Many see Revelation as a book of secrets that magically point to current events and signal what is about to take place in the geopolitics of our day. But the Book of Revelation tells us how it’s to be read, and if we would just follow its directions, we would benefit from the book and better understand its message. We still might not agree on all of the details, but we would be a lot closer, and we would have a common basis for our discussions.
When people think of church, they think of buildings and sermons, choirs and sacraments. But beneath the surface, the church has a hidden strategy that is the real power of the church. It’s spelled out in a leadership plan that’s given in the apostle Paul’s letter to a pastor named Timothy. Consider where you fit in the plan.
Even Christians who believe in God tend to see the Christian life in mostly secular terms. We acknowledge God but don’t think very often about evil spiritual forces. Satan has been caricatured so often that we’re a little embarrassed to even mention him. But that leaves us both vulnerable and confused. The Bible’s teaching about the armour of God helps correct our tendency toward seeing the world through secular lenses.
The Book of Acts reads like a novel. There’s drama, intrigue, death plots, and shipwrecks. The ending is disappointing though, right? As the book ends, Paul is under house arrest, awaiting a verdict from the emperor regarding false charges. But there’s no resolution. Not only is there no happily ever after but there isn’t even a conclusion to Paul’s story. Have you ever considered why?
[Please note: Due to technical difficulties, a video could not be recorded again this week.]