Navigating the Bible: Revelation

Then I looked again and I heard the Then I looked again and I heard the voices [music] of thousands and millions voices [music] of thousands and millions voices [music] of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and of the of angels around the throne and of the of angels around the throne and of the living beings and the elders. And they living beings and the elders. And they living beings and the elders. And they sang in a mighty chorus. Worthy [music] sang in a mighty chorus. Worthy [music] sang in a mighty chorus. Worthy [music] is the lamb who was slaughtered is the lamb who was slaughtered is the lamb who was slaughtered to receive power and [music] riches and to receive power and [music] riches and to receive power and [music] riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory wisdom and strength and honor and glory wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing. and blessing. and blessing. And then I heard every [music] creature And then I heard every [music] creature And then I heard every [music] creature in heaven and on earth and under the in heaven and on earth and under the in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in [music] the sea. They sang, earth and in [music] the sea. They sang, earth and in [music] the sea. They sang, "Blessing and honor [music] and glory "Blessing and honor [music] and glory "Blessing and honor [music] and glory and power belong to the one sitting on and power belong to the one sitting on and power belong to the one sitting on the throne [music] and to the lamb the throne [music] and to the lamb the throne [music] and to the lamb forever and ever." forever and ever." forever and ever." Revelation [music] 5:es 11-13. Revelation, the final [music] book of Revelation, the final [music] book of the Bible, and perhaps the most, what am the Bible, and perhaps the most, what am the Bible, and perhaps the most, what am I to do with this? I to do with this? I to do with this? Revelation is known for its [music] Revelation is known for its [music] Revelation is known for its [music] complexity, but at its heart, it is a complexity, but at its heart, it is a complexity, but at its heart, it is a beautiful [music] beautiful [music] beautiful [music] message of hope and worship and love.

message of hope and worship and love. message of hope and worship and love. I'm going to be [music] upfront with I'm going to be [music] upfront with I'm going to be [music] upfront with you. If you are looking for insight and you. If you are looking for insight and you. If you are looking for insight and answers to all of the many elements of answers to all of the many elements of answers to all of the many elements of Revelation, Revelation, Revelation, this [music] is not the podcast for you. this [music] is not the podcast for you. this [music] is not the podcast for you. We won't be talking about seals, beasts, We won't be talking about seals, beasts, We won't be talking about seals, beasts, dragons, the 144,000, dragons, the 144,000, dragons, the 144,000, you know, what some people may call the you know, what some people may call the you know, what some people may call the greatest hits of Revelation. greatest hits of Revelation. greatest hits of Revelation. But if you want to know how best to read But if you want to know how best to read But if you want to know how best to read the book, the message of the book, the the book, the message of the book, the the book, the message of the book, the heart of the book, how it ties into heart of the book, how it ties into heart of the book, how it ties into other parts of scripture, and what the other parts of scripture, and what the other parts of scripture, and what the book teaches, book teaches, book teaches, this is the perfect podcast for you. this is the perfect podcast for you. this is the perfect podcast for you. When I was interviewing Craig Blombck When I was interviewing Craig Blombck When I was interviewing Craig Blombck earlier in the series, I asked him who I earlier in the series, I asked him who I earlier in the series, I asked him who I should have on for Revelation, and should have on for Revelation, and should have on for Revelation, and [music] he said, "Well, you need Dave [music] he said, "Well, you need Dave [music] he said, "Well, you need Dave Matthew without a doubt." Matthew without a doubt." Matthew without a doubt." So to help us navigate the book of So to help us navigate the book of So to help us navigate the book of Revelation is Dr. [music] David Matthew, Revelation is Dr. [music] David Matthew, Revelation is Dr. [music] David Matthew, associate professor of New Testament at associate professor of New Testament at associate professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary and author [music] of Denver Seminary and author [music] of Denver Seminary and author [music] of multiple books on Revelation.

multiple books on Revelation. multiple books on Revelation. My name is Jason Wland and this is My name is Jason Wland and this is My name is Jason Wland and this is doable disciplehip navigating the Bible doable disciplehip navigating the Bible doable disciplehip navigating the Bible revelation. All right. I am here today with Dr. All right. I am here today with Dr. David Matthew. Dave, thank you so much David Matthew. Dave, thank you so much David Matthew. Dave, thank you so much for being here. And uh we we've been for being here. And uh we we've been for being here. And uh we we've been laughing a little bit about it already laughing a little bit about it already laughing a little bit about it already before starting recording, but before starting recording, but before starting recording, but revelation. We're here. [laughter] revelation. We're here. [laughter] revelation. We're here. [laughter] >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That this will be a fun adventure. I'm >> That this will be a fun adventure. I'm >> That this will be a fun adventure. I'm looking forward to it. We're recording looking forward to it. We're recording looking forward to it. We're recording this in the morning. Just a peek behind this in the morning. Just a peek behind this in the morning. Just a peek behind the curtain. So So, so my joke was it's the curtain. So So, so my joke was it's the curtain. So So, so my joke was it's not a what better way to start the day not a what better way to start the day not a what better way to start the day than a morning recording, right, than a morning recording, right, than a morning recording, right, >> on Revelation. Um so, so we got a lot of >> on Revelation. Um so, so we got a lot of >> on Revelation. Um so, so we got a lot of good things to cover. And I'm sure this good things to cover. And I'm sure this good things to cover. And I'm sure this is a a a conversation, a a a resource is a a a conversation, a a a resource is a a a conversation, a a a resource that people have been looking forward to that people have been looking forward to that people have been looking forward to uh because well, darn it, Revelation is uh because well, darn it, Revelation is uh because well, darn it, Revelation is a little bit tricky. So, um so I'm a little bit tricky. So, um so I'm a little bit tricky. So, um so I'm excited for you to be our guide today. I excited for you to be our guide today. I excited for you to be our guide today. I really appreciate it. Let's um let's really appreciate it. Let's um let's really appreciate it. Let's um let's just start with kind of setting the just start with kind of setting the just start with kind of setting the scene a little bit. Let's talk about the scene a little bit. Let's talk about the scene a little bit. Let's talk about the basic details. Let's get our our feet basic details. Let's get our our feet basic details. Let's get our our feet grounded a little bit. So, uh, what do grounded a little bit. So, uh, what do grounded a little bit. So, uh, what do we know about who wrote this book and we know about who wrote this book and we know about who wrote this book and maybe when it was written and how does maybe when it was written and how does maybe when it was written and how does knowing these things, how does knowing knowing these things, how does knowing knowing these things, how does knowing authorship or knowing timeline, anything authorship or knowing timeline, anything authorship or knowing timeline, anything like that, how does it affect how we like that, how does it affect how we like that, how does it affect how we approach reading the book?

approach reading the book? approach reading the book? >> Yeah. The the as far as the authorship, >> Yeah. The the as far as the authorship, >> Yeah. The the as far as the authorship, we know it's somebody named John. He we know it's somebody named John. He we know it's somebody named John. He tells us that. But whether even among tells us that. But whether even among tells us that. But whether even among Christians, Christian scholars and and Christians, Christian scholars and and Christians, Christian scholars and and evangelical scholars, there is some evangelical scholars, there is some evangelical scholars, there is some disagreement as to whether this was disagreement as to whether this was disagreement as to whether this was simply a John who was a prophet in the simply a John who was a prophet in the simply a John who was a prophet in the first century that was wellknown or first century that was wellknown or first century that was wellknown or whether it was the Apostle John, the whether it was the Apostle John, the whether it was the Apostle John, the same person that we believe wrote the same person that we believe wrote the same person that we believe wrote the fourth gospel and 1, second, and third fourth gospel and 1, second, and third fourth gospel and 1, second, and third John. I happen to think it was the John. I happen to think it was the John. I happen to think it was the Apostle John. M Apostle John. M Apostle John. M >> and I think there's good evidence that >> and I think there's good evidence that >> and I think there's good evidence that that would at least make that as that would at least make that as that would at least make that as plausible a guess as anything else as plausible a guess as anything else as plausible a guess as anything else as far as when it was written. the most far as when it was written. the most far as when it was written. the most popular and again there's uh there's popular and again there's uh there's popular and again there's uh there's nothing in the book that requires that nothing in the book that requires that nothing in the book that requires that we have to pin down an exact date we have to pin down an exact date we have to pin down an exact date >> but probably the most common view is >> but probably the most common view is >> but probably the most common view is that it was written towards the end of that it was written towards the end of that it was written towards the end of the first century when a man named the first century when a man named the first century when a man named omission was the emperor over Rome and omission was the emperor over Rome and omission was the emperor over Rome and uh that would be the circumstances or or uh that would be the circumstances or or uh that would be the circumstances or or kind of the situation that John is kind of the situation that John is kind of the situation that John is responding to.

responding to. responding to. >> Yeah. And we can talk a little bit more >> Yeah. And we can talk a little bit more >> Yeah. And we can talk a little bit more detail if you want, but th those are detail if you want, but th those are detail if you want, but th those are kind of the two when when it comes to kind of the two when when it comes to kind of the two when when it comes to the date and authorship. And probably the date and authorship. And probably the date and authorship. And probably probably not a ton hinges on, probably not a ton hinges on, probably not a ton hinges on, you know, pinning down the date you know, pinning down the date you know, pinning down the date precisely. Yeah. Uh uh it it it seems to precisely. Yeah. Uh uh it it it seems to precisely. Yeah. Uh uh it it it seems to me that we probably should avoid making me that we probably should avoid making me that we probably should avoid making any inter reading of Revelation, any any inter reading of Revelation, any any inter reading of Revelation, any interpretation too closely tied to it interpretation too closely tied to it interpretation too closely tied to it has to be Apostle John, has to be this has to be Apostle John, has to be this has to be Apostle John, has to be this date and this time and this is exactly date and this time and this is exactly date and this time and this is exactly what was going on. what was going on. what was going on. >> Uh but those are those are two kind of >> Uh but those are those are two kind of >> Uh but those are those are two kind of where I stand on on the book as far as where I stand on on the book as far as where I stand on on the book as far as its date and who probably wrote it. its date and who probably wrote it. its date and who probably wrote it. >> Yeah. And in terms of of the authorship >> Yeah. And in terms of of the authorship >> Yeah. And in terms of of the authorship with with the Apostle John, if we take with with the Apostle John, if we take with with the Apostle John, if we take that uh view, which which I would, you that uh view, which which I would, you that uh view, which which I would, you know, agree with, and we talked about know, agree with, and we talked about know, agree with, and we talked about that a little bit earlier, when we were that a little bit earlier, when we were that a little bit earlier, when we were talking about John, what is it about talking about John, what is it about talking about John, what is it about John that kind of lends itself into this John that kind of lends itself into this John that kind of lends itself into this book? Is there anything about about what book? Is there anything about about what book? Is there anything about about what we know about John that we can carry we know about John that we can carry we know about John that we can carry with us as we read into the book? Yeah.

