A curtain is drawn back to reveal the truth behind human history and our King, slain but now triumphant ushers in a whole new world…

The end of evil and the beginning of eternity: the final book of the Bible, Revelation, is a series of visions given to the apostle John which conveys a message through symbols to strengthen believers.

There is a vision of a lamb on a throne in Heaven which encourages believers to know that though this world is full of evil there is someone in charge, Jesus, who gave his life for his people. Next, there is a series of visions of seals, trumpets, and bowls which depict the warmongering, economic instability, and death that will mark every age until Christ returns. Then there is the final judgment when all evil and opposition to God will be totally and finally destroyed. And finally, there is the glorious picture of the new creation; God’s perfect kingdom where there will be no sin, or sadness, or death.

We see how God’s promise to Abraham is fully and finally fulfilled: God’s people from all nations will live in God’s place, the new creation, and enjoy his rule and the blessing of his presence eternally. So we pray, “Come Lord Jesus.” And while we wait ask for “the grace of the Lord be with God’s people. Amen.”

Your teacher will give you a copy of this handout, but you can also find a copy of it here.

This has an outline of the video that you are about to watch. You might want or take some notes on this as the video is playing.

Watch video: The perfected kingdom

DISCUSS

Read Revelation 21:1-8

• What images are used to describe the perfected kingdom?
• How do they build on previous passages in the Bible? Give examples.
• What will life be like in the perfected kingdom?
  

Read Revelation 21:22-22:5

• What features of the perfected kingdom are described here?
• Kingdom of God Perfected Kingdom
  • God’s people
  • God’s place
  • God’s rule and blessing

Watch the movie: American Gospel

If time permits, the full DVD owned by Tyndale or if not enough time, the shortened version on YouTube