PrideOurprideisa“slipperyslope”inthatitprovidesadeceitfulfeelingof pleasurederivedfromperceivedwisdom,strengths(attributes),and/orwealth (possessions).Thisstudywillassistintherealization(andheart’s transformation)inthatonlyJesusChristisworthyofglorybecauseofwhatHe has done for us.
This website is intended for persons who desire to know more about God and themselves.All topical Bible studies are written by a born-again Christian; and are free to read, download, translate and share.Take a few moments to review what’s available…because it may change your life for eternity!Click on the title graphic to access each Bible study.
8 Steps to Spiritual MaturityThis lesson is intended for those who: Would like to learn more about Jesus Christ. Are born again. Desire spiritual growth in Christ. Seek a greater understanding of themselves. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6
The Power of ForgivenessForgivenessismorepowerfulthanwerealize.However,forgivenesscanbe difficultbecausethescarsinourheartandsoulcanbedeepandcalloused.This writingexplainsthemultiplebenefitsofforgiveness—andthenumerous consequencesofholdingontounforgiveness.Whenforgivenessisbasedupona sincereheartandbolsteredbytheHolySpirit,itwillbreakthechainsthatbind you,asitmeltsawaytheinappropriatethoughts,undesirableemotionsand harmful physical responses.
Foundationiscomprisedofbiblically-basedfoundationalprinciplesforChristian living.Butmoreimportant,Foundationprovidesthegroundworkforaneternal lifeinHeaven.Itiswritteninamannerthatisengagingandappropriateforall persons, including those who do not know Jesus Christ.
6 Stages of TemptationThiswritingisintendedforChristianmen—allmalesintheirearlyteenstotheir lateyearsinlifewhostruggleagainsttheflesh—especiallysexuallust.Itisalso appropriateforwomeninthatitwillhelpinunderstandingwhatmengothrough.Butwhat’smore,thiswritingisreal,rawandrevealingbecauseitexploresthe areawherethe“rubbermeetstheroad,”andwheremen’sfaithinteractswith inappropriate thoughts and behavior.
FreeWillGodgaveeachofustherighttomakepersonaldecisionsthatdirectlyimpact ourlives;includingwhatwedo,whatwesay,whatweconsume,whatwebelieve,and soforth.Thisstudyprovidesinsightintohowwemakedecisions;revealsreasonsfor pastdecisionmistakes;discusseshowtomakedecisionsinthefuture;andidentifies the ultimate consequences for our decisions. A free downloadable Decision Assistance Tool is also provided.
Please write.IamgreatlyblessedwhenIreceivecommentsand questions.Didyoulearnsomethingnew?Didatopictouchyourheartand soul? Do you need prayer? I will only respond if asked. My e-mail address is:UniqueBibleStudies@Outlook.ComALL FOR HIS GLORY!Harold D. Thomas
If you do not have a Bible.IoftenuseBibleGatewaytoreadandresearchtheBible:https://www.biblegateway.com/BibleGatewayoffers different versions and different languages. My personal preference (in English) is the New King James Version.MyfavoriteBibleteacherisChuckSmith.ChucklefthisphysicalbodytobewiththeLordin2013.Fortunatelyhis BibleteachingsfromGenesistoRevelation(word-by-word,verse-by-verse)wererecordedandmaybeheardonthe following website: https://subsplash.com/twft/media/li/+fjbz8vsIsuggeststartingwiththestudyof1John.Youwilllikelyneedtodownloadthesoundfileforeachteaching.Iwill oftendisplaythecorrespondingscripturefromBibleGatewayonthescreenasIlistentoChuckSmithteach.Hereis the link to 1 John: https://subsplash.com/twft/media/li/+sg5mrzq
Thought-provoking questions are included with each Bible study. The questions are intended for the reader, Bible study group leader, or church pastor.
Signs God is Calling You Out of Darkness and Into His LightForthosewhoaresavedbyGod’sgracecanattestweweredyinginthemidstof darknessandlies;boundbysin;unabletotrulyseeourselvesandothers,and wasseekinganyandallmeanstofulfillneedsandthelustofourflesh.However,somethingbegantochangedeepwithinourheartandsoul—asGod called us from darkness into light, and illuminated truth so that we could see.This study lists various ways the Holy Spirit draws us into righteousness.
3 Types of Death 1 Source of LifeThisBiblestudyprovidesscripturalevidencetherearethreetypesofdeath: spiritual,physicaland2nddeath.Thosewhoarebornagainwillonlyexperience the first two. Those who are not born again will experience all three.This study should be completed prior to reading “What is a Born-Again Christian.”