with us as we read into the book? Yeah. with us as we read into the book? Yeah. I I mean I think when when you read the I I mean I think when when you read the I I mean I think when when you read the gospels, gospels, gospels, uh even when you read that statement uh even when you read that statement uh even when you read that statement that Paul makes in Galatians of the that Paul makes in Galatians of the that Paul makes in Galatians of the pillar apostles, Peter, James, and John, pillar apostles, Peter, James, and John, pillar apostles, Peter, James, and John, >> yeah. >> yeah. >> yeah. >> Uh that that you know, John being uh one >> Uh that that you know, John being uh one >> Uh that that you know, John being uh one of the key and pillar apostles, it would of the key and pillar apostles, it would of the key and pillar apostles, it would know stand a reason that he would be a know stand a reason that he would be a know stand a reason that he would be a recipient of a revelation. and and and recipient of a revelation. and and and recipient of a revelation. and and and probably more important than just the probably more important than just the probably more important than just the fact that it was John himself was the fact that it was John himself was the fact that it was John himself was the fact that he was so well known and he fact that he was so well known and he fact that he was so well known and he had a ministry among the seven churches had a ministry among the seven churches had a ministry among the seven churches that you read about in chapter 2 and that you read about in chapter 2 and that you read about in chapter 2 and three. He apparently knows them very three. He apparently knows them very three. He apparently knows them very well. He's well known. He's had a prior well. He's well known. He's had a prior well. He's well known. He's had a prior ministry in their midst. So, he's he ministry in their midst. So, he's he ministry in their midst. So, he's he seems to be a really good candidate seems to be a really good candidate seems to be a really good candidate because of his authority as an apostle, because of his authority as an apostle, because of his authority as an apostle, but his his knowledge of the churches but his his knowledge of the churches but his his knowledge of the churches and his reputation with the churches uh and his reputation with the churches uh and his reputation with the churches uh to address them with this uh this unique to address them with this uh this unique to address them with this uh this unique book. Yeah. Yeah. I think it's helpful book. Yeah. Yeah. I think it's helpful book. Yeah. Yeah. I think it's helpful to think it's not it's likely not some to think it's not it's likely not some to think it's not it's likely not some random John on this island who's just random John on this island who's just random John on this island who's just having this vision and we're like, "Oh, having this vision and we're like, "Oh, having this vision and we're like, "Oh, okay. That's interesting that God chose okay. That's interesting that God chose okay. That's interesting that God chose this random person to be able, you know, this random person to be able, you know, this random person to be able, you know, to give this vision to." No, it's it's to give this vision to." No, it's it's to give this vision to." No, it's it's it's a person who has a heritage, who it's a person who has a heritage, who it's a person who has a heritage, who has a state, who has who uh is a trusted has a state, who has who uh is a trusted has a state, who has who uh is a trusted elder leader in the church, right? And elder leader in the church, right? And elder leader in the church, right? And and so it stands to reason that, you and so it stands to reason that, you and so it stands to reason that, you know, God would use John as the vessel know, God would use John as the vessel know, God would use John as the vessel for this vision and this message. Uh for this vision and this message. Uh for this vision and this message. Uh especially as you mentioned his especially as you mentioned his especially as you mentioned his relationships with these churches. These relationships with these churches. These relationships with these churches. These aren't just random churches that are aren't just random churches that are aren't just random churches that are being called out here. These are uh being called out here. These are uh being called out here. These are uh there's there's intentionality to it.

there's there's intentionality to it. there's there's intentionality to it. There's reason behind it. There's reason behind it. There's reason behind it. >> Um okay, that this might be in all of >> Um okay, that this might be in all of >> Um okay, that this might be in all of the times I've asked this question, the times I've asked this question, the times I've asked this question, Dave, like I can't I'm this might be the Dave, like I can't I'm this might be the Dave, like I can't I'm this might be the most difficult or you just have like, most difficult or you just have like, most difficult or you just have like, hey, I got it right away. This is easy. hey, I got it right away. This is easy. hey, I got it right away. This is easy. How would you describe the book of How would you describe the book of How would you describe the book of Revelation in one sentence? Revelation in one sentence? Revelation in one sentence? [gasps] [gasps] [gasps] >> In one sentence, the book of Revelation >> In one sentence, the book of Revelation >> In one sentence, the book of Revelation is meant to get God's people to follow is meant to get God's people to follow is meant to get God's people to follow and worship God and the lamb, no matter and worship God and the lamb, no matter and worship God and the lamb, no matter what the consequences that brings. what the consequences that brings. what the consequences that brings. >> You did that without even a run-on >> You did that without even a run-on >> You did that without even a run-on sentence. Usually I get long run-on sentence. Usually I get long run-on sentence. Usually I get long run-on sentences, and you did it without even sentences, and you did it without even sentences, and you did it without even the run on. the run on. the run on. >> I had to stop myself. [laughter] >> I [clears throat] love Can you repeat it >> I [clears throat] love Can you repeat it for us? Yeah. Yeah. The book of for us? Yeah. Yeah. The book of for us? Yeah. Yeah. The book of Revelation was written to to encourage Revelation was written to to encourage Revelation was written to to encourage God's people to follow and worship God God's people to follow and worship God God's people to follow and worship God and the Lamb no matter what consequences and the Lamb no matter what consequences and the Lamb no matter what consequences that might bring. that might bring. that might bring. >> And I think that's kind of the essence >> And I think that's kind of the essence >> And I think that's kind of the essence of the entire book. of the entire book. of the entire book. >> Yeah. It's a book of worship. And that's >> Yeah. It's a book of worship. And that's >> Yeah. It's a book of worship. And that's I think I think we're going to get into I think I think we're going to get into I think I think we're going to get into that a lot, especially as we talk about that a lot, especially as we talk about that a lot, especially as we talk about the themes and what this teaches us the themes and what this teaches us the themes and what this teaches us >> is the heart of Revelation is a book of, >> is the heart of Revelation is a book of, >> is the heart of Revelation is a book of, >> you know, I think a lot of people take >> you know, I think a lot of people take >> you know, I think a lot of people take it as a book of hope, a book of joy, it as a book of hope, a book of joy, it as a book of hope, a book of joy, which is very true, and I'm sure we'll which is very true, and I'm sure we'll which is very true, and I'm sure we'll talk about that, too.

talk about that, too. talk about that, too. >> But I think its core essence is worship. >> But I think its core essence is worship. >> But I think its core essence is worship. And uh so I'm really glad that you that And uh so I'm really glad that you that And uh so I'm really glad that you that you just pulled that out in that one you just pulled that out in that one you just pulled that out in that one sentence. That's great. So let's talk sentence. That's great. So let's talk sentence. That's great. So let's talk about the flow of this book. We got 22 about the flow of this book. We got 22 about the flow of this book. We got 22 chapters covering a lot of different chapters covering a lot of different chapters covering a lot of different things. So, can you walk us through? things. So, can you walk us through? things. So, can you walk us through? [laughter] Yes. Take a drink before we [laughter] Yes. Take a drink before we [laughter] Yes. Take a drink before we get going in this uh because uh you know get going in this uh because uh you know get going in this uh because uh you know it's it's some hefty stuff. So, walk us it's it's some hefty stuff. So, walk us it's it's some hefty stuff. So, walk us through uh from chapter 1 to chapter 22. through uh from chapter 1 to chapter 22. through uh from chapter 1 to chapter 22. What is the flow of the book? What is the flow of the book? What is the flow of the book? >> Yeah. So, I think the chapter one begins >> Yeah. So, I think the chapter one begins >> Yeah. So, I think the chapter one begins with this vision of Christ in heaven with this vision of Christ in heaven with this vision of Christ in heaven that John has. And basically I think that John has. And basically I think that John has. And basically I think what is going on is what is going on is what is going on is uh Jesus in this vision Jesus is showing uh Jesus in this vision Jesus is showing uh Jesus in this vision Jesus is showing that he has the right and the authority that he has the right and the authority that he has the right and the authority to evaluate his churches which he does to evaluate his churches which he does to evaluate his churches which he does in chapters 2 and three. And if you in chapters 2 and three. And if you in chapters 2 and three. And if you notice in chapter 2 and three all of the notice in chapter 2 and three all of the notice in chapter 2 and three all of the churches the the messages of the church churches the the messages of the church churches the the messages of the church they're really not letters at all. they're really not letters at all. they're really not letters at all. People call them letters but they People call them letters but they People call them letters but they aren't. They're prophetic messages. Each aren't. They're prophetic messages. Each aren't. They're prophetic messages. Each of those messages begin with an image of those messages begin with an image of those messages begin with an image that uh pretty much all of them with that uh pretty much all of them with that uh pretty much all of them with that comes right out of that description that comes right out of that description that comes right out of that description of Christ in chapter one. So chapter one of Christ in chapter one. So chapter one of Christ in chapter one. So chapter one is setting Jesus up as yeah he's the is setting Jesus up as yeah he's the is setting Jesus up as yeah he's the ruler of of all all creation. He he's uh ruler of of all all creation. He he's uh ruler of of all all creation. He he's uh exalted in heaven in this picture of him exalted in heaven in this picture of him exalted in heaven in this picture of him with flaming flames coming out of his with flaming flames coming out of his with flaming flames coming out of his eyes and a sword coming out of his eyes and a sword coming out of his eyes and a sword coming out of his mouth. Uh but the the image is basically

mouth. Uh but the the image is basically mouth. Uh but the the image is basically setting up chapters 2 and three to show setting up chapters 2 and three to show setting up chapters 2 and three to show Jesus has all the qualifications and the Jesus has all the qualifications and the Jesus has all the qualifications and the right and the authority to evaluate his right and the authority to evaluate his right and the authority to evaluate his churches in chapters 2 and three. Then churches in chapters 2 and three. Then churches in chapters 2 and three. Then what I think happens in 4-2, the rest of what I think happens in 4-2, the rest of what I think happens in 4-2, the rest of the book is going to be John's vision the book is going to be John's vision the book is going to be John's vision that will flesh out chapters 2 and three that will flesh out chapters 2 and three that will flesh out chapters 2 and three in more detail. It'll flesh out the in more detail. It'll flesh out the in more detail. It'll flesh out the message that Jesus has for the churches message that Jesus has for the churches message that Jesus has for the churches in the form of a vision in 4-22. in the form of a vision in 4-22. in the form of a vision in 4-22. And the way that is set up, an easy way, And the way that is set up, an easy way, And the way that is set up, an easy way, I think, to look at if anything in I think, to look at if anything in I think, to look at if anything in Revelation is easy, [laughter] Revelation is easy, [laughter] Revelation is easy, [laughter] >> but uh I I have to give credit where >> but uh I I have to give credit where >> but uh I I have to give credit where credit's due. I I draw this from Richard credit's due. I I draw this from Richard credit's due. I I draw this from Richard Bacham, a British scholar. It's written Bacham, a British scholar. It's written Bacham, a British scholar. It's written a lot in Revelation. And he said uh the a lot in Revelation. And he said uh the a lot in Revelation. And he said uh the entire book of Revelation could be See, entire book of Revelation could be See, entire book of Revelation could be See, well, let me back up. Starting in well, let me back up. Starting in well, let me back up. Starting in chapter 4 and 5, you have this vision of chapter 4 and 5, you have this vision of chapter 4 and 5, you have this vision of heavenly worship. So, we're back to that heavenly worship. So, we're back to that heavenly worship. So, we're back to that worship theme. All of heaven surrounds worship theme. All of heaven surrounds worship theme. All of heaven surrounds God and his throne and the lamb is on God and his throne and the lamb is on God and his throne and the lamb is on the throne. The lamb is God's means of the throne. The lamb is God's means of the throne. The lamb is God's means of accomplishing his redemptive purposes on accomplishing his redemptive purposes on accomplishing his redemptive purposes on earth. All of heaven worships and earth. All of heaven worships and earth. All of heaven worships and acknowledges who God is and who the lamb acknowledges who God is and who the lamb acknowledges who God is and who the lamb is.

