Opened Scriptures Bible Studies

As I study to prepare lessons on Matthew chapter twenty four, I was quickly reminded that eschatology (The theology of last things) is complex. I hope that this lesson will be a complementary addition to our studies in Matthew 24. I want to give you a simple, but accurate overview of the end times so that we can keep this in our minds as we study Jesus' teaching. When did the end times start? They began in eternity past. The phrase "eternity past" refers to the Godhead in eternity, before creation. The opening words of scripture are "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." Before this beginning was eternity and the God who dwells in eternity (See Isaiah 57:15). This beginning marked the creation of a space, time and matter continuum that we live in and are very familiar with. God still dwells in eternity, not bound by space, time or matter. Yet, throughout Bible history, God appeared to men starting with Adam and Eve, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isa...

Matthew 24:3-5  And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world 4  And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.  5  For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.    This paragraph ends with verse fourteen, as Jesus gave a general overview of end time conditions while answering His disciple's questions. Deception, false teachers, false prophets and false Christs are markers of the end times. The redeemed children of God are always susceptible to deception because Satan is the father of lies who opposes all that God is doing. He twisted the truth of what God said to Adam and Eve into a lie by adding one little word.  God said "Thou shalt surely die" if they ate the forbidden fruit while the Devil said "Ye shall not surely die." Therefore, Jesus warned...

Matthew 24:9-10  Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.  10  And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.  In answering His disciples questions, Jesus continues describing the end times but has not yet addressed the specific signs of His return or the timing of it. He previously sent out His disciples to preach the gospel of the kingdom with warnings about hostility to the message. However, the men Jesus sent out had a productive ministry and did not experience any of the harsh persecution Jesus warned of. Matthew 10:17-25  But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;  18  And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.  19  But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye ...

Here is where to find indexes to all Bible lessons posted on this blog since its inception in 2019. Click on the drop down menu and look for the archives tab.  Then find the date listed below to find the appropriate index. 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 202 3 was published on February 28, 2024.  An index for all lessons posted in 2024 was published on January 21, 2025. An index for all lessons posted in 2025 was published on January 24, 2026. Remember the three questions Jesus is answering in this chapter because they have a direct bearing on His reply. First, when will the end of the world come? Second, what signs will announce Christ's return? Third, what will the end of the world be like? Jesus warned u...