Heart is heavy

[David_james]

What kind of pastor tells people not to read Revelations and also not to discuss it? 

[Soldier4Christ]

I don't know the circumstances here but I will say that Revelations is a part of the Bible and we are told that "all scripture ... is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness". This would include the book of Revelations.

[nChrist]

Hello Brother David,

The only reason I know why a pastor might say something like this involves the highly complex nature of Revelation. It is very difficult to Study, but it's a beautiful book that's worthy of however much time and effort it takes to study it. Understanding and Studying Revelation would involve the entire Bible from cover to cover.

Brother, I think that some pastors would be concerned that Revelation would be very confusing except for mature Christians willing to spend large amounts of time and efforts studying it. There are other portions of the Bible that also require considerable time and effort to study. Let me put it another way that might explain the pastor's comments. If one were wanting a systematic approach to learning, studying, and growing strong in GOD'S WORD - Revelation would not be near the starting point.

Love In Christ,
Tom

   

[David_james]

but not even to discuss it?

[nChrist]

but not even to discuss it?

Hello Brother David!

It would be interesting to know the specifics of the situation. Some examples would be more reasonable than others, depending on the age and maturity of the intended audience. As an example, this would be a poor choice for 6 year-olds in Sunday School. It's best to build on a basic foundation, and the foundation is always JESUS CHRIST. However, I would quickly agree that GOD gave us the entire BIBLE, and ALL of it is most definitely good for us to read, study, and know.

I don't know the situation, but please let me give one more example for thought, and the example will be generic. You want to teach a group of students math and none of them have ever had any instruction in this subject. You decide to skip addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division - and you start with calculus. Would this be logical and beneficial for the students?

Something like this would be the only reasonable explanation for delaying the study of any portion of the Holy Bible. Some churches do have structured teaching of the Bible, and it's wonderful if they do. Many churches these days have little or no structured Bible Study, and this is very sad, especially for the new believers who really want to learn.

Love In Christ,
Tom

   

[David_james]

and if someone has been a Christian for years?

[nChrist]

Good Morning Brother David!

Other than some very isolated examples like I mentioned, I can't think of any reason at all to avoid Revelation. Revelation is a very important book that proclaims many of GOD'S Promises and explains those Promises. Any serious study of the End Days of this Age of Grace would have to include it. In fact, it's tied closely to Daniel, Isaiah, Ezekiel, portions of Corinthians, portions of Thessalonians, the Prophecies of Christ, and MUCH more. One possibility might be the insecurity of the pastor in teaching from Revelation because it is so complex and time consuming. Teaching from it is a major and lengthy task, but the same is true for other very important portions of the Bible.

Love In Christ,
Tom

 

[Jon-Marc]

What kind of pastor tells people not to read Revelations and also not to discuss it? 

A pastor whose church I wouldn't attend.