Quick thoughts on the book of Revelation:
1. I think it is important to realize that evil thoroughly understands what is written in Revelation. It is not a mystery to him. One can have knowledge without having true saving faith. And one can have strong faith with little knowledge.
2. Seeking to use the book of Revelation (or any part of the Bible) as a divine horoscope does little to create or strengthen saving faith – in fact it detracts from it. Seek Christ in His Word. What does John’s Revelation reveal about Jesus? That is the knowledge we should pray the Holy Spirit give to us.
3. The argument that Jerusalem is the Whore of Babylon is far more convincing than the argument that she is Rome. (Sorry, Martin.)