is. is. Then the rest of the book is basically Then the rest of the book is basically Then the rest of the book is basically answering the question, how does that answering the question, how does that answering the question, how does that heavenly scene become a reality on heavenly scene become a reality on heavenly scene become a reality on earth? earth? earth? Uh and Richard, this is where Richard Uh and Richard, this is where Richard Uh and Richard, this is where Richard Balkam said, in a way you could see Balkam said, in a way you could see Balkam said, in a way you could see revelation revelation revelation as an unpacking of the Lord's prayer. as an unpacking of the Lord's prayer. as an unpacking of the Lord's prayer. >> Our father who is in heaven, hallowed be >> Our father who is in heaven, hallowed be >> Our father who is in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will your name. Your kingdom come, your will your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. The be done on earth as it is in heaven. The be done on earth as it is in heaven. The as it is in heaven is chapter 4 and as it is in heaven is chapter 4 and as it is in heaven is chapter 4 and five. The on earth five. The on earth five. The on earth >> is chapters 21 and 22. >> is chapters 21 and 22. >> is chapters 21 and 22. Everything in between these scenes of Everything in between these scenes of Everything in between these scenes of judgment and even you know everything judgment and even you know everything judgment and even you know everything going on can be seen of as how do we get going on can be seen of as how do we get going on can be seen of as how do we get from chapter 4 and 5 to chapter 21 and from chapter 4 and 5 to chapter 21 and from chapter 4 and 5 to chapter 21 and 22. How do we get from God's will and 22. How do we get from God's will and 22. How do we get from God's will and kingdom in heaven finally to earth in kingdom in heaven finally to earth in kingdom in heaven finally to earth in chapter 21 and 22 and all those chapters chapter 21 and 22 and all those chapters chapter 21 and 22 and all those chapters 6 through 20 is the story of how that 6 through 20 is the story of how that 6 through 20 is the story of how that happens. So that's kind of to me that's happens. So that's kind of to me that's happens. So that's kind of to me that's I think a helpful way of that not the I think a helpful way of that not the I think a helpful way of that not the only way but I think that's a really only way but I think that's a really only way but I think that's a really helpful way of conceptualizing the book helpful way of conceptualizing the book helpful way of conceptualizing the book and what it's doing and kind of how it and what it's doing and kind of how it and what it's doing and kind of how it how it flows how it flows how it flows >> as opposed just seeing it as a bunch of >> as opposed just seeing it as a bunch of >> as opposed just seeing it as a bunch of disc indiscriminate visions and disc indiscriminate visions and disc indiscriminate visions and prophecies and predictions is now it's prophecies and predictions is now it's prophecies and predictions is now it's telling a story of how God's kingdom and telling a story of how God's kingdom and telling a story of how God's kingdom and his will in heaven worship in heaven his will in heaven worship in heaven his will in heaven worship in heaven finally becomes a reality on an earth finally becomes a reality on an earth finally becomes a reality on an earth that contests it that contests it that contests it >> in and six through uh 20 is the story of >> in and six through uh 20 is the story of >> in and six through uh 20 is the story of how how we get there from four to four how how we get there from four to four how how we get there from four to four and five to 21 and 22.

and five to 21 and 22. and five to 21 and 22. >> I love that. I think that is uh just a >> I love that. I think that is uh just a >> I love that. I think that is uh just a beautiful picture of taking you know beautiful picture of taking you know beautiful picture of taking you know this central message of Christ's desire this central message of Christ's desire this central message of Christ's desire for of go of Christ's desire through for of go of Christ's desire through for of go of Christ's desire through God's message for us through the Lord's God's message for us through the Lord's God's message for us through the Lord's prayer you know on earth as it is in prayer you know on earth as it is in prayer you know on earth as it is in heaven and is and seeing how that plays heaven and is and seeing how that plays heaven and is and seeing how that plays out in revelation like I think that's I out in revelation like I think that's I out in revelation like I think that's I I I really love that and it really does I I really love that and it really does I I really love that and it really does help to put kind of um kind of like a help to put kind of um kind of like a help to put kind of um kind of like a back stop on on your reading of back stop on on your reading of back stop on on your reading of Revelation cuz then if you're looking at Revelation cuz then if you're looking at Revelation cuz then if you're looking at everything kind of through that lens or everything kind of through that lens or everything kind of through that lens or or if you start to get confused as or if you start to get confused as or if you start to get confused as you're reading about these trumpets and you're reading about these trumpets and you're reading about these trumpets and you're reading about these be all this you're reading about these be all this you're reading about these be all this stuff it's and but you take it back to stuff it's and but you take it back to stuff it's and but you take it back to okay what is this really getting at is okay what is this really getting at is okay what is this really getting at is it's going from on earth as it is in it's going from on earth as it is in it's going from on earth as it is in heaven. So what it is in heaven to then heaven. So what it is in heaven to then heaven. So what it is in heaven to then how it is on earth and taking us through how it is on earth and taking us through how it is on earth and taking us through that. Um, I think it helps to encourage that. Um, I think it helps to encourage that. Um, I think it helps to encourage you to sit and almost go back into that you to sit and almost go back into that you to sit and almost go back into that prayer as you're reading through the prayer as you're reading through the prayer as you're reading through the book and just keeping that as kind of book and just keeping that as kind of book and just keeping that as kind of this little this little this little >> as this through line. Um, that's a >> as this through line. Um, that's a >> as this through line. Um, that's a really beautiful picture.

really beautiful picture. really beautiful picture. >> Yeah, I I find it helpful. And then >> Yeah, I I find it helpful. And then >> Yeah, I I find it helpful. And then chapter chapter 6 through 20, you know, chapter chapter 6 through 20, you know, chapter chapter 6 through 20, you know, the images of J, you know, the the seals the images of J, you know, the the seals the images of J, you know, the the seals and the trumpets and the BS, we get all and the trumpets and the BS, we get all and the trumpets and the BS, we get all caught up in that. But that that those caught up in that. But that that those caught up in that. But that that those are I I see those as kind of are I I see those as kind of are I I see those as kind of preliminary. God is already judging in preliminary. God is already judging in preliminary. God is already judging in preparation for establishing a new preparation for establishing a new preparation for establishing a new creation. Yeah. His will being done on creation. Yeah. His will being done on creation. Yeah. His will being done on earth, God's already judging. And those earth, God's already judging. And those earth, God's already judging. And those are also warnings of what is to come. are also warnings of what is to come. are also warnings of what is to come. And then in the meantime, you have this And then in the meantime, you have this And then in the meantime, you have this image of the church as a faithful image of the church as a faithful image of the church as a faithful witness. What is the church supposed to witness. What is the church supposed to witness. What is the church supposed to be doing be doing be doing >> in between 4 and 5 and 21 and 22? They >> in between 4 and 5 and 21 and 22? They >> in between 4 and 5 and 21 and 22? They are to be a witness to Christ and the are to be a witness to Christ and the are to be a witness to Christ and the reality of God and his kingdom and who reality of God and his kingdom and who reality of God and his kingdom and who Christ is and what Christ has Christ is and what Christ has Christ is and what Christ has accomplished and a reality of this new accomplished and a reality of this new accomplished and a reality of this new creation to come. So there to be God's creation to come. So there to be God's creation to come. So there to be God's fa and the lamb's faithful witness in a fa and the lamb's faithful witness in a fa and the lamb's faithful witness in a world that uh contests that. world that uh contests that. world that uh contests that. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. So we have that that backdrop now. we So we have that that backdrop now. we So we have that that backdrop now. we have this understanding of kind of what have this understanding of kind of what have this understanding of kind of what this picture what's even John talking this picture what's even John talking this picture what's even John talking about through these things. So let's about through these things. So let's about through these things. So let's then dive into the themes cuz the themes then dive into the themes cuz the themes then dive into the themes cuz the themes of revelation are really the core of revelation are really the core of revelation are really the core function uh here you you can get caught function uh here you you can get caught function uh here you you can get caught up in in prophecy. You can get caught up up in in prophecy. You can get caught up up in in prophecy. You can get caught up in what does this mean? What does this in what does this mean? What does this in what does this mean? What does this mean? What does this mean? But if you mean? What does this mean? But if you mean? What does this mean? But if you are losing the themes of the book then are losing the themes of the book then are losing the themes of the book then you're probably not f spending time the you're probably not f spending time the you're probably not f spending time the right way in the book. Uh [laughter] right way in the book. Uh [laughter] right way in the book. Uh [laughter] so so what are some of the major themes?

so so what are some of the major themes? so so what are some of the major themes? We've talked about a couple of them. So We've talked about a couple of them. So We've talked about a couple of them. So so we can hit those uh a little bit more so we can hit those uh a little bit more so we can hit those uh a little bit more explicitly and where we see those and explicitly and where we see those and explicitly and where we see those and then we'll look at some other themes then we'll look at some other themes then we'll look at some other themes too. So I will seed the floor to you. too. So I will seed the floor to you. too. So I will seed the floor to you. What are some of the main themes that we What are some of the main themes that we What are some of the main themes that we see in Revelation? see in Revelation? see in Revelation? >> Yeah, you're right. The the obvious one >> Yeah, you're right. The the obvious one >> Yeah, you're right. The the obvious one that most people focus on is that most people focus on is that most people focus on is esquetology. And I certainly would never esquetology. And I certainly would never esquetology. And I certainly would never say there's none of that in there say there's none of that in there say there's none of that in there because there is. But we probably blow because there is. But we probably blow because there is. But we probably blow that one out of proportion a little bit that one out of proportion a little bit that one out of proportion a little bit and miss miss some of the others. and miss miss some of the others. and miss miss some of the others. Esquetology is certainly there. You Esquetology is certainly there. You Esquetology is certainly there. You mentioned hope. mentioned hope. mentioned hope. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh it it is revelation is meant to >> Uh it it is revelation is meant to >> Uh it it is revelation is meant to provide hope for God's people and and provide hope for God's people and and provide hope for God's people and and you know we live in a we live in a world you know we live in a we live in a world you know we live in a we live in a world that's full of of injustice and that's full of of injustice and that's full of of injustice and shootings and and all kinds of and wars shootings and and all kinds of and wars shootings and and all kinds of and wars and rumors of wars, all kinds of things and rumors of wars, all kinds of things and rumors of wars, all kinds of things going on. And Revelation is a reminder going on. And Revelation is a reminder going on. And Revelation is a reminder that one day uh God will intervene and that one day uh God will intervene and that one day uh God will intervene and set things straight and set things set things straight and set things set things straight and set things right. Uh it's also a book calling us to right. Uh it's also a book calling us to right. Uh it's also a book calling us to it's a book of disciplehip. We don't it's a book of disciplehip. We don't it's a book of disciplehip. We don't often think of that in Revelation, but often think of that in Revelation, but often think of that in Revelation, but uh that interesting verse in chapter uh that interesting verse in chapter uh that interesting verse in chapter 14:E4 14:E4 14:E4 describing the people of God is they describing the people of God is they describing the people of God is they follow the lamb wherever he goes. And follow the lamb wherever he goes. And follow the lamb wherever he goes. And that's kind of what revelation is about.