What is a Born-Again Christian?ThisBiblestudyexplainswhywecannotearnourwaytoHeaven;expands biblicalunderstandingofwhatitmeanstobebornagain;facilitatesself-evaluation; and enhances spiritual growth and maturity in Christ. Note:Youshouldread“3TypesofDeath1SourceofLife”beforereading“What isaBorn-AgainChristian.”“3TypesofDeath1SourceofLife”providesa “broaderfoundation”forunderstandingspiritualdeathandwhyweneedtobe born again.
Living WaterJesussaid"HewhobelievesinMe,asthescripturehassaid,outofhisheart willflowriversoflivingwater."(John7:38)Thisvideoexplainsanddepictshow this spiritual transformation occurs within our heart and soul.
Treasures in HeavenThiswritingisintendedforChristianswhoareservingJesusChristasSaviorand Lord(inanycapacityandviaanymeans).Thepurposeofthiswritingistoreveal theintentionsofourheart,thereasonswhyweserve,andthoseaspectsofour daily walk that may be improved.
“IAmtheWay,theTruthandtheLife.NoonecomestotheFatherexcept through Me.”John14:6isoneofthemostimportant,powerfulandthought-provoking declarationsJesusChristmade.Butwhat’smore,Hedrewaspiritualandeternal “lineinthesand”thatseparatedHimselffromallotherattemptsbymantoreach God.ThisBiblestudyexploresHisproclamationbecauseitdefinesHisspiritual role between each of us and our Holy God
Satan’s LiesEverywar,everybattle,everyskirmish,everymurder,everyargument,every sin,andeverycausticwordspoken—beganasalieandculminatedinspiritual death(separationfromGod)and/orphysicaldeath—becausethisistheintentofSatan’slies.Forthosewhoareabletospirituallysee,whatweare witnessingintheworldtodayaretheconsequencesoflies—whichare propagatedbySatanandhisminions(fallenangelsanddemons).Thisstudy will enhance your spiritual awareness, and is a must read for all Christians.
It’s not about me. Self-centerednessisanundesirablecomponentofourhumannature.“Me”isa fundamentalsourceofhumanmotivation;asubliminalinfluencerofwhatwe think,doandsay;responsibleformanyoflife’schallenges;andasourcefor instability in the world today.ForthosewhoseekJesusChrist…thislessonexplainshowwecanbecomemore like Him…and less like “me.”
The Mystery of God’s HeartThisBiblestudyisintendedforthosewhoaresearchingforGod.Thepurposeof thelessonistolearnmoreaboutGodbyexploringthemysteryofHisheart,and to change our perception of who He is.God’s love is a mystery because man misinterprets His intentions.
Who Killed Jesus Christ?SomesayJewskilledJesus.OthersthinkitwastheRomans.AfewthinkSatan manipulatedeventstokillJesus.Althoughthereareexcellentargumentsto supporteachbelief,theseperceptionscangreatlybenefitfromenhanced spiritual understanding.Theanswertothisquestionwilltouchyourheart,andthetruthwillenlightenyour soul.ForHispunishmentanddeathwasoneofthemostpainfulmeansof execution ever devised by man.
The Covenant (The beginning of the end.)OneofthemostimportantindicatorsoftheendtimesisfoundinDaniel 9:27—becauseitdefinestheeventthatwillinitiatetheTribulationandthelast7 years.Assuch,everypersononearthshouldknowthisscriptureandactively watch for the fulfillment of this prophecy.
21SignsoftheLastDaysisaneasy-to-readandeasy-to-understand consolidationoflastdaysignsprophesiedintheBible.Eachsignissupported by(1)biblicalscripture,(2)referencednon-biasedsources,and(3)analysisof ongoing volatile changes that are occurring globally.
Emotions Negativeemotionsofanger,fear,anxiety,andsadnesswilloccurmoreoftenas wedigressintothelastdays.Thisstudywillassistinidentification,management and minimization of the affects of negative emotions.
Angels, Fallen Angels & DemonsTheintentofthiswritingistoreplaceourconceptualimagesofangels,fallen angelsanddemonswithdefinitivescripture-basedinformationthatsupportsa more accurate, deeper and broader understanding of spiritual beings.
