Part 2. Why Was It Written? David Pawson regards the book of Revelation as “probably the most important book in the New Testament for the Church to be studying right now for the very practical purpose for which it was written”, namely, to be “a manual for martyrdom”. Jesus provides encouragement to Christians facing persecution, exhorting them to endure and overcome. The book has present and future relevance for believers, and while it is addressed to the believers in the first-century AD, Jesus’ words and the prophecies (some yet to be fulfilled) speak just as powerfully to Christians and the Church today. The many competing interpretations have caused confusion, particularly in relation to prophetic symbolism and the timings and nature of future events. If there are “as many riddles as there are words” here, then David demystifies and solves the book’s riddle by explaining the more controversial, widely debated, and variously interpreted middle chapters, while also advocating reading Revelation in the plainest sense where possible. Jesus, in his compassion, has warned believers to prepare for his Second Coming. They are to remain faithful by upholding morals, resisting corruption, and identifying and opposing deception (false teaching), and, if necessary, enduring persecution. David unpacks Revelation’s symbolism while addressing divisive subjects. Regarding the (Secret) Rapture, he argues that the book prepares believers to live through the Big Trouble (Tribulation), and adopts a pre-millennial position. Jesus promises to return to avenge the blood of the martyrs, while warning that backsliding believers will lose their place in the Book of Life and the New Jerusalem. Yet faithful overcomers will receive their inheritance. God is in control and Christians must ready themselves for Christ’s return. Revelation’s message is not just that “Jesus wins” but that he wants every believer to win” with him.

Part 1. How Was It Written? David Pawson regards the book of Revelation as “probably the most important book in the New Testament for the Church to be studying right now for the very practical purpose for which it was written”, namely, to be “a manual for martyrdom”. Jesus provides encouragement to Christians facing persecution, exhorting them to endure and overcome. The book has present and future relevance for believers, and while it is addressed to the believers in the first-century AD, Jesus’ words and the prophecies (some yet to be fulfilled) speak just as powerfully to Christians and the Church today. The many competing interpretations have caused confusion, particularly in relation to prophetic symbolism and the timings and nature of future events. If there are “as many riddles as there are words” here, then David demystifies and solves the book’s riddle by explaining the more controversial, widely debated, and variously interpreted middle chapters, while also advocating reading Revelation in the plainest sense where possible. Jesus, in his compassion, has warned believers to prepare for his Second Coming. They are to remain faithful by upholding morals, resisting corruption, and identifying and opposing deception (false teaching), and, if necessary, enduring persecution. David unpacks Revelation’s symbolism while addressing divisive subjects. Regarding the (Secret) Rapture, he argues that the book prepares believers to live through the Big Trouble (Tribulation), and adopts a pre-millennial position. Jesus promises to return to avenge the blood of the martyrs, while warning that backsliding believers will lose their place in the Book of Life and the New Jerusalem. Yet faithful overcomers will receive their inheritance. God is in control and Christians must ready themselves for Christ’s return. Revelation’s message is not just that “Jesus wins” but that he wants every believer to win” with him.

Part 8. Ending in Praise The so-called ‘Lord’s Prayer’ is full of surprises. For one thing, the Lord could never have used it himself, with its central and longest plea for forgiveness. Though he gave it as a model for private prayer, it has become the most common corporate liturgy of the church. Its brevity is striking, consistent with his criticism of pagan devotions with their ‘many words’. Above all, it is comprehensive, covering all the basic concerns of a Christian, while clearly indicating that these should cover God’s needs (honour and loyalty) before his or her own (food and forgiveness).  Even though it begins with God, whom Jesus called ‘my’ Father, but we must say ‘our’ Father, it ends with the devil: deliver us from the evil (one). It is for weekdays rather than Sundays. Try using it for a month.

Part 7. Lead us not into Temptation but Deliver us from the Evil One The so-called ‘Lord’s Prayer’ is full of surprises. For one thing, the Lord could never have used it himself, with its central and longest plea for forgiveness. Though he gave it as a model for private prayer, it has become the most common corporate liturgy of the church. Its brevity is striking, consistent with his criticism of pagan devotions with their ‘many words’. Above all, it is comprehensive, covering all the basic concerns of a Christian, while clearly indicating that these should cover God’s needs (honour and loyalty) before his or her own (food and forgiveness).  Even though it begins with God, whom Jesus called ‘my’ Father, but we must say ‘our’ Father, it ends with the devil: deliver us from the evil (one). It is for weekdays rather than Sundays. Try using it for a month.

Part 6. Forgive us our Debts as we have Forgiven The so-called ‘Lord’s Prayer’ is full of surprises. For one thing, the Lord could never have used it himself, with its central and longest plea for forgiveness. Though he gave it as a model for private prayer, it has become the most common corporate liturgy of the church. Its brevity is striking, consistent with his criticism of pagan devotions with their ‘many words’. Above all, it is comprehensive, covering all the basic concerns of a Christian, while clearly indicating that these should cover God’s needs (honour and loyalty) before his or her own (food and forgiveness).  Even though it begins with God, whom Jesus called ‘my’ Father, but we must say ‘our’ Father, it ends with the devil: deliver us from the evil (one). It is for weekdays rather than Sundays. Try using it for a month.

