Episode 759: Understanding the book of Revelation. Part 1

Hello everyone. In this morning's Bible study we take a step back to conduct an overview of the book of Revelation prior to diving into the deep end.

The goal is to ensure that we have the proper foundation for the study. To a fault, many get into the study without having an understanding of the background purpose for the book.

The Lord Jesus is the One giving us the background information and the outline for the book. John records it accordingly writing:

Revelation 1:10-11, 19 (NKJV)
10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, 11 saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”...19 Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.

What do we see here in the outline given to us by God Himself?
1. The things which you have seen.
2. The things which are.
3. The things which will take place after this (after the things which are).

Why did Jesus give John this outline? This outline was given in order to provide a proper foundation to understanding the book.

Why did John need that foundation? He didn't, you and I did. John was an eyewitness to the things which are. John was also an eyewitness to the things written in Matthew 24 & 25, Mark 13, and Luke 21. He didn't need any of those books to know what was said and done by Jesus.

John was a student of the Old Testament scriptures. He had read and understood the book of Daniel along with the other prophets.

The question becomes have you? Do you understand the importance of knowing what is detailed about the Tribulation and recorded in Revelation spoken of by the other prophets especially Daniel and the writers of the three gospels.

That's where we will begin. I realize to most people that seems like an odd place to commence a study of the book of Revelation however that's the exact order the Lord Jesus gave it to us hence we will follow accordingly.

By the time we open the book of Revelation, we will have a proper foundation and a much easier time understanding its content.

Today's study is 1 hour and 3 minutes in duration. I have broken it into five segments. This is segment 1 of 5 titled Understanding the book of Revelation. Part 1