Whenever a preacher announces a sermon text from the book of Revelation, a lot of people grow nervous. Revelation is widely regarded as the most confusing book in the Bible. The book is chock-full of strange visions, eerie sounds, and jolting images. Wild-eyed interpreters have offered curious interpretations of the future, turning to Revelation and neglecting the rest of the Bible. In short, the book of Revelation has been considered a happy hunting ground for heretics. It is no wonder that many Christians are afraid of their own book.

Even so, the book of Revelation may also be one of our great undiscovered treasures. It was first addressed as a letter to the church during uncertain and dangerous times. The original name of the book is the "Apocalypse," which means a disclosure. In the …