I have always
been drawn to the Book of Revelation. I find the symbolism fascinating and the
challenge of interpretation stimulating. The first time I read it all the way
through was during basic training at Ft. Benning, GA in the summer of 1996. I
found the narrative of Revelation to be just what I needed to get my mind off
of drill sergeants and all things Army. As I read about the God of Revelation I
loved what I read. Here is a God that is more powerful and majestic than I had
imagined. He is a God of both war and peace. He is a God that will set all
things right in the end. While life is filled with difficult times and
difficult people, we are part of a bigger story that God is overseeing. I loved
this message then and still do.
In
the 17 years since then I have read tens of commentaries, heard many sermons,
and read lots of articles about this mysterious book. What once seemed so
strange and mysterious has become a source of great hope and enjoyment for me.
With the study that will begin on Sunday night I hope to change some minds
about what this book is all about. It is not intended to be a book of doom and
gloom (though if you are not a believer it is); rather it was written to
complete the beautiful story of the Lamb that began before the creation of the
world. Understand that the Bible is a complete narrative; it has a consistent
theme from beginning to end. Revelation tells the story of the victory of the
Lamb. It is a book of hope and challenge.
There has been
so much confusion and speculation surrounding the interpretation of this book.
It has been used by many to predict future events and to gain large followings.
Some have used it to justify false doctrines (such as in Waco some years back
or the Jehovah Witnesses or those that call for the reinstatement of sacrifices
in Jerusalem). The interpretation of the book was influential in the Reformation
and in early American history in very different ways. Many have strong feelings
about what the book means and can get very upset if you do not agree with their
interpretation. I get emails often with what I see as rather crazy ideas about
Revelation. In this study we will do our best to discern the meaning of the
text (linguistically, theologically, and historically) both to the original
reader and for us today. Some questions we will address are: 1. What type of writing
is this? 2. What did the original reader understand it to mean? 3. What symbolizes
do we need to understand to interpret it? 4. What from God’s history recorder
earlier do we need to understand it? 5. How does it apply to me today.
The book was
written to bring hope. It tells us that God knows and is in control of the
past, present, and future. The book reassures us that God wins the cosmic
battle in the end and His people enjoy His triumph. It also makes it clear that
hard times of tribulation are ready. We as the Church are to be ready to stand
strong and faithful until the end. In many ways I think of this book as a rally
cry for spiritual warfare. I am excited to study it with you. I have had
several ask if I can do it on-line, I am working on it. Others want to have my
power points and such to teach it themselves, I’ll try to accommodate where I
can. I seek to teach God’s Word to as many as I can so that we can become more
like Christ, nothing more and nothing less. Join us at 6:30 at FCC if you can.
Here are this week's texts:
September
06, 2013 Ps 107–109, 1 Cor
9:19–10:13, Ps 104:25–35, Prov 22:6–8
September 07, 2013 Ps 110–115, 1 Cor 10:14–11:1, Ps
105:1–4, Prov 22:9–11
September 08, 2013 Ps 116–118, 1 Cor 11:2–22, Ps
105:5–9, Prov 22:12–13
September 09, 2013 Ps 119:1–64, 1 Cor 11:23–12:11, Ps
105:10–16, Prov 22:14–16
September 10, 2013 Ps 119:65–120, 1 Cor 12:12–31, Ps
105:17–22, Prov 22:17–18
September 11, 2013 Ps 119:121–120:7, 1 Cor 13:1–14:19,
Ps 105:23–29, Prov 22:19–20
September 12, 2013 Ps 121–130, 1 Cor 14:20–40, Ps
105:30–38, Prov 22:21–23
September 13, 2013 Ps 131–135, 1 Cor 15:1–19, Ps
105:39–45, Prov 22:24–25
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