Goddesignedourmindswithanabilitytostoreandretrieveinformationand experiencesviaourmemory.Ourdependenceuponthisfunctionismuchmore importantthanwerealize.Simplystated,itisrequiredforhumanexistence…like breathing.Whenyouthinkaboutit,weutilizeourmemorycontinuouslymoment-by-moment.Inaddition,ourmemoryisafoundationalcomponentofourabilityto learn, and facilitates decision making.Memoriesprovidesascripture-basedanswertothefollowingquestion:Doour memories go with us when we die?
Judgment vs. Spiritual DiscernmentThiswritingexploresourpropensitytojudgeothersviaourflesh(includingthe negativeconsequences).Italsoprovidesameansforself-analysis;andexplains how we can seek Holy-Spirit directed discernment.
Is Jesus the Messiah or a Fraud?Eachpersonmustdecide:IsJesusChristtheSonofGod,theMessiah,the AnointedOne,andLord—orwasheafraud?Makingachoiceisnotanoption;it was not His intent; and each person’s decision has eternal consequences.
BackslidingThisinsightfullessonisforallborn-againChristianswhohavedecidedtowalk awayfromtheirfaithinJesusChrist;thosewhohaveinadvertentlylosttheirway andreturnedtotheirpreviouslifeinsin;andthosewhohaveaburdenfora backslidden Christian who needs help.
Revelation’sBlessingsisanexhaustiveverse-by-versein-depthstudyofthe Book of Revelation.“Blessedishewhoreadsandthosewhohearthewordsofthisprophecy,and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.” Revelation 1:3
Body,Soul,HeartandSpiritiswrittenforthosewhoarestrugglingwiththeirsinful flesh;forthosewhoaretiredofthedarkness,andbondage,andpain;andforthose who desire a behavioral transformation from within. Gainingvictoryoverthefleshisfacilitatedbyunderstandingthedistinctfunctionsofthe body,soul,heart,andspirit;bygaininginsightintotheclandestineworksoftheflesh; and by a resolute heart.
God’s Grace and the Hardened Heart Thislessonexplainsthefunctions,characteristics,andconsequencesoftwo opposingconditionsofourheartdescribedintheBible:oneisahardenedheart, theotherisabrokenandcontriteheart.Theintentistoilluminatetheimportance ofbeingawareofthespiritualconditionofyourheart;torecognizewhywe(and others)dowhatwedo;andtowitnessthetransformationalinfluenceofGod’s grace upon a hardened heart.“Keepyourheartwithalldiligence,foroutofitspringtheissuesoflife.”Proverbs 4:23
The Beatitudes: Indicators and Blessings of Spiritual TransformationJesusChristprovideduswithindicatorsofspiritualtransformationand sanctification—includingtheassociatedblessings(referredtoasthe Beatitudes)—duringHisSermonontheMount.Thisstudyexplainsthespiritual meaningofeachBeatitude,andhoweachBeatitudeisanindicatorofour spiritualtransformationaswearechangedfromwithintoreflectourSaviorand Lord.
How to Share the Gospel. Thereisanindescribablefeelingandjoyontheinsidewhenweareusedbythe HolySpirittosharetheGospel—especiallywhenwewitnessthe“harvest”of someonewhoisboundbysindiscoverthepowerofGod’sgraceandlove,and are radically changed. ThislessonprovidesguidanceinhowtoSharetheGospelofJesusChrist,what todoandnotdo,describestheconceptofplantingseeds,howtorespondto objections, and much more.
How to Lead a Bible Study ThislessonisintendedforthosewhohaveadesiretoleadaBiblestudy,andfor those who desire to improve their skills in leading Bible studies.Whenthefleshstepsaside—andanopenhumbleheartyieldstotheguidanceof theHolySpirit—iswhenaBibleteacherwillseethepowerofGod’swordin action.What’smore,thisexperienceisanindescribableblessingwhenweare empoweredtoexplainGod’sWordandhowitrelatestothehearer’sheart,walk, life, and eternity.
Temptations, Trials and TribulationsTheBibledescribesthreedifferenttypesofchallengesinlifeaChristianmay experience:temptations,trialsandtribulations.AllChristiansexperience temptationsandtrials,andagrowingpercentageofChristiansareexperiencing tribulationsinvariouspartsoftheworld.Unfortunately,somedonotclearly understandthedifferencebetweenatemptation,trialandtribulation.Assuch,the objectiveofthisBiblestudyistodefineeachfromabiblicalperspective,compare and contrast the differences, and provide spiritual insight into how to persevere.
