THU, 1st October
Let’s do some preparation before we start to read the Book of Revelation. The following points and resources will greatly help us in our interpretation and understanding…
- Revelation is written in a mix of three distinct genres: letter, prophecy and apocalyptic literature. A beautiful, insightful introduction to apocalyptic literature can be viewed here: “How to Read the Bible: Apocalyptic Literature” (Bible Project at its best).
- Revelation contains more references to the Old Testament than any other New Testament book, and hence it would be important for us to learn how to interpret the Bible with the Bible itself! In the devotions, you’ll often be asked to look up older references, and it would be handy to have a good study Bible (such as the NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible).
- Revelation doesn’t convey meaning in a linear way. For example, the seven seals, the seven trumpets, and the seven bowls layer and overlap like what the movie Inception presents (an analogy given by David Pan).
- Jesus is the central character of the Bible; he is also the central character of Revelation.
- “Can You Understand Revelation?” — this short, yet excellent post will give you the confidence to approach Revelation in the right way. It’s a picture book, not a puzzle book!
- Thinking further about methodologies and principles for engaging with Revelation, please check out: “7 Tips for Understanding Revelation” (we lean toward the eclectic approach).
- Last but not least, remember that you may revisit Pastor Stephen’s preaching on Revelation (chapters 1-3) in the “Dear Church” series last year.
We pray that you have an eye-opening journey in reading Revelation as God unveils the truth.
FRI, 2nd October
Revelation 1:1-8
Questions
- What do we find out about the background of the book from these verses?
- Who wrote it?
- Who was it written to?
- Why was it written?
- What should we do with the book?
- Read verses 5-7 again. What do we learn about Jesus from these verses? Is there a title or work of Jesus that particularly stood out for you?
- Why is it important for people to know that God is the “Alpha and the Omega, who is and who was and is to come” (v8)?
Prayer Suggestions
- Pray for our church and for yourself as we start this new series on Revelation. Pray that people would love God’s word and be blessed through reading it. Pray for humility and wisdom to understand and receive what God wants to say to us.
- Praise Jesus according to what you have learned about him in verses 5-7.
- Praise God that he is the Alpha and the Omega, that he is the Almighty One. May our understanding of who God is help us to live for him.
SAT, 3rd October
Revelation 1:9-20
Questions
- Note how Jesus is described in this passage, focusing on the following details…
- His voice
- His hair
- His eyes
- His face
- His mouth
- His feet
- His dress
- His right hand
- What is the overall impression left in your mind?
- Look up the following passages and get a feel of how these Old Testament sections connect to the vision:
- Ezekiel 8:1-2
- Daniel 7:13-14
- Daniel 8:15-17
- Daniel 10:4-6
- Zechariah 4:1-4
- What is Jesus’ relationship to the seven churches? What is his relationship with The Chapel Sydney / Burwood? How does knowing this make you feel?
Prayer Suggestions
- Humble yourself before Lord Jesus and give him the respect, honour, glory, and worship that he deserves. Repent of the times when we have belittled Jesus. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal Jesus to us as we continue to read Revelation.
- Give thanks that Jesus is present (“walking”) among the churches, maintaining his authority over them. Give thanks that Jesus is with The Chapel Sydney / Burwood, that he knows our church, and has authority over us.
- Pray for non-Christian family members and friends to know this glorious Jesus. Pray for those in our church who haven’t been baptised, that they would fully commit to Jesus.
SUN, 4th October
If you’re a regular at The Chapel Sydney / Burwood, come check out The Chapel Community and stay connected with everyone!
See you at our live streaming: The Chapel Sydney — YouTube Channel (starts at 5:10PM).
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