As always, God delivers on His promise

Today I express my gratitude to the Lord, and to a pastor who has been relentlessly faithful to his calling as a teacher, for the riches He has shared in the Revelation of Jesus Christ.

This is the only book of the Bible that opens with a promised blessing to those who "hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it." (Rev. 1:3)

It is also a book of the Bible that is tragically ignored by many Christians and their pastors.

"Too complicated, too mysterious," say some.

"Too harsh, too violent," say others.

In fact, there are many elements of this prophetic writing that leave us asking questions that cannot be answered. Many questions, however, ARE answered because this book -- the revelation of Jesus Himself -- reflects heavily on God's truth as recorded in the other 65 books of the Bible. It also contains not only John's vision, but the words of Jesus Christ Himself.

To those who resist prophecy I would remind them that roughly one-third of God's inspired Word is prophetic. Much prophecy has been fulfilled. The fulfillment of other prophecies lies in the future.

To those who say, "We cannot know the day or the hour," I remind them that God's prophecy is 100 percent accurate! He calls us in numerous Scriptures to keep our eyes open -- to be alert regarding unfulfilled prophecy including the return of Jesus!

The truth about Christ's return for His church is scattered throughout the Bible, but that promise is made particularly vivid in the Book of Revelation.

"The end of this world" will indeed be accompanied by judgment of those who deny God and the grace He has extended through Jesus, our Redeemer. It must be recognized, however, that judgment and eternal separation from God is actually the choice of each individual.

Unlike other creatures, God created us in His image. He has blessed us with the freedom to choose life surrendered to Him (relationship!) -- or to deny Him and attempt to embrace "the truth" as we define it.

One of the many "jewels" contained in the Book of Revelation is the promise that through Jesus Christ and His decision to honor God's plan, those of us who call Him Lord were "judged" at the cross. Our names have been recorded in the Book of Life, and our eternal "fate" is an indescribable, joyous future in His presence.

The Book of Revelation is a book of hope and promises. It is also a blunt prophecy of future events that should inspire us -- convict us -- to share the Good News with others in hopes they will answer the Father's love call and be spared an eternity of separation from Him.

For those who have not studied the Book of Revelation, I recommend the Blue Letter Bible (blueletterbible.org), a free website that features not only the Scriptures, but study features and commentaries by teachers. I pray that the words of this precious book will be received in your heart by the power of the Holy Spirit.

John 14:1-3 "Let not your heart be troubled ... In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also."

Revelation 22:20-21 "He Who testifies to these things says, 'Yes, I am coming quickly.' Amen. Come Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen."