The Bridge Church
Revelation - The Revelation of Jesus Christ
October 1, 2023
Locations & Times
Englewood SKY Academy
871 S River Rd, Englewood, FL 34223, USA
Sunday 9:00 AM
Sunday 10:30 AM
Revelation is an apocalyptic prophecy and a letter.
Revelation: (apokalypsis) - reveal, unveil, uncover, or disclose of heavenly or future realities.
“The majesty and the glory of the warrior Lamb, King Jesus, who is coming again to rule and reign forever!” Dr. Akin
Who wrote Revelation?
John the Apostle
When: ca. 95 A.D.
Where: From the island of Patmos in the Aegean Sea
John the Apostle
When: ca. 95 A.D.
Where: From the island of Patmos in the Aegean Sea
1. Revelation promises a blessing to those who read and obey it
Seven Churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey)
Revelation was written to them (the seven churches) and for us.
The number 7 represents completion
2. Revelation visualizes our risen, glorious Jesus Christ
Four Interpretive Approaches to Revelation:
Preterist view:
The book addresses details and events in the 1st century.
Historicist view:
The book is a chronicle of Western church history.
Idealist view:
The book addresses timeless truths and does not deal with historical events.
Futurist view:
The book speaks primarily to future events at the end of history and leading into eternity.
Preterist view:
The book addresses details and events in the 1st century.
Historicist view:
The book is a chronicle of Western church history.
Idealist view:
The book addresses timeless truths and does not deal with historical events.
Futurist view:
The book speaks primarily to future events at the end of history and leading into eternity.
“God gave prophecy to change our hearts, not to fill our heads with knowledge.” Charles Dyer
3. Revelation gives us hopeful assurance that He is coming again
Revelation reminds us that we win in the end, so live like it today.
Are you ready for Jesus’ return?
MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS:
I need to receive Jesus Christ as my personal Savior for the first time.
https://thebridgevenice.churchcenter.com/people/forms/500390
I need to be baptized.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/baptism
I need to attend Starting Point.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/starting-point
I need to join a serve team.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/serve
I need to join a small group.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/bridge-groups
I need to receive Jesus Christ as my personal Savior for the first time.
https://thebridgevenice.churchcenter.com/people/forms/500390
I need to be baptized.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/baptism
I need to attend Starting Point.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/starting-point
I need to join a serve team.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/serve
I need to join a small group.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/bridge-groups
Dig Deeper:
1. What are some things you have heard in the past about the book of Revelation? How has that shaped your view of it?
2. What is an apocalypse?
3. Read Matthew 24:36. Why is it important that we keep our focus on Jesus as we study Revelation?
4. Where is John when he writes Revelation? Why is that significant?
5. To whom is Revelation written? Why is it important to remember that Revelation is a letter?
6. Read Revelation 1:1-3. This is a revelation from Jesus Christ (or of Jesus Christ in the Greek translation). What does this mean? Is Jesus the one revealing information to us or is this about Jesus? Or maybe both?
7. Describe the importance of these phrases in verse three: “reads aloud the words”, “hear the words”, and “keep what is written”.
8. These verses say that the “time is near.” What do you think this means? Why is there a sense of urgency in these verses?
9. Read Revelation 1:4-8. What do you know about the seven churches in the province of Asia and why these were chosen to be addressed to? (NOTE: Watch, or rewatch, the Revelation series from 2021 that focuses on Revelation 2-3 to learn more).
10. In verses 5 and 6, there are descriptions of what Jesus has done. Discuss the significance of each of those things. Do you know of any verses from other parts of the Bible that reiterate these descriptions?
11. What is the hope you can find in these verses? How does hearing these words written by John so long ago help us to face the many struggles in our world today?
12. Read Revelation 1:9-16. What vision did John see? How did he describe Jesus? What symbolism do you see in these verses?
13. How does seeing Jesus as someone so powerful make you feel?
14. Read Revelation 1:17-20. How does John react when he sees this vision of Jesus? How do you think you would have reacted?
15. How does Jesus offer reassurance to John? What other times has Jesus responded this way to people who were afraid?
16. Have you ever had an encounter with Jesus that changed you? Discuss.
17. How does Revelation 1 teach us that God is in control?
18. What was your most significant takeaway from this week’s sermon, scripture reading, or discussion with your small group?
