As I mentioned from the pulpit, we'll be walking through the book of Revelation after we complete the gospel of John in February 2014.  I'm already preparing in study and receiving feedback from those in our congregation who are excited.  Studies have shown that Revelation is one of least read books of the Bible by believers and yet one of the most requested books to be taught through.  In addition to this, due to the various positions that theologians can take on various end-time circumstances, this book is rarely taught through and perhaps even avoided from the pulpit. 

     With that said, I believe we at The Journey have several reasons to tread through these apocalyptic waters.  Upon the completion of the gospel of John (which I consider to be the most valuable time we've had together to this point) we'll find ourselves in a great place to transition into the last book of the Bible.  Having walked through any of the gospels would be a great time to transition into Revelation but John is especially beneficial as the apostle John authored BOTH!  By the time we begin Revelation we will have put in an entire year worth of study into Johannine literature, this is huge.

     Although, the book of Revelation itself begins with a verse that provides all the necessary motivation to preach through it during our Sunday morning services.  Just read below:

Revelation 1:3 - "Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near."

     Preparing for Revelation in some ways feels like chopping down an oak tree with a razor blade.  Much like John's gospel, Revelation has an endless supply of commentary and opinions dedicated to its' content.  As I weed through resources over the next 6 months, I'll share some thoughts in the hopes to encourage those at The Journey who are interested in the end-times to take up and read along with me.  I've technically already begun doing this with my review over Sam Storms' book titled "Kingdom Come" which you can check out by clicking here.

     Below are two more great reads in regards to eschatology that I've knocked out this summer and would encourage you to consider:

These Last Days, A Christian View of History

     When studying eschatology it's ridiculously beneficial to study more than one opinion by more than one author.  Surely that's always the case with any biblical study but an amplified notion when dealing with end-time prophecy.  The reason for this is that there are multiple veins of interpretation that still manage to fall inside the boundaries of essential doctrinal truths that we cling to as Christians.

     To put it simply, when it comes to the certain matters of eschatology you have options.  After all, we're discussing visions regarding aspects of God and His kingdom to which our feeble minds are utterly incapable of fully grasping.  Yet, had we not been given the imagery through the book of Revelation we wouldn't have the hope in eternal life that we have as believers today.

     I say all of that to point out that the major attraction to this particular resource on eschatology is it's contribution from multiple trustworthy/proven/Jesus-loving theologians who take various eschatological positions.  This book is a fast and clear read on these matters and if you've encountered any of these authors below in the past you'll quickly realize that this is worthy of your time.

Chapter 1:  The Christ of History - Sinclair Ferguson
Chapter 2:  This present Evil Age - D.A. Carson
Chapter 3:  The Age of The Spirit - Alistair Begg
Chapter 4:  The Resurrection Hope - Michael S. Horton
Chapter 5:  The Eternal Glory - J. Ligon Duncan III
Chapter 6:  Partakers of the Age to Come - D.A. Carson
Chapter 7:  The Four Main Millennial Views - Cornelis P. Venema
Chapter 8:  A Pastoral Guide to Life after Death - Richard D. Phillips
Chapter 9:  Evangelical Eschatology, American Style - Jeffrey K. Jue
Chapter 10:  The Radical Implications of Eternity - Paul David Tripp

Are You Ready For The End Of Time? - Understanding Future Events From Prophetic Passages Of The Bible, by J.C. Ryle

     Having used Ryle's commentary on the gospel of John week to week during our John series, I've become a huge fan of this dude.  I honestly didn't expect to connect with his style of writing but I've been pleasantly surprised to say the least.  I've learned a ton of valuable information from his research on John's gospel and church history.  When I learned he had a book on end-times it was a no-brainer to pick it up.

     In his preface, Ryle promises not to take definitive positions on all eschatological matters but if you've ever read anything this guy has written you know that wasn't fully going to happen.   From what I've learned about this man he wasn't one to keep his opinions secret, that's actually one his best attributes.

     All in all, I would conclude that Ryle would fall into the end-time category of premillennial dispensationalism.  This actually wasn't what I was expecting from Ryle when I began his book but it was very helpful in understanding the heart behind this position. 

Chapter 1:  Watch
Chapter 2:  Occupy Till I Come
Chapter 3:  What Time Is It?
Chapter 4:  Idolatry To Be Destroyed At Christ's Coming
Chapter 5:  Scattered Israel To Be Gathered
Chapter 6:  The Reading Which Is Blessed
Chapter 7:  And So All Israel Shall Be Saved
Chapter 8:  The Heirs Of God

     This is another quick read and from a credible author who spent more time in God's word than I could imagine.  He loved Jesus and dedicated his entire life to faithfully preaching and teaching the word of God. 

I pray that these reads are a blessing to you,

Cody Parman