Ed is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and Dallas Theological Seminary. He was a co-founder of Walk Thru The Bible Ministries and has been teaching on the national scene for four decades. Currently, he is the Executive Director of 71:17 Ministries in Lakeland, Florida. Having travelled to Israel over 30 times, he brings a unique, Jewish flavor to all that he teaches.
First, request the free Revelation-Notebook. Go to the “Contact” tab to do so.
Session Links (click on title) and Descriptions:
Session 1 – Introduction to Revelation – Chapter 1 – In this first session, Ed Diaz introduces the study, lays down some rules for interpretation, and uses Revelation 1:19 to show the entire outline of the book. Since the Apostle John was exiled to Patmos, the question, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” is also addressed.
Session 2 – Letters to 6 of 7 Churches – Chapter 2:1-3:13 – The apostle John’s letters to six of the seven churches are analyzed. For each church, there is a meaning of its name, how Christ is described for them, and any specific commendations, condemnations, exhortations and/or promises offered by Christ. Special attention is given to what church type and church age each church represents in “future” church history. The Rapture (Departure of believers) is also discussed, drawing from I Thessalonians 4.
Session 3 – The Letter to the Laodiceans – Chapter 3:13-22 – This church is the only one of the seven that received no commendation. Rather, it is condemned for lukewarmness, materialism, self-deception, spiritual poverty and spiritual blindness. This church foreshadows the age of apostasy apparent today. Ed Diaz gives scriptural reasons for modern apostasy and how to avoid it. The Rapture (Departure of believers) is again explained since the church is not mentioned after Revelation 3 until chapter 20.
Session 4 – Events in Heaven before the Great Tribulation – Chapters 4 and 5 – The scene changes to heaven after the Rapture and before the Great Tribulation. The Throne of God is described, as well as the Father ON the Throne, the twenty-four elders AROUND the Throne, the sights and sounds coming out FROM the Throne, the four creatures BEFORE the Throne and the angels worshiping AROUND the Throne. Then Jesus – the Lion of Judah, the Root of David and the resurrected Lamb that was slain – appears as the only One qualified to open the seven-sealed scroll that will initiate the Great Tribulation.
Session 5 – The Beginning of The Great Tribulation – Chapters 6 and 7 – After the departure of the church, the earth begins a seven-year period of 19 divine judgments. The antichrist is revealed, followed by a sequence of war, famine, death, martyrdom and natural calamities. But in the midst of such suffering, God sends 144,000 Jewish evangelists to share the gospel of hope in Christ.
Session 6 – The Trumpet Judgments – Chapters 8 and 9 – As The Great Tribulation continues, natural and supernatural disasters unfold in six Trumpet Judgments. One third of both salt and fresh waters are destroyed. One third of the sun, moon and stars are destroyed. The length of a day is shortened from 24 to 16 hours. Two horrific, demonic invasions occur tormenting all and killing one third of humanity. In the midst of judgment, there is still grace and mercy for those who might repent and turn to God. But, most will not as The Great Tribulation reaches the mid-point.
Session 7 – Three Events at the Mid-Tribulation – Chapters 10 and 11 – This session explores three events at the midpoint of The Great Tribulation: the Little Book, The Tribulation Temple and the Two Witnesses. More details of the Antichrist are given as he creates a 7-year covenant of peace for Israel, allows the rebuilding of the Temple, but then commits the Abomination of Desolation and places himself as the one to be worshiped.
Session 8 – Israel in the Tribulation – Chapter 12 – As the Seventh Trumpet sounds, seven key “persons” of the Tribulation are identified. The five in Revelation 12 are: a woman (Israel), the dragon (Satan), Michael (angelic forces), a male child (Christ), and seed of woman (remnant of Israel). Satan attacks Israel in a final attempt to thwart Christ’s return. Israel flees to a protected place (Petra) and withstands the assault. There is a war in heaven between Michael and his angels and Satan and his angels. Defeated, Satan and his angels are banished to the earth for the final 3 ½ years of the Tribulation.
