Why Revelation Still Matters Series

Why Revelation Still Matters

Revelation 1:1-2

Rev. Brian Bill

January 3-4, 2026

Recently, we received an update from Go Team Partners, Riley and Debbie Shelton, who minister in South Asia. Several months ago, we sent them some funds to construct a well. Here’s what they shared: “We praise God that the water well that Edgewood provided is completed! The well is providing for many families in that village where they depended upon water from rivers and streams which dry up, not to mention are unclean. Thank you and God bless you Edgewood family! May they all come to know of His ‘Living Water’”

Several weeks ago, I conducted an informal survey on Facebook in which I asked people to share what comes to mind when they think of the Book of Revelation.

• The word that comes to my mind…is confusion. But people are so hungry to have clarity [about the] end times…I think there will be deep curiosity, excitement and anticipation.

• I’m so excited by the news of this certainly blessed exposition.

• For me it is excitement and encouragement but also conviction to make sure my family and friends are ready.

• It is the revelation of God. He wins the war. He gets all the honor, glory, and worship for all of eternity.

• We are not afraid, and we are hopeful in the return of the Lord Jesus Christ!

• LET’S GO!

I have waited for 40 years of ministry before attempting to preach through the Book of Revelation. I’m eager to do so now, but also share the viewpoint of Charles Spurgeon:

…I scarcely consider myself qualified to explain any part of the Book of Revelation, and none of the expositions I have ever seen entice me to attempt the task, for they are mostly occupied with a refutation of all the interpretations which have gone before, and each one seems to be very successful indeed in proving that all the rest know nothing at all about the matter. The sum total of substantial instruction in nearly all the comments upon the Revelation amounts to this, that our heavenly Father has said in his Word some mysterious things which few of his children can yet comprehend. This is just what we might have expected when the infinite God speaks to finite men, and it is no doubt intended to humble us and draw forth our reverent adoration.

Many shy away from Revelation, imagining a book full of confusion, doom, or unsolvable puzzles. In this series, we will see Christ in His radiant glory and embrace His call to faithful living. Far from being frightening, Revelation is a book of comfort, encouragement, and assurance for every believer. However, if you are not yet saved, you should be afraid of the future! Let’s worship the Lamb who is worthy and the Lion who wins as we ask God to renew our faith, increase our awe, and cause our joy to be contagious.

To help you get the most out of this series, stop by the Café Resource Center and purchase a copy of the Revelation Scripture Journal for $3 and use it to take notes during your Bible reading or the sermons (we also have a commentary by John MacArthur and a Bible study by David Jeremiah available for purchase).

In addition, you might want to pick up the fill-in-the-blank sermon notes sheets and discussion questions in the lobbies each week. These are also available on the app and the website. If you’d like the sermon manuscript emailed to you on Fridays, simply indicate this on a Connection Card. All our sermons are available as full-text manuscripts and in video and audio formats on the app and website.

Preliminary Points

Here are some preliminary points that will help frame our study of Revelation.

1. Revelation was written to be read. To get the most out of this majestic, mysterious, and magnificent book, I encourage you to read Revelation at least three times between now and Easter. To help with that, Pastor Kyle has put together a January Bible reading plan that includes chapters from Daniel, the Gospels, and the Book of Revelation.

2. The Book of Revelation was not written to scholars but to ordinary people going through persecution. Our study will show us that suffering is not random or wasted (Romans 8:28), that evil is temporary and destined for judgment (Revelation 20:10), and that God’s people overcome not by their own strength but “by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:11). One commentator referred to Revelation as the persecuted church’s survival manual and worship soundtrack. Speaking of worship, Heaven breaks out into worship 21 times in this book! I pray that happens during every sermon and that this study will equip us to endure trials, resist temptation, and wake up those who are spiritually sleepy.