Read for study tips that focus on a particular book of the Bible

Study Tip: Revelation (part 3)

This week, we get into the heavy stuff in Revelation_the prophecies. Admittedly, this can be difficult to sort out, but the trick is to keep the big picture in mind. Don't get bogged down or try to interpret everything in light of current events, and be wary of anyone who claims to have all the answers. Remember, the book is the Revelation of Jesus Christ so focus on Him.

Here is a list of the major events in the vision. At different points, John fills in some background or gives details, but this list marks the chronological progression through the book.

The throne room
The seals (including the four horsemen)
The trumpets
The bowls
The second coming of Jesus and the battle of Armageddon
The great white throne judgment
The New Jerusalem

Without getting deep into the prophetic elements, here are some things to look for as you study.

Notice what is said about Christ, what happens to the saints, and how the non-believers (those who dwell upon the earth) respond to the events.
What do you learn about worship?
Angels are more visible and active in Revelation than any other book. What do you learn about them and their ministry?

If you want a more detailed study, follow those cross-references in your study Bible and incorporate passages from Daniel, Ezekiel, Zechariah, and the Olivet Discourse into your study.

Next week – A Christmas tip

Study Tip: Revelation (part 2)

By Paula

Last week, we began a closer look at the last book of the Bible and the only book of prophecy in the New Testament. The book was written down by the apostle John, and he was instructed to send to seven churches in Asia Minor. However, before the prophetic visions unfolded, Jesus had some very pointed words for believers in those churches. Chapters 2-3 are His messages.

The churches

Are these seven real churches? Or do they represent seven eras of church history? Or are they a microcosm of believers found in all churches? I think the best answer is yes. If you are into history, the background on these seven churches is well worth the investigation. If not, don't worry. There is plenty of good stuff in the test.

The format

Imagine sitting down with Jesus for your performance review. He points out what you're doing right, what you need to fix and His recommendations. Each of the seven churches got that treatment. As you read the messages, look for these points:

How does Jesus identify Himself? (Notice, He picks one of the attributes described the chapter 1 vision.)
What does He "know" about the church? Is it good, bad or both?
What instruction or encouragement or recommendation or warning does He give?
What promises does He make to the overcomers?
How do these fit with the identification of Jesus?

(f you are a list or chart maker… this is your time to shine!)

The application

Why is it necessary to see the vision of Christ in chapter 1 before getting to these messages?

Which church do you most identify with? What do you take away from Jesus' words?

Next week – Chapter 4-22 The "things which will take place after this."

Study Tip: Revelation

By Paula

Revelation. Intimidated? Don't be. The final book in the Bible is an awesome study guaranteed to bless you. Really. Chapter 22 specifically says those who read and obey the words in the revelation will receive a special blessing. It was written by the apostle, John, after he was given a vision. His words were meant to admonish, exhort and encourage believers in Asia Minor.

Before we start, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Don't make it harder than it has to be. Yes, there are lots of sevens, and symbols and John tries to describe things that defy the imagination, but don't let those things throw you.

The Greek name for the book of Revelation is The Apocalypse. Culturally, we have a ascribed an idea to the word 'apocalypse', and granted some of the events described in the Revelation are horrifying, but the word simply means 'the unveiling'. (Think- yanking a sheet away and shouting "ta-da!") So who or what are we unveiling? Jesus Christ. Not the suffering servant, but the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Divine Warrior King who assumes His throne. In Revelation, we get a Mount of Transfiguration-type glimpse of Christ in all of His awesome glory. See that, study that, meditating on that.

The book is divided into three sections. Revelation 1:19 says that John is to "Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this." Chapter 1 makes up the 'things which you have seen", chapters 2-3 make up the "things which are" (contemporary to John) and chapters 4-22 cover the "things which will take place after this." These sections have their own unique character so we'll take our time and look at each section separately.

Keeping these things in mind, let's look at the first section – Chapter 1, the vision of Christ.

What do you learn about John?
What symbols are given and how are they interpreted? (Verses 20-21 explain some of the symbolic things John saw.)
What do you learn about Jesus? What does He say about Himself? How does He appear? Now, John knew Jesus personally and saw Him on the Mount of Transfiguration- how does he react to this vision of Christ? Keep track of these appearances of Jesus throughout the rest of the book. Note how He appears, what He says and does and how others respond to Him.
How would our lives change if we saw Christ as He really was and not just our familiar version of him?

Next week – Chapters 2-3, the things which are.

Study Tip: Jude

By Paula

Jude is another short one chapter epistle, and like James, this one was written by Jesus' little brother. If the list in Matthew 13:55 was by age, Jude was the baby. He wrote a tight, yet passionate exhortation to guard against apostasy. Apostasy is a deliberate defection from the truth.

Some things to note as you read Jude:

What does he say about the apostates, their character, their tactics, their teaching, their influence in the church?

What advice does he give for guarding against apostasy?

What Old Testament people or situations does he refer to in order to make his case?

BONUS: How does Jude compare with 2 Peter on false teachers?

Next week: Revelation part 1

Study Tip: 2 & 3 John

By Paula

This week's tip is a short one because the books themselves are short. 2 & 3 John are much more like our idea of a letter. Each is clearly addressed to someone the apostle knows and for whom he has warm personal regard. The apostle's great concern is that these young churches are vigilant in identifying and rejecting false teaching.

2 John

To whom is 2 John addressed?
What warnings or instructions does John give?
In 2 John, watch for these key words – commandment, doctrine and abide. How do those key words connect to John's purpose for writing?

3 John

In 3 John, the letter is addressed to a specific person. Who is it and what can you tell about him?
There are two other men mentioned in the letter. Who are they and what does John say about them?

Bonus Questions

In 3 John, John mentions the idea of hospitality and also touches on it in 2 John. How is hospitality connected to the false teachers?

What lessons on how to deal with people can you take away from these letters?

Study Tip: 1 John

By Paula

1 John is like the Blue's Clues of the Bible. If you've not had preschoolers in the house for a while, you may not be familiar with the television show. It creates a very simple, stripped-down, easy to navigate world. It presents literal easy-to-understand lessons in a warm tone, inviting participation. Finally, the five-day cycle (same show for 5 days) helps tremendously with retention, confidence and mastery of the concepts.

Now let's think about 1 John. The elder apostle presents very straightforward truths in plain language. He cycles through each of his major topics several times, always with a encouraging tone and genuine desire to help his readers internalize and live in the truth.

See?

Even if you don't buy the Blue's Clues analogy… Here are some things to work on as you read and study this short letter.

The Author – What does John tell you about himself? Why is he writing? How does he address his readers?

The Culture – John pastored the church at Ephesus which was noted for its intellectualism. One of the major heresies the church combated was Gnosticism, which stated matter was evil and therefore Jesus could not be God Incarnate, and could not be sinless. How does John dispel these ideas?

The Contrasts – John presents his subject matter through a series of simple contrasts. Light vs. Dark. If you walk in the light you behave in this manner. If you walk in darkness you behave in a totally different manner. Keep track of those contrasts and what John says.

The Keys – What does John say about each of these key concepts: fellowship, love, false teachers/doctrine, obedience, abide

The Savior – What does John say about Jesus Christ?

We had 1 John 4:7-18 read at our wedding. It includes this verse- "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear." Jon and I are still working on perfect love, but I'm so thankful Christ makes it freely available.

What stands out in 1 John for you?