Session 9 – The Antichrist and the False Prophet – Chapter 13 – At the mid-point of the Great Tribulation, we see the Antichrist (the Beast from the Sea) war against Israel and the Jewish remnant. He is slain by a sword but is resurrected, causing a world-wide following and worship. He arrogantly blasphemies against God and attempts to replace Him. Christians, whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will persevere and survive. However, the False Prophet (the Beast from the Earth) will set up a world-wide religion that worships the Antichrist. The False Prophet will perform great signs, erect an image of the Antichrist that will appear lifelike and powerful, and attempt to place the mark of the Beast on all for the purpose of commerce.
Session 10 – Announcements of Hope – Chapter 14 – Seven announcements are proclaimed at the midpoint of the Tribulation: the results of the 144,000 evangelists’ work, the angelic calls to humanity, the fall of Babylon, the point of return for nonbelievers, the blessing of the martyrs, the harvest of believers, and the harvest of unbelievers. Emphasis is on the 1st Announcement – Mount Zion become the scene of joyous celebration that Jesus will conquer the nations, believers will persevere and follow Christ to the end.
Session 11 – The Bowl Judgments – Chapters 15 and 16 – The final, bowl judgments are now poured out upon the earth in the second half of the Tribulation: sores, destruction of both salt and fresh water, fierce solar scorching, total blackout, and the gathering for the final war – Armageddon. Humanity refuses to repent and turn to God, but rather blasphemes Him. Jesus make a promise that He is coming like a thief soon. The tribulation ends when God proclaims, “It is done,” similar to the words of Jesus from the cross, “It is finished!”
Session 12 – Ecclesiastical Babylon – Chapter 17 – During the first half of the Tribulation, a political system ruled by ten kings around the world will emerge. Likewise, a false religion (“Religious” Babylon) will emerge from the remnants of the church of Thyatira (Roman Catholic) and the apostate (Protestant) church of Laodicea.
Session 13 – Political Babylon – Chapter 18 – 19:10 – Toward the end of the Tribulation, both political and religious Babylon are utterly destroyed. Political Babylon is judged and crushed for its sin and pride, causing monarchs, merchants and mariners to weep. But three groups rejoice: saints, apostles and prophets because God has avenged their persecution and martyrdom. Chapter 19 begins a series a four “hallelujahs:” for God’s right to be praised, His severity, His sureness and His sovereignty. Now God issues the invitation to the wedding and marriage supper of the bride (the Church) and the Bridegroom (Christ).
Session 14 – The Second Coming and the Binding of Satan – Chapter 19:11-20:6 – Jesus returns to earth (Second Coming): literally and bodily. He comes as King of kings and Lord of lords to judge the earth. He comes with His armies (angels and saints) to strike down those who followed the antichrist. However, Christ fights alone and wins a complete victory. The antichrist and the false prophet are cast into the lake of fire. Satan is bound in the abyss for 1,000 years, while Christ rules on the earth for that same period.
Session 15 – The Messianic Kingdom and The Eternal Order – Chapter 20:7 – 22:5 – As Christ inaugurates His 1,000 year – Messianic kingdom, believers stand before the bema seat judgment to receive their eternal rewards. They will live and reign (along with resurrected Old Testament saints and tribulation Christians) with Christ throughout the Millennium. Afterwards, Satan is released from the abyss, deceives some in the Kingdom, leads a revolt, but is defeated and cast into the lake of fire. The Great White Throne judgment takes place for unbelievers who receive different degrees of punishment in the lake of fire. Now, the new heaven and new earth commence and the New Jerusalem descends from heaven.
Session 16 – The Conclusion – Chapter 22:6-21 – As the book of Revelation closes, the final Eternal Order is described. The activities and attributes of the New Jerusalem are cited including perfect fellowship with Christ, perfect knowledge joy and rest, and reunion with love ones. The Revelation is authenticated by the Father, His angel, Jesus and the apostle John. Six declaration and affirmations are made along with a final invitation to “Come!” A comparison of the first three books of the Bible (Genesis 1-3) is made with the last three books of the Bible (Revelation 20-22) showing that 1) God desires a family, 2) despite man’s rebellion, He is always in control, and 3) in the end, He wins and gets His forever family!
