Now, ask yourself what do you know of the Book of Revelation? If you are like most, you would say it is about the end times and there is a lot that is hard to read and in some cases, harder to understand.
That is okay, it is a good start and we'll build upon that. For example, did you know it was written near the end of the 1st century, by the Apostle John as he was exiled to the island of Patmos (in the Aegean See)?
With that as your starting point, know these key points (from Dr. David Jeremiah) as you plan for your next time to read and to study the Book of Revelation (which ties in with Pastor Stanley's Revelation sermons).
First, as the Apostle John is nearing the end of his life, he is the exile and he receives his vision, which is the revelation of Jesus Christ (the one he walked with, learned from and saw die on the cross some good 60 years earlier). He was one of Christ's original disciples and he was told to write down all the things that he saw. |
Third, that it is a Personal Book: that the vision was targeted to John and given the instructions as to what to write and to share with the Christian churches. We then (as Christians), are the audience for the message shared.
Fourth, that it is a Pictorial Book: we find 39 times John writing down what he saw and because of the Roman occupation and persecution of the time - the symbols used were a coded language for the church.
Fifth, that it is a Profitable Book: that it promises a blessing to those who read and obey it (reference Rev. 22:7). It reminds us that "our conduct today is affected by what we know of tomorrow."
Sixth, that it is a Practical Book: in studying prophecy, it empowers us to live productive ("Well done, good and faithful servant" - Matt. 25:21a), positive ("Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad." - Proverbs 12:25), and pure lives ("Everyone who has the hope in Him [our returning Christ] purifies himself, just as He is pure." - John 3:2-3).
Seventh, that it is a Purposeful Book: that we will understand the coming Return of the King and the Reign of the King (Christ our Lord). Knowing all of this, helps us to change, to live a life in pursuit of Christ.
So there you go - 7 insights as to the Book of Revelation, a foundation for us all to build upon. Why? Because we need to ask ourselves - do I want to be on the winning side of Christ and His Kingdom or do I want to be one who stands under the judgement of the Lord of Lords?