Here at Son of a Parson Ministries, we are very excited that our home group study will be taking on one of the most controversial and oftentimes neglected books of the Bible. Starting next week, we will be studying The Book of Revelation. Many avoid teaching the last book of the Bible because of the curse in Rev. 22:18: “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book.” And this is certainly something that we should take very seriously. But I do not believe we can afford to be ignorant of End Times events. Others avoid it because it is a book of prophecy. Well, I have to wonder if they are reading their Bibles at all since 27% of the Bible is prophetic. There are 1,239 prophecies in the Old Testament and 578 prophecies in the New Testament. Jesus Himself shared quite a few prophetic utterances. Even some pertaining to His glorious Second Advent.
Did you know that Revelation contains a blessing as well? It is found in Rev. 1:3: “Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” We are blessed for reading and applying what we learn to our lives. Simply reading the book is nothing more than intellectual exercise, but when we study and meditate upon it–with the invaluable help of the Holy Spirit–that is when we receive the blessing. The reason for studying Revelation is at the end of Revelation 1:3: “because the time is near.” How else can we recognize the signs of Christ’s coming if we do not read and heed the prophetic words of this amazing book? In light of Revelation, it adds fuel to the fire in motivating us to share our faith with reckless abandon lest our loved ones and friends suffer through the nightmare that is to come in the 7-year Tribulation after the rapture of the Church.
In my humble opinion, no study of Revelation is complete without also including the book of Daniel. I think it is best use both books because they go hand in hand. Our community group was discussing this fact the other night. And we cannot wait to get started.
In His Perfect Love,
Dwight
The Parson