that's kind of what revelation is about. that's kind of what revelation is about. Uh following Jesus Christ, following the Uh following Jesus Christ, following the Uh following Jesus Christ, following the lamb, which we know from Jesus life is lamb, which we know from Jesus life is lamb, which we know from Jesus life is often the way of suffering and the way often the way of suffering and the way often the way of suffering and the way of sacrifice in this world in the midst of sacrifice in this world in the midst of sacrifice in this world in the midst of a faithful witness. So it uh of a faithful witness. So it uh of a faithful witness. So it uh revelation is meant to encourage God's revelation is meant to encourage God's revelation is meant to encourage God's people to faithful disciplehip following people to faithful disciplehip following people to faithful disciplehip following Jesus Christ following the lamb wherever Jesus Christ following the lamb wherever Jesus Christ following the lamb wherever he goes no matter what the consequences. he goes no matter what the consequences. he goes no matter what the consequences. We've already said Revelation is a book We've already said Revelation is a book We've already said Revelation is a book about worship. That I think is if if a about worship. That I think is if if a about worship. That I think is if if a key, if not the key theme in the book of key, if not the key theme in the book of key, if not the key theme in the book of Revelation because Revelation begins in Revelation because Revelation begins in Revelation because Revelation begins in four and five with a worship scene. And four and five with a worship scene. And four and five with a worship scene. And then if if you have a Bible that sets then if if you have a Bible that sets then if if you have a Bible that sets off like songs and speeches and poetic off like songs and speeches and poetic off like songs and speeches and poetic form, just skim through Revelation and form, just skim through Revelation and form, just skim through Revelation and notice how many groups or persons are notice how many groups or persons are notice how many groups or persons are singing. Not just speaking, but singing singing. Not just speaking, but singing singing. Not just speaking, but singing songs. Yeah. songs. Yeah. songs. Yeah. >> And so, Revelation is a profound vision >> And so, Revelation is a profound vision >> And so, Revelation is a profound vision of what it means to worship and why of what it means to worship and why of what it means to worship and why God's people should be a worshshiping God's people should be a worshshiping God's people should be a worshshiping people. And it it demonstrates that in people. And it it demonstrates that in people. And it it demonstrates that in our churches today, worship has a our churches today, worship has a our churches today, worship has a vertical and a horizontal dimension.

vertical and a horizontal dimension. vertical and a horizontal dimension. It's horizontal in that when we worship It's horizontal in that when we worship It's horizontal in that when we worship on earth, heaven literally comes down to on earth, heaven literally comes down to on earth, heaven literally comes down to earth. Your kingdom come, your will be earth. Your kingdom come, your will be earth. Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. We done on earth as it is in heaven. We done on earth as it is in heaven. We demonstrate that demonstrate that demonstrate that and make that a reality when we worship and make that a reality when we worship and make that a reality when we worship now. However imperfectly and however now. However imperfectly and however now. However imperfectly and however much you know this world still cries out much you know this world still cries out much you know this world still cries out for Christ still to come. Our our for Christ still to come. Our our for Christ still to come. Our our earthly worship should be a reflection earthly worship should be a reflection earthly worship should be a reflection of that worship that goes on in heaven of that worship that goes on in heaven of that worship that goes on in heaven in chapter 4 and 5. But there's also a in chapter 4 and 5. But there's also a in chapter 4 and 5. But there's also a horizontal dimension in that our worship horizontal dimension in that our worship horizontal dimension in that our worship anticipates and reflects the worship anticipates and reflects the worship anticipates and reflects the worship that will happen in chapter 21 and 22. that will happen in chapter 21 and 22. that will happen in chapter 21 and 22. The worship that will happen in the new The worship that will happen in the new The worship that will happen in the new creation when God's kingdom comes, his creation when God's kingdom comes, his creation when God's kingdom comes, his will is done on earth as it already is will is done on earth as it already is will is done on earth as it already is in heaven. Uh so it's it's just a in heaven. Uh so it's it's just a in heaven. Uh so it's it's just a stirring book of worship. No, no wonder stirring book of worship. No, no wonder stirring book of worship. No, no wonder so many of our so many of our so many of our >> hymns and modern day worship songs are >> hymns and modern day worship songs are >> hymns and modern day worship songs are based on the book of Revelation. My wife based on the book of Revelation. My wife based on the book of Revelation. My wife is a musician and she just wrote a song is a musician and she just wrote a song is a musician and she just wrote a song >> based on Revelation 5:9 and it tends to >> based on Revelation 5:9 and it tends to >> based on Revelation 5:9 and it tends to go through Revelation and and and write go through Revelation and and and write go through Revelation and and and write more songs on the hymns and the songs.

more songs on the hymns and the songs. more songs on the hymns and the songs. >> Uh so there's there's it's it's not for >> Uh so there's there's it's it's not for >> Uh so there's there's it's it's not for any no reason that so many of our any no reason that so many of our any no reason that so many of our worship songs are based on the book of worship songs are based on the book of worship songs are based on the book of Revelation because that's what it's Revelation because that's what it's Revelation because that's what it's about. I think Oh, if about. I think Oh, if about. I think Oh, if >> No. Yeah. I I was just I was I was >> No. Yeah. I I was just I was I was >> No. Yeah. I I was just I was I was laughing a little bit because you laughing a little bit because you laughing a little bit because you mentioned Revelation 59 which I had just mentioned Revelation 59 which I had just mentioned Revelation 59 which I had just opened to and I was just I was going I opened to and I was just I was going I opened to and I was just I was going I was going to bring uh bring a comment on was going to bring uh bring a comment on was going to bring uh bring a comment on that exact passage which I thought you that exact passage which I thought you that exact passage which I thought you know so that's funny um because as you know so that's funny um because as you know so that's funny um because as you said this is full of of of songs and said this is full of of of songs and said this is full of of of songs and again yeah if you open up your Bible and again yeah if you open up your Bible and again yeah if you open up your Bible and look through and you can see all of the look through and you can see all of the look through and you can see all of the different songs that are being sung. different songs that are being sung. different songs that are being sung. What I find interesting too and an What I find interesting too and an What I find interesting too and an interesting thing to just take a note of interesting thing to just take a note of interesting thing to just take a note of is there are songs that are being sung is there are songs that are being sung is there are songs that are being sung all the time. There are these all the time. There are these all the time. There are these everlasting songs, you know, holy, holy everlasting songs, you know, holy, holy everlasting songs, you know, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, right? is the Lord God Almighty, right? is the Lord God Almighty, right? Revelation song. We call that song Revelation song. We call that song Revelation song. We call that song Revelation song for a reason, you know. Revelation song for a reason, you know. Revelation song for a reason, you know. And it says day after day and night And it says day after day and night And it says day after day and night after night, they keep on saying, "Holy, after night, they keep on saying, "Holy, after night, they keep on saying, "Holy, holy, what not?" But then that holy, what not?" But then that holy, what not?" But then that Revelation 5:9, what I found interesting Revelation 5:9, what I found interesting Revelation 5:9, what I found interesting is they say, "And then sang a new song is they say, "And then sang a new song is they say, "And then sang a new song with these words." And so what you have with these words." And so what you have with these words." And so what you have is this picture of the eternalness of is this picture of the eternalness of is this picture of the eternalness of the of the beings of heaven constantly the of the beings of heaven constantly the of the beings of heaven constantly in song. But in revelation and what it's in song. But in revelation and what it's in song. But in revelation and what it's saying is that God is also doing a new saying is that God is also doing a new saying is that God is also doing a new thing. A part of this new creation a god thing. A part of this new creation a god thing. A part of this new creation a god a part of this pouring out is a new song a part of this pouring out is a new song a part of this pouring out is a new song that is also being sung. So, it's a that is also being sung. So, it's a that is also being sung. So, it's a really beautiful pairing of these

really beautiful pairing of these really beautiful pairing of these timeless these these these words of timeless these these these words of timeless these these these words of praise and worship that are constantly praise and worship that are constantly praise and worship that are constantly being sung mixed with a new thing that being sung mixed with a new thing that being sung mixed with a new thing that God is doing in giving him worship and God is doing in giving him worship and God is doing in giving him worship and praise on that as well. And and to go praise on that as well. And and to go praise on that as well. And and to go back to what you were saying too about back to what you were saying too about back to what you were saying too about this being a book of uh of hope which we this being a book of uh of hope which we this being a book of uh of hope which we had mentioned um I'm so glad that we end had mentioned um I'm so glad that we end had mentioned um I'm so glad that we end with 21 and 22, right? Because with 21 and 22, right? Because with 21 and 22, right? Because [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] because it can be uh it can be, you because it can be uh it can be, you because it can be uh it can be, you know, scary, weird to be, you know, know, scary, weird to be, you know, know, scary, weird to be, you know, reading through all of these all these reading through all of these all these reading through all of these all these pouring outs, all these bowls, all these pouring outs, all these bowls, all these pouring outs, all these bowls, all these beasts, all these things happening. Um, beasts, all these things happening. Um, beasts, all these things happening. Um, but but but you can't have penned a better ending you can't have penned a better ending you can't have penned a better ending than 21 and 22 because that's what it is than 21 and 22 because that's what it is than 21 and 22 because that's what it is all pointing to. And that's that's that all pointing to. And that's that's that all pointing to. And that's that's that hope of God saying, hope of God saying, hope of God saying, >> "Yes, things will happen. the earth like >> "Yes, things will happen. the earth like >> "Yes, things will happen. the earth like needs needs to be judged and refined and needs needs to be judged and refined and needs needs to be judged and refined and ultimately made new and that's where you ultimately made new and that's where you ultimately made new and that's where you get the new Jerusalem and that's where get the new Jerusalem and that's where get the new Jerusalem and that's where you get the final you get the final you get the final >> words of Jesus saying yes I am coming >> words of Jesus saying yes I am coming >> words of Jesus saying yes I am coming soon right amen come Lord Jesus soon right amen come Lord Jesus soon right amen come Lord Jesus >> for sure yes >> for sure yes >> for sure yes >> so you get this so it's it's it's almost >> so you get this so it's it's it's almost >> so you get this so it's it's it's almost like this like stirring ending of a like this like stirring ending of a like this like stirring ending of a movie that you're just waiting for the movie that you're just waiting for the movie that you're just waiting for the next thing because you see oh wait next thing because you see oh wait next thing because you see oh wait there's there's hope the good thing is there's there's hope the good thing is there's there's hope the good thing is to happen is is is still to to happen is is is still to to happen is is is still to And um so is that beautiful picture. So And um so is that beautiful picture. So And um so is that beautiful picture. So sorry I wanted to I wanted to hunker sorry I wanted to I wanted to hunker sorry I wanted to I wanted to hunker down just a minute on that hope and down just a minute on that hope and down just a minute on that hope and worship but what were some of the other worship but what were some of the other worship but what were some of the other themes that you were about to dive into?

