Monday, February 25, 2013

Revelation, A Discover Together Bible Study by Sue Edwards

 There are lots of Bible studies out there, so why would you consider doing this one?

We don't all have the same amount of time to do a Bible study and Sue has provided levels of study questions so people can spend as much time in study as they are able. The basic questions in each lesson take about an hour and a half and provide a basic overview. The digging deeper section is for those who want to probe the text deeply. Outside resources, such as Greek aids or an atlas, may be needed for these questions. Theological issues and differing views are discussed in this section.

Edwards has also included sidebars with enrichment information, such as quotes from other authors. There are also short videos to watch for each lesson. QR codes are included in the text that can be scanned with a smart phone. The videos can also be seen here.

This is an inductive Bible study and it works best if the individuals do their homework on their own, then come together to share.

Why study John's Revelation? Last Days predictions seem to be everywhere lately. There was the Mayan calendar and Harold Camping's predictions. Those doomsday predictions were bogus. Where can you go to find out what God said about the Last Days? Revelation.

Edwards' book will not give you a date for Christ's return but will help you understand what God has said about preparing for that event. A thorough immersion in Revelation will infuse you with courage, hope, and excitement.

This study focuses on five chapters in Revelation, the first three and the last two. Edwards believes these chapters are the most beneficial when considering how God wants us to prepare for Christ's return.

Note: the author is a professor at Dallas Theological Seminary and holds a pretribulation, premillennial view of the end times. While this book is written from that view, specifically that Christians will not experience the Tribulation, I think even those with differing views (as I have) will be able to benefit from this study.

Sue Edwards is associate professor of Christian education at Dallas Theological Seminary. She has years of experience as a Bible teacher, curriculum writer, and overseer of several women's ministries. She has worked with women as minister to women at Irving Bible Church and director of women's ministries at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Dallas. She has a doctor of ministry degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. She and her husband of forty years have two married daughters and five grandchildren.

You can find out more about this study and others in the series, watch the associated videos, and download a leader's guide at www.discovertogetherseries.com.

Kregel Publications, 125 pages. Please visit your local Christian bookstore to purchase this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from a publicity group for the purpose of this review.

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