The difficult reading level, with its mythical symbolism, makes interpreting the last book in the Bible a challenge. Area church leaders interviewed for this story agree that Revelation does not provide or predict a date for the return of Jesus Christ, just that Christians need to be prepared for it. Dale Smith, pastor of Fairmount Christian Church in Independence, said he is not prepared to discuss the book of Revelation yet with his congregation. He said he is not committed to a certain interpretation and lets the church members interpret it for themselves. He said Revelation does describe the last state of the world as we know it, but that's not all bad.
Revelation ends with the creation of a new heaven and earth.
Revelation describes turbulent times, the rise of the antichrist, the Battle of Armageddon and, ultimately, the ushering in a 1,000-year era of peace, in which Christ reigns on Earth. Smith pointed out that the stresses engaging in a close relationship with Christ and God at all times, not just when a new millennium is coming. Bob Spradling is pastor of Maywood Baptist Church in Independence. A part of that preparation requires spreading the word of God to those who do not know about it, Spradling said. A lot of people around the world still have not had the opportunity, and reaching them is many years away.