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Jesus Is Coming—Revelation 22:7–21 Open It 1. What nicknames did you or your friends have when you were growing up? 2. What is your most memorable “returning home” experience? 3. *What is one reward you remember getting? Explore It 1. What promise did Christ make? (22:7) 2. What blessing did Christ promise us? (22:7) 3. Who did Jesus say is a blessed person? (22:7) 4. How did the revelations John saw affect him? (22:8) 5. What command was given to John by his angelic assistant? (22:9) 6. Why was John commanded not to seal up the prophecies of his book? (22:10) 7. What additional instructions did the angel give? (22:11) 8. When Jesus comes, what will He bring with Him? (22:12) 9. How did Jesus describe Himself? (22:13, 16) 10. *Who will be entitled to citizenship in the new Jerusalem? (22:14) 11. Who will be barred from entering the heavenly city? (22:15) 12. What is the consequence of living a life of disobedience to God, no matter what it involves? (22:15) 13. What was Jesus’ method for getting His message to us? (22:16) 14. *What invitation is given by the Spirit and the bride? (22:17) 15. What warning did John give? (22:18–19) 16. *What do we know for sure about Christ’s return? (22:20) 17. How did John bless his readers? (22:21) Get It 1. How might you react if you were to see an angel? 2. In what ways do we put Christian leaders on pedestals or revere them too highly? 3. How can we put believers we respect in proper perspective? 4. How can a person “keep the words of the prophecy in this book”? 5. *What do you think is the point of the angel telling everyone to continue doing what they are doing, whether good or bad? 6. What does it mean to be thirsty for God? 7. What does it mean to “wash your robes”? 8. *What is involved in responding to God’s invitation to come to Him? 9. What does it mean that “the time is near” and that Christ is “coming soon”? 10. What do we know about the timing of Christ’s return? 11. What does it mean to add to or take away from God’s prophetic word? 12. How might a person add to or take away from the words of Christ’s revelation? 13. How can we show respect for the revelation Jesus gave us in this book? 14. How do the self-descriptions of Jesus here change the way you view Him? 15. How might we bless others with the way we greet or say good-bye to them? Apply It 1. What are some concrete ways you can show respect for the messages in the Bible? 2. *What can you “continue to do right” this week? 3. What can you do to remind yourself not to put Christian leaders on pedestals or to make them the focus of your praise? 4. How could you bless others this week with the way you greet or say good-bye to them?

The River of Life—Revelation 22:1–6 Open It 1. *What is your favorite fruit? What do you like about it? 2. Of all the world’s great cities that are situated on rivers, which one would you most like to visit? Why? 3. What disease do you most wish there were a cure for? Explore It 1. What sight did John’s heavenly “tour guide” show him? (22:1) 2. How did John describe the appearance of the river of life? (22:1) 3. How did John describe the location of the river of life? (22:2) 4. *What was growing on each side of the river of life? (22:2) 5. *When did the tree that John saw in the city bear fruit? (22:2) 6. *Of what value are the leaves on the tree of life? (22:2) 7. What will be missing from the new heavens and new earth? (22:3) 8. What will God’s people do in heaven? (22:3) 9. What kind of relationship will God have with His people in heaven? (22:3–4) 10. Where will the inhabitants of heaven get their light? (22:5) 11. How long will God’s people reign? (22:5) 12. How did the angel assure John? (22:6) Get It 1. What kind of service will God’s people perform in heaven? 2. What will life be like in heaven? 3. What do you imagine it will be like to look into the face of the Lord? 4. Why do you think it is difficult to imagine how wonderful heaven will be? 5. In what ways does the new Jerusalem restore what God created in the Garden of Eden? 6. How do you interpret the images “tree of life” and “river of life”? 7. What is the significance of the water of life and tree of life being in heaven? 8. *What does this passage tell us about God? 9. In what way can a person “wear God’s name on his or her forehead”? 10. To what acts of service does God call us now? 11. What difference does it make that God has told us what the future holds? 12. *How can we honor God as creator and sustainer of life? Apply It 1. *How can you honor the life that God created? 2. What act of service can you do for God this week? How? 3. What act or deed can you do today as a “mark of ownership” placed on your life by God?

