Revelation: Hope in the Darkness

After doing the Jonah study. (We all loved) we had high expectations and we have found ourselves disappointed. Started out great, but then was not helpful to learn and understand this book of the Bible. Would not recommend if you want to learn about the text.

I highly recommend this study guide for small group bible study. The content is excellent and easy to follow. Pastor Scotty Smith has done a marvelous job of helping us to see Jesus in the book of Revelation.

The Gospel-Center Life in the Bible Series provides Bible Study guides that are perfect for small groups. The topic for this particular study is the New Testament book of Revelation. There are fourteen in-depth lessons that explore the primary theme of the book - Hope in the Darkness. These easy to follow guides require no homework for the participants and are packed with solid Bible teaching. While this complimentary book was provided for review by New Growth Press, no other compensation was given. All remarks are my personal and honest opinion.

There are fourteen sessions in this group study guide. The recommended time is one hour for each lesson, although depending on the amount of discussion, it could easily take longer to complete. The sessions all follow the same format, starting with a ‘Big Idea’ as an introductory statement, then a ‘Bible Conversation’ which introduces the scripture passage and asks some questions to develop our understanding. This is followed by an article from the author, which includes personal reflection, and then questions for discussion. There is an exercise for each participant to complete individually, followed by prayer. The prayer time is the ‘take-away’ for each session, that as we look to apply the lessons we have learnt, it is God who does the work in our lives. There are additional notes for the group leader included at the back of the book. This book takes more of an overview, looking at the big picture of the message of Revelation, zooming out rather than zooming in. In some chapters, the subject matter is lightly touched while the study focuses on its main aim, which is to bring a relevant and applicable message of hope for our lives today. The study covers a range of topics including God’s sovereignty, His protection, our perspective on suffering, and the importance of prayer and worship. How this book affected me: Revelation: Hope in the Darkness is a study that concentrates on feeding faith, rather than fear, and focuses on the love of Jesus for His bride the Church. It does, however, challenge complacency and comfort over repentance and revival. Throughout the book there is a constant theme of hope, always keeping the end of the story in sight, that Jesus wins and finally defeated evil will become eradicated evil! Who would enjoy this book: Anyone who is slightly intimidated by the subject matter of Revelation, would benefit from this study guide as it opens the message in a very relatable way. There are clear explanations of the imagery used while challenging our vision of Jesus and His role in our lives today. Anyone searching for life powering encouragement, while being prepared to reflect and consider life preserving rebuke, would gain from working through this study. The book does not bring any condemnation, it has a clear message of hope – “we are to live for the pleasure and praise of Jesus, not that He might accept us but because He already has.” This review was written by Sharon Hazel for FindingGodAmongUs.com

Part of an ongoing series of bible studies that emphasise gospel centred living. Intended for group use, they helpfully point the members towards honest reflection about how the gospel affects them and how change can be affected through God’s grace. In each lesson, the author has helpfully written an article and probing questions for application. However, the studies do not lead the reader into detailed exegesis, and so do not really help people to read and interpret the Bible for themselves. (I received an ebook in exchange for an honest review)

There is a blessing for anyone ready to learn more about Revelation. It's a hard book with a lot of confusion. That's why I really enjoyed Scotty Smith's work in Revelation: Hope in the Darkness. This is a 14-week study that is designed for small groups. Although I know that's a little longer for a group to meet, this is a great book to dive into that I think takes time. The format is easy-to-follow and for anyone looking for a simple explanation of Revelation, this study delivers. It might be too basic for some, but I think it not only helps the reader learn Revelation, but also find hope. I absolutely recommend. I received an eBook for review purposes. I was not compensated and all opinions are my own.

There is no lack of controversy surrounding the interpretation of the last book of the Bible. Scotty Smith in this impressive gospel-centered book, consistently points us to a grand vision of the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He shows us that the book of Revelation must fill us with hope (instead of fear) and should motivate us to live our lives fully submitted to our Savior-King. The Gospel-centered life series of books is designed primarily for group study. Each chapter has a big idea, a Bible conversation, an article, discussion questions and a personal exercise, concluding with a final wrap-up and prayer (same format as followed in most books in the series). This 14-week study from Revelation doesn’t focus on controversial interpretative issues but tries to summarize the main themes of each chapter, ultimately presenting us with a grand vision of King Jesus. In the initial chapters of the study, we are presented with the apostle John’s majestic vision of Jesus, who is the foundation and anchor of all our hope. In every season of life, and especially in adversity, we need to recover this big vision of Jesus. We are also given an inside view of Jesus’ love for the church and His work of revival among His people. We are told that God is on the throne and Jesus the Lamb who was slain is the only one worthy of opening the seven seals. If God is on the throne, it means that our suffering in this world is under His control and has meaning and purpose. What I love about Scotty Smith’s approach is his relentless focus on Jesus. He shows us that the seven seals, the seven trumpets and the seven bowls all reveal God’s compassionate heart toward an unrepentant people. The various other visions in the middle chapters of Revelation show the cosmic war raging between the Lamb and the Dragon, ultimately resulting in victory for King Jesus. Babylon will be decimated, and King Jesus will reign with His people in the new heaven and the new earth. Jesus’ death and resurrection guarantee that fact. As Scotty writes, “Defeated evil will become eradicated evil.” This should fill us with vibrant hope in the present! I really enjoyed this study on Revelation, and I appreciate the publisher New Growth Press for continuing to produce such rich gospel-centered materials for the Church. The format of the series is excellent and each book in the series consistently points to Christ, our Redeemer. The books also provide a section for leader’s notes, which provide more detail and insight for those leading the study. The appendix in this book ends with the various millennial views and encourages us not to be dogmatic about any of these views. For its gospel-rich insights and practical application, I am glad to commend this book to all. 5/5 stars. *I received this free book from New Growth Press, but was not required to write a favorable review.*