Session 1: First Words Matter – The Revelation of Jesus Christ (Rev. 1:1-6)
Obsessed with “prediction,” interpreters of the book of Revelation often overlook the first words of the book: “The Revelation of Jesus Christ.” These first five words anchor all the verses and images throughout the rest of the book.
Session 2: Thinning the Veil – The Casualty of Loneliness (Rev. 1:7-18)
The book of Revelation begins with the apostle John alone and lonely. Isolated on the island of Patmos. And yet, God refuses to sit idly by and do nothing, for we serve a God who draws near.
Session 3: The Mystery of Intimacy – Fully Known by Christ (Rev. 2-3)
In the book of Revelation, Jesus draws near. Frighteningly so. The letters to the seven churches of Revelation demonstrate that Christ knows you. Intimately. And he is calling anyone with ears to hear to listen to the transforming voice of his Spirit.
Session 4: Heaven’s Halls – Identity, Action, and Who God Is (Rev. 4-5)
Action flows from identity. A truth too often overlooked with perilous results. In Revelation 4-5, God’s identity is on full display, unveiling not only “Who He is” but also “What He has done.” Two truths that transform any willing to draw near.
Session 5: Worship is War – The Interplay of Heaven and Earth (Rev. 6:1-8:5)
When the world seems to be crashing down all around you, this simple truth brings comfort: the veil between heaven and earth is not as thick as we assume. In fact, what happens on earth impacts heaven, and what happens in heaven impacts earth.
Session 6: The Tenderness of God – Unveiling Evil and the God of Pursuit (Rev. 8:6-11:19)
Our God loves everyone. Our enemies included. In the book of Revelation, God’s pursuit is not limited to merely His own or “good.” He pursues evil as well, longing for everyone to repent and return to Him.
Session 7: This is Your Enemy – Disrobing a Deceptive Target (Rev. 12-14)
It’s hard to win the battle if you don’t know who the enemy is. Targets may be mistaken, and your weapons may do more harm than damage. In Revelation 12-14, the enemy is unveiled and the call is clear: follow the Lamb wherever He goes. Even to the cross.
Session 8: The Message of the Interludes – Security, Witness, and Deeds (Rev. 15-16)
Each set of seven (seals, trumpets, and bowls) contains an interlude, and in each interlude contains a message to church. A message that calls us to witness, come what may, with our actions discipled in Christ.
Session 9: The Beginning of Evil’s End – Violence, Infighting, and Parasites (Rev. 17:1-19:10)
The book of Revelation makes clear not just the nature of God but the nature of evil. Evil is parasitic, violent, and selfish. But not just to its enemies – even to those who worship the evil one.
Session 10: God’s Triumphal Procession – Why Satan Must Be Released (Rev. 19:11-20:10)
The release of Satan in Revelation 20 has caused quite a bit of controversy and confusion over the years. In this lecture, Shane J. Wood mines Roman history to make a potent theological point: Satan is released to march in God’s triumphal procession.
Session 11: Last Words Matter – The God of Pursuit (Rev. 21:1-22:21)
The last words of Revelation remind us that we cannot ignore the first words of the book: “The Revelation of Jesus Christ.” When the veil between heaven and earth thins, we see Jesus more clearly. And we now know our mission.