The New Jerusalem—Revelation 21:1–27 Open It 1. What is the most beautiful place you have ever been? 2. *What is one of the happiest or best memories you have? 3. If you could change one thing about your city, what would you change? 4. What is the most exotic gem or precious stone you have ever seen? Explore It 1. What did John see once all the judgments had taken place? (21:1) 2. In his vision, what did John see coming down out of heaven from God? (21:2) 3. What did the voice that John heard speaking from the throne of God announce? (21:3) 4. What will life be like in heaven? (21:4) 5. *How did the voice from heaven describe the new world to come? (21:4–5) 6. What did the one on the throne promise to those who are thirsty? (21:6) 7. What did the one on the throne promise to those who overcome? (21:7) 8. What fate was assured for those who are evil? (21:8) 9. What did an angel do with John? Why? (21:9–10) 10. *What were some of the more spectacular features of the New Jerusalem that John saw? (21:10–21) 11. *In what way will the New Jerusalem reflect God’s glory and holiness? (21:21–27) 12. What did John discover about the temple in the New Jerusalem? (21:22) 13. What will be the New Jerusalem’s source of light? (21:23–24) 14. How did John describe the New Jerusalem in terms of safety or security? (21:25) 15. How did John describe the heavenly city in terms of purity? (21:26–27) Get It 1. What are the implications for us that this present earth will pass away? 2. In what ways is the promise that God will dwell with us meaningful to you? 3. What does it mean that God will wipe every tear from our eyes? 4. What kind of thirst does God promise to fill in heaven? 5. *Why do you think God revealed so many details about the measurements and appearance of the New Jerusalem? 6. What does the Bible mean when, speaking about the New Jerusalem, it says, “the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple”? 7. What is the Holy City? 8. What is signified by the fact that the nations will bring their splendor to the Holy City? 9. How should we act in light of the fact that the God of the universe wants to live in us? 10. *How can we prepare ourselves for a place like the New Jerusalem? Apply It 1. What can you do to remind yourself to be faithful to the Lord? 2. *How can you remind yourself every day this week of God’s promised future for His people? 3. How can you bring comfort today to someone who is facing death or pain or some other kind of sadness?

The Rider on the White Horse—Revelation 19:11–21 Open It 1. What is your opinion of (attitude toward, feelings for or against, indifference toward, etc.) horses? 2. Who do you think is the greatest military leader of all time? 3. *How do most people characterize Jesus? 4. What, to you, is the value of faithfulness? Explore It 1. What did John see in heaven as this portion of his vision began to unfold? (19:11) 2. What is the name of the individual John saw? (19:11) 3. *What is the rider of the white horse like? (19:11–13) 4. What does the rider of the white horse do? (19:11) 5. How did John describe the appearance of the rider he saw? (19:12–13, 16) 6. *Who followed the rider of the white horse? (19:14) 7. What did John note about the rider’s mouth? (19:15) 8. What message did an angel deliver? How? (19:17–18) 9. What will be the main course served to the birds at the great supper of God? (19:17–18) 10. What battle took place? (19:19–21) 11. *Who fought against the rider of the white horse, and what was the outcome? (19:19–21) 12. Who gathered together? Why? (19:19) 13. What happened to the beast and the false prophet? (19:20) 14. What happened to the rest of those who followed the beast? (19:21) Get It 1. Who is the rider? 2. *Why is Jesus depicted as a rider on a white horse? 3. What impressions of the rider does this passage give you? 4. How is Jesus described in this passage? 5. *What do all the symbols in this passage tell us about Jesus? 6. What does it mean to be faithful and true? 7. In what area of your life do you want to build a reputation of being faithful and true? 8. What is your impression of the battle described in this passage? 9. How does this snapshot of Christ compare to the typical image most people have of Him? 10. How do you interpret the place called “the fiery lake of burning sulfur”? 11. What’s the difference between the wedding supper of the Lamb and the great supper of God? 12. What enables us to be “white and clean” in the sight of God? Apply It 1. *For what “confrontations” do you need to prepare this week? How? 2. How can you develop faithfulness and integrity in your work or home life this week?

