Today we begin our ENCOURAGING study of the Book of Revelation.
Sure, doing a positive study on this book can seem both ambitious and unrealistic. But, believe it or not, studying this book will not only bring a blessing to your life, but it can also sustain you with strength and deep encouragement for times to come.
Find out how... by listening to this week's podcast!
SCRIPTURES STUDIED:
Revelation 1:1
Haggai 2:6-7
Acts 17:34
PODCAST EPISODES ABOUT THE UNION OF JEW AND GENTILE
Why Christians Need to Care about the Jews Reason 3, Part 3
Why Christians Need to Care about the Jews Reason 3, Part 4
REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
1. What does it mean for a Gentile to "cleave" unto a Jew or the Jewish community?
In the Old Testament, Ruth clave to Naomi in Ruth 1.
In the New Testament, new converts "clave" to Paul in response to his preaching of the Gospel.
2. Why does God describe the union of Jew and Gentile, by using the concept "to cleave?" What does that mean for the Church?
Does this union characterize the Church today? Why or why not?
3. Have you ever encountered one of the following obstacles in your study of Revelation?
Why are the above mindsets false? How can you overcome them in your own personal life?
4. We discussed how good teachers are a gift to the Body of Christ.
Have you had teachers teach you not only knowledge, but how to study and teach the Bible for yourselves? Why is this important to learn in the times we're living in today?
5. Why is "the revelation of Jesus Christ" such an important beginning phrase to the book?
In your own words, what does this phrase mean?
How might "the revelation of Jesus Christ" correspond to Genesis 2:25?
How is it important to our relationship to Jesus as the Bride of Christ?
6. Reflect on the verses below. They explain how God can hide Himself in darkness and in thick clouds. We discussed how the glory and beauty of Jesus will be revealed through the study of this book and the events of this time.
How do these verses relate to our study of the book of Revelation?
And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was. --Exodus 20:21
He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies. --Psalm 18:11
7. As Jesus reveals Himself for who He is, how is this a sign of vulnerability on His part? What does He risk losing? (Think of Bridegroom and Bride)
8. Ultimately, what's the GIFT that only YOU can give Jesus?
APPLICATION STEPS:
1. Subscribe to this podcast and share these podcast episodes with others who may be interested.
2. Listen again and review the main points of this podcast.
3. In what ways will you become more "familiar" with the Bible, and, more specifically, the Book of Revelation?
4. Meditate on the phrase "the revelation of Jesus Christ."
5. Read and/or listen to Revelation chapter 1 a few times.