Yes, some people avoid studying Revelation due to discouragement, perceived difficulty, and lack of perceived relevance.
Les Feldick notes that some pastors and believers avoid the book, often saying they wouldn't touch it 'with a ten foot pole.' This avoidance stems from beliefs that it is too difficult, confusing, or has nothing relevant for them. However, Les teaches that Revelation is thrilling and understandable when approached properly, and that such avoidance is unwarranted.
Revelation 22:7 — This verse promises a blessing to those who keep the sayings of the prophecy, countering the idea that Revelation should be ignored.
The Bible itself directly addresses the value of the book of Revelation. In Revelation 22:7, Jesus Himself states, 'Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.' This verse clearly indicates that the words of this prophetic book are meant to be read, kept, and heeded, and that a blessing is attached to doing so. Furthermore, Revelation 22:8-9 recounts John's reaction to the angel's message and the angel's instruction to worship God alone, underscoring the divine origin and seriousness of the book's content.
Les Feldick expresses sadness that many people never read Revelation, often because their pastor discourages it. He shares examples of pastors who say they wouldn't touch the book, yet he emphasizes that it is part and parcel of the Word of God and deserves study. While acknowledging that Revelation requires effort, he insists it is thrilling and that the prophetic events are becoming clearer as we near the end times. He also notes that Revelation is different from other books because it does not unfold chronologically, which may make it seem difficult, but with careful study, it can be understood.
Some people have been taught to stay away from Revelation, leading them to believe it is too difficult or not meant for them. Others think the book has nothing appropriate or useful for their lives. Les cites a pastor from a large denomination who said his church didn't study Revelation because they felt it had nothing relevant in it.
Revelation's non-linear structure can make it seem confusing. Unlike books like Genesis or Paul's letters, which can be taught verse by verse, Revelation requires isolating events and piecing them together. This unique format may lead people to think it's too hard, but Les teaches that it can be simplified by studying it chronologically rather than chapter by chapter.
Les teaches that Revelation is not as difficult as many assume, especially now that we are so close to the end times. He points to current events that make prophetic passages we once wondered about now crystal clear, such as the whole world seeing the bodies of the two witnesses in Jerusalem.
Yes. Revelation 22:7 says, 'Blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.' This blessing is a direct incentive to study and obey the book, contradicting the notion that it should be avoided.
Revelation 4 & 5 Explained: The Throne Room & the Scroll
Hello, and welcome to Through the Bible with Les Feldick. An Oklahoma rancher and farmer, Les Feldick has been teaching homestyle Bible classes for 20 years in Iowa, Oklahoma, and Texas. Les Feldick's unique style of Bible teaching has made the books of the Bible come to life. When Les is teaching, it's so interesting that people say time just seems to fly by. And now, here is Les Feldick.
Avoidance Due to Pastoral Discouragement
Les shares that some pastors discourage studying Revelation, and he highlights the blessing promised in Revelation 22:7 to those who keep its words.
What Are the Signs of the End Times? Matthew 24 Explained
But everybody just loves the Book of Revelation. You know I noticed that in my classes years ago already, I told my class people, I said, you know, I can't quite understand it that everybody just loves to have me teach Revelation or Genesis. Oh I mean we can just fill the rooms up on those two books.
Revelation's Unique Structure
Les explains that Revelation cannot be taught verse by verse like other books; it requires isolating events and piecing them together, which may contribute to its perceived difficulty.
Approaching Revelation Chronologically
Les suggests that understanding Revelation is easier when approached chronologically rather than chapter by chapter, helping to clarify its content.
Revelation Becomes Clearer With Time
Les notes that current events are making Revelation easier to understand, countering the idea that it's too difficult.
Why the 12 Disciples Never Preached to Gentiles — Acts 1:8
So we're trying to show that throughout Scripture, God has the prerogative of keeping things secret until He's ready to reveal it. So now we're going to go on into verse 8, and again I always like to take a second to welcome our television audience, and for those of you who haven't been watching very long, we're just an informal Bible study.
What Happens When God's Wrath Finally Begins — Revelation 6
Then anyway, Israel will go about burying the dead, and so on and so forth. Now let's come back to Revelation. I think I've picked up everything that I accidentally skipped, and like I tell people, that's what I like about being informal. I don't have to be so cut and dried, and be so perfect, because I'm trusting that my audience isn't looking for that.
Revelation 22:7: Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.
This verse promises a blessing to those who heed Revelation, showing it is not to be avoided.
Revelation 22:8-9: And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.
This passage emphasizes the divine origin of the book and reinforces the importance of keeping its words.
Yes, Les Feldick shares an example of a pastor who said he wouldn't touch the book with a ten-foot pole, and another from a large denomination who felt it had nothing relevant. This is a real phenomenon that Les laments.
Yes, Revelation 22:7 says, 'Blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book,' directly promising a blessing to those who study and obey it.
Les Feldick teaches that while Revelation requires study due to its unique structure, it is not as difficult as many assume. He believes it can be understood, especially when approached chronologically and with the help of current events.
Watch the Teaching: Revelation 4 & 5 Explained: The Throne Room & the Scroll