For reasons we can only speculate on the decision to include it was made at the last minutetruly a cliffha. The book of revelation addresses seven letters to seven churches in asia minor modernday turkey revelation 23. Apocalypticism was not a new phenomenon among christians. The greek name of the bible book of revelation, apoka. The book of revelation is the final book of the new testament, a stark account of the apocalypse and a. Each of these messages includes information apropos to each church, and from these messages we can draw lessons applicable to our own lives today. The discipleapostle john, who followed jesus christ and witnessed his crucifixion, authored it. They threw their crowns at the foot of the throne, chanting. The message of hope in the book of revelation seek first. Symbolic language, however, is one of the chief characteristics of apocalyptic literature, of which this book is an. Lesson 8 revelations most thrilling message the book of revelation is one of the most important books in the entire bible. A series of visions, each one leading into the next.
The book of revelation is the final book of the new testament, and consequently is also the final book of the christian bible. In revelation, johns visions reveal that jesus has overcome evil by. I also saw a powerful angel, calling out in a voice like thunder, is there anyone. It is the final revelation of god to mankind, and within its message, it completes the messages and prophecies of the past, and links it all into the events to unfold in the near future. The book of revelation is the only apocalyptic document in the new testament canon.
Christians familiar with the older apocalyptic writings would understand the books symbolism, for practically everything john said to his contemporaries was said before to people who suffered under similar circumstances. An apocalyptic letter, it relies on visions, symbols, and old testament references to reveal the ultimate fulfillment of gods promise given to abraham in genesis. Some think the book of revelation is a stepbystep guide. Many of the presbyters in attendance at the council of nicaea didnt want it in the bible.
Lets start with revelations, starts in 1981 and finishes in 2009. Use highlighting, underlining, and take notes while you study the bible. A vision of god on his throne in heaven revelation 4. John wrote revelation while a prisoner on the island of patmos, approximately 8595 a. Our websites provide numerous texts and audio, we also understand there are individuals and communities who cannot access the internet and who would benefit from digital versions of the new message texts. Ill lead them up and present them by name to my father and his angels.
The book of revelation is addressed to believers, his servants, of the churches in seven cities of the roman province of asia. The last book of the bible explodes with a cosmic celebration of the triumph of gods global purposes in the world. Overview of the book of revelation introduction revelation 119. This name indicates the meaning of revelation it uncovers matters that had been hidden and discloses events that would happen long after it was written. I am grateful for the foundation that i received from revelation message bible college and i am grateful for my first official ordination and credential from revelation message, inc, during memorial day weekend, in may of 2005. Deadness in the church the city and the assembly 3. Whether were looking for gospel meaning or struggling with understanding revelations in the bible, ben witherington iii, author of the article asking the right question, says historical bible study can help us find our way. But that should not keep us from reading it and understanding its main message. The apostle john had been exiled to the island of patmos, off the. What was jesus message to the church in ephesus in revelation. The book of revelation was written to seven churches as both encouragement and challenge. The holy bible book 01 genesis kjv dramatized audio duration. It was written on both sides, fastened with seven seals.
Revelation united states conference of catholic bishops. Revelation 1922 portrays christs future triumph over the forces of evil and his recreation of the world for the redeemed. Revelation the message audio bible audio only please like my facebook page. I am your fellowservant and the fellowservant of your brothers the prophets and those who keep the message of this book. The author names himself as john in the text, but his precise identity remains a point of academic debate. The message of revelation was intended for this particular time and set of circumstances.
Sardis had, at one time, been considered to be impregnable because of its ideal physical arrangement and topography for defense. Watch our overview video on the book of revelation, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. The advice in these letters is prophetic, forewarning presentday christian communities of the snares that. What particular time period does this message draw our. The two periods most often mentioned are the latter part of neros reign a. There is perhaps no more misunderstood book of the bible than revelation. The apocalypse, or revelation to john, the last book of the bible, is one of the most difficult to understand because it abounds in unfamiliar and extravagant symbolism, which at best appears unusual to the modern reader. Here is the message of the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and who lives among the seven golden lampstands. The book of revelation can be confusing to the modern reader because much of it was written using a symbolic style of language that is not used today. Revelation was written when christians were entering a time of persecution. He lifts the curtain on revelations drama in eight scenes, helping our imaginations as well as our minds grasp the key concepts of this fascinating and enigmatic new testament book. What was jesus message to the church in ephesus in. I have completed a one year residency in clinical pastoral education at baptist healthcare pensacola, florida 20182019. Revelation 2 begins a series of brief letters to seven churches that existed during the apostle johns time in asia minor modernday turkey.
