This book originated from a study I did with a group of friends in 2016 after I've completed a one-year Bible reading challenge with a bigger group, some of whom expressed interest for an in-depth study of Revelation. I laid down one condition—that they complete reading the book three times before I commit to taking them through a formal study. Ten of them fulfilled the requirement; subsequently I created a separate chat group and led them through a five-month study.
Besides going through the verses in each chapter, I leveraged on current news and happenings, as well as allured to major world events that have relevance to the visions and imageries in view. Questions were also posted along the way to which I addressed the best I could. The efforts expended were no less short of writing a theological paper. The notes and illustrations gathered were considerable and some of my students asked if there could be any chance I might put into a book form.
I shelved the idea for three years, partly because I wanted to focus on the Daily Reading Journal series which I felt would be more beneficial and better serve the believers individually and communally. Come 2020 and my church decided on the book of Revelation for this year's theme—a first in its 62-year founding history—that I felt led to revisit my notes. After much prayer and careful consideration, I decided it was time to bring my notes up-to-date and then give it a much needed facelift before putting it to print.
As it turned out, the process of collating, updating, editing and spellchecking, etc. took about three months. It might not be as exacting as writing my three-volume journal but the intricacies involved are no less daunting for a book of this nature. Thank God for His grace and enablement!
- First and foremost, have a Bible, in printed or electronic form, as a ready reference.
- Turn off all sources of distraction—TV, radio, mobile phone. If you're using a Bible app on your phone, set it to airplane mode so you do not get distracted by any incoming call or message.
- Pray and ask the Holy Spirit for understanding while resisting the urge to impose any preconceived ideas into the text.
- Adopt a humble and reverent attitude.
- Practice good discipline and reading posture, like you would in any devotional exercise.
One more important point to note—the insights and additional references made are solely this author's discretionary views or opinions, and should not be construed as infallible or absolute. Readers should make conscientious effort to verify the sources provided, where possible and necessary. That said, it is the aim of this author to bring greater awareness of what is happening in the world to the average believer who may not have the time or exposure needed to gather these data to stay informed.
The prophetic clock of God's dealing with mankind is ticking away and gathering momentum at this late hour. We should seriously heed the Lord's warning—
Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watches and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and others see his shame. (Revelation 16:15)
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