Part 5. Give us today our Daily Bread The so-called ‘Lord’s Prayer’ is full of surprises. For one thing, the Lord could never have used it himself, with its central and longest plea for forgiveness. Though he gave it as a model for private prayer, it has become the most common corporate liturgy of the church. Its brevity is striking, consistent with his criticism of pagan devotions with their ‘many words’. Above all, it is comprehensive, covering all the basic concerns of a Christian, while clearly indicating that these should cover God’s needs (honour and loyalty) before his or her own (food and forgiveness).  Even though it begins with God, whom Jesus called ‘my’ Father, but we must say ‘our’ Father, it ends with the devil: deliver us from the evil (one). It is for weekdays rather than Sundays. Try using it for a month.

Part 4. Your Will be Done The so-called ‘Lord’s Prayer’ is full of surprises. For one thing, the Lord could never have used it himself, with its central and longest plea for forgiveness. Though he gave it as a model for private prayer, it has become the most common corporate liturgy of the church. Its brevity is striking, consistent with his criticism of pagan devotions with their ‘many words’. Above all, it is comprehensive, covering all the basic concerns of a Christian, while clearly indicating that these should cover God’s needs (honour and loyalty) before his or her own (food and forgiveness).  Even though it begins with God, whom Jesus called ‘my’ Father, but we must say ‘our’ Father, it ends with the devil: deliver us from the evil (one). It is for weekdays rather than Sundays. Try using it for a month.

Part 3. Your Kingdom Come The so-called ‘Lord’s Prayer’ is full of surprises. For one thing, the Lord could never have used it himself, with its central and longest plea for forgiveness. Though he gave it as a model for private prayer, it has become the most common corporate liturgy of the church. Its brevity is striking, consistent with his criticism of pagan devotions with their ‘many words’. Above all, it is comprehensive, covering all the basic concerns of a Christian, while clearly indicating that these should cover God’s needs (honour and loyalty) before his or her own (food and forgiveness).  Even though it begins with God, whom Jesus called ‘my’ Father, but we must say ‘our’ Father, it ends with the devil: deliver us from the evil (one). It is for weekdays rather than Sundays. Try using it for a month.

Part 2. Hallowed be Your Name The so-called ‘Lord’s Prayer’ is full of surprises. For one thing, the Lord could never have used it himself, with its central and longest plea for forgiveness. Though he gave it as a model for private prayer, it has become the most common corporate liturgy of the church. Its brevity is striking, consistent with his criticism of pagan devotions with their ‘many words’. Above all, it is comprehensive, covering all the basic concerns of a Christian, while clearly indicating that these should cover God’s needs (honour and loyalty) before his or her own (food and forgiveness).  Even though it begins with God, whom Jesus called ‘my’ Father, but we must say ‘our’ Father, it ends with the devil: deliver us from the evil (one). It is for weekdays rather than Sundays. Try using it for a month.

Part 1. Our Father in Heaven The so-called ‘Lord’s Prayer’ is full of surprises. For one thing, the Lord could never have used it himself, with its central and longest plea for forgiveness. Though he gave it as a model for private prayer, it has become the most common corporate liturgy of the church. Its brevity is striking, consistent with his criticism of pagan devotions with their ‘many words’. Above all, it is comprehensive, covering all the basic concerns of a Christian, while clearly indicating that these should cover God’s needs (honour and loyalty) before his or her own (food and forgiveness).  Even though it begins with God, whom Jesus called ‘my’ Father, but we must say ‘our’ Father, it ends with the devil: deliver us from the evil (one). It is for weekdays rather than Sundays. Try using it for a month.

Part 11.  The Return of Jesus An intensive look at the Christian Church down the ages, providing powerful messages for our own times.  Many church members know little or nothing about the story of Christianity between the New Testament period and today.  They therefore may not realise how much they have been influenced by traditions developed during that time. These can have both a negative and positive benefit. Negative, because ‘those who forget history are condemned to relive it’. Most of the mistakes we make and errors we fall into have happened before and we can learn from our forefathers to avoid them. Positive, because we have such a rich heritage it would be folly to ignore. We can draw inspiration and examples from the spiritual giants who went before us and, after all, we can look forward to meeting them personally in glory.

Part 10. The Future. Tribulation, Rapture, The Millennium An intensive look at the Christian Church down the ages, providing powerful messages for our own times.  Many church members know little or nothing about the story of Christianity between the New Testament period and today.  They therefore may not realise how much they have been influenced by traditions developed during that time. These can have both a negative and positive benefit. Negative, because ‘those who forget history are condemned to relive it’. Most of the mistakes we make and errors we fall into have happened before and we can learn from our forefathers to avoid them. Positive, because we have such a rich heritage it would be folly to ignore. We can draw inspiration and examples from the spiritual giants who went before us and, after all, we can look forward to meeting them personally in glory.

