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.
I used to think the book of Revelation was hard to understand but between SRT, several translations of the Bible and a couple of other resources I have been able to understand it better. I will have to continue to study it to fully understand it, if I ever do. Many of the comments you my sisters make also help.
Be blessed and have a great weekend sisters.
Have enjoyed these two series.
LEXI B, if you are here today, I responded to your post yesterday and I am keeping your work situation in my prayers!
VICTORIA E., Still praying for your anxious heart and for good health for your little one, and especially that you will feel JOY in the moments. I thought of you when I read Isaiah 65:23!
TAYLOR, hang in there!!! We are praying and encouraging you in your battles. God has your hand and won’t let go!!!
ERB, THANK YOU SO MUCH for posting your research!!! As soon as I read those verses I wanted to stop right there and look that up, but decided to finish my reading first. You saved the day!
I, too, feel very accomplished at finishing this study. I actually was excited this morning thinking we have passed another’mile marker’ in this race called life/relationship with God. So thankful for all of you and honored to pray along with other sisters!
The world so desperately needs its pain and suffering taken away, and only God can do that. We so look forward to the time when Jesus returns, and delivers everyone from their pain, depression, sickness, and sadness. Thats also the promise of Heaven. God is so great and amazing, I never want to stop worshipping Him.
Thank you ERB for your amazing post today – I too have printed it out! Thank you SRT for this wonderful summer study of the entire Bible! Blessings to all you for your commitment and your personal reflections that you shared each day.
Wonderful study and comments. I agree with what was said by a lot of she’s here- I used to be afraid of Revelation and that fear was leftover from childhood and my anxiety over somehow not being worthy of being saved. That lasted for a while, and I confess my view of eternity shrank over the years while my focus on what I could see with my physical eyes grew. Then my life was turned upside down around Christmas of last year when we received a scary diagnosis and even more a few months later when we experienced a miscarriage. Since then my idea of who God is and what His promises mean has completely changed. I yearn, sometimes it feels like too much, for the kingdom of God described here. Before I felt like it was so far off as to not affect me at all, now I know that if God says it will happen, it will happen! And that changes everything about how we live “down here”. Thank you all for your prayers for me and for sharing your prayer requests with the group. May God bless us all and continue to teach us more and more about Him!
What is most hopeful to me is:
3And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.
@Melanie- I feel all the same things you posted about. Especially concern for family and friends who don’t know the Lord. I pray for courage, wisdom, and obedience to join in God’s saving work for the people I know and love.
God knows the beginning from the end! When he created us, his plans were already laid out, that death is certain on this earth but the hope of heaven and his eternal presence always existed! My cry is that those in my life and all of you would trust in Jesus.
Hope…I have too! However, The Village Church in Dallas did a fantastic overview of Revelation earlier this year that really made me see it as a book of, well, hope and encouragements.