There was a time when consistent forthright preaching on prophecy was a common experience for those in fellowship in New Testament assemblies. However today it seems that it has become more of a rarity. There is no doubt that preaching through the book of Revelation is not an easy task, but it is surely worthwhile. A promise of blessing is given to the one who “…readeth, and they that heareth the words of this prophecy” (Rev. 1:3). We certainly do not want to deprive the saints of such a blessing.
Suggestions for Breaking Down the Series
Here is a book where the outline is clearly in the text. We find it in chapter 1, verse 19:
1. “The things which thou hast seen” (ch. 1). Here is John’s vision of the glorified Christ. A beautiful series would be to consider Christ as seen in the Revelation.
2. “The things which are” (chs. 2–3). The seven churches have been viewed in three ways by Christians: as actual churches at the time of writing, which of course is true; as representative of churches in every age. In our world today we can find churches that reflect each of the seven churches; as a prophetic overview of the church age—God giving His church history curriculum in advance and prophetically. Revelation is clearly prophetic in nature and it does indeed fit beautifully. (Should this surprise us coming from the all-knowing God?) It is fair to say that some object to this third viewpoint as in their minds it seems to undermine the doctrine of imminency.
3. “The things which shall be hereafter” (chs. 4–22). The tribulation period (chs. 4–18), and the triumph of the crucified One (chs. 19–22).
Visual Aids
Charts: In former times, prophetic series were frequently illustrated by charts. Some are still available today and can help in visualizing the details given in the text.
Diagrams: This can be done quite easily with PowerPoint and overhead projectors.
Difficulties of Interpretation
The timing of the seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments: There are as many views on where these judgments fall in the seven-year tribulation period as there are commentaries. Often commentators will assert their understanding without any explanation whatsoever.
The order of the judgments: Are they consecutive or concurrent? Due to the similarity between the trumpet and bowl judgments, some have seen them as concurrent, describing the same scene twice. The language, I suggest, would support the consecutive view due to the increase of intensity of each series of judgments.
Parenthetical portions: It will need to be borne in mind that some passages in chapters 4-18 are parenthetical.
Symbolism: How do we identify and interpret symbolic passages without abandoning a literal, plain-sense approach and succumbing to the extremes of allegory?
Applications: The Value to the Church Today
The worthiness and worship of the Lamb: We are given beautiful heavenly scenes of our future occupation, and preoccupation, with “the Lamb as it had been [freshly] slain” (Rev. 5:6). Surely preaching on such a theme should produce hearts full of worship among the saints.
The throne and sovereignty of God: When our world seems to be spinning out of control and current news items could fill the heart of the child of God with anxiety, getting a view of the throne of God and His sovereign control over the affairs of men (without controlling their choices or making them robots) can bring calmness to the heart and make a troubled soul as still as the sea of glass.
The world and the folly of living for it: As we move though the details of the Tribulation and the horrors of it, it is clear that trying to live to beautify this world is utter foolishness. Surely our urgent business should be to rescue the perishing before the rapture of the saints.
The urgency of the gospel: The book lends itself to gospel preaching. Throughout this book we read of two groups: those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life and the earth-dwellers. We learn of the blessings of belonging to the former group, and the terrible consequences of belonging to the latter. It is hard to preach through Revelation without every message ending up as a warning to the unconverted to repent and believe the gospel.
SOME HELPFUL COMMENTARIES ON THE BOOK OF THE UNVEILING
• What the Bible Teaches: Revelation by Jim Allen, published by John Ritchie. This series of commentaries is of a consistently high standard, but Jim Allen’s is, in my view, the jewel in the crown. It is the most satisfying commentary on Revelation I have ever seen.
• Notes on Revelation by Jim Flanigan, published by Gospel Tract Publications. Jim takes the concurrent view of the judgments during the Tribulation period. Nevertheless it is a very helpful, if brief, treatment of the book and well worth using.
• The Revelation by John Walvoord, published by Moody Press. A fairly standard dispensational premillennial work. It is thorough but somewhat dry as is much of the material that comes from the faculty of Dallas Seminary; orthodox but lacking in evangelical warmth.
• Exegetical Commentary on Revelation in two volumes by Robert L. Thomas, published by Moody Press. This commentary set is very expensive and also quite technical. It is not for everyone, although it is thoroughly researched and helpful.
DISCIPLESHIP TESTIMONIALS
Phil Guikema, Orlando, FL:
I was discipled by Svend Christensen after graduating from Emmaus Bible School. I moved to Florida to live with his family and work with him in the gospel. Svend and Rhoda took me in like a son and trained me in visitation and gospel work. During this time I drove a school bus and did substitute teaching, besides working with Svend. He encouraged me to develop a new Sunday School work in another part of town and to seek the Lord’s leading in my own life. So, not only did he teach me the basics but he also pushed me “out of the nest” to develop a work on my own.
Scott Leach, Alabama:
Although I was saved at an early age, and raised in assembly fellowship, I didn’t have any sort of “discipling” influence until I was married and had a newborn son. My wife Kathy and I moved to Marietta, GA in 1982, and came into fellowship at Marietta Bible Chapel. It was here that Bob & Frances Haddon took us under their wings and taught us by word and example. Bob, one of the elders there, was always in the Book and always had something to offer. Their influence and encouragement to us was immeasurable.
Dick Andrews, Greensboro, NC:
Dick was saved under the ministry of Lester Wilson. Shortly after he was saved, he was put into service. Lester Wilson and Harold Mackay would take him along with them on their gospel campaigns in North Carolina. They also would have him over to their house for Bible study and mentoring. It wasn’t long before they got him involved in gospel meetings. Later, as Forest Avenue Tabernacle in Greensboro was formed, Dick was discipled by some of the elders as well, including his father and Paul Tuttle. Once again, they wasted no time in getting him involved in service at the assembly. They soon had him leading the singing and opening the meetings, a job he still does occasionally, even today, at age 82.