For the last couple of months I’ve been struggling with how to teach the Book of Revelation.
To be honest, my study of the Apocalypse has been like herding cats. Just when I thought I had everything organized, well thought out and heading in the right direction, a stray theme or vision or symbol came along and the notes and plan scurried away.
Then I realized …
… if you’re not familiar with the “Bible Universe”, you won’t be able to understand what’s going on in the last book of the Bible.
Reading the Book of Revelation, without any understanding of the rest of the Old Testament and New Testament Scriptures, would be like sitting down to watch The Avengers: End Game without ever watching any of the previous Marvel Universe movies. You’d be lost and frustrated. And your kids, or grandkids, would be forever hitting the “pause” button to fill you in on the details of the backstory.
Similar to the Marvel Universe, the Scriptures are filled with origin stories, prequels, sequels, backstory, historical events, familiar characters, conflict in the heavens, war on the earth, enemies, battles, victories, losses, insider language, symbols, and recurring themes.
Said in a positive way …
.. you’ll be able to understand the last book of the Bible, if you understand the “Universe of the Scriptures”.
Just in case you’re curious about the Marvel timeline, here’s the IMDB chronological order of the movies …
- Marvel Cinematic Universe Chronological Timeline
- And here’s a one year chronological reading plan I found for the Bible … One Year Chronological Reading Plan
I’d Like to Suggest a Study Plan
So, here’s what I propose …
Before we jump into the content of the Book of Revelation (chapter and verse), I’d like to produce some videos that give a brief overview and tour of the “Bible Universe”.
I’m thinking some topics, themes, and content like …
- the overarching story of the Bible
- the conflict between the Holy Trinity and the anti-trinity
- themes of creation, redemption, and making one holy
- Old Testament 101 and Messianic expectations
- New Testament 101 and Messianic realities
- the “comings” of Messiah and the Kingdom of God
- the sayings of Jesus about the end times
- Christology 101
- the nature of the Church
- the Church militant and Church triumphant
- suffering and persecution as the cross of the Christian
- living by faith and not by sight
- principles of Biblical interpretation
- the interpretation of numbers, symbols and visions
- the structure and outline of the Book of Revelation
- examples of historic interpretations and approaches
- and which ones to use and why
My goal is to start the actual video series by the end of May and continue to deliver the content throughout the Summer.
If you want the content and videos sent directly to your inbox, you can sign up for The Book of Revelation email vlog in the button below.
If You Want to Get Started Now
While you’re waiting for the videos to be released you can do the following.
- start reading the Book of Revelation
- try not to get frustrated or waylaid with the details
- take note of your initial impressions (confused, scared, unbelievable etc)
- as you read, mark confusing sections
- make a list of questions
- submit your questions to me in the button below
- your questions will help me create the content
Come what may, we belong to Jesus!
We have been purchased and redeemed by the death and resurrection of the Promised Messiah. The Lamb that was slain now sits on the throne. He rules and reigns, and we proclaim His Gospel until the Day He reappears to judge the world and make all things new.
Until that great Day of the Lord, we are told in the Book of Revelation to …
- beware and be aware of the spirit and signs of the times
- be ready for the Last Day and the reappearance of Jesus
- be blessed and not be afraid because we belong to Jesus
Paul
If you want to reference all of the videos and courses you can access them here …
- ekklesia site (video resources in a “netflix” format)
- “eXPlain it” portal (digital resources in curriculum format)