Discipleship on the Edge

by Darrell W. Johnson

Revelation is probably the most read, but least understood book of the Bible. In Discipleship on the Edge , Darrell W. Johnson drives home the challenging and practical message of Revelation in thirty carefully crafted sermons. Paying careful attention to the circumstances surrounding its composition, Johnson shows that the book is not a "Crystal ball" but rather a "discipleship manual." Thoroughly researched and accessible, this collection of sermons is a helpful resource for pastors and small group leaders who are looking for models to help them preach and teach from Revelation in a time when there is so much confusion about the future.

Genres: Faith, Theology, Christian, Nonfiction, Biblical Studies, Spirituality, Christian Living

436 pages, Hardcover

First published May 31, 2004

About the author

Darrell W. Johnson has been preaching Jesus Christ and His Gospel for over 50 years. He has served a number of Presbyterian congregations in California, Union Church of Manila in the Philippines, and the historic First Baptist Church in the heart of Vancouver, Canada.

He has taught preaching for Fuller Theological Seminary, Carey Theological College in Vancouver, and Regent College in Vancouver.

He has authored eight books, including The Glory of Preaching and Discipleship on the Edge: An Expository Journey Through Revelation.
‍
He is currently serving as a pastor at The Way Church and Canadian Church Leaders Network.
‍
He and his wife Sharon have been married over 50 years. Together they have raised four children adopted from four different countries of the world, and now enjoy loving 11 active grandchildren!

Reviews

[Blake Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most practical, helpful books you will read on the Book of Revelation. It is Christ centered. The author believes the book was written to teach disciples and not give a detailed program for the future. Regardless of your position on the last things, you will find much to encourage you in this detailed exposition.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down best commentary on Revelation. Extraordinarily insightful and exegetically sound.

[Lizzy Brannan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am grateful I was able to take in this expository journey through the book of Revelation. I learned an immense amount regarding the imagery and symbolism that shines vividly in John's fantastical writing. Growing up with "Left Behind" theology approaching this apocalyptic wonder, it was refreshing to walk through other viewpoints held by biblical scholars of old and modern thought. In doing so, I felt less pressured to pigeon hole my own beliefs about end times and focus more on what is happening in our world today and the MEANING behind the symbolism and imagery. I filled my Bible with notes regarding cross references and cultural understanding. This helped me connect the dots between the language used and how our ancient Christian brothers and sisters would have interpreted it. I had enlightening moments that allowed me much reflection and for that I am glad.

Where I really struggled: Halfway through nearly every chapter, the writing launched into a 4-9 point sermon. I wasn't expecting it or wanting it. I think this book is fabulous for those who are in leadership or are pastors. Perhaps I misunderstood going in. I still think this book was worth the month and a half journey.

[Virginia Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one! This book helped me see Revelation in a completely new way - as a discipleship manual, rather than the wacky last book of the Bible that I never read. Johnson showed me a side of Christ that I hadn’t seen before, and I am grateful.

[Sonya Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me fall deeply in love with the Book of Revelation. Darrell presents Revelation not as a crystal ball predicting the end of times, but as a book brimming with hope, constantly pointing to Jesus Christ as the center of all things–the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.

I know who holds the future, and what a beautiful, life-giving future it is! Come Lord Jesus, come.

“Look! I am making all things new.”

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many interpretations of Revelation. The focus of this book was always on Jesus and discipleship, with a touch of symbolism. The purpose of Revelation is to engender an encounter with Him that empowers us to follow Him! Indeed, Jesus is the bright morning star⭐️

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

The absolute best book I have read on the book of Revelation. Darrell's insights, wisdom and ability to write to the layperson is amazing. I very highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in understanding this book of the Bible. I used it as part of my daily devotions and often went back over pages to dig even deeper into the book.

[Rob Duford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book served as my main source as I preached through the book of Revelation for the entirety of 2023 to my church (40 sermons total). Between this, the NICNT on Revelation, and Peterson's "Reversed Thunder" my mind is blown by the beauty of Revelation.

Thank you Mr. Johnson for opening our eyes (revealing) to the beauty of the Revelation of Christ.

[Lauren Conner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a lot about the book of Revelation from reading this book. I was able to gain deeper understanding and clarity on topics that had previously been hard for me to grasp. I appreciated how the author used many different people to support his thoughts - it was cool to see multiple people have the same idea and see it all tie together. I think at a basic level just reframing this book as “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” and how to be his disciples in the world today is a huge takeaway for me, and not viewing it as a scary or negative book.

[Melody Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I puzzled over some things that I wasn’t sure I agreed with/how he came to those conclusions, but it’s incredibly hopeful and I love that he reiterates unseen realities of the present and the unseen realities of the future and how they impact us now. It is written in an expository way, written as sermons with examples and review from previous chapters, but I enjoyed that.

[Katie Hoefling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful in walking through and understanding Revelation. Could have probably been ~200 pages shorter and gotten the same points across.