Spiritual Attributes God Designed Within UsGoddesignedhumanswithuniquespiritualattributes(innatequalities, characteristics,traits,etc.)thatareuniquetoallanimalspecies.Thislessonwill enhanceyourspiritualunderstandingoftheintentofGod’sdesign,Hisdesirefor each of us, and how these attributes influence who we are and what we do.
Spiritual ServanthoodThroughoutHisministryJesusdemonstratedandtaughtspiritualtruthstoallwho listened.However,thereisonespiritualtruthHerevealeddirectlytoHis disciples:servanthood.ThislessonisintendedforChristianswhoareseekinga deeperwalkwithJesusbyexploringthespiritualdefinitionofwhatitmeanstobe a servant.
Heavenly CrownsEvenifwedoalltherightthings—buthavethewrongintent—whatweaccomplish willnotbespirituallyrecognizedandrewarded.However,whenwedoeventhe smallestofcharitabledeeds—withtherightintent—itwillberecognizedand rewarded by the only One who really matters.Thislessonrevealstheimportanceoftakingtimetoconsiderandevaluatethe intent of our heart in we do for Jesus.
Foundationiscomprisedof biblically-basedfoundational principlesforChristianliving, andprovidesthegroundwork foraneternallifeinHeaven.Itiswritteninamannerthatis appropriateforallpersons, includingthosewhodonot know Jesus Christ.
Pleasewrite.IamgreatlyblessedwhenIreceive commentsandquestions.Didyoulearnsomething new?Didatopictouchyour heartandsoul?Doyouneed prayer?Iwillonlyrespondif asked. My e-mail address is:
UniqueBibleStudies@Outlook.ComALL FOR HIS GLORY!Harold D. Thomas
This website is intended for persons who desire to know more about God and themselves.All topical Bible studies are written by a born-again Christian; and are free to read, download and share.Take a few moments to review what’s available…because it may change your life for eternity!Click on the title graphic to access each Bible study.Thought-provoking questions are included with each Bible study. The questions are intended for the reader, Bible study group leader, or church pastor.
If you do not have a Bible.IoftenuseBibleGatewaytoreadandresearchtheBible: https://www.biblegateway.com/BibleGatewayoffers differentversionsanddifferentlanguages.Mypersonal preference (in English) is the New King James Version.MyfavoriteBibleteacherisChuckSmith.Chucklefthis physicalbodytobewiththeLordin2013.Fortunatelyhis BibleteachingsfromGenesistoRevelation(word-by-word,verse-by-verse)wererecordedandmaybeheard onthefollowingwebsite: https://subsplash.com/twft/media/li/+fjbz8vsIsuggeststartingwiththestudyof1John.Youwilllikely needtodownloadthesoundfileforeachteaching.Iwill oftendisplaythecorrespondingscripturefromBible GatewayonthescreenasIlistentoChuckSmithteach.Hereisthelinkto1John:https://subsplash.com/twft/media/li/+sg5mrzq
Thisstudywillassistintherealization(andheart’s transformation)inthatonlyJesusChristisworthyof glory because of what He has done for us.
Signs God is Calling You Out of Darkness and Into His LightForthosewhoaresaved byGod’sgracecanattest we were dying in the midst
ofdarknessandlies;boundbysin;unabletotrulysee ourselvesandothers,andwasseekinganyandall meanstofulfillneedsandthelustofourflesh.However, somethingbegantochangedeepwithinourheartand soul—asGodcalledusfromdarknessintolight,and illuminated truth so that we could see.ThisstudylistsvariouswaystheHolySpiritdrawsusinto righteousness.
3 Types of Death1 Source of LifeThisBiblestudyprovides scripturalevidencethereare threetypesofdeath:spiritual, physical and 2nd death.
What is a Born-Again Christian?ThisBiblestudyexplainswhy wecannotearnourwayto Heaven,andexpands understandingofwhatit means to be born again.
Note:Youshouldread“3TypesofDeath1Sourceof Life”beforereading“WhatisaBorn-AgainChristian.”“3 TypesofDeath1SourceofLife”providesa“broader foundation”forunderstandingspiritualdeathandwhywe need to be born again.
8 Steps to Spiritual MaturityThis lesson is for those who:•Wouldliketolearnmore about Jesus Christ.•Are born again.•Desire spiritual growth.•Seekagreaterunderstanding of themselves.
Thiswritingisintendedfor Christianswhoareserving JesusChristasSaviorand Lord(inanycapacityandvia any means).
Treasures in Heaven
God’sGraceandtheHardened HeartThislessonexplainsthefunctions, characteristics,andconsequences oftwoopposingconditionsofour heartdescribedintheBible:oneis ahardenedheart,theotherisa broken and contrite heart.
