April 2026
IN THIS LESSON - April 26, 2026
In Matthew 24, Jesus did not hand His disciples a reason for panic — He gave them a framework for faithfulness — and in this lesson, we learn to read the signs of our own times the way a skilled navigator reads the sea. We examine the markers Jesus outlined —false prophets, wars, natural disasters, and escalating lawlessness—and discover that these are not triggers for fear but invitations to sharpen our spiritual readiness and deepen our trust in the One who declared the end from the beginning. Drawing on 2 Timothy 3:1–5 and 1 Thessalonians 5:1–6, we build a robust biblical grid for interpreting today's turbulent global events with clarity, courage, and unshakeable conviction. You will be challenged to replace anxiety-driven reactions to world news with a faith-grounded perspective rooted in the eternal, sovereign purposes of God. This lesson calls you to be exactly the kind of discerning, steadfast believer who not only recognizes the signs but uses them to point a searching world toward its only lasting hope.
Facilitated By: Barry G. Johnson, Sr.
Presented At: Schrader Lane Church of Christ, 1234 Schrader Lane, Nashville, TN 3720
Adult Sunday School 8:15 a.m. (CST) in Room #313
Understanding the Times
A Biblical Perspective · Barry G. Johnson, Sr.
BARRY’S BUREAU
BarrysBureau.org
BarrysBureau.org
Lesson
04
Recognizing the Signs of the Times
Scriptural Focus
Matthew 24:4–14
“But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world.”
Supporting Scriptures
2 Timothy 3:1–5 · 1 Thessalonians 5:1–6 · Revelation 3:10–11
Theme
Jesus calls His followers not to panic at world events, but to interpret them through Scripture — staying faithful, discerning, and gospel-focused to the very end.
Key Teaching Points
▸False prophets and deception will increase — stay anchored
▸Wars and disasters are signs, not reasons for despair
▸The Gospel must reach all nations before the end comes
▸Endurance to the end is the mark of the faithful
This Week’s Application
Study one current event this week alongside Matthew 24 — interpret it through the lens of Scripture.
Extra Infographic used in class
The Kingdom is Now
For additional materials, click the image below
from the First Edition 2025
Understanding the Times · Barry’s Bureau
📖 Word Search
Lesson 4 — Recognizing the Signs of the Times
“See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ.’” — Matthew 24:4-5
🖥 Click & drag to select a word | 📱 Touch & drag on mobile
Words hide horizontally, vertically & diagonally
Words hide horizontally, vertically & diagonally
🏆
Excellent Work!
You found all 10 words from Recognizing the Signs of the Times! Every word points to a deeper truth — keep exploring God’s Word.
"But the one who endures to the end will be saved." — Matthew 24:13
May these key truths guide your walk with God this week and beyond.
Multiple-Choice Q&A
Self-Directing, Immediate Feedback
Share results on your social media, encourage others to learn
Understanding the Times · Barry’s Bureau
Lesson 4: Recognizing the Signs of the Times
Scriptural Focus: Matthew 24:4–14
“But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations.”
— Matthew 24:13–14
Question 1 of 7
Question 1 of 7What is the primary context in which Jesus delivers His teaching in Matthew 24:4–14?
Question 2 of 7Among the signs Jesus describes in Matthew 24:4–14, which does He emphasize as the greatest ongoing danger to His followers?
Question 3 of 7According to Matthew 24:13–14, what are the two defining marks of the faithful in the last days?
Question 4 of 7How does 2 Timothy 3:1–5 contribute to a believer's understanding of the signs of the times?
Question 5 of 7The lesson uses the illustration of a skilled sailor reading storm patterns at sea. What spiritual truth does this illustrate?
Question 6 of 71 Thessalonians 5:1–6 uses the imagery of 'children of the light' to call believers to which posture regarding the signs of the times?
Question 7 of 7Eleanor, a character in this lesson's short story, transitions from fear to faith regarding world events. What is the turning point in her story?
🏆
Quiz Complete!
Certificate of Completion
has completed the self-directed quiz for
Understanding the Times — Lesson 4
“Recognizing the Signs of the Times”
Facilitated by Barry G. Johnson, Sr.
Schrader Lane Church of Christ, Nashville, TN
Understanding the Times — Lesson 4
“Recognizing the Signs of the Times”
Facilitated by Barry G. Johnson, Sr.
Schrader Lane Church of Christ, Nashville, TN
Study Game - Sequencing
8 signs from Matthew 24 in drag-and-drop order
Fun learning leads to better understanding
Share this game on your social media sites, and encourage others
Understanding the Times · Barry’s Bureau · Sequencing Activity
Lesson 4: Recognizing the Signs of the Times
Scriptural Focus: Matthew 24:4–14↕ How to play: Drag and drop the items into the correct order of signs from Matthew 24:4–14. Click Check Order when ready!
Attempts: 0
🏆
Well Done!
You completed this study game. Every truth you’ve reviewed is a seed God can use to deepen your walk with Him.
“But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” — Matthew 24:13