Live It Out:
Revelation reminds us that we win in the end, so live like it today! John was transformed by this vision of the resurrected Jesus Christ. This letter meant a lot to the 1st century churches, and it means a lot for us today. This week, begin to see a clearer vision of who Jesus is. Reread Revelation 1, and other passages from the Bible, that reveal Jesus to you more. Do not live in fear, but instead live by His power in this broken world and be focused on extending His Good News to others!
Are you ready for Jesus’s return? Every day we wake up, let’s be ready to live for His glory. What we do now echoes in eternity. The revelation of Jesus Christ gives us hope and comfort in the midst of a dark, broken world. This week, pray to God, asking Him what He wants to reveal to you in this series. Ask Him to help you know the importance of eternity and grow in what matters most.
1. What are some things you have heard in the past about the book of Revelation? How has that shaped your view of it?
2. What is an apocalypse?
3. Read Matthew 24:36. Why is it important that we keep our focus on Jesus as we study Revelation?
4. Where is John when he writes Revelation? Why is that significant?
5. To whom is Revelation written? Why is it important to remember that Revelation is a letter?
6. Read Revelation 1:1-3. This is a revelation from Jesus Christ (or of Jesus Christ in the Greek translation). What does this mean? Is Jesus the one revealing information to us or is this about Jesus? Or maybe both?
7. Describe the importance of these phrases in verse three: “reads aloud the words”, “hear the words”, and “keep what is written”.
8. These verses say that the “time is near.” What do you think this means? Why is there a sense of urgency in these verses?
9. Read Revelation 1:4-8. What do you know about the seven churches in the province of Asia and why these were chosen to be addressed to? (NOTE: Watch, or rewatch, the Revelation series from 2021 that focuses on Revelation 2-3 to learn more).
10. In verses 5 and 6, there are descriptions of what Jesus has done. Discuss the significance of each of those things. Do you know of any verses from other parts of the Bible that reiterate these descriptions?
11. What is the hope you can find in these verses? How does hearing these words written by John so long ago help us to face the many struggles in our world today?
12. Read Revelation 1:9-16. What vision did John see? How did he describe Jesus? What symbolism do you see in these verses?
13. How does seeing Jesus as someone so powerful make you feel?
14. Read Revelation 1:17-20. How does John react when he sees this vision of Jesus? How do you think you would have reacted?
15. How does Jesus offer reassurance to John? What other times has Jesus responded this way to people who were afraid?
16. Have you ever had an encounter with Jesus that changed you? Discuss.
17. How does Revelation 1 teach us that God is in control?
18. What was your most significant takeaway from this week’s sermon, scripture reading, or discussion with your small group?
Live It Out:
Revelation reminds us that we win in the end, so live like it today! John was transformed by this vision of the resurrected Jesus Christ. This letter meant a lot to the 1st century churches, and it means a lot for us today. This week, begin to see a clearer vision of who Jesus is. Reread Revelation 1, and other passages from the Bible, that reveal Jesus to you more. Do not live in fear, but instead live by His power in this broken world and be focused on extending His Good News to others!
Are you ready for Jesus’s return? Every day we wake up, let’s be ready to live for His glory. What we do now echoes in eternity. The revelation of Jesus Christ gives us hope and comfort in the midst of a dark, broken world. This week, pray to God, asking Him what He wants to reveal to you in this series. Ask Him to help you know the importance of eternity and grow in what matters most.
Reading Plan:
Monday: Revelation 1:1-3
Tuesday: Revelation 1:4-8
Wednesday: Revelation 1:9-11
Thursday: Revelation 1:12-16
Friday: Revelation 1:17-20
Saturday: Matthew 24:36, Daniel 7:9
Monday: Revelation 1:1-3
Tuesday: Revelation 1:4-8
Wednesday: Revelation 1:9-11
Thursday: Revelation 1:12-16
Friday: Revelation 1:17-20
Saturday: Matthew 24:36, Daniel 7:9
Additional Resources:
· Exalting Jesus in Revelation (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary), by Dr. Daniel L. Akin
· Revelation (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), by Grant R. Osbourne
· Revelation: The Spirit Speaks to the Churches, by James M Hamilton
· Revelation: Four Views, A Parallel Commentary, by Steve Gregg
· Exalting Jesus in Revelation (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary), by Dr. Daniel L. Akin
· Revelation (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), by Grant R. Osbourne
· Revelation: The Spirit Speaks to the Churches, by James M Hamilton
· Revelation: Four Views, A Parallel Commentary, by Steve Gregg