Body,Soul,HeartandSpiritiswrittenforthosewhoare strugglingwiththeirsinfulflesh;forthose whoaretiredofthedarkness,and bondage,andpain;andforthose whodesireatransformationfrom within. Gainingvictoryoverthefleshis facilitatedbyunderstandingthe distinctfunctionsofthebody,soul,heart andspirit;bygaininginsightintotheclandestineworksof the flesh; and by a resolute heart.
IAmtheWay,theTruth and the Life.Oneofthemostimportant, powerfulandthought-provokingdeclarations Jesus Christ made is when
Hesaid“Iamtheway,thetruth,andthelife.”Butwhat’s more,Hedrewaspiritualandeternal“lineinthesand” thatseparatedHimselffromallotherattemptsbymanto reachGodwhenHeadded“NoonecomestotheFather except through Me.” John 14:6ThiswritingexploresHisproclamationbecauseitdefines His spiritual role between each of us and our Holy God
TrustThislessonexplainsthe interdependenceand synergismbetweenfour uniquespiritualattributes thatseparateusfromall other living forms:
hope,belief,faith—andmostimportant—trust.Trustis thegreatestofthefourattributeswecangiveand receive.Butwhat’smore,trustisthebondthatenables deep and meaningful relationships.
Satan’s LiesEverywar,everybattle, everyskirmish,every murder,everyargument, everysin,andeverycaustic word spoken — began as a
lieandculminatedinspiritualdeath(separationfrom God)and/orphysicaldeath—becausethisistheintentof Satan’slies.Forthosewhoareabletospirituallysee, whatwearewitnessingintheworldtodayarethe consequencesoflies—whicharepropagatedbySatan and his minions (fallen angels and demons).
It’s not about me.Self-centerednessisanundesirable componentofourhumannature.“Me”isafundamentalsourceof humanmotivation;asubliminal influencerofwhatwethink,doand say;responsibleformanyoflife’s challenges;andasourcefor instability in the world today.
ForthosewhoseekJesusChrist…thislessonexplains how we can become more like Him…and less like “me.”
The Mystery of God’s HeartThisBiblestudyisintended forthosewhoaresearching for God.
ThepurposeofthelessonistolearnmoreaboutGodby exploringthemysteryofHisheart,andtochangeour perception of who He is.God’sloveisamysterybecausemanmisinterpretsHis intentions.
IsJesusChristtheMessiah or a Fraud?Eachpersonmustdecide:Is JesusChristtheSonofGod, theMessiah,theAnointed One,andLord—orwashea fraud? Making a choice is not
anoption;itwasnotHisintent;andeachperson’s decision has eternal consequences.
The Beatitudes: Indicators and Blessings of Spiritual TransformationJesusgaveusindicatorsof spiritualtransformationand sanctification—includingthe blessings(Beatitudes)during His Sermon on the Mount.
Thisstudyexplainsthespiritualmeaningofeach Beatitude,andhoweachBeatitudeisanindicatorofour spiritualtransformationaswearechangedfromwithinto reflect our Savior and Lord.
ThislessonprovidesguidanceinhowtoSharethe GospelofJesusChrist,whattodoandnotdo,describes theconceptofplantingseeds,howtorespondto objections, and much more.
HowtoLeadaBibleStudyThislessonisintendedfor thosewhohaveadesireto leadaBiblestudy,andfor thosewhodesiretoimprove theirskillsinleadingBible studies.Whenthefleshsteps aside—andanopenhumble heart yields to the guidance
oftheHolySpirit—iswhenaBibleteacherwillseethe powerofGod’swordinaction.What’smore,this experienceisanindescribableblessingwhenweare empoweredtoexplainGod’sWordandhowitrelatesto the hearer’s heart, walk, life, and eternity.
Temptations,Trialsand TribulationsTheBibledescribesthree differenttypesofchallenges inlifeaChristianmay experience:temptations, trialsandtribulations.All Christiansexperience temptations and trials, and a
growingpercentageofChristiansareexperiencing tribulationsinvariouspartsoftheworld.ThisBiblestudy defineseachfromabiblicalperspective,comparesand contraststhedifferences,andprovidesspiritualinsight into how to persevere.
Spiritual AttributesGoddesignedhumanswith uniquespiritualattributes.Thislessonwillenhance yourspiritualunderstanding oftheintentofGod’sdesign, Hisdesireforeachofus, andhowtheseattributes influencewhoweareand what we do.