Exploring the Book of Revelation

You are warmly invited to join Pastor Murray as we explore the Book of Revelation together through Redemptive Faith Ministries.

This study will take us through the book in manageable parts, using the NKJV Bible. We will consider each passage in its context, explore its connections with other Scriptures, and reflect on what it means for our faith and daily lives. At the heart of our study will be Jesus Christ and the hope, encouragement and assurance this remarkable book offers.

Study material will be published here in parts, giving you time to read, reflect and prepare your questions. You are welcome to send questions or share your understanding of a passage by email or Messenger.

We will set aside one evening each week for Bible study, with the day and time announced before we begin. During that evening, Pastor Murray will respond personally to questions and suggested interpretations. Questions requiring further study will receive a thoughtful follow-up.

As we explore passages that Christians understand differently, we will approach each other with humility and respect, examining Scripture carefully and prayerfully seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

Should there be enough interest, we can introduce a scheduled Messenger group chat, allowing us to discuss the study together in writing and learn from one another.

Whether you are opening Revelation for the first time or have studied it for years, you are welcome to join us. Please express your interest by email or Messenger. Once we have enough people interested will will begin.

Watch this space!

Part one. Revelation 1:1-8 NKJV

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants-things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, [2] who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. [3] Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. [4] John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, [5] and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, [6] and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. [7] Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. [8] "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."

A Study of the Book of Revelation

Part 1: Jesus Christ at the Centre
Bible reading: Revelation 1:1–8 NKJV

Welcome to our first study. Take a few moments to read these eight verses slowly. As we begin, let us consider what they tell us about Jesus, why this message was given, and how we should respond.

Verses 1–2: Where the message comes from

The opening words identify this book as the revelation of Jesus Christ. A revelation is an unveiling or a making known. This message comes from Jesus and reveals Him to us.

John describes how it was communicated: God gave it to Jesus Christ, who made it known through His angel to John, for His servants. John then bore witness to what he received and saw.

This gives us a foundation for our study. We are approaching a message intended to help God’s people understand, remain faithful and recognise the authority of Jesus.

The expressions concerning things happening shortly, and the time being near in verse 3, deserve careful attention. They gave urgency to the message for its first readers. Christians differ over how this timing relates to the book’s fulfilment: some emphasise events close to John’s lifetime, others see fulfilment unfolding through history, and others place much of it in the future.

As we continue, we will examine these views alongside the passages themselves. For now, the call is to receive God’s message seriously and live ready to respond.

Verse 3: A blessing that calls for a response

A blessing is promised to the person who reads, those who hear, and those who keep the words of this prophecy.

The reference to one reader and several hearers fits a gathering where Scripture is read aloud. Imagine those early believers listening together as John’s message was read to them.

Keeping its words means taking them to heart and allowing them to shape our lives. Our study therefore has a practical purpose: growing in faithfulness, obedience and trust in Jesus.

Something to consider: How might what we learn change the way we live this week?

Verses 4–5: Grace and peace for real churches

John addresses seven churches in Asia, the Roman province in what is now western Türkiye. These were actual congregations with their own struggles, responsibilities and spiritual needs.

The greeting brings grace and peace from the eternal God, the seven Spirits before His throne, and Jesus Christ.

The seven Spirits are commonly understood as a symbolic description of the Holy Spirit in His fullness. Connections with the seven lamps and God’s Spirit in Zechariah 4 help explain this understanding. Some interpreters understand them as heavenly beings. We will examine the related passages as we progress, treating this identification with care.

Jesus is described as the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth.

He faithfully reveals God. His resurrection establishes His supremacy over death. His authority extends above every earthly ruler. “Firstborn” here expresses His supreme position; Scripture records people being raised before His resurrection.

Verses 5–6: Loved, cleansed and given a calling

John’s greeting becomes an expression of praise.

Jesus loves His people and has washed them from their sins through His own blood. Our relationship with God rests upon what Jesus accomplished for us.

He has also made His people kings and priests to His God and Father. This speaks of a shared calling under God’s authority: belonging to Him, worshipping Him and serving His purposes.

Before we explore Revelation’s judgements, we are reminded of Christ’s love and the identity He gives His people. That is a reassuring place to begin.

Verses 7–8: His coming and God’s eternal authority

Verse 7 announces Christ’s coming with clouds and describes its worldwide significance. The language connects with Daniel 7:13–14 and Zechariah 12:10. The mourning reminds us that His coming also brings a solemn reckoning.

Verse 8 declares the Lord’s eternal authority. Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Together with the description of the Almighty, they express God’s sovereignty over the whole course of history.

For us today, this offers a firm foundation: our lives and our future belong within the purposes of the eternal God.

Questions for reflection and discussion

Which description of Jesus in these verses encourages you most, and why?
What is the difference between reading this prophecy and keeping its words?
How does Christ’s authority help you face uncertainty?
Which part of this passage would you like to understand more clearly?

Please send your questions or suggested interpretations by email or Messenger using the links below. For email, use Bible Study as the subject heading. On Messenger, begin your message with Bible Study. Include the verse you are referring to, your question or understanding, and any Scriptures that have helped shape your thoughts.

We will announce a regular study evening once we have an indication of interest. On that evening, I will respond to questions as we examine Scripture together. Where a question needs further investigation, I will take time to study it carefully and follow up.

Our focus for this first study: Jesus loves His people, has cleansed them through His blood, and calls them to live faithfully as they await His coming.

This first lesson gives you an opportunity to see how the study will be presented. Take your time to read the passage, consider the explanation and reflect on the questions.

The timing of Part 2 will depend on the interest shown in participating. You are welcome to register your interest by email or Messenger and begin Part 1 whenever you are ready.

Should there be enough interest, we can also look at introducing a scheduled Messenger group chat, giving participants an opportunity to discuss the passages and learn together.

I look forward to exploring God’s Word with you.

Pastor Murray — Redemptive Faith Ministries

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