EXPOSITIONAL STUDY OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION: A Personal, Exegetical, Homiletical and Christ-Centered Approach

BIBLICAL LEADERSHIP EQUIPPING SCHOOL FOR SERVANTS (BLESS)

Course Title: EXPOSITIONAL STUDY OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION: A Personal, Exegetical, Homiletical and Christ-Centered Approach

Class Schedule: July 18 – September 19, 2024 (Every Thursday, 6-9pm)

Professor: Dr. Nomer Bernardino | No. of Credit Units: 3 Units | Prerequisites: No prerequisites

I. COURSE DESCRIPTION

This intensive study of the book of Revelation will usher students into an intelligent and comforting exploration. Every passage will be examined through the lenses of history, grammar, literary analysis, theology, and in light of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. The hope is that students can confidently share, lead Bible studies, and preach portions of the book faithfully and relevantly.

II. COURSE OBJECTIVES

A. Encourage students to undertake prayerful and focused personal study of the book of Revelation. Through the help of the Holy Spirit and guidance from the professor, students will discover the faith-challenging yet strengthening messages and relevant application of passages and the book as a whole.

B. As a result of this course, students will hopefully experience personal transformation and preparedness for the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. They will also gain the ability to share the studied passages in the class with joy, confidence, and fruitfulness.

III. ASSIGNMENTS

A. Credit students are encouraged to complete their weekly assignments. While the process may initially feel like a duty, it’s designed to become a delightful and fruitful learning experience in the long run.

This approach emphasizes “learning by doing,” where students will develop skills in observation, interpretation, and applying the Scriptures. Audit students are not required to do assignments, but they may participate if they choose.

B. Students will prayerfully read the assigned passages of Revelation. Aim to read the assigned passage in one sitting first. If you have time, re-read it and begin looking for the following:

1. Main Concern (Theme): Identify the writer’s main message or big idea for that particular portion of Scripture. Take note of repeated and highlighted words or concepts.
2. Significant Observations: List down 4-5 important observations you discovered from the passage. You may also include questions arising from it.
3. Passage Outline: Uncover how the passage’s main concern is developed. Create an outline of the passage with supporting verses.
4. Personal Application: Formulate one sentence that reflects a practical personal application from your study.

C. After completing steps B1-4, you are ready to consult Study Bibles, New Testament introductions and survey books, commentaries on Revelation, and internet articles. Use these resources to confirm your findings or answer questions you might have.

Properly document all ideas and quotes from external resources in footnotes. Include the author’s name, title of the article or book, year and page number, or the link for internet articles.

D. Weekly assignments should be one page long and submitted via email to nomerbernardino@gmail.com by every Wednesday, 12 noon.

If students miss a deadline, it’s alright. The professor will take the highest graded seven (7) assignments out of nine (9). This means students can miss two (2) assignments without penalty.

IV. RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT (Credit Students Only – 30%)

Students will choose one of the four topics below and submit a personal research paper (3-4 pages with footnotes) by October 10, 2024.

1. Of the Different Rapture/Tribulation Views (Pre-trib, Mid-Trib, Post-Trib), which one do you prefer and Why?
2. Which of the four interpretative views of Revelation (Preterist, Historicist, Idealist, and Futurist) do you prefer and Why?
3. Is the millennium in Revelation 20 literal or figurative? Which of the three millennium interpretations (Pre-mil, A-mil or Post-Mil) do you prefer and Why?
4. Will there be animals, e.g., dogs and cats, in the new heaven and the new earth? Will there be eating of our favorite food there? Please explain.

V. STUDENT CLASSIFICATION AND REQUIREMENTS

A. Credit Students: Students enrolled for credit must pass at least seven (7) assignments and complete the personal research paper. Attend at least 7/10 sessions to receive a credit grade.

B. Audit Students: Audit students may interact with the class but do not need to complete assignments or the research paper. If they attend