[Simon Lasky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant. I highly recommend it

[Paul Burgoyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you find the last book of the Bible challenging and confusing (and who doesn't?) then Darrell Johnson's book is for you. Darrell is both a scholar and a teacher and in this well-written commentary on the Revelation of John, he clarifies the historical setting of the book and its meaning to its original readers as a means to help today's readers to understand God's truth for our generation. For students of the Bible, this is the best book on Revelation I have ever read.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Initially, I found the book a bit repetitious because Johnson uses a sermon format to work his way through Revelation. However, this proves to be useful in due course, as the regular reminders about aspects of what he's saying get reinforced by the repetition.
Beyond that this is an excellent exposition of a Bible book that's often held to be too difficult to understand. Though I've read it a few times, I've also avoided it more than other books of the Bible, because of that sense of difficulty.
Johnson's approach to the book shows how organised it really is, and how the symbols work together with other books of the Bible and aren't just things John the Apostle dreamed up. He's also very good at getting to grips with the numerology of the Book, showing how we ought not to treat the numbers as stats but as symbols too. This makes considerable sense of the 144,000 and 666.
In the seven letters to the churches section, which always seemed to me to be a different kind of book, he shows how it fits to the whole scheme, and he spends a lot of time on this section, going into the history of the various cities and how what is said about them is particularly relevant in each case.
All in all a valuable and useful commentary on Revelation, and one that I've already started to re-read.

[Joe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Revelation has always been a book I've steered clear of. My thinking was, I guess, that no one knows what the Hell it means and for every interpretation given, there are equally persuasive interpretations that might contradict it.
Johnson's book was tremendously helpful. In his very accessible reading of Revelation, Johnson finds something personally relevant in each chapter while constantly directing the reader back to Revelation's important broad themes.

[Trent Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read hundreds of commentaries throughout my life. This is the best, by far, hands down. It has not only increased my knowledge of the book of Revelation, but it has also increased my worship of the God who is at the center of the book of Revelation. I highly recommend this book for anyone studying, teaching, or just curious about the last book of the Bible. You will not regret it.

[Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have almost no words for how impactful this book has been on my life.

I have used it as a devotional, guiding me through the book of Revelation for a couple months now, making me read through it slowly and deliberately.
The Lord has spoken to me daily through this book at the message rings true: “The time is near”.

Come, Lord Jesus, come.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book several years ago. It revolutionized my understanding of the book of Revelation. Johnson's explanation of John's vision of Jesus in Revelation 1 changed and deepened my understanding in significant ways.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insight into the book of Revelation without being controversial. I appreciated the part on the seven cities because I have been there. I underlined a lot.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really finding this expository study of Revelation helpful as it presents its information in a non controversial way that seems to take the text of the book seriously. It is well worth reading.

[David Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! So, so good. Highly recommend to anyone wanting a practical understanding of the book of Relevation and its implications on how we live our lives today.

[Tim Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooke Ligertwood recommended this on a podcast where she was interviewed! She said as a result of reading it, Revelation is now her favorite book of the Bible. Now I can totally see why! This is a powerful book! It has challenged me in my discipleship to Jesus. It has brought a better understanding to parts of Revelation that I have deeply struggled with. And it has brought me comfort in the middle of the chaotic waters that are life. This book is a new favorite!

He is coming! Even now! Things are not as they seem!

[Jazmine Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

An accessible trip through Revelation that catches the reader up on how to read the last book of the Bible a little closer to the way the Apostle John likely intended, compared to what I grew up hearing. Johnson argues for amillennialism, but read someone like Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen’s Hope and Community to get informed on options beyond this. Johnson at least makes a good case for rejecting pre- and post-millennialist arguments. His take on the symbolism at work through Revelation is level-headed and resonates with reality.

[Deirdre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite good, once you realize that this is a sermon series in book form!

I don't agree with him in every single instance, but the bones of this book are excellent and the path he picks between the interpretive challenges of this book is a path worth following. I appreciate the wisdom, the research, and the insight that he shares here and that the focus always remains on Jesus, His character, and His call on us to follow him wholeheartedly and radically in an increasingly secular world. He does decent contextualization for the Canadian church, too.

[Joan F · Rating 5 out of 5]

By paying careful attention to how the first readers may have understood this book and by driving home the point again and again that this is a book that reveals Jesus to us and is intended to help us follow Him, I found myself rejoicing in these writings of John instead of just being confused. Unlike the first readers, I don't understand all the pictures, but this book helps. I came away saying, once again, "Come, Lord Jesus."

[Kasey Estupiñan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I definitely feel as though I have a much better grasp on the book of Revelation after reading this. I appreciated its thoroughness. On the downside - it could be a little wordy, and I’m not sure I can get behind 100% of the way the author interprets the book. If you can take it with a grain of salt then I would definitely recommend it for anyone who feels like they have no idea what’s going on in Revelation!

[Kevin M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Confused by the Book of Revelation?

What an absolute blessing to have this book to unveil God's Truth that is declared in Revelation.
It is not about how and when, but who and why.
"The biblical vision of the future is not about the end of creation. It is about the beginning of creation, the beginning of a new creation. “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth” (21:1).

[Dr Ariel Rainey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book, worth its emphasis on the practical and the powerful of Revelation , but written for a layperson’s discipleship. That’s the focus I personally choose, as well. I’m not trying to define or interpret every sign, seal, horn, angel or creature. I just know that what I DO understand is the Lamb on the Throne who makes all things new.

Available in kindle unlimited

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good exegesis of Revelation. The imagery John uses throughout the book is striking and Johnson's breakdown of the symbolism is really helpful in contextualizing Revelation to John's time. It does get a little repetitive - almost identical sentences open each chapter from what seems like a remnant of when it was taught as a sermon series.

[Betty Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revelation is Now

Darrell Johnson has given a different view of Revelation than I've ever heard or studied before. He reveals that all that is given to John in his experience described has been happening in the past and present with the final completion yet to come. It is happening today with more to come until the final return of Jesus to claim all of creation.