themes that you were about to dive into? themes that you were about to dive into? >> I mean I I think one of them too is >> I mean I I think one of them too is >> I mean I I think one of them too is revelation revelation revelation to kind of broaden it. Revelation to kind of broaden it. Revelation to kind of broaden it. Revelation provides a critique of the kind of the provides a critique of the kind of the provides a critique of the kind of the dominant systems of our world. dominant systems of our world. dominant systems of our world. >> And for John that and his readers that >> And for John that and his readers that >> And for John that and his readers that would have been the Roman Empire in would have been the Roman Empire in would have been the Roman Empire in their day. But what what it's in order their day. But what what it's in order their day. But what what it's in order to get them to follow the lamb, it it to get them to follow the lamb, it it to get them to follow the lamb, it it exposes exposes exposes and critiques the dominant empire of the and critiques the dominant empire of the and critiques the dominant empire of the day. And I I think revelation can help day. And I I think revelation can help day. And I I think revelation can help us see, give us ears to hear and eyes to us see, give us ears to hear and eyes to us see, give us ears to hear and eyes to see. Uh as as the seven messages and see. Uh as as the seven messages and see. Uh as as the seven messages and every the one who has an ear to hear, every the one who has an ear to hear, every the one who has an ear to hear, let him hear what the spirit is saying let him hear what the spirit is saying let him hear what the spirit is saying to the churches. uh through the Holy to the churches. uh through the Holy to the churches. uh through the Holy Spirit enabling us to see where Spirit enabling us to see where Spirit enabling us to see where uh where oppressive uh where oppressive uh where oppressive uh evil, idolatrous systems are at work uh evil, idolatrous systems are at work uh evil, idolatrous systems are at work in our world, in our own lives and and in our world, in our own lives and and in our world, in our own lives and and being warned of that and being uh you being warned of that and being uh you being warned of that and being uh you know, not not being fearful, you know, know, not not being fearful, you know, know, not not being fearful, you know, thinking that behind every rock is is, thinking that behind every rock is is, thinking that behind every rock is is, you know, a demon or something like you know, a demon or something like you know, a demon or something like that, but still being that, but still being that, but still being >> being alert to where do we see uh where >> being alert to where do we see uh where >> being alert to where do we see uh where do we see evil, where do we see do we see evil, where do we see do we see evil, where do we see oppression, where do we see injust oppression, where do we see injust oppression, where do we see injust justice in our world today and how can justice in our world today and how can justice in our world today and how can we respond to that? So, I think that's we respond to that? So, I think that's we respond to that? So, I think that's that's one of the things that revelation that's one of the things that revelation that's one of the things that revelation does. It it it's especially for some of does. It it it's especially for some of does. It it it's especially for some of the readers in the churches in the first the readers in the churches in the first the readers in the churches in the first century who were blind, I think, to what century who were blind, I think, to what century who were blind, I think, to what was going on in Rome. They're just so was going on in Rome. They're just so was going on in Rome. They're just so infatuated with it. And Leodysa at the infatuated with it. And Leodysa at the infatuated with it. And Leodysa at the end of chapter 3, they're they're self end of chapter 3, they're they're self end of chapter 3, they're they're self assured and they're making all kinds of

assured and they're making all kinds of assured and they're making all kinds of money off Roman economy. And revelation money off Roman economy. And revelation money off Roman economy. And revelation serves to show them and expose here's serves to show them and expose here's serves to show them and expose here's what is really at work in in the world what is really at work in in the world what is really at work in in the world and are you sure you want to be part of and are you sure you want to be part of and are you sure you want to be part of that. So revelation does that. It it that. So revelation does that. It it that. So revelation does that. It it exposes and kind of critiques exposes and kind of critiques exposes and kind of critiques uh the world system and shows us its uh the world system and shows us its uh the world system and shows us its true colors. true colors. true colors. >> Yeah. In that way, I mean, it it >> Yeah. In that way, I mean, it it >> Yeah. In that way, I mean, it it itarkens back to the prophets and it itarkens back to the prophets and it itarkens back to the prophets and it hearkens back to those messages of hearkens back to those messages of hearkens back to those messages of calling out poor leadership, of calling calling out poor leadership, of calling calling out poor leadership, of calling out oppression, of calling out, you out oppression, of calling out, you out oppression, of calling out, you know, the the governments, you know, the know, the the governments, you know, the know, the the governments, you know, the systems of the world that are that are systems of the world that are that are systems of the world that are that are forgetting or foregoing the ways of God forgetting or foregoing the ways of God forgetting or foregoing the ways of God and and in treating the people. And so, and and in treating the people. And so, and and in treating the people. And so, you have these cries of the oppressed you have these cries of the oppressed you have these cries of the oppressed who and you have these prophets that are who and you have these prophets that are who and you have these prophets that are speaking on their behalf. And so here speaking on their behalf. And so here speaking on their behalf. And so here you have John. He's calling out the you have John. He's calling out the you have John. He's calling out the church and saying, "Guys, church and saying, "Guys, church and saying, "Guys, >> this is is this still the way that you >> this is is this still the way that you >> this is is this still the way that you want things to be? Is this is this is want things to be? Is this is this is want things to be? Is this is this is the picture of the world? I'm going to the picture of the world? I'm going to the picture of the world? I'm going to hold up the mirror. This is the picture hold up the mirror. This is the picture hold up the mirror. This is the picture of the world."

of the world." of the world." >> And lo and behold, >> And lo and behold, >> And lo and behold, >> God is going to come and do something >> God is going to come and do something >> God is going to come and do something new. He's going to make things right. So new. He's going to make things right. So new. He's going to make things right. So just so it is it's it's it's a clear just so it is it's it's it's a clear just so it is it's it's it's a clear parallel back to those prophet messages parallel back to those prophet messages parallel back to those prophet messages from the Old Testament. I love that from the Old Testament. I love that from the Old Testament. I love that >> for sure. Yeah. >> for sure. Yeah. >> for sure. Yeah. [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] >> Okay. So we've hit esquetology. We've >> Okay. So we've hit esquetology. We've >> Okay. So we've hit esquetology. We've mentioned that that is there. There's mentioned that that is there. There's mentioned that that is there. There's many ways that people can go about many ways that people can go about many ways that people can go about esquetology and the point of this esquetology and the point of this esquetology and the point of this conversation is not to say well this conversation is not to say well this conversation is not to say well this clearly means this this is everything clearly means this this is everything clearly means this this is everything esquetology line. So um so we've covered esquetology line. So um so we've covered esquetology line. So um so we've covered the theme of you know we've we mentioned the theme of you know we've we mentioned the theme of you know we've we mentioned the theme of esquetology we've talked the theme of esquetology we've talked the theme of esquetology we've talked about hope we've talked about um worship about hope we've talked about um worship about hope we've talked about um worship we've talked about this calling out um we've talked about this calling out um we've talked about this calling out um of the systems of the world. Are there of the systems of the world. Are there of the systems of the world. Are there any other themes that you wanted to hit any other themes that you wanted to hit any other themes that you wanted to hit before we move on to talking about what before we move on to talking about what before we move on to talking about what this book teaches us about God? this book teaches us about God? this book teaches us about God? uh you know obviously to to kind of uh uh you know obviously to to kind of uh uh you know obviously to to kind of uh focus on what we consider theological focus on what we consider theological focus on what we consider theological themes. Revelation has more to say about themes. Revelation has more to say about themes. Revelation has more to say about who Jesus Christ is or I I don't know if who Jesus Christ is or I I don't know if who Jesus Christ is or I I don't know if I want to say more but has a unique I want to say more but has a unique I want to say more but has a unique contribution to our understanding of who contribution to our understanding of who contribution to our understanding of who Christ is and what he's accomplished on Christ is and what he's accomplished on Christ is and what he's accomplished on behalf of his people. Yeah.

behalf of his people. Yeah. behalf of his people. Yeah. >> than any other any other book in the New >> than any other any other book in the New >> than any other any other book in the New Testament. I I think it's the I think Testament. I I think it's the I think Testament. I I think it's the I think Revelation has the strongest Revelation has the strongest Revelation has the strongest presentation of Jesus deity than any presentation of Jesus deity than any presentation of Jesus deity than any other book in the new especially in other book in the new especially in other book in the new especially in chapter five. The fact that Jesus ends chapter five. The fact that Jesus ends chapter five. The fact that Jesus ends up on the same throne as God receiving up on the same throne as God receiving up on the same throne as God receiving the same worship at the end of chapter 5 the same worship at the end of chapter 5 the same worship at the end of chapter 5 without violating without violating without violating Jewish monotheism and idolatry by Jewish monotheism and idolatry by Jewish monotheism and idolatry by worshiping something or somebody else is worshiping something or somebody else is worshiping something or somebody else is is you know how can that be unless Jesus is you know how can that be unless Jesus is you know how can that be unless Jesus himself is God uh is identified. that himself is God uh is identified. that himself is God uh is identified. that shares a very being and identity as God shares a very being and identity as God shares a very being and identity as God uh and is worthy of the same worship. So uh and is worthy of the same worship. So uh and is worthy of the same worship. So I I think Revelation has a lot to say I I think Revelation has a lot to say I I think Revelation has a lot to say about who Jesus is, what he's come to about who Jesus is, what he's come to about who Jesus is, what he's come to accomplish, who God is. I think it has a accomplish, who God is. I think it has a accomplish, who God is. I think it has a lot to say about the church's role. lot to say about the church's role. lot to say about the church's role. Again, I find really intriguing, I'd Again, I find really intriguing, I'd Again, I find really intriguing, I'd love to write more on this someday, this love to write more on this someday, this love to write more on this someday, this image of a kingdom of priests image of a kingdom of priests image of a kingdom of priests >> that keeps cropping up. And the idea of >> that keeps cropping up. And the idea of >> that keeps cropping up. And the idea of a kingdom of priests is that the the a kingdom of priests is that the the a kingdom of priests is that the the church is meant to in this world church is meant to in this world church is meant to in this world represent God's rule and his presence.

