SWHW Bible Reading Plan: December 2021Sample

Top Takeaway from Caroline Foster:

Well, ladies, we have arrived. The last book of the Bible, Revelation, is here. If you have learned Revelation only in the context of fear and anxiety, please join us this month because there are SO MANY beautiful things about Revelation that are often missed in the confusion of trying to understand the end fully.

But here’s what you need to know: Revelation is a book about the future AND the present. It offers hope for believers, especially for those who have suffered for sharing their faith. Revelation reminds us of our hope in Jesus as Believers because Christ gets the final victory over evil. The reality is we have eternity with Him to look forward to. We can walk with confidence because we know that Christ, the final Victor, walks with us.

Revelation also offers a lot of guidance around how we should live for Him today.

Revelation 1:1-3:22 is a vision that John received near the end of his life and recorded for the seven churches in Asia and Christians throughout history. According to history, John was the only one of the 12 disciples that wasn’t killed for his faith. He wrote the book of John and the letters of 1,2, and 3 John. When he wrote Revelation, he was in exile on the island of Patmos in the Aegean Sea. 

Let’s dive into a few of my top takeaways because, let's be real- there was a LOT in this short chapter:

1. In verse 3, John encourages the church to read and apply Revelation and take to heart God’s plan for the future. We have no reason to fear what’s happening around us because we know that God is in control. The question is: do we live like we believe God is in control? That means laying down fear and anxiety for peace because God is working all things for His good, and ultimately He has and will conquer all evil. 

2. Jump down to verses 5-6. I hear many Christians say they are scared to share their faith and witness because they don’t feel the change in their life has been drastic enough. OR maybe they fear having the words to say. But here’s what’s true: you are qualified to be a witness because of what Jesus did for you, not because of what you have done for Him. Your story of redemption is the most powerful witnessing tool you have as a believer. 

3. In verse 9, John introduces himself as a companion in the suffering. The church was facing severe persecution. Almost all believers were socially, politically, and/or economically suffering because of this empire-wide persecution. Some were even being killed for their faith. We may not face the kind of persecution the early church faced, but what are we doing with our freedom? If we hesitate to share our faith in easy times, how would it be during times of persecution? 

Lord, as we dive into Revelation over the next few weeks, I pray for wisdom, discernment, and guidance. I pray that we would be diligent in studying Your Word even when we don’t understand it all, trusting that You are working all things for our good. Give us a fresh joy and gratefulness for our salvation and the sacrifice Your Son made on the cross. I pray that we would be bold and relentless in sharing more of You with those around us. May we never take for granted the freedom we have to share You freely!  Amen.