Opened Scriptures Bible Studies

The apostle Paul masterfully teaches us about the second coming of Jesus Christ, in both its aspects.  He weaves the coming of Christ in the clouds at the rapture of the church, and the resurrection of life, together with the coming of Christ in flaming fire, for the final judgment and resurrection of damnation.  The rapture comes first, followed by Judgment Day!  2 Thessalonians 2:1-2  Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,  2)  That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.  Verse one of this text speaks of the rapture and the dead in Christ being raised (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). The second verse speaks of the coming of Christ in fiery judgment (2 Thessalonians 1:1-12). The "gathering together" refers to the dead in Christ rising first, followed by all living Christians...

Ecclesiastes 8:1  Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed. Solomon is the "Preacher" who wrote the book of Ecclesiastes. In chapter eight, he introduced what it means to be a genuinely wise man.  This is someone who seeks the things of God, who sets his heart on receiving wisdom from God. Gaining Divine wisdom is connected with Bible study and the illuminating work of God's Spirit in our hearts.  Now, Solomon is going to point us to some practical examples of wisdom.  Ecclesiastes 8:2  I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God.  Solomon shows the practical side of wisdom, where the king's advisor is discreet. He does not discuss the king's policies or strategies with other people. He does not gossip about what goes on inside the king's residence.  The wise man has learned to be loyal, know...

By the time Paul wrote his second letter to the Christians at Thessalonica, he learned that a wrong interpretation of eschatology (end times) was spreading.  False teaching about the second coming of Christ began to trouble those saints.  Therefore, Paul quickly started to teach truth and expose the lies. Praise for persevering saints at Thessalonica. 2 Thessalonians 1:3-6  We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;  4)  So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:  5)  Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:  6)  Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;  Bef...

Illumination & proper interpretation are from God.  Ecclesiastes 8:1  Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed.  Solomon shows us what kind of man a truly wise man is. The word "wise" means skilled in doing technical work, capable as an administrator, and wise with regard to knowing and fearing Jehovah.  Heavenly wisdom will make any man (or woman) a better person. He becomes a useful friend to his neighbors and a productive citizen, giving his best effort in all things.  Wisdom from God makes a man's face shine. It is like Moses, when he came down from Mount Sinai after communing with Jehovah forty days. The idea is that knowing Jehovah and having a proper reverence for Him, changes our outlook on life. We seek to please God in all things, and this makes us useable in His service. The phrase "the interpretation of a thing" means t...

The apostle Paul is going to address the latter part of Jesus' second coming. The initial part is the rapture of the church that we just studied. This is also called the resurrection of life (John 5:19-29).  After the dead in Christ rise, all living saints on earth will be caught up in the air with the resurrected saints. Then, Jesus will take us home to heaven.  The marriage supper of the Lamb will take place. This is pictured for us in the gospels (See Matthew 22:1-14; 25:1-13).  The church will be presented to Jesus Christ as His spotless bride (2 Corinthians 11:1-2; Ephesians 5:22-33; Revelation 19:6-10). While this takes place in heaven, the seven year tribulation age begins on earth. The book of Revelation describes it in great detail.  When the marriage supper of the Lamb is complete, King Jesus will return to earth with all His saints, and destroy the false prophet, and the antichrist (Revelation 19:11-21). Next, Jesus will establish the long awaited mil...

  Ecclesiastes 7:23  All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from m e.     Solomon looks back to the days of futility and the vanity of living this life without knowing God. He summarizes verses 15-22. He had proved it by wisdom.  He has searched out these things and satisfaction eluded him. He could not find purpose of meaning for life without knowing God. This is the idea that he has laid down rules for his own conduct, and sought after more wisdom; but he still fell far short of what he wished to be. Solomon tried to be wise, independently of God. But he discovered that true wisdom was then far from him, in spite of his human wisdom, which he retained by God’s grace. Proverbs 3:5-7  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  6)  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.  7)  Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depar...