represent God's rule and his presence. represent God's rule and his presence. As kings, they represent the rule of As kings, they represent the rule of As kings, they represent the rule of God. That's what Adam was supposed to do God. That's what Adam was supposed to do God. That's what Adam was supposed to do in the garden. Adam and Eve and Israel in the garden. Adam and Eve and Israel in the garden. Adam and Eve and Israel was supposed to do as priests. They are was supposed to do as priests. They are was supposed to do as priests. They are representatives of God's presence. And representatives of God's presence. And representatives of God's presence. And again, that's what Adam and Eve were again, that's what Adam and Eve were again, that's what Adam and Eve were supposed to do. That's what Israel is supposed to do. That's what Israel is supposed to do. That's what Israel is supposed to do. And so I find, you know, supposed to do. And so I find, you know, supposed to do. And so I find, you know, what would it be like to re to think what would it be like to re to think what would it be like to re to think about the church when we look at all the about the church when we look at all the about the church when we look at all the programs and things we do and and our programs and things we do and and our programs and things we do and and our the church's purpose? What would it be the church's purpose? What would it be the church's purpose? What would it be like to think of it in terms of what like to think of it in terms of what like to think of it in terms of what does it look like to think in terms of does it look like to think in terms of does it look like to think in terms of the church being a kingdom of priests? the church being a kingdom of priests? the church being a kingdom of priests? That is all we do is to represent God's That is all we do is to represent God's That is all we do is to represent God's presence and his reign in the world and presence and his reign in the world and presence and his reign in the world and to spread that to spread that to spread that >> in anticipation of chapter 21 and 22. >> in anticipation of chapter 21 and 22. >> in anticipation of chapter 21 and 22. I love that idea of the representative I love that idea of the representative I love that idea of the representative of God's presence and and tracking that of God's presence and and tracking that of God's presence and and tracking that through as you said that was Adam and through as you said that was Adam and through as you said that was Adam and Eve and then and then and then it became Eve and then and then and then it became Eve and then and then and then it became the prophets. It became the you know it the prophets. It became the you know it the prophets. It became the you know it was the fathers of the faith Abraham was the fathers of the faith Abraham was the fathers of the faith Abraham Isaac J and then it became the prophets Isaac J and then it became the prophets Isaac J and then it became the prophets Moses and Moses and Moses and Samuel and Nathan were supposed to you Samuel and Nathan were supposed to you Samuel and Nathan were supposed to you know taking that and then the people know taking that and then the people know taking that and then the people asked for the king and then it was like asked for the king and then it was like asked for the king and then it was like well things started going a little arai well things started going a little arai well things started going a little arai there but then you had these prophets there but then you had these prophets there but then you had these prophets who were the representatives of God's who were the representatives of God's who were the representatives of God's presence Elijah Elijah so on and so presence Elijah Elijah so on and so presence Elijah Elijah so on and so forth and then you get to the New forth and then you get to the New forth and then you get to the New Testament with Jesus and then you get to Testament with Jesus and then you get to Testament with Jesus and then you get to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and you get to us as being part the temple you get to us as being part the temple you get to us as being part the temple of God and So, it's it is this really of God and So, it's it is this really of God and So, it's it is this really beautiful picture painting through. And beautiful picture painting through. And beautiful picture painting through. And so, you calling out that little so, you calling out that little so, you calling out that little throughlight of of the kingdom of

throughlight of of the kingdom of throughlight of of the kingdom of priests is really um it's it's a really priests is really um it's it's a really priests is really um it's it's a really fun uh experience to really just take fun uh experience to really just take fun uh experience to really just take that through and just think about what that through and just think about what that through and just think about what that means through the whole line. And that means through the whole line. And that means through the whole line. And I'm so glad that you mentioned Jesus cuz I'm so glad that you mentioned Jesus cuz I'm so glad that you mentioned Jesus cuz that was going to be the last theme that that was going to be the last theme that that was going to be the last theme that that I threw out too was was Jesus is is that I threw out too was was Jesus is is that I threw out too was was Jesus is is so uh evident and pervasive through the so uh evident and pervasive through the so uh evident and pervasive through the book. um in a way that's it's not always book. um in a way that's it's not always book. um in a way that's it's not always on the tip of the t. It's not always on the tip of the t. It's not always on the tip of the t. It's not always just right there, but really this is a just right there, but really this is a just right there, but really this is a story of Jesus. This is a picture of story of Jesus. This is a picture of story of Jesus. This is a picture of what this what this what this >> of >> of >> of of Jesus not just as lamb but Jesus as of Jesus not just as lamb but Jesus as of Jesus not just as lamb but Jesus as returning conqueror and king. And so, returning conqueror and king. And so, returning conqueror and king. And so, um, again, I would encourage people as um, again, I would encourage people as um, again, I would encourage people as you are reading through Revelation, you are reading through Revelation, you are reading through Revelation, if you've just made a commitment and if you've just made a commitment and if you've just made a commitment and say, "I'm going to spend some time in say, "I'm going to spend some time in say, "I'm going to spend some time in Revelation over the next few months or Revelation over the next few months or Revelation over the next few months or whatever it is we like," then I would whatever it is we like," then I would whatever it is we like," then I would encourage you to do encourage you to do encourage you to do readings of the book focused on looking readings of the book focused on looking readings of the book focused on looking through these different lenses of these through these different lenses of these through these different lenses of these different themes because you will see different themes because you will see different themes because you will see the book and God will speak to you the book and God will speak to you the book and God will speak to you through those themes, through the book through those themes, through the book through those themes, through the book in different ways. Um, I I would in different ways. Um, I I would in different ways. Um, I I would encourage you to do it separately. Spend encourage you to do it separately. Spend encourage you to do it separately. Spend even if you just break it down into even if you just break it down into even if you just break it down into chunks and say, "I'm going to read this chunks and say, "I'm going to read this chunks and say, "I'm going to read this chunk and I'm gonna look at it through chunk and I'm gonna look at it through chunk and I'm gonna look at it through the lens of worship or through Jesus or the lens of worship or through Jesus or the lens of worship or through Jesus or or whatever it is or hope or whatever it or whatever it is or hope or whatever it or whatever it is or hope or whatever it is."

is." is." >> You will start seeing things through >> You will start seeing things through >> You will start seeing things through those lenses. I don't think it it can be those lenses. I don't think it it can be those lenses. I don't think it it can be a little tricky to try to read it with a little tricky to try to read it with a little tricky to try to read it with all the different themes in mind because all the different themes in mind because all the different themes in mind because cuz then you're thinking of all these cuz then you're thinking of all these cuz then you're thinking of all these different things. But but take one theme different things. But but take one theme different things. But but take one theme um and and spend some time in it because um and and spend some time in it because um and and spend some time in it because it is rich and it makes the weird parts it is rich and it makes the weird parts it is rich and it makes the weird parts less weird. less weird. less weird. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> Because you start to see, okay, this is >> Because you start to see, okay, this is >> Because you start to see, okay, this is God's intention in this that this is why God's intention in this that this is why God's intention in this that this is why this is in here. This is why this will this is in here. This is why this will this is in here. This is why this will happen. So, okay. So, let's move on to happen. So, okay. So, let's move on to happen. So, okay. So, let's move on to what does Revelation teach us about God? what does Revelation teach us about God? what does Revelation teach us about God? >> Yeah. Revelation again demonstrates I >> Yeah. Revelation again demonstrates I >> Yeah. Revelation again demonstrates I think the the primary view of God is he think the the primary view of God is he think the the primary view of God is he God is God is God is the sovereign creator and ruler of the the sovereign creator and ruler of the the sovereign creator and ruler of the universe that universe that universe that uh is worthy of the people's worship and uh is worthy of the people's worship and uh is worthy of the people's worship and this God who is worshiped this God who this God who is worshiped this God who this God who is worshiped this God who is the sovereign creator is the one who is the sovereign creator is the one who is the sovereign creator is the one who will make all things new at the at the will make all things new at the at the will make all things new at the at the very end of the book. Uh it's very end of the book. Uh it's very end of the book. Uh it's interesting that that God is often interesting that that God is often interesting that that God is often portrayed in Revelation in portrayed in Revelation in portrayed in Revelation in rather what's often called rather what's often called rather what's often called counterimperial terms. That is often you counterimperial terms. That is often you counterimperial terms. That is often you find God described in a way that is find God described in a way that is find God described in a way that is meant to undercut and undermine how the meant to undercut and undermine how the meant to undercut and undermine how the Roman Empire would have viewed their Roman Empire would have viewed their Roman Empire would have viewed their Caesars or you know and that'd be true Caesars or you know and that'd be true Caesars or you know and that'd be true of any world ruler as to show no it's

of any world ruler as to show no it's of any world ruler as to show no it's it's not Caesar that is it's not Caesar that is it's not Caesar that is the benefactor of all creation. It's not the benefactor of all creation. It's not the benefactor of all creation. It's not Caesar that brings peace. It's not Caesar that brings peace. It's not Caesar that brings peace. It's not Caesar that rules. It's not Caesar who Caesar that rules. It's not Caesar who Caesar that rules. It's not Caesar who who who gives good gifts to his people. who who gives good gifts to his people. who who gives good gifts to his people. It is God who does that. It is God who does that. It is God who does that. >> Yeah. And so and so I think I I think >> Yeah. And so and so I think I I think >> Yeah. And so and so I think I I think God is portrayed again as the sovereign God is portrayed again as the sovereign God is portrayed again as the sovereign creator of all and his intention is that creator of all and his intention is that creator of all and his intention is that he he wants to redeem all creation and he he wants to redeem all creation and he he wants to redeem all creation and he will and that includes people. Uh yes he will and that includes people. Uh yes he will and that includes people. Uh yes obviously they have a choice uh but but obviously they have a choice uh but but obviously they have a choice uh but but God's intention is to redeem his good God's intention is to redeem his good God's intention is to redeem his good creation creation creation >> and and because of that he's worthy >> and and because of that he's worthy >> and and because of that he's worthy worthy of our worship. worthy of our worship. worthy of our worship. >> Yeah. It's it's the redemption story >> Yeah. It's it's the redemption story >> Yeah. It's it's the redemption story parallel of Genesis. And um and I think parallel of Genesis. And um and I think parallel of Genesis. And um and I think that is that is that is again if you look at all of scripture, again if you look at all of scripture, again if you look at all of scripture, right, as this beautiful long story of right, as this beautiful long story of right, as this beautiful long story of God redeeming God redeeming God redeeming the creation and the people that he made the creation and the people that he made the creation and the people that he made that he wanted to spend that he wanted to spend that he wanted to spend eternity with. Like that's eternity with. Like that's eternity with. Like that's this is the ending piece of that of God this is the ending piece of that of God this is the ending piece of that of God saying this is what I will do. This is saying this is what I will do. This is saying this is what I will do. This is how I will redeem and this is how I will redeem and this is how I will redeem and this is [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] um so again it's it is it's just this um so again it's it is it's just this um so again it's it is it's just this beautiful portrait of God's love for us beautiful portrait of God's love for us beautiful portrait of God's love for us starting with Genesis making humans. He starting with Genesis making humans. He starting with Genesis making humans. He wanted a family. Things getting messed wanted a family. Things getting messed wanted a family. Things getting messed up because humans mess things up. And