Session 17 – Questions and Answers – In this final session, Ed Diaz attempts to answer various questions from attendees of The Revelation Series, such as Are there pets in heaven? Are Adam and Eve in heaven? Will we know one another in heaven? Are there different roles in heaven? and others.
The Life of Christ Study
Ed has three goals for this study:
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To teach chronologically through the life of Christ using the memorable Walk Thru The Bible geographical approach.
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To include as much Jewish context as possible for every event in Jesus’ life answering these questions, “Why does Jesus do this now? What is the Jewish response to his actions?”
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To apply these events to the 21st century using the study manual written by Ed’s wife, Gwen.
Ed can be reached via email: ed@71-17.org Office: (863) 668-7343
Free Study Materials (click and download):
Harmony of the Gospels (145 pages) – all four gospels in parallel columns and chronological order
Teaching Videos (click and watch):
Hand Gestures – The Life of Christ – Ed Diaz – See Ed Diaz demonstrate the hand gestures that accompany the Life of Christ Study. This session will give you a way to memorize the chronology of Jesus life on earth.
Session 1 – This introductory session tackles the question, “Why are there four gospels in the New Testament?” Other questions addressed are: What are the differences of the four gospel and their writers? Which gospel is written in chronological order? Which gospel should I read?
Session 2 – Why are there two different genealogies in the gospels (Matthew and Luke)? What is significant, different and/or similar to the birth announcements of John the Baptist and Jesus?
Session 3 – Here is a look at the scriptural details of the birth announcements and other details surrounding John the Baptist and Jesus Christ.
Session 4 – This session looks at the biblical events surrounding Jesus’ birth and infancy. Special emphasis is given to the historical backdrop, the Jewish birth ceremonies, the role of the shepherds and the visit of the wise men.
Session 5 – This session covers the time of infant Jesus’ flight to Egypt to avoid Herod’s massacre, His childhood, His baptism by John and Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness.
Session 6 – This session explains in detail three firsts: the calling of the first followers of Jesus, the performing of Jesus’ first miracle in Cana, and the first cleansing of the Temple in Jerusalem.
Session 7 – This session details Jesus’ encounters with Nicodemus (John 3) and the woman at the well (John 4), with emphasis on why Jews and Samaritans were bitter rivals.
Session 8 – This session details Jesus’ return to Galilee where He immediately demonstrates His authority over disease and distance by healing a Capernaum official’s son. Jesus is then rejected in His hometown of Nazareth after claiming to fulfill the messianic prophecy of Isaiah 61. He then relocates in Capernaum and demonstrates His authority over nature with the miraculous catch of fish on the Sea of Galilee. At that, Peter and others leave everything and follow Him.
Session 9 – This session chronicles many of Jesus’ early miracles which demonstrate His divine authority: over demons, over sickness, over defilement (leprosy), to preach, to forgive sins and over human authority. Jesus is observed and examined by Jewish officials during this time to see if He is a threat to Jewish authority and teaching.
Session 10 – This session outlines the Sabbath controversies that Jesus got into with the Pharisees. Jesus asserts His authority over the religious traditions of the day and gets into conflict with the religious leaders of the day. He also calls the apostles into full time service.
Session 11 – This session covers Jesus’ famous “Sermon on the Mount” – Matthew 5, 6 and 7. Here, He confronts the Pharisees’, 1st century, erroneous interpretation of the Law (Mishnah) and reveals the true interpretation of the Law.
Session 12 – This session continues detailing Jesus’ ministry in Galilee as He heals a centurion’s servant and raises a widow’s dead son. Jesus then send His twelve apostles out to begin their ministry, explaining what they can anticipate. The session closes with a challenge to “take up your cross and follow Him.”
Session 13 – This session reveals the climactic event of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Jesus continues to demonstrate His authority over sin and sickness around the Sea of Galilee. But when He does His second messianic miracle (the healing of a mute), the Sanhedrin accuse Him of healing by the power of Satan. This becomes the unpardonable sin for which the nation of Israel is judged. Jesus continues to offer His “yoke” to any individuals who are tired and weary of the legalistic burdens imposed by the Pharisees.
