INTRODUCTION

Many Christians avoid the final book of the Bible—the book of Revelation. Perhaps that’s because there have been so many disagreements in churches and denominations concerning this book. Arguments about the anti-Christ. When the tribulation will occur. What constitutes the beast, the false prophet and all the symbolism found in this book. So the devil has put a fear in many Christian hearts to “stay away from these arguments—stay away from the book of Revelation.”

Of course, Satan is always a liar. The book of Revelation is more than about the future – it is also about the present. It is God’s recipe for the Church’s permanent revival! This book is filled with common sense issues of life—not just prophetic sense for future days. It is a book of life-changing truths that a child can grasp—not doctrinal arguments to separate the brethren.

Most Christians agree that we are living in the last days. It certainly appears so with the re-establishment of Israel, a disappearing morality, a call for a new-world-order and someone to lead it, worldwide plagues, diseases, catastrophes, and more. To be ignorant of the transforming truths found throughout the twenty-two chapters in the final book of the Bible is to be an easy target for Satan’s lies and distortions. So in our study of Revelation, we will not get involved with arguments and debates. Instead, we shall see how the Holy Spirit can use this book to transform our lives here and now and make us enduring “walking revivals”.

The first verse of the first chapter says everything we need to know before we begin our journey through this study. “The revelation of Jesus Christ” (1:1) is the opening of the book. Why? Well, not only is this book a living testimony of our God— but also of His Son. The book of Revelation is written simply and elegantly to “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (2:29).

The world we live in today leaves us no time for spiritual slumber or foolish priorities. So let’s get started with a prayer that our Father in Heaven will open our eyes as we explore the final book in God’s plan for the ages—and His recipe for revival. I will be emphasizing key verses that point the way to you and me being God’s “walking revivals”, not only in the future, but in the now.

CHAPTER 1
Who And What The Book Is All About (Not merely the babe in the manger, but the mighty resurrected Son of God who wants first place in your life.)

“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John:”  (Rev. 1:1)

(MY REVIVAL KEY)

A Promised Blessing Carries A Condition (“Keep those things” calls for obedience to all of Christ’s demands and commands.)

“Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.” (Rev. 1:3)

(MY REVIVAL KEY)

The Greatest Miracle—Past And Present (Never grow familiar with the cost of the precious blood of Jesus. Being “born again” is the greatest of all miracles!)

“And from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood," (Rev. 1:5).

(MY REVIVAL KEY)

The Greatest Privilege (Kings have authority—priests are anointed—to be used by God in this broken world. Don’t ignore this calling in your life.)

“And has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (Rev. 1:6)

The Greatest Promise (An irreversible guarantee: we shall behold Him face to face!)

“Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.” (Rev. 1:7)

The Greatest Personality (Imagine! The God of eternity in love with you!!)

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Rev. 1:8)

God’s Call For Patience Under Suffering (Living for Jesus in a filthy world is not easy. It’s not supposed to be!)

“I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (Rev. 1:9)

An Important Lesson For Every Day (That’s why daily time spent in the Word and prayer is a must for every day.)

“I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet,” (Rev. 1:10).

(MY REVIVAL KEY)

Meet The Real Jesus (Not “the Man from Galilee”, but the Creator of the galaxies!)

“And in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band.  His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire;  His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength.” (Rev. 1:13-16)

(MY REVIVAL KEY)

The Tenderness Of The Almighty (That powerful but gentle hand and tender “fear not” voice will come to you also, as you surrender to His will.)

“And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last.  I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death." (Rev. 1:17-18)

(TO BE CONTINUED)

"Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ" (I Corinthians 11:1)
The ST. PAUL SCHOOL, with Frank Eiklor, Eileen Young and Cecilia Contreras