up because humans mess things up. And up because humans mess things up. And then God saying, "I'm going to spend the then God saying, "I'm going to spend the then God saying, "I'm going to spend the rest of time of of earthly time to have rest of time of of earthly time to have rest of time of of earthly time to have this whole redemption story." this whole redemption story." this whole redemption story." >> Mark it with Jesus because And then we >> Mark it with Jesus because And then we >> Mark it with Jesus because And then we see all that in here again see all that in here again see all that in here again >> and saying this is the story of how much >> and saying this is the story of how much >> and saying this is the story of how much I love you. Mh. I love you. Mh. I love you. Mh. >> And um yeah, and so that's that is the >> And um yeah, and so that's that is the >> And um yeah, and so that's that is the story of revelation. story of revelation. story of revelation. >> It is. >> It is. >> It is. >> And the other important part of that is >> And the other important part of that is >> And the other important part of that is not just that God is in heaven and he not just that God is in heaven and he not just that God is in heaven and he redeems and you know sits back and redeems and you know sits back and redeems and you know sits back and enjoys it. enjoys it. enjoys it. >> This is a story of how God intends to >> This is a story of how God intends to >> This is a story of how God intends to live and dwell with his people. You live and dwell with his people. You live and dwell with his people. You mentioned the temple theme. I think that mentioned the temple theme. I think that mentioned the temple theme. I think that is one of the most important themes as is one of the most important themes as is one of the most important themes as well in Revelation uh from a kind of well in Revelation uh from a kind of well in Revelation uh from a kind of theological standpoint. And again, it theological standpoint. And again, it theological standpoint. And again, it goes back to the gu the garden of Eden. goes back to the gu the garden of Eden. goes back to the gu the garden of Eden. One of the things going on is that is a One of the things going on is that is a One of the things going on is that is a sanctuary. That is a temple where God sanctuary. That is a temple where God sanctuary. That is a temple where God dwelt with Adam and Eve. dwelt with Adam and Eve. dwelt with Adam and Eve. >> And then chapter three, as you said, >> And then chapter three, as you said, >> And then chapter three, as you said, ruins that. And [laughter] ruins that. And [laughter] ruins that. And [laughter] in one sense, you could say the story of in one sense, you could say the story of in one sense, you could say the story of the Bible is how will God one day dwell the Bible is how will God one day dwell the Bible is how will God one day dwell with his people once again. So in with his people once again. So in with his people once again. So in Revelation 21 and 22, God is not in Revelation 21 and 22, God is not in Revelation 21 and 22, God is not in heaven. Y heaven. Y heaven. Y >> his throne that was in heaven in 4 and 5 >> his throne that was in heaven in 4 and 5 >> his throne that was in heaven in 4 and 5 is now on the new creation. So God has is now on the new creation. So God has is now on the new creation. So God has once again taken up residence with and once again taken up residence with and once again taken up residence with and is dwelling with his people. I heard I is dwelling with his people. I heard I is dwelling with his people. I heard I saw one time a sermon title. I didn't saw one time a sermon title. I didn't saw one time a sermon title. I didn't read listen to it. Saw a sermon title uh read listen to it. Saw a sermon title uh read listen to it. Saw a sermon title uh on Revelation 21 and 22 is called God's on Revelation 21 and 22 is called God's on Revelation 21 and 22 is called God's New Home. And I thought that's kind of New Home. And I thought that's kind of New Home. And I thought that's kind of strange. But the more I thought about strange. But the more I thought about strange. But the more I thought about it, that's exactly right. God gets a new

it, that's exactly right. God gets a new it, that's exactly right. God gets a new home, too. He comes down from earth from home, too. He comes down from earth from home, too. He comes down from earth from heaven to earth to live with his people. heaven to earth to live with his people. heaven to earth to live with his people. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> And that shows too the dominant movement >> And that shows too the dominant movement >> And that shows too the dominant movement in scripture is not from earth going up in scripture is not from earth going up in scripture is not from earth going up to heaven. It's heaven coming down to to heaven. It's heaven coming down to to heaven. It's heaven coming down to earth. Again, back to the Lord's prayer, earth. Again, back to the Lord's prayer, earth. Again, back to the Lord's prayer, your kingdom come, your will be done on your kingdom come, your will be done on your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. So that theme earth as it is in heaven. So that theme earth as it is in heaven. So that theme of God living, dwelling, again, that in of God living, dwelling, again, that in of God living, dwelling, again, that in my view, that could be almost the main my view, that could be almost the main my view, that could be almost the main theme of scripture is is God's intention theme of scripture is is God's intention theme of scripture is is God's intention to create a people that he can live to create a people that he can live to create a people that he can live with, he can dwell with. with, he can dwell with. with, he can dwell with. >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> that's what you find uh revelation >> that's what you find uh revelation >> that's what you find uh revelation doing. doing. doing. >> Oh, well, 100% agree. And I'll put a >> Oh, well, 100% agree. And I'll put a >> Oh, well, 100% agree. And I'll put a link in the show notes if you're like, I link in the show notes if you're like, I link in the show notes if you're like, I want to go more into this idea and this want to go more into this idea and this want to go more into this idea and this topic. I'll put a link in the show notes topic. I'll put a link in the show notes topic. I'll put a link in the show notes to the conversation I had with NT Wright to the conversation I had with NT Wright to the conversation I had with NT Wright on his book God's Homecoming, which is on his book God's Homecoming, which is on his book God's Homecoming, which is all about that theme. all about that theme. all about that theme. >> Um, so and yeah, pours into a lot of >> Um, so and yeah, pours into a lot of >> Um, so and yeah, pours into a lot of that into Revelation and what he's that into Revelation and what he's that into Revelation and what he's talking about in 2122 for sure. Um, talking about in 2122 for sure. Um, talking about in 2122 for sure. Um, okay. What does Revelation teach us okay. What does Revelation teach us okay. What does Revelation teach us about ourselves, about people?

about ourselves, about people? about ourselves, about people? >> [sighs and gasps] >> [sighs and gasps] >> [sighs and gasps] >> Uh >> Uh >> Uh I I I think one thing one thing I I I think one thing one thing I I I think one thing one thing Revelation teaches us is kind of from a Revelation teaches us is kind of from a Revelation teaches us is kind of from a negative standpoint is is and not just negative standpoint is is and not just negative standpoint is is and not just thinking me individually but as a whole thinking me individually but as a whole thinking me individually but as a whole uh um uh um uh um people are easily enticed and deceived people are easily enticed and deceived people are easily enticed and deceived by what the world has to offer. what and by what the world has to offer. what and by what the world has to offer. what and Satan called the great deceiver. And as Satan called the great deceiver. And as Satan called the great deceiver. And as we said, part of what revelation is we said, part of what revelation is we said, part of what revelation is doing is it's it's exposing. That's what doing is it's it's exposing. That's what doing is it's it's exposing. That's what revelation means, an unveiling. So, we revelation means, an unveiling. So, we revelation means, an unveiling. So, we we need to we need a revelation from we need to we need a revelation from we need to we need a revelation from outside of us to see things as they outside of us to see things as they outside of us to see things as they really are. So, I think we're, at least really are. So, I think we're, at least really are. So, I think we're, at least I am, I I'm prone to be attracted by the I am, I I'm prone to be attracted by the I am, I I'm prone to be attracted by the things of this world, and I need a things of this world, and I need a things of this world, and I need a revelation to to show me, no, this uh uh revelation to to show me, no, this uh uh revelation to to show me, no, this uh uh God has something. so much greater in God has something. so much greater in God has something. so much greater in store. store. store. >> Uh if if you're you know when when when >> Uh if if you're you know when when when >> Uh if if you're you know when when when God Jesus calls us to give up this life God Jesus calls us to give up this life God Jesus calls us to give up this life in exchange for the life to come is in exchange for the life to come is in exchange for the life to come is revelation is all about giving up what revelation is all about giving up what revelation is all about giving up what this world deems attractive and this world deems attractive and this world deems attractive and important and says is significant and important and says is significant and important and says is significant and and uh what it judges and deems valuable and uh what it judges and deems valuable and uh what it judges and deems valuable and shows us an alternative reality. So and shows us an alternative reality. So and shows us an alternative reality. So I I' I'd say that's one of the things it I I' I'd say that's one of the things it I I' I'd say that's one of the things it it says. It again it it also shows us it says. It again it it also shows us it says. It again it it also shows us how valuable we are in God's sight. He how valuable we are in God's sight. He how valuable we are in God's sight. He says how much God loves us and cares. Uh

says how much God loves us and cares. Uh says how much God loves us and cares. Uh we often think of Revelation as a book we often think of Revelation as a book we often think of Revelation as a book about judgment and it is. But again, how about judgment and it is. But again, how about judgment and it is. But again, how does it begin? Jesus is the one who does it begin? Jesus is the one who does it begin? Jesus is the one who loves us and freed us from our sins. loves us and freed us from our sins. loves us and freed us from our sins. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And so God uh we are valuable to God. He >> And so God uh we are valuable to God. He >> And so God uh we are valuable to God. He loves us. And we're a central part, the loves us. And we're a central part, the loves us. And we're a central part, the church. We're a central part of God's church. We're a central part of God's church. We're a central part of God's plan in establishing his kingdom on plan in establishing his kingdom on plan in establishing his kingdom on earth and bringing redemption to the earth and bringing redemption to the earth and bringing redemption to the world. So, I I think it says a lot about world. So, I I think it says a lot about world. So, I I think it says a lot about a lot about who we are as as uh human a lot about who we are as as uh human a lot about who we are as as uh human beings, as people, but as the people of beings, as people, but as the people of beings, as people, but as the people of God as well. God as well. God as well. >> No, I absolutely love that. um are there >> No, I absolutely love that. um are there >> No, I absolutely love that. um are there there's there's a lot going on in this there's there's a lot going on in this there's there's a lot going on in this book, 22 chapters, and we've talked um book, 22 chapters, and we've talked um book, 22 chapters, and we've talked um you know, a lot about the beginning you know, a lot about the beginning you know, a lot about the beginning chapters, the end chapters, uh for good chapters, the end chapters, uh for good chapters, the end chapters, uh for good reason. reason. reason. Are there two or three whether it's Are there two or three whether it's Are there two or three whether it's verses, passages or chapters, parts of verses, passages or chapters, parts of verses, passages or chapters, parts of this book that particularly stand out to this book that particularly stand out to this book that particularly stand out to you? Uh ones that you you particularly you? Uh ones that you you particularly you? Uh ones that you you particularly spend a bit more time in or that you spend a bit more time in or that you spend a bit more time in or that you think, hey, if if you are somebody who think, hey, if if you are somebody who think, hey, if if you are somebody who highlights your Bible, put stars in your highlights your Bible, put stars in your highlights your Bible, put stars in your Bible, these might be ones to consider Bible, these might be ones to consider Bible, these might be ones to consider looking at that for.

