Evaluation of Studies on the Book of Revelation
I evaluated 4 different studies that can be found on the RightNow Media platform.
Eyewitness Bible Series on Revelation
https://app.rightnowmedia.org/en/content/details/374148
Length: 5 sessions
Teaching Videos? YES
Devotionals? NO
Leader Helps/Discussion Questions? YES
TLDR; Each Session is designed so that the group should read a few chapters of Revelation before coming to the group meeting. The video segment is roughly 15min, and then there are 7-12 questions for the group to discuss. The leader can download the questions and a brief description of the video from the RightnowMedia website.
The five sessions are focused on hitting the highlights of the book of Revelation and giving the group members a general idea of what the message of Revelation is. The study does not focus on specifics of timeframe or identifying possible future events and actors in those events. It is meant to give the group comfort in knowing that God is in control.
Shane J. Wood series on Revelation
-This one is an 11 session classroom style teaching series
TLDR; I wouldn’t suggest it. He’s someone we would not agree with on everything (theologically speaking). It’s also really long.
Revelation: Learning from the Seven Churches by William Subash
https://app.rightnowmedia.org/en/content/details/381950
Length: 7 sessions
Teaching Videos? YES
Devotionals? NO
Leader Helps/Discussion Questions? YES
TLDR; Each of the seven sessions includes a teaching video that is approximately 8min in length. Each session deals with one of the letters to the churches found in Revelation. Each session contains a leader guide (free) that includes a few suggested scriptures to read and discuss. Subash provides discussion and application questions. He even gives a suggested memory verse for each session.
This study focuses on the letters to the seven churches, drawing a principle from each letter that he then applies to the church today. In this way, readers are encouraged to understand the meaning of this portion of Revelation and then apply it to their lives in the 21st century.
The 7 Churches of Revelation by Joseph Stowell
https://app.rightnowmedia.org/en/content/details/1158
Length: 7 sessions
Teaching Videos? YES
Devotionals? NO
Leader Helps? NO
TLDR; This series goes onsite to the ancient archeological sites of the places mentioned in Revelation. He explores the struggles of the ancient churches and relates those struggles to modern churches. The purpose of the study is to show people that they can have courage and confidence because they know that Jesus wins in the end.
This series is more like a TV documentary than a small group study. You can use it, but I would suggest that you start with an icebreaker then show the video. Then, read the relevant passage from Revelation and discuss it. Then pray and dismiss. It will take more work for the group leader than some of the others.