Session 14 – Since He has been rejected by the Jewish leaders and accused of getting His power from Satan, Jesus ushers in the “Mystery” form of the Kingdom which some will see and others will not. He changes His teaching method from large public discourses to sharing in parables. Each parable will reveal a specific truth about God’s Kingdom while God’s people await His Second Coming.
Session 15 – In this session, Jesus demonstrates His supernatural power and authority over NATURE (a storm is stilled), DEMONS (a demoniac is set free), DISEASE (a woman is healed from a long-term disease) and DEATH (Jairus’ daughter is raised from the dead). Special emphasis is given as to how Christ followers can overcome their “storms” today.
Session 16 – In this session, Jesus performs two messianic miracles (heals a blind man and casts out a dumb demon). We also see Herod Antipas’ birthday banquet during which he beheads John the Baptist. Then, Jesus performs the only miracle recorded in all four gospels – the feeding of the five thousand. At the close of the session, Ed compares and contrasts Herod’s banquet and Jesus’ “banquet.”
Session 17 – Jesus continues His equipping of the apostles through the rotation of TEACHING and TESTING. Jesus walks on the water during a storm and bids Peter to follow. Afterwards, Jesus delivers His famous discourse on the Bread of Life which causes multiple, different reactions. He heals the Canaanite women’s daughter and the deaf and dumb man of Decapolis. This session focuses on faith – what does it mean to fully believe in Christ?
Session 18 – After a long period of teaching, Jesus heals a deaf, mute man, does His second miraculous feeding of the multitudes and heals a blind man. Then, near Caesarea Philippi, He quizzes his disciples as to who he is. Peter gives his accurate confession, “You are the Christ” and is commended. But he is soon rebuked when he fails to recognize Jesus’ need to die for them. Jesus is then transfigured before Peter, James and John. Afterwards, Jesus heals an epileptic boy and reminds His followers that “all things are possible for the one who believes.”
Session 19 – In this session, Jesus enters the last six months of His earthly life. He tells His followers of His impending death, instructs them further about true discipleship, and clarifies what it means to forgive and be committed to Him. Jesus then travels to Jerusalem to attend the Feast of Tabernacles and invites everyone to come to Him to satisfy their thirst for “Living Water.”
Session 20 – As Jesus enter Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles, He boldly proclaims that He is the “Living Water” and the “Light of the World.” He is cornered to render an opinion about the woman caught in adultery. As He teaches in the temple courts, conflict arises over who He is, especially when He performs His third messianic miracle – the healing of a man born blind. The crowd attempts to stone Him but He manages to escape.
Session 21 – In this teaching, Jesus claims to be “The True Shepherd,” “The Door for the Sheep,” and “The Good Shepherd.” These claims further divide those who are following His ministry. Jesus then sends his disciples in twos to over 35 cities in Israel to prepare them for His ministry. He gives them honest instructions as to what they can expect and they return victorious. Jesus then offers the parable of the Good Samaritan to answer the question “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus then enter the house of Mary and Martha where He commends Mary for sitting at His feet to just listen to Him.
Session 22 – In these last few months of Jesus’ earthly life, He continues to instruct His disciples in how to live the Christian life. He gives them a pattern of prayer, illustrated with two parables. Jesus performs another Messianic miracle and denounces ceremonial rituals of the Pharisees, which further divides the popular opinion about Him. He then focuses on the matters that the apostles would need to know after He is gone: hypocrisy, covetousness, worry, serving, repentance and the correct understanding of Christ’s mission. More conflict and division arise when Jesus heals on the Sabbath and restates His claim that He is God and the Messiah.
Session 23 – In this session, Jesus is rapidly instructing his apostles about His kingdom before His departure. His topics include the “door” to the kingdom, true Sabbath rest, humility, respect and the need to respond to His invitation. Jesus details true discipleship as choosing Christ as a priority, identifying with Him and counting the cost of that choice. He then offers three parables to further reveal God’s attitude toward sinners. He is: a shepherd looking for a lost sheep, a woman looking for a lost coin, and a father who loves both sons and wants them to enjoy all He has for them.
