Painting Revelation is a creative study on the mysterious book of Revelation. Author and teacher Debby Topliff teaches and paints through the apocalyptic book and brings the imagery of Revelation to life through interpretive paiting. Along the way, Debby offers helpful explanations and insightful applications. This curriculum for small groups runs for 6 weeks, and features instructions, discussion questions, leader's guide and charts, student worksheets andcharts, visual key/Scripture references, (all in PDF format) and a photo of the painting in jpeg format. Running Time: 45 minutes.

Debby Topliff received her bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and her master's degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Illinois. She and her husband live near Lake Michigan.

“Debby is an extraordinary person—she lives with this profound sense that every moment matters, every conversation counts, and God might really be here with us, right here, right now. She reminds me that sometimes prophets use paintbrushes.” — Rob Bell, author and founding pastor, Mars Hill

“In a thoughtful and artistic way, Debby allows us to hear the words of this mysterious book in a fresh way. This video, like the book of Revelation itself, carries with it its own blessing.” — John Ortberg, author and teaching pastor, Menlo Park Presbyterian

“Debby Topliff has a wonderful way of integrating Scripture, art, story, and prayer. She makes the Book of Revelation come alive both visually and spiritually. She provides a unique resource for churches, small groups, or even individual devotion.” — Jim Wallis, Editor-in-Chief, Sojourners magazine

“This is an amazing production that I believe the Holy Spirit can greatly use to bring people into the reality of the message and truth of the Book of Revelation. Debby’s passion comes through and the Holy Spirit really makes the book of Revelation come to life. “ — Brad Long, author and executive director, PRMI

“This last book of the Bible really is a work of art, so what better way to approach it than through the visual art and wonderful words of Debby Topliff? I highly commend Painting Revelation for personal study, small groups, and even sermon illustration.” — Tony Jones, author and national coordinator of Emergent Village

“It was helpful to hear Revelation taught from an artist’s perspective – with room for metaphor, mystery, and looking at the whole instead of the parts. I have always had many questions about Revelation and tend to avoid it, but seeing it through a different lens made me much more at peace with it.” — Kristen Bell, MA OT, founding partner of Mars Hill

“Debby’s simple style of painting is perfect to capture the various emotions of Revelation in a way that allows us to complete our own images of John’s vision. I especially appreciated the simplicity of the video so that her Scripture reading is enhanced, but not overpowered by the graphics. For our visual age we need more expressions of God’s Word like this.” — Timothy R. Botts, Senior Art Director, Tyndale House Publishers

- “Debby has a wonderful gift of blending her artistic and teaching skills into one in order to share God’s message to us.” — Anthony Randall, chaplain (CPT), Iraq

“My congregation loved having Painting Revelation as part of the sermon series on Revelation…I strongly encourage pastors—no matter what denomination—to step outside the box and incorporate this creative and engaging tool into your preaching schedule.“ — Mark Kleinheksel, pastor, S. Blendon Reformed Church

“I had a chance to view Debby’s work and I thought it was tremendous. I love how she has captured the essence of John’s purpose, the message, and also I just love her spirit of simplicity, humility, and also the artwork.” — Denis Beausejour, Senior Pastor, Mariemont Community Church, Cincinnati

“As I viewed Painting Revelation for the first time, I immediately saw how well it would fit in with the worship music we had planned for the very next Sunday morning. So I took the DVD with me to church and shared my idea with our music director. When the computer person was able to show the exact clip I wanted, I was thrilled. The visual added so much to the meaning of Revelation 5:11-13, where all of heaven sings out, “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” Thank you for worshiping the Lord through your painting and sharing it with us through your DVD. May the Lord bless His Word as He promised.” — Linda Masopust, reading teacher and worship planner

“Discover a new way to enter into a complex text and be surprised by the richness within symbols and images.” — Jaco Hamman, author and associate professor, Western Theological Seminary

“Debby’s honest and gracious self-disclosure is present in not just what she paints, but in how she paints and edifies. Not surprising, it’s this very sort of self-disclosure that the Spirit gives to John, that John gives to us, and now which debby imitates as a salient invitation for us to experience and obey the book.” — Joseph E. Gorra, managing editor of Philosophia Christi

“The video is lovely and moving. Debby speaks with obvious love and sincerity.” — Erin McGraw, author and professor of English, Ohio State University

“I am captivated by Debby’s charm and have a new grasp of Revelation.” — Jane Willard, marriage and family therapist

“My women’s Bible study group was entranced by the DVD presentation. The discussion questions were great—and I don’t say that lightly.” — Linda Hoff-Hagensick, psychotherapist

“After watching Painting Revelation, our Bible study group engaged in a very rewarding discussion and was impressed and amazed with how Debby consolidated and made sense of this challenging subject.” — James B. Brennan, DDS