Part 9. 1900-1968 Effects of Two World Wars An intensive look at the Christian Church down the ages, providing powerful messages for our own times.  Many church members know little or nothing about the story of Christianity between the New Testament period and today.  They therefore may not realise how much they have been influenced by traditions developed during that time. These can have both a negative and positive benefit. Negative, because ‘those who forget history are condemned to relive it’. Most of the mistakes we make and errors we fall into have happened before and we can learn from our forefathers to avoid them. Positive, because we have such a rich heritage it would be folly to ignore. We can draw inspiration and examples from the spiritual giants who went before us and, after all, we can look forward to meeting them personally in glory.

Part 8. 1850-1900 What The Holy Spirit Did An intensive look at the Christian Church down the ages, providing powerful messages for our own times.  Many church members know little or nothing about the story of Christianity between the New Testament period and today.  They therefore may not realise how much they have been influenced by traditions developed during that time. These can have both a negative and positive benefit. Negative, because ‘those who forget history are condemned to relive it’. Most of the mistakes we make and errors we fall into have happened before and we can learn from our forefathers to avoid them. Positive, because we have such a rich heritage it would be folly to ignore. We can draw inspiration and examples from the spiritual giants who went before us and, after all, we can look forward to meeting them personally in glory.

Part 7. 1800-1850 Great Reformers. Emphasis on Bible Study An intensive look at the Christian Church down the ages, providing powerful messages for our own times.  Many church members know little or nothing about the story of Christianity between the New Testament period and today.  They therefore may not realise how much they have been influenced by traditions developed during that time. These can have both a negative and positive benefit. Negative, because ‘those who forget history are condemned to relive it’. Most of the mistakes we make and errors we fall into have happened before and we can learn from our forefathers to avoid them. Positive, because we have such a rich heritage it would be folly to ignore. We can draw inspiration and examples from the spiritual giants who went before us and, after all, we can look forward to meeting them personally in glory.

Part 6. 18th Century. Rationalism, Revivalism and Wesley An intensive look at the Christian Church down the ages, providing powerful messages for our own times.  Many church members know little or nothing about the story of Christianity between the New Testament period and today.  They therefore may not realise how much they have been influenced by traditions developed during that time. These can have both a negative and positive benefit. Negative, because ‘those who forget history are condemned to relive it’. Most of the mistakes we make and errors we fall into have happened before and we can learn from our forefathers to avoid them. Positive, because we have such a rich heritage it would be folly to ignore. We can draw inspiration and examples from the spiritual giants who went before us and, after all, we can look forward to meeting them personally in glory.

Part 5. 17th Century. The Fight for Freedom of Worship An intensive look at the Christian Church down the ages, providing powerful messages for our own times.  Many church members know little or nothing about the story of Christianity between the New Testament period and today.  They therefore may not realise how much they have been influenced by traditions developed during that time. These can have both a negative and positive benefit. Negative, because ‘those who forget history are condemned to relive it’. Most of the mistakes we make and errors we fall into have happened before and we can learn from our forefathers to avoid them. Positive, because we have such a rich heritage it would be folly to ignore. We can draw inspiration and examples from the spiritual giants who went before us and, after all, we can look forward to meeting them personally in glory.

Part 4. 16th Century. Reformation Becomes Revolution An intensive look at the Christian Church down the ages, providing powerful messages for our own times.  Many church members know little or nothing about the story of Christianity between the New Testament period and today.  They therefore may not realise how much they have been influenced by traditions developed during that time. These can have both a negative and positive benefit. Negative, because ‘those who forget history are condemned to relive it’. Most of the mistakes we make and errors we fall into have happened before and we can learn from our forefathers to avoid them. Positive, because we have such a rich heritage it would be folly to ignore. We can draw inspiration and examples from the spiritual giants who went before us and, after all, we can look forward to meeting them personally in glory.

Part 3. The Reformation. Martin Luther and The Reformers An intensive look at the Christian Church down the ages, providing powerful messages for our own times.  Many church members know little or nothing about the story of Christianity between the New Testament period and today.  They therefore may not realise how much they have been influenced by traditions developed during that time. These can have both a negative and positive benefit. Negative, because ‘those who forget history are condemned to relive it’. Most of the mistakes we make and errors we fall into have happened before and we can learn from our forefathers to avoid them. Positive, because we have such a rich heritage it would be folly to ignore. We can draw inspiration and examples from the spiritual giants who went before us and, after all, we can look forward to meeting them personally in glory.

Part 2. AD 400 - AD 1400. How The World Captured The Church An intensive look at the Christian Church down the ages, providing powerful messages for our own times.  Many church members know little or nothing about the story of Christianity between the New Testament period and today.  They therefore may not realise how much they have been influenced by traditions developed during that time. These can have both a negative and positive benefit. Negative, because ‘those who forget history are condemned to relive it’. Most of the mistakes we make and errors we fall into have happened before and we can learn from our forefathers to avoid them. Positive, because we have such a rich heritage it would be folly to ignore. We can draw inspiration and examples from the spiritual giants who went before us and, after all, we can look forward to meeting them personally in glory.