Our traditions vary. Our cultures are different. Our life journeys are unique. All of these things shape the way we approach the final book in the Bible. Our tribal affiliations (denominations) either encourage or discourage exploring the book of Revelation. Martin Luther, the great reformer and father of the Protestant Reformation, struggled with this book and suggested that Christians simply ignore it. This attitude lingered with many reformers into the middle of the 20th century.
Imagine that you had been selected to sit on the jury for the O.J. Simpson murder trial. Would you have been unbiased? Finding anyone who was not biased in that highly-publicized case would have been virtually impossible. The same is true for our feeble attempts to judge the book of Revelation. We have to admit that we have pre-conceived ideas that could affect our conclusions. I have three basic pre-conclusions—three basic filters—that shape how I approach the book and this series. These allow me the freedom to approach my study with an open heart and fresh eyes, eager to know more about Jesus and the sacred call He has for our lives.
First, if it is in the Bible, it is inspired. As the Apostle Paul shared:
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. —2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)
Second, all Scripture is about Jesus. The book of Luke tells us:
And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. —Luke 24:27 (ESV)
Third, with the power of the Holy Spirit, anyone can understand the Bible. It tells us:
These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. —2 Corinthians 2:10 (ESV)
Revelation is a book of hope and comfort. It is also a radical call from Jesus. A call for the Church. A call to make choices. A call with deep warnings. A call to discipleship. A call with implications. A call offering solutions. A call of hope. It reveals the brightest picture of Jesus—and by discovering Jesus, you will understand the entire Trinity, for God is ONE. Enjoy the adventure.
June 17 Radical Church Revelation 1:1–3:22
June 24 Radical Choice Revelation 4:1–8:1
July 1 Radical Warning Revelation 8:2–11:18
July 8 Radical Discipleship Revelation 11:19–15:4
July 15 Radical Implications Revelation 15:5–18:24
July 22 Radical Solutions Revelation 19:1–20:15
July 29 Radical Hope Revelation 21:1–22:21
A Simple Look at Revelation by D. R. Briggs
An Exhaustive Commentary on Revelation by Ellen White
Between the Lamb and the Lion by Clifford Goldstein
God Cares by C. Mervyn Maxwell
The Desire of Ages by Ellen G. White
The Great Controversy by Ellen G. White
Interpretation—Revelation by M. Eugene Boring
Myths in Adventism by George Knight
Jesus in the Book of Revelation by Reimar Vetne
Plain Revelation: A Reader’s Introduction to the Apocalypse by Ranko Stefanovic
Prophecies of Revelation Made Simple by Seth J. Pierce
Reading Revelation Responsibly by Michael J. Gorman
Revelation for Everyone by N. T. Wright
Revelation of Jesus Christ: Commentary on the Book of Revelation by Ranko Stefanovic
Reversed Thunder by Eugene H. Peterson
Secrets of Revelation by Jacques B. Doukhan
Seven Keys: Unlocking the Secrets of Revelation by Jon Paulien
The Apocalyptic Vision and the Neutering of Adventism by George R. Knight
The Last Days According to Jesus by R. C. Sproul
What the Bible Says About the End Time by Jon Paulien