looking at that for. looking at that for. >> Mhm. I uh Wow, that's a hard one. >> Mhm. I uh Wow, that's a hard one. >> Mhm. I uh Wow, that's a hard one. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] I think one of them would definitely be I think one of them would definitely be I think one of them would definitely be chapter 5 just the the vision of chapter 5 just the the vision of chapter 5 just the the vision of I mean this this description of how uh you know John sees this book and the uh you know John sees this book and the right hand of God and I think the book right hand of God and I think the book right hand of God and I think the book probably is kind of symbolic of it probably is kind of symbolic of it probably is kind of symbolic of it contains God's plan for establishing contains God's plan for establishing contains God's plan for establishing justice on earth redemption salvation justice on earth redemption salvation justice on earth redemption salvation even judgment on earth to to bring about even judgment on earth to to bring about even judgment on earth to to bring about the new creation and no one is found the new creation and no one is found the new creation and no one is found worthy to open it. And John weeps and worthy to open it. And John weeps and worthy to open it. And John weeps and and you think about that at first and and you think about that at first and and you think about that at first and it's it's kind of a nice emotional it's it's kind of a nice emotional it's it's kind of a nice emotional touch, but stop and think about that. If touch, but stop and think about that. If touch, but stop and think about that. If there's no one worthy to open the book, there's no one worthy to open the book, there's no one worthy to open the book, there's no justice in this world. there's no justice in this world. there's no justice in this world. There's no salvation for you and I. And There's no salvation for you and I. And There's no salvation for you and I. And and no wonder John weeps. And then the and no wonder John weeps. And then the and no wonder John weeps. And then the rest of it is how rest of it is how rest of it is how man all of a sudden this lamb emerges.

man all of a sudden this lamb emerges. man all of a sudden this lamb emerges. John has left no stone in turn in John has left no stone in turn in John has left no stone in turn in heaven, earth, under the earth. And all heaven, earth, under the earth. And all heaven, earth, under the earth. And all of a sudden, this lamb emerges in the of a sudden, this lamb emerges in the of a sudden, this lamb emerges in the midst of the throne and just goes up and midst of the throne and just goes up and midst of the throne and just goes up and from the right who who in the world can from the right who who in the world can from the right who who in the world can go up and from the right hand of God go up and from the right hand of God go up and from the right hand of God take this scroll. And the lamb does that take this scroll. And the lamb does that take this scroll. And the lamb does that and then heaven just erupts in worship. and then heaven just erupts in worship. and then heaven just erupts in worship. I think we're a little bit too, I think we're a little bit too, I think we're a little bit too, >> you know, we we think of this nice calm >> you know, we we think of this nice calm >> you know, we we think of this nice calm choir up front singing. And I think I choir up front singing. And I think I choir up front singing. And I think I think this is more like you know uh if think this is more like you know uh if think this is more like you know uh if your favorite baseball team wins a World your favorite baseball team wins a World your favorite baseball team wins a World Series or Super Trooper Bowl at the last Series or Super Trooper Bowl at the last Series or Super Trooper Bowl at the last minute and just the stadium erupts. minute and just the stadium erupts. minute and just the stadium erupts. That's what's going on in in heaven. So That's what's going on in in heaven. So That's what's going on in in heaven. So chapter five is is just chapter five is is just chapter five is is just >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I think that part >> I think that part >> I think that part >> I can already read it and not get >> I can already read it and not get >> I can already read it and not get emotional about it. emotional about it. emotional about it. >> Yeah. I think I think a beautiful part >> Yeah. I think I think a beautiful part >> Yeah. I think I think a beautiful part of what you were talking about where the of what you were talking about where the of what you were talking about where the lamb emerges is even the line before lamb emerges is even the line before lamb emerges is even the line before that where it talks about where the that where it talks about where the that where it talks about where the elder says stop weeping look the lion of elder says stop weeping look the lion of elder says stop weeping look the lion of J of the tribe of Judah the heir to J of the tribe of Judah the heir to J of the tribe of Judah the heir to David's throne has won the victory he is David's throne has won the victory he is David's throne has won the victory he is worthy to open the scroll and it's seven worthy to open the scroll and it's seven worthy to open the scroll and it's seven seals and then I saw a lamb emerge so it seals and then I saw a lamb emerge so it seals and then I saw a lamb emerge so it is in like I love that parallel you have is in like I love that parallel you have is in like I love that parallel you have the lion and the lamb the lion and the lamb the lion and the lamb >> calling him the lion but he emerges as >> calling him the lion but he emerges as >> calling him the lion but he emerges as the lamb who looks slaughtered but he the lamb who looks slaughtered but he the lamb who looks slaughtered but he alone is the one worthy to open the alone is the one worthy to open the alone is the one worthy to open the scal. And um no, I think you're I think scal. And um no, I think you're I think scal. And um no, I think you're I think you're right to talk about the that's you're right to talk about the that's you're right to talk about the that's it's not really a theme, but an element it's not really a theme, but an element it's not really a theme, but an element of Revelation is the emotionality of the

of Revelation is the emotionality of the of Revelation is the emotionality of the book. book. book. >> Sure. Sure. >> Sure. Sure. >> Sure. Sure. >> That it is a book um >> That it is a book um >> That it is a book um I would dare to say almost designed by I would dare to say almost designed by I would dare to say almost designed by God to elicit emotion. God to elicit emotion. God to elicit emotion. Um, it is a book not just filled with Um, it is a book not just filled with Um, it is a book not just filled with emotion, emotion from all of the all of emotion, emotion from all of the all of emotion, emotion from all of the all of the beings of heaven, all of you know the beings of heaven, all of you know the beings of heaven, all of you know the all of these things that you were the all of these things that you were the all of these things that you were just talking about. Um, in both in both just talking about. Um, in both in both just talking about. Um, in both in both weeping and cheering of both of both weeping and cheering of both of both weeping and cheering of both of both deep and utter sadness for the deep and utter sadness for the deep and utter sadness for the brokenness of the world, but also just brokenness of the world, but also just brokenness of the world, but also just the sheer jubilee that comes from from the sheer jubilee that comes from from the sheer jubilee that comes from from worship, from cheering. So it it is um I worship, from cheering. So it it is um I worship, from cheering. So it it is um I think there's a lot of intention in the think there's a lot of intention in the think there's a lot of intention in the way um that God inspired John and way um that God inspired John and way um that God inspired John and writing this vision down of writing writing this vision down of writing writing this vision down of writing writing through it in emotional pen writing through it in emotional pen writing through it in emotional pen >> uh because that is extraordinarily >> uh because that is extraordinarily >> uh because that is extraordinarily >> um not help not just helpful in how to >> um not help not just helpful in how to >> um not help not just helpful in how to read the book but also it it's it's an read the book but also it it's it's an read the book but also it it's it's an allowance it's an invitation to enter allowance it's an invitation to enter allowance it's an invitation to enter into this emotional reading emotional a into this emotional reading emotional a into this emotional reading emotional a relationship with God as we as we engage relationship with God as we as we engage relationship with God as we as we engage it.

it. it. >> Um, so yeah, I'm I'm glad that we hit on >> Um, so yeah, I'm I'm glad that we hit on >> Um, so yeah, I'm I'm glad that we hit on the emotion of Revelation for sure. the emotion of Revelation for sure. the emotion of Revelation for sure. >> Um, >> Um, >> Um, >> okay. So, I I usually ask a question >> okay. So, I I usually ask a question >> okay. So, I I usually ask a question about sticky parts. Now, I was thinking about sticky parts. Now, I was thinking about sticky parts. Now, I was thinking about how to how to best ask this about how to how to best ask this about how to how to best ask this question uh with Revelation. So, I'll question uh with Revelation. So, I'll question uh with Revelation. So, I'll ask it this way. ask it this way. ask it this way. With all of the um all of the parts that With all of the um all of the parts that With all of the um all of the parts that people want to dive into, like who are people want to dive into, like who are people want to dive into, like who are the 144,000? who is the man, you know, the 144,000? who is the man, you know, the 144,000? who is the man, you know, all these things. How would you how all these things. How would you how all these things. How would you how would you encourage or respond to people would you encourage or respond to people would you encourage or respond to people who want to dive in and try to figure who want to dive in and try to figure who want to dive in and try to figure out every nook and cranny of the book? out every nook and cranny of the book? out every nook and cranny of the book? How would you encourage or guide them? How would you encourage or guide them? How would you encourage or guide them? >> [gasps] >> [gasps] >> [gasps] >> Yeah, I I mean I would say all those >> Yeah, I I mean I would say all those >> Yeah, I I mean I would say all those things are are necessary at some level things are are necessary at some level things are are necessary at some level and they're interesting, but you know, I and they're interesting, but you know, I and they're interesting, but you know, I think people need to step back and and think people need to step back and and think people need to step back and and get a get a get a you have a larger picture of what's you have a larger picture of what's you have a larger picture of what's really going on. And we've talked a really going on. And we've talked a really going on. And we've talked a little bit about this at the very little bit about this at the very little bit about this at the very beginning and and that you know beginning and and that you know beginning and and that you know proverbial losing the forest because proverbial losing the forest because proverbial losing the forest because you're you're you're >> you know right up looking at the trees >> you know right up looking at the trees >> you know right up looking at the trees so closely that you don't see what what so closely that you don't see what what so closely that you don't see what what else is going on. And I think that's else is going on. And I think that's else is going on. And I think that's especially true with Revelation because especially true with Revelation because especially true with Revelation because so many of the details are are you know so many of the details are are you know so many of the details are are you know people disagree on them and they're people disagree on them and they're people disagree on them and they're going to you know people are going to going to you know people are going to going to you know people are going to interpret them in different ways interpret them in different ways interpret them in different ways obviously but but you know so what do we obviously but but you know so what do we obviously but but you know so what do we do with the book? I think part of it is

do with the book? I think part of it is do with the book? I think part of it is step back and see you as I said re step back and see you as I said re step back and see you as I said re revelation is a story we we tend to see revelation is a story we we tend to see revelation is a story we we tend to see it it it kind of fits with narrative and it it it kind of fits with narrative and it it it kind of fits with narrative and you know a lot of description of you know a lot of description of you know a lot of description of descriptions of the the kind of descriptions of the the kind of descriptions of the the kind of literature is that it is is fits with literature is that it is is fits with literature is that it is is fits with with it's a narration of an of John's with it's a narration of an of John's with it's a narration of an of John's visionary experience and he's writing visionary experience and he's writing visionary experience and he's writing and narrating and so I I think to step and narrating and so I I think to step and narrating and so I I think to step back and hold some of those details back and hold some of those details back and hold some of those details loosely and try to get a picture of what loosely and try to get a picture of what loosely and try to get a picture of what what seems to be going on overall. What what seems to be going on overall. What what seems to be going on overall. What are some of those major themes that are are some of those major themes that are are some of those major themes that are are being reiterated and developed are being reiterated and developed are being reiterated and developed throughout the book? And yeah, we can we throughout the book? And yeah, we can we throughout the book? And yeah, we can we can wrestle with the details and they're can wrestle with the details and they're can wrestle with the details and they're there for a reason and meaning of some there for a reason and meaning of some there for a reason and meaning of some of the images. Uh the the other thing of the images. Uh the the other thing of the images. Uh the the other thing that I really like to tell tell people that I really like to tell tell people that I really like to tell tell people if if you know when you're thinking of if if you know when you're thinking of if if you know when you're thinking of reading this book and you want to dive reading this book and you want to dive reading this book and you want to dive into the details is into the details is into the details is you need to read this book like you do you need to read this book like you do you need to read this book like you do any other book in the New Testament. And any other book in the New Testament. And any other book in the New Testament. And that is you know when we read the book that is you know when we read the book that is you know when we read the book of Galatians we you know who's Paul you of Galatians we you know who's Paul you of