Session 24 – With only weeks left in His earthly life, Jesus continues instructing the apostles with increased urgency. His topics include 1) wealth and money, illustrating with the parable of the shrewd manager and the story of the rich man and Lazarus; 2) forgiveness; 3) Christian service; and 4) His second coming. Christ also raises another Lazarus from the dead and heals ten lepers.
Session 25 – Jesus, realizing His short time left on earth, shares more important instruction with his apostles. He implores them to pray persistently and responds to questions about divorce, marriage and remarriage. Jesus encounters a rich young ruler and teaches about the challenges of earthly wealth. He predicts again His imminent suffering and death, heals two blind men, converts Zacchaeus and teaches on earthly stewardship after He returns to heaven.
Session 26 – Jesus now arrives in Bethany and stays with Lazarus, preparing to enter Jerusalem for His fourth and final Passover on earth. On Palm Sunday, He makes His Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem to the shouts of Jews thinking their King has come. Immediately the Pharisees accelerate their plans to kill Him. Jesus then weeps over the future of Jerusalem, curses the fig tree, and cleanses the temple. Being the ultimate Passover Lamb, Jesus undergoes His first “examination” for any blemish. The priests and the Levites question His authority and Jesus passes the test.
Session 27 – After His Triumphal Entry to Jerusalem, Jesus continues to be examined to see if He is our Passover Lamb without spot or blemish. The Pharisees, the Sadducees and the Herodians question His POLITICS (“render unto Caesar”), His THEOLOGY (marriage in the resurrection), and THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT (Love God, love neighbor). Jesus passes all three tests. Jesus then pronounces God’s judgment on Israel for their rejection of Him, declares seven woes, and shares the precondition for His Second Coming to Israel. This session concludes with Jesus’ praise of the widow’s giving.
Session 28 – In His final week of earthly life, Jesus delivers His Olivet Discourse. In this intimate teaching to his disciples, Jesus details the events and signs of both the rapture of the Church and His second coming for Messianic Jews. He offers brutally honest forecasts of God’s judgment and refreshing promises of God’s ultimate deliverance for His people. Jesus encourages his followers to stay alert, watching for His return and to keep working hard for His Kingdom’s arrival.
Session 29 – Jesus now shares the Last Supper with His disciples. As Jesus prepares for His death, Mary anoints His feet and Judas plots to betray Him. Jesus redefines the Passover meal (Seder) and institutes the memorial of communion.
Session 30 – Following the Passover meal and the Lord’s Supper, Jesus now shares 24 promises with his apostles in the Upper Room Discourse concerning the days to come. He then prays for Himself, His disciples and all believers who follow. Jesus then enters the Garden of Gethsemane to pray for strength and consecration in order to face His spiritual separation from the Father on the cross.
Session 31 – Jesus is arrested and endures six trials: three religious (for blasphemy) and three Roman (for sedition). The Jewish leadership violates 21 of their legal traditions and convince Pontius Pilate to release Barabbas and to crucify Jesus. Judas returns his bribe money and hangs himself. Peter denies knowing Christ three times and weeps.
Session 32 – Jesus is now led to Calvary to be crucified. During His painful walk to Golgotha and the first three hours on the cross, He experiences the wrath of man (beatings, mockery, crucifixion). During His last three hours on the cross, He experiences the wrath of God (forsakenness and separation) because He takes on the sin of humanity. Darkness falls, the temple curtain is torn, earthquakes occur and the dead are raised. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus take, prepare and bury Christ in a new tomb.
Session 33 – The elite Roman Soldiers guard Jesus’ body until Sunday. Then, early Sunday, an angel opens the tomb to reveal the resurrection. Jesus will now appear ten times in the resurrected form. Mary Magdalene and three other women visit the empty tomb and witness the resurrection. Peter and John likewise discover that Jesus is alive. Jesus appears and talks to two disciples on the road to Emmaus. He appears to the disciples and shows Thomas His wounds. Jesus causes a miraculous catch of fish in the Sea of Galilee and reconciles Peter on the shore. He appears to over 500 at once and to James. Jesus instructs and commissions His followers to take the gospel to the whole world and make more disciples. He then ascends back to heaven.