Revelation Study
After much thought and discussion centered around arguably the most controversial book of the Bible, here is the recap of our eighteen week study of THE REVELATION (please note: REVELATION = NO “S”)
Twelve Essential Ideas from THE REVELATION for Today’s Young People
#1 We may not know exactly what the future holds, but we know who holds the future.
#2 People who see Jesus as no more than a meek and mild teacher may be shocked to see him as a glorified king who returns to earth for the final showdown between good and evil.
#3 As far as Jesus is concerned, there’s no such thing as a Fair-Weather Christian: He expects complete commitment from his followers.
#4 Anything less than extreme faithfulness and obedience is distasteful to God!
#5 Genuine worship isn’t something we grudgingly offer God for an hour or so a week; it’s the natural, passionate response to recognizing and acknowledging who God truly is.
#6 God has been patient with the human race for centuries, giving everyone a chance to come to Him—but He won’t let evil go unpunished forever.
#7 God is infinitely more complex than we can possibly imagine. Basing our opinion of Him on One or two attributes will prevent us from recognizing and fully appreciating what He’s really like.
#8 While God may allow His people to be touched by hardship and tragedy, He will protect us from being overwhelmed by them.
#9 Certain passages of God’s Word are difficult to understand at first glance. Fortunately for us God rewards all diligent, genuine efforts to discover the truth in His Word.
#10 Though it may seem that evildoers prosper all around us, the time is coming when evil will be defeated once and for all—and it will pay big time to be on God’s side!
#11 One day everybody will be judged by God. Those who aren’t saved by faith in Christ will be separated from God forever. As Christians, that should be a major motivation to share the Good News of Jesus with as many people as possible.
#12 As Christians, we’re guaranteed eternal happiness, joy and fulfillment in God’s presence; and though we may not know exactly what our eternal home will be like, we can rest assured it will surpass even our wildest expectations.
(Quoted from and attributed to: Creative Bible Lessons in Revelation: 12 Futuristic Sessions on Never-Ending Worship by Randy Southern (Paperback) : 136 Pages Release Date: August 01, 2003Label: Zondervan Publishing CompanyDistributed By: Zondervan Publishing CompanyPublisher: Zondervan Publishing CompanyLength: 11.08 inchesHeight: 0.34 inchesWeight: 0.34 (lbs) Category: YOUTH MINISTRYISBN: 0310251087EAN / ISBN-13: 9780310251088UPC: 025986251086 Product Code: 62019)
REVELATION- our “Final Exam”
Prayer: Heavenly Father, it is your will that for us to come to you, to know you, to understand you! Yet we still have so many questions. Help us to not get discouraged as we seek to understand your will for us, but to understand that in seeking, we are blessed. Grant us discernment, oh Lord. Help us to recognize you and your plans. Help us to be part of your kingdom. Amen
Prior to today’s lesson, review the pages “Judgment Days Defined” (the red sheets in your binders).
Note 1: My permission should not matter, but in case it does, you have my permission to strongly agree with this movie, or to strongly disagree with it! You may agree with all, part or none of it. The purpose of this lesson is that you can define and articulate your beliefs—to others, to yourself, and most of all before God (ie in prayer, but to do this, you must be open to God’s response.)
Note 2: The LEFT BEHIND movie is accessible/available through multiple sources—youtube, online commerce , or your local video vendor—please view entire movie prior to your final conclusions. (Try the following as a start: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhBpEpQiLkw&feature=PlayList&p=D615321F9F85BE2D&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=18}
(Product Details: Actors: Kirk Cameron, Brad Johnson, Louis Gossett Jr., Jessica Steen, Gordon Currie* Directors: Bill Corcoran, Craig R. Baxley, Vic Sarin* Writers: Alan B. McElroy, André van Heerden, Jerry B. Jenkins, Joe Goodman, John Patus* Format: Color, DVD, NTS* Language: English* Region: Region 1 encoding (US and Canada only) PLEASE NOTE: Some Region 1 DVDs may contain Regional Coding Enhancement (RCE). Some, but not all, of our international customers have had problems playing these enhanced discs on what are called “region-free” DVD players. For more information on RCE, click here. * Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1* Number of discs: 3 * Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)* Studio: Sony Pictures * DVD Release Date: March 28, 2006 * Run Time: 284 minutes* Average Customer Review: 32 Reviews › See all 32 customer reviews…› See all 3 discussions… * ASIN: B000E5KUKG
Questions For the “Final Exam”
As you watch the movie Left Behind, consider the following questions.
1. Based on our study of the Revelation, is this movie Biblically accurate?
Why or why not?
2. Would you say that this movie portrays the Revelation according to a literal or figurative interpretation or combination of the two? Explain.
3. How are the following terms portrayed in the movie? (Hint: some may not be depicted in this movie.)
Antichrist
Armageddon
Dragon
Eschatology
False prophet
Millennium
Rapture
Tribulation
4. Which of the following interpretations of the Revelation are prominently depicted in this movie?
A. premillennialism, postmillennialism, or amillenniallism
Explain your answer
B. pretribulationalism, midtribulationalism, posttribulationalsim
Explain your answer
5. After our study, which interpretation of the Revelation do YOU feel is most accurate? Explain why.
(The questions above, especially questions 2 and 4 may help you review your options and focus your thoughts.)