The church in compromise the city and its affairs 2. The literary genres of the book of revelation are an apocalypse, a prophecy, and an epistle or letter. This is the revelation of jesus christ his unveiling of the divine mysteries, which god the. The book is filled with deeply mysterious symbolism concerning human history and the end of history. Yet it has a clear message for all who would devote themselves to its pages. What does this final book of the bible meanand how will it affect you and your future.
The key to bible interpretation, especially for the book of revelation, is to have a consistent hermeneutic. And this has led to the creation of some pretty dreadful books and hollywood movies containing serious errors and misunderstandings about what is revealed. I shall not blot that name out of the book of life, but acknowledge it in the presence of my father and his angels 6 let anyone who can hear, listen to what the spirit is saying to the. Book of revelation apocalypse in the bible king james. The fundamental message of the book of revelation is simple. In the book of revelation, the apocalyptic hopes of the early christian community find their clearest and most complete expression. I heard a loud voice behind me, trumpetclear and piercing. The book is also written to all believers everywhere. Hermeneutics is the study of the principles of interpretation. He published and delivered it by angel to his servant john. It promises that god will institute universal peace, prosperity and cooperation over all the earth immediately after the return of jesus christ. Its title is derived from the first word of the koine greek text.
It reveals how this wonderful new world will be established and why it will never be destroyed or superseded by any other way of life or. The bible describes her as a woman and a great prostitute, having a name that is a mystery. Lookthe lion from tribe judah, the root of davids tree, has conquered. See whats new in logos 8 explore all features schedule a demo howtos. Revelation 1 new international version niv prologue. What main themes are in the bible book of revelation. From what i see and reading book of revelations, we are in revelation 18 3. Why was the book of revelation included in the bible. He can open the scroll, can rip through the seven seals.
Exploring its mystery and message heitzig, skip on. The message is the bible paraphrased into contemporary english. Book of revelation overview insight for living ministries. The book of revelation, the final book of the new testament, has some of the most dramatic and frightening language in the bible. In order to understand it, you need to know a lot of the book of daniel, which is another very difficult book. Each letter, as proclaimed by jesus and recorded by john the apostle, declares the triumphs and failings of the recipient churches and warns each congregation to repent. Messages from jesus to the seven congregations revelation 1. While revelation offers many details on the tribulationeven if they are often couched in the mystery of symbolic languageit is the final four chapters that dictate the overall message of the book. The message of revelation bible speaks today wilcock, michael on. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant john, a 2 who gives witness to the word of god and to the testimony of jesus christ by reporting what he saw. The book of revelation, a prophecy of warning and hope. The book of revelation, also sometimes referred to as the apocalypse, contains both literal and figurative prophecies, and both literal and figurative events.
Thus, it occupies a central place in christian eschatology. God gave it to make plain to his servants what is about to happen. Revelation 1 niv prologue the revelation from jesus. Those churches were in ephesus, smyrna, pergamum, thyatira, sardis, philadephia, and laodicea. This triumph takes place amid much suffering, suffering that is intensified as the final end draws near. Sincere bible scholars, in fact, disagree about the meaning of some of the symbolic passages.
Its main theme, or central focus, is the return of jesus christ. We therefore offer audio downloads of revelations of the new message texts free of. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant john, 2 who testifies to everything he sawthat is, the word of god and the testimony of jesus christ. The book of revelation is one of the most difficult books in the bible. Thus, perhaps the first lesson of the book is how to properly read the bible. In other words, it is the way you interpret scripture. In his commentary on the message of revelation, michael wilcock maintains that when gods words, declarations, arguments and reasonings had all been spoken, god gave the church a gorgeous picture book.
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