This is the last week of This Is the New Testament! Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book or two of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture. This week, we will finish reading the General Epistles and move on to Apocalyptic Literature.
What Is Revelation? The apostle John wrote the book of Revelation in exile on Patmos after receiving a vision from the Holy Spirit. The book of Revelation gives readers a picture of Jesus as the King who will one day return to usher in the fullness of His kingdom. Revelation offers important details about the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit, eternity in the presence of God, future judgment against sin, and the reality of the spiritual realm.
How Revelation Fits Into the Story: The book of Revelation provides a theological overview of many topics central to Christian belief, including events surrounding the end times and the glorified Son of Man. It also stresses the practical choices that all people must make in light of eternity. Revelation provides a holistic view of Jesus as the victorious King of kings, one who is coming back for His bride. It also emphasizes the hope all believers share in His future return.
Reflection Questions:
1. What do you find most hopeful about the description of the new Jerusalem in Revelation 21?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
Wow!!! I appreciate you looking this up and sharing with us!!! How deep, how wide, how great is His love for us
What I find most hopeful in The New Jerusalem is that there will be no more death, sorrow or pain. All will be made new!
Today’s reading makes me want to listen to Hymn of Heaven by Phil Wickham.
“And every prayer we prayed in desperation
The songs of faith we sang through doubt and fear
In the end, we’ll see that it was worth it
When He returns to wipe away our tears” ❤️
What I find most hopeful about the new Jerusalem is that “God himself shall be with them, and be their God” and that ” God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain” and that “Behold, I make all things new”. In the new Jerusalem, God promises us that there will be no more pain, that he will make all things new, that he will be with us, that those who overcome shall be His son, and that He will give the fountain of the water of life to all that are thirsty. God’s love is everywhere in the new Jerusalem!
Bible Study Fellowship does a marvelous Revelation study. Next time around, join them. (BSF). They are doing Mathew this year. Wonderful in-depth studies!!
I think LINDA K is right… a whole new group of she’s when I read in the evening. Think my new approach is to read in the am then ruminate on it all day before putting pen to paper to answer questions. Then read “she” comments at the end of the day as well.
I don’t often comment but want I to say how much I truly enjoyed this brief study of the Bible. I’ve never done a cover to cover read but now I really want to and, thanks to the study guides I purchased, I feel like I have a really good foundation to work with. I also want to thank every one of you beautiful sisters in Christ for all of your comments and prayers. I pray for all of your hardships and concerns, all your tears and joy and wonderful remembrances. I thank God for every one of you dear SRT sisters (those who comment and those who don’t)! God bless each and every one of you and thank you, God, for leading me to SRT.
❤️
I find the most hopeful thing to be that not only will there be no more pain and suffering, but God will removed the pain and suffering from within us. The old order of things is gone! He will wipe every tear from our eye!