Hallelujah!—Revelation 19:1–10 Open It 1. *What is one of the most memorable weddings or banquets you have ever been to? 2. Who is one Christian leader or authority that you respect? Why? 3. What is one hymn, praise chorus, or spiritual song that summarizes how you feel about God? Explore It 1. What was the roar that John heard coming from heaven? (19:1) 2. Why were the inhabitants of heaven praising God? (19:1–2) 3. Who shouted? Why? (19:3) 4. How did the creatures closest to God act? (19:4) 5. What did the voice from the throne urge? (19:5) 6. *Why did the great multitude urge everyone to be happy? How? (19:6–7) 7. *In what ways did the bride get ready for the heavenly wedding? (19:7–8) 8. What is the significance of the fine linen worn by the bride of Christ? (19:8) 9. *Who is called “blessed”? (19:9) 10. How did John respond to the angel who was his “writing instructor”? (19:10) 11. What was the angel’s instruction to John? (19:10) 12. What did John learn about worship? (19:10) 13. What did John learn about angels? (19:10) Get It 1. How would you describe the mood in heaven when judgment is done and God prepares to unite believers with Him forever? 2. What does “hallelujah” mean? 3. Why do you think “hallelujah” is repeated again and again in heaven? 4. What is the value in praising God? 5. What are some of the ways we can praise God? 6. What difference does it make to you that God’s judgments are true and just? 7. *What are some implications of the fact that Christ’s relationship with the church is described as a marriage? 8. *In what ways ought we to act as people “engaged” to Christ? 9. To what extent are our “wedding garments” earned, and to what extent are they a gift? 10. Who does God invite to the wedding supper of the Lamb? How? Apply It 1. *What is one way you could become a more worshipful person in how you participate in worship services at church? 2. When, where, and how could you praise God this week? 3. In what way can you honor Christ in your conversations with others?

The Fall of Babylon—Revelation 18:1–24 Open It 1. *Why do you think many people enjoy seeing the rich, the great, and the famous toppled from their lofty pedestals? 2. What is the most extreme or humiliating fall from power you have ever seen someone undergo? 3. What place epitomizes evil to you? Explore It 1. What amazing sight did John see? (18:1) 2. How did John describe the angel he saw coming down from heaven? (18:1) 3. What pronouncement did the angel bring? (18:2) 4. Why did the angel say that Babylon was being judged? (18:3) 5. What did a voice from heaven urge? (18:4) 6. What specific message of judgment did the angel bring concerning Babylon’s sins? (18:5, 8) 7. *How will the fall of Babylon affect rulers and merchants all over the earth? (18:9, 11, 15) 8. *What will happen to Babylon’s wealth? (18:10–19) 9. Why will the merchants be upset? (18:11–13, 15) 10. *Why will the sea captains and sailors be upset over the destruction of Babylon? (18:17–19) 11. Why will Babylon be judged? (18:20) 12. What instructions did the angel give for heaven and its inhabitants? (18:20) 13. Near the end of the vision of Babylon’s fall, what did a mighty angel do? (18:21) 14. What did the mighty angel’s action illustrate? (18:21) 15. How will Babylon be judged? (18:22–23) 16. What symbol of violence was found in Babylon? (18:24) Get It 1. What is pride and why is it dangerous? 2. How is your view of God expanded when you read that mere creatures (such as angels) have great authority and splendor? 3. What do you think Babylon symbolizes or represents? 4. What warning does the harlot’s fate offer us today? 5. Why do you think the kings, merchants, and sailors are singled out to mourn the great city’s fall? 6. What does the harlot’s fate tell you about God? (18:4–8, 20) 7. *In what ways can we become ensnared by wealth? 8. *What can we do to avoid being slaves to money? 9. What will be Babylon’s most glaring sins? 10. What worldly attitudes and actions hinder us from having an impact on the world around us? Apply It 1. What can you do to maintain a spirit of humility as you go about your day? 2. *What is one step you can take today to put things and money in proper perspective? 3. How can you comfort a suffering friend with the message that God sees every injustice and will one day right every wrong?

