From the forward:

Although the Book of Revelation is, by its very nature a revealing, it has elicited more views and interpretations than any other book in the Bible. Having read many of these views and being familiar with many more, our focus and interpretation will be from within a conservative position regarding Scripture and from a reformed perspective theologically.

Many early church fathers, and those that followed them down through the centuries, did not delve to0 deeply into writing commentaries on this mysterious book. They seem to have been content to quote from portions, and produce some thoughts in sermons. Some selections from Revelation were used as challenges and refutations in the church, of which there is ample testimony in their writings. It was not until the eighteenth century that scholarship (within the church) concerned itself with fuller detailed studies and large commentaries.

Soon to come were many speculative theories along with serious studies, then with the advent of Dispensationalism (1830’s) whole new vistas opened up, which in our guarded opinion left the “Book” for emphasis on “portions” of the book. Our goal is to stay within the confines of the book and see what it has to say about itself by letting it speak from within. I am certainly aware that we need other Scripture to interpret this Scripture, and I have no hesitation in relying on that fact, and to use as much of the data found elsewhere to support our study.

This brief and relatively simple study shall always be under the beacon of light shed by a comment made by Geerhardus Vos, he sees the book (Revelation) as “so enigmatical” (this phrase is taken from a larger comment which we will view later). The key here is “enigmatical” which speaks to and suggests caution when engaging in a study of this kind. In many ways the book is an enigma. Our purpose will be to get to the content of the book quickly. We have divided this
study of the book structurally into twelve chapters. As an example, our chapter one covers the book’s chapter one, our chapter two covers the books chapters two and three; hence, multiple Revelation chapters are dealt with, within our single chapter.

Our view of the literary construct of the book is that it is highly figurative and symbolic. The portions that we see as literal will be evident, the portions we see as symbolical, figurative, or metaphorical will be detailed. The preface to our study will explain more of our position in that regard. I am certainly aware of the volumes of late that have been written on the book, and the scholarship exhibited in them. Our purpose includes a view that make it essential for every reader of this Revelation to think through the book chapter by chapter, theme by theme and to pay strict attention to the book itself. This idea stresses the book and not portions of it, and it stresses how the book relates to itself. As stated above, we have read studies that promote certain positions, especially in the area of millenarianism. It is not however, our intention here, to disparage millenarianism. Much excellent work has been done in this area for the purpose of edifying the church.

The reader must judge when examining these works, and to be cautious of the extreme measures that are posited by those who elicit too much from this book on subjects, that they see elsewhere, i.e. millennial and kingdom relationships. We must also examine carefully the works of those, whose focus is too narrow, by only seeing apocalyptic features throughout, or those whose focus is too limited, overlooking valuable details. Let the book speak. Our understanding is that God gave the book to the church for the purpose of edification. We have tried to bring many features of the book to the forefront to provoke and challenge thinking — so, let the reader be cautious, enjoy and learn from this exceptional revealing.

Fred said the following books were helpful in his study over the years:

• Oswald T. Allis, Prophecy and the Church (P & R Publishing)
• Loraine Boettner, The Millennium (P & R Publishing)
• Herman Ridderbos, The Coming of the Kingdom (P & R Publishing)
• Francis Turretin, Institutes of Elenctic Theology, vol. III, 20.3 (P & R Publishing)
• William E. Cox, Biblical Studies in Final Things (P & R Publishing)
• G. K. Beale, The Book of Revelation, NIGTC (Eerdmans Publishing)

Covenants were a common occurrence in Abraham’s world. There were two main types of covenants, either between equals, called a covenant of brotherhood, or one between a greater King and a subordinate, vassal. There are several commonly shared aspects of this latter covenant.

In the Preamble, the great king is introduced with accompanying titles and attributes.

In the  Historical Prologue,  the historical relationship between the two kings is sketched, usually with a heavy emphasis on the greater king’s accomplishments and his benevolence towards the vassal.

Continued below…

As His covenant children we are called to be His disciples, to grow together in the knowledge of His Word, to love, honor and obey Him who is our God and our Savior! We welcome and invite you to OHCC to learn and apply God’s Word, that together we can use our gifts and talents to teach and serve others. Our Sunday school program includes six separate classes from pre-school toddlers through our adult Sunday school group all which begin at 9:45 am until 10:30 am every Lord’s Day. I personally will look forward to meeting with you and will assist you and your family with a warm welcome and greeting from all our teachers at Oakland Hills Community Church!

For our Lord’s glory,

Steve Reaver, OHCC Sunday School Leader

What observations would you make about this first portion of Genesis?
Centrality of God to creation: He makes it, He names it, He evaluates it morally, He completes it
Value of creation: Good and very good, Ruled not ruling, Multiplicative, Self-ruling

Explore more Bible lessons in the PDF’s provided below:

• Genesis 1-2:3 (PDF)
• Genesis 2:4-25 (PDF)