. Jonah tells them to throw him into the sea. 

The background information to the book of Jonah is discussed as well as the first verses that set the stage for the spiritual lessons that are found within the text.

In the last of the Johannine epistles, two examples are given. One is a pious man whose testimony speaks to both believers as well as the unsaved. The other man is self-righteous and driven by pride.

The opening of the second Johannine epistle warns against antichrist deceivers who claim Christ but aren't born again. I believe the Antichrist himself will come out of the Body of Christ.