The Scroll and the Lamb—Revelation 5:1–14 Open It 1. *What kind of books do you like to read? Why? 2. What was the biggest and most electric crowd of which you were ever a part? 3. What foreign language were you first exposed to? When and how? Explore It 1. What was in the hand of the one sitting on the throne in heaven? (5:1) 2. *What loud proclamation did a mighty angel make? (5:2) 3. Who first came forward to open the scroll? (5:3) 4. *What was John’s reaction when the scroll could not be opened? (5:4) 5. What did one of the twenty-four elders say to John? (5:5) 6. Who was the only one worthy to open the scroll and its seals? (5:5) 7. What did the Lamb that John saw look like? (5:6) 8. Where was the Lamb that John saw? (5:6) 9. What did the Lamb do? (5:7) 10. How did the creatures around the throne respond to the actions of the Lamb? (5:8–9) 11. *For what was the Lamb praised and worshipped? (5:9–10) 12. How many angels did John see? (5:11) 13. What were the angels doing? (5:12) 14. What were all the other living creatures doing and singing? (5:13) Get It 1. Why do you think John was upset when nobody came forward to open the scroll? 2. Why do you think the prayers of the saints appeared as “golden bowls full of incense”? 3. *What did Christ do for us? 4. What evidence do we have from this passage that God makes no distinction between races or ethnic groups? 5. Why should we value people of all races equally and treat everyone with equal respect? 6. Who in your sphere of influence needs to know about Christ? 7. What is the benefit of bowing down to worship God? 8. *How can we serve God as His priests? Apply It 1. How can you worship God in your private times of prayer this week? 2. *How can you develop an attitude of praise and thanksgiving to God as you go throughout your day?

The Throne in Heaven—Revelation 4:1–11 Open It 1. What do you most look forward to about heaven? 2. *What is a place or experience that is difficult for you to describe to others? 3. When and where was your most meaningful worship experience? Explore It 1. After receiving messages for the seven churches, what did John see? (4:1) 2. What kind of voice did John hear? (4:1) 3. What did the voice John heard say to him? (4:1) 4. What incredible sights did John see? (4:2–11) 5. How did John describe the one sitting on a throne? (4:3) 6. How did John describe what he saw? (4:3) 7. What encircled or surrounded the throne? (4:3–4) 8. How were the twenty-four elders dressed? (4:4) 9. What came from the throne? (4:5) 10. What did John see in front of the throne? (4:5–6) 11. What kind of creatures were “in the center, around the throne”? (4:6–7) 12. How were the four living creatures around the throne similar? (4:8) 13. *What attribute of God did the four living creatures praise again and again? (4:8) 14. *How did the twenty-four elders worship the Lord God? (4:9–10) 15. *Why did the elders say God was worthy of their worship? (4:11) Get It 1. Why do you think God’s throne figures prominently in the book of Revelation? 2. What attitudes do you think are expressed by falling down before God? 3. *What does it mean to worship God? 4. What impressions does this passage give you of God the Father? 5. How would you describe God to someone who had never read the Bible? 6. Based on this chapter, what seems to be an important occupation in heaven? 7. How would you answer someone who complained that “heaven will be boring … like one eternal church service”? 8. What is the significance of the lightning and thunder that comes from God’s throne? 9. *What changes are you moved to make when you reflect on the holiness and majesty of God Almighty? Apply It 1. What reminders can you use this week to keep the reality and glory of God at the front of your mind? 2. *How can you begin today to make praise and worship of God a more regular part of your life?

