In the very first chapter of Revelation, we find this promise:
“Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it [Revelation], because the time is near.” (1:3)
It sounds so simple.
Step 1: Read the words aloud.
Step 2: Hear the words.
Step 3: Take the words to heart.
But this verse doesn’t say to simply “listen” to the words. It says we are to “hear” the words. And how are we supposed to take these confusing prophetic chapters to heart?
How do we internalize the book of Revelation so completely that we live each day transformed by its verses? How do we make sure Revelation changes the way we approach our work, our families, and our relationships? Suddenly, as busy people and non-theologians, Revelation 1:3 does not seem so simple.
Struggling to understand Revelation’s meaning and significance, many Christians simply choose a book that feels more accessible.
But let me tell you something wonderful. BSF was built for moments like this.
65 Years of Taking God’s Word to Heart
In preparation for BSF’s 65th anniversary celebration, I spent time reading about our founder, Audrey Wetherell Johnson. After serving as a missionary in China, she struggled with what to do next. So she prayed.
“I asked God what He wanted me to do. He seemed to thrust the question right back at me: ‘What would you above all things like to do?’ I replied, ‘I love Your Word above all things. I would love to spend my life teaching others to find what I have found.’”
I love Your Word above all things. I would love to spend my life teaching others to find what I have found.
When I heard that story, I realized BSF was designed to be so much more than a typical Bible study. As Miss Johnson met with five women, she developed the BSF study model—personal lesson questions, group discussion, a teaching lecture, and the lesson notes. And week after week, Miss Johnson never forgot what God called her to do: teach others to find a personal love for God and His Word.
Through lesson questions and community discussion, Miss Johnson trained others to “hear” God’s Word for themselves. Through the lecture and the notes, she taught every BSFer how to personally take God’s Word to heart.
In that first BSF group, God transformed five women in California.
Sixty-five years later, God continues to transform thousands worldwide.
Same God. Same Goal.
This year’s Revelation study follows the same time-tested model. We will answer daily questions, discuss in community, learn from the lecture, and study our notes. And as we work through BSF week after week, we will discover so much more than the origin of verses and the significance of symbols. We will learn to hear God’s Word for ourselves and take His truth to heart.
How do I know? Because I have heard countless stories about how God has used BSF to transform our members.
I was a new Christian in 1994, and my first Bible study ever was BSF’s The Life of Moses. I wouldn’t even leave the parking lot after class without reading all the notes. I was so hungry for His Word, I was like a sponge. God grew me up in the Lord through Bible Study Fellowship. I am not the same woman I was 30 years ago. Thank you, Jesus.
-Judy (Roslyn, Washington)
Every role in BSF has taught me the richness of knowing God and proclaiming His love and joy unspeakable. God fulfilled my desire to be a missionary by learning God’s Word through BSF. I’m ever grateful to God for His Word, which enables me to magnify God and mature His people.
-Nissi (Bangalore, India)
Almost 10 years ago, God gave me courage to walk into a BSF class by myself—a big deal for those who know me. And I joined the study of Revelation. God and BSF have taught me how to read and study the Bible. God has continued to reveal Himself to me and open my eyes to all the ways He is working in my life. To God be the glory!
-Shay (Dallas, Texas)
I joined BSF when we were studying about Romans and wow, did the Lord speak to me in every study. I bless the Lord for every season. Since I have joined BSF, I have been refreshed and renewed my thinking. Recently when we studied, I found myself in a season of brokenness after losing my dear mother. But each week as I came, even in the pain, the Lord gave me hope and faith to hold on to. I bless the Lord for the BSF family.
-Shiku (Nairobi, Kenya)
I love these stories so deeply because they remind me of my own. Through BSF, I also discovered the joy of hearing God speak through His Word. I personally learned to take God’s Word to heart, finding deep satisfaction as He transformed every area of my life. I found what Miss Johnson found, and I hope you will too.
My prayer for you this year is that the book of Revelation will become so alive in your mind and heart that God transforms you verse by verse. And as your life changes, I pray that God’s truth will directly impact every area of your life.
I pray that God's truth will directly impact every area of your life.
Together, we will approach Revelation with confidence, holding fast the promise of Revelation 1:3:
“Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it [Revelation], because the time is near.”