“Revelation is the single most difficult book for me to understand, so when Debby started to capture it visually—combined with her gentle narrative—I was moved almost to tears because I actually felt close to God.” — Michael Ranville, senior marketing director

“A true teacher is one who can take a complex subject and make it simple and enjoyable—and Debby does that so well. The experience on video is so soothing and relaxing - it is like a retreat for your eyes and ears.” — Mike Cook, associate marketing director

“Debby weaves together her personal story, philosophy, and the stories contained in Revelation, and communicates it as if she were speaking to each listener (and viewer) alone.” — John Bloner Jr, communications specialist

“Debby has gone for the heart of Revelation: the Lamb is King.” — Bob Hartig, copy manager

“Painting Revelation is to me what Joseph was to Pharaoh…explaining a mystery that until now seemed to be locked in obscurity. Debby Topliff opens up the complex imageries and inexplicable prophetic visions with a spectacular array of colorfully rendered scenes. She gives us a window into the unknown making the mysterious understandable. Painting Revelation can be used by individuals like me who truly want to better understand God’s revelation into the end times or it can be used by study groups.” — Shelia King, Vision Video

“I have always been intrigued with Revelation, yet at the same time frightened. This straightforward approach takes away the fear and provides a view from the mountaintop as to the overall purpose and message of the book. We watched the DVD with our four children who were engaged immediately. Introducing art into the learning process for Revelation is revolutionary! From our oldest (11) to our youngest (6), the painting drew them into the mysteries of the book, but Debby’s teaching made it simple to understand.” — Mary Cook, homemaker and interior designer

“Bible or topical study groups, adult or children’s Sunday School—everyone can benefit from this video.” — Audrey Rabelais, quilter

“This DVD a masterpiece! I was inspired as I learned new things about the book of Revelation, and excited at the reminder that God wins.” — Nate Ritter, YWAM student

“I received the DVD, poster and note card. Thanks so much for the excellent service. I viewed part of the DVD - oh my goodness, it is very good. I look forward to viewing it again and again. And I can’t wait to share it with others. It must have been an amazing experience making the DVD. I thank God for your gifts and for opening His Word to greater understanding and hope.” — Jacqueline Young, Nebraska

“The sessions are divided and introduced in such a way as to make them ideal for retreats and spiritual workshops.” — Clare Shoemyen, retired psychiatric occupational therapist

Last night we showed the DVD to our Small Group and they loved it! We had planned to stop for a “treat” break between sessions, but they wanted to keep going. They were impressed with many things: Debby’s passion for God’s Word, her quiet spirit, and her sensitive ability to deliver an engaging explanation about a very difficult passage of Scripture, the complex simplicity and detail captured in the painting, and the message of the devastation, trials, beauty, and hope all wrapped up in one terrific presentation. My husband and I enjoyed it just as much last night as the first time we watched it. He had just finished reading Revelation and this DVD put images in his mind making the book come alive to him. What a gift you have given to those of us who need that visual learning tool. — Laura Round, executive assistant

“Revelation is perhaps the most mysterious and misunderstood book of the Bible. Artist and teacher Debby Topliff introduces and discusses this last book of the New Testament while standing in front of a large painting depicting 29 scenes from Revelation in beautifully vibrant colors. Topliff walks viewers through the painting, explaining how the various images relate to the book of Revelation as the camera pans specific images on the canvas. The artist is at ease and clearly well versed in Bible studies. Particularly pleasing are short introductions to each segment, filmed in the woods surrounding Topliff’s home. This presentation helps viewers understand the Bible as seen through an artist’s palette. Extras include a study guide, charts, and worksheets. For Bible study groups and personal viewing.” — Joan Kindig, Booklist, April 15, 2008

“Debby Topliff does a remarkable job of explaining and illustrating the Book of Revelation, putting it in the context of the whole biblical story. She does not avoid the difficult passages, but handles them with sensitivity and compassion. She keeps the viewer moving toward the grand conclusion - Jesus’ victory and the renewal of all things.” — Dave Van Der Wiele, CRC pastor

Revelation is one of the most mysterious but least understood books of the Bible. Many are intimidated by its complexity and frightening images. But in this 44-minute video the fascinating visions are unlocked in a wholly unique way as artist and teacher Debby Topliff “tells the story” with a spectacular array of colorfully rendered scenes. With Debby as your guide, you’ll be transported through an elaborate painted vision of the entire book of Revelation, starting on the island of Patmos and traveling to the glorious throne room, where you watch as the events of the end of time unfold.

DVD includes:

- 5 video sessions (44 minutes total running time)

- 2-minute video preview

- key to and photo of painting (jpeg)

- leader’s guide, discussion questions, charts, worksheets

- DVD format: NTSC

http://www.christianbook.com/painting-revelation-visual-exploration-bible-curriculum/pd/28205X

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