To the Church in Philadelphia—Revelation 3:7–13 Open It 1. *What are some examples of progress we’ve seen in the last ten years? 2. What is the weakest you’ve ever felt? 3. What is a nickname you had (or wish you’d had) as a child? 4. What groups would you cite as the biggest present-day enemies of the church? Explore It 1. Who spoke these words and instructed John to write them down? (3:7) 2. What church was the focus of this letter from Jesus? (3:7) 3. How did the speaker in this passage identify Himself? (3:7) 4. What did Christ say about His power? (3:7) 5. By what descriptions or names did Jesus call those who claimed to be Jews? (3:9) 6. What humbling act did Jesus say He would force the enemies of the church of Philadelphia to perform? (3:9) 7. What worldwide event was predicted by Christ? (3:10) 8. *Why will the world experience an “hour of trial”? (3:10) 9. *What was promised to the church at Philadelphia because of its patient endurance? (3:10) 10. *How did Jesus instruct the believers in Philadelphia to prepare for His coming? (3:11) 11. What did Jesus promise at the conclusion of this letter? (3:11–12) 12. How did Jesus challenge us? (3:11–13) 13. What promises were made to “him who overcomes” in Philadelphia? (3:12) 14. In addition to the church at Philadelphia, who else was encouraged to heed this message? (3:13) Get It 1. *What do you think about the idea that the world is getting better and better? 2. What difference does it make to you that Christ is “holy and true”? 3. How can we obey Christ and keep standing up for Him even when we are physically exhausted? 4. How might you persuade a friend that Christ is the ultimate power in the universe? 5. *What can we do to prepare for Christ’s return? 6. Why can we rejoice even when we are persecuted by hostile anti-God forces? 7. Who are some of the “pillars” of your church (faithful, godly members who give their full support)? 8. Why are some Christians seemingly more able or better equipped to “endure patiently”? 9. What advice would you give to a Christian friend who expressed physical exhaustion and a lack of spiritual strength? Apply It 1. How can you share what you have learned so far in Revelation with a non-Christian friend who is looking for spiritual answers? 2. *How can you pray this week as a result of your study? 3. In what areas of your life do you need to turn away from wrong attitudes? 4. Where can you go for the encouragement you need to keep walking with Christ in a hostile world?

To the Church in Sardis—Revelation 3:1–6 Open It 1. What is the absolute dirtiest (we’re talking mud and slime here) you’ve ever gotten? When and how did it happen? 2. What is the difference between character and reputation? 3. Which do you think is worse—wrongfully having a bad reputation, or wrongfully having a good reputation? Why? 4. *When are you most prone to being lazy? Explore It 1. Who instructed John to write down this vision? (3:1) 2. What church was the focus of this letter from Jesus? (3:1) 3. How did the speaker identify Himself? (3:1) 4. What did Christ know about the church at Sardis? (3:1) 5. What was the reputation of the church at Sardis? (3:1) 6. How did the church’s true nature match its reputation? (3:1) 7. *What did Christ think about the church at Sardis? (3:1–3) 8. What was wrong with the church at Sardis? (3:2) 9. What warnings did Christ issue to the church at Sardis? (3:2) 10. What did Christ urge as the first step to restoration? (3:3) 11. What consequences were promised to those who refused to wake up? (3:3) 12. *How do we know that not all the Christians in Sardis were “asleep”? (3:4) 13. *What blessings were promised to those who would “overcome”? (3:5) 14. In addition to the church at Sardis, who else was commanded to pay heed to this message? (3:6) Get It 1. How can a person know if his or her name is in the Book of Life? 2. What do you think is your reputation among your coworkers? Neighbors? People at church? 3. When in your life has your reputation been misleading? How? 4. How can a church appear to be alive and thriving and yet be dead? 5. In what way do we “soil our clothes”? 6. What does it mean to be “dressed in white”? 7. What advice would you give to a young Christian who asked, “How can I keep from sinning?” 8. *Why isn’t it enough just to know what God wants from us? 9. What does it mean to “overcome” as a Christian? 10. *In what specific areas of Christian devotion (Bible reading, evangelism, prayer, etc.) have you been lazy or sleepy over the last month? Apply It 1. What can you do today to enhance your reputation in the world and in heaven? 2. *What can you do to improve your acts of Christian devotion (prayer, Bible reading, etc.)? 3. What temptations that you know you’ll be facing in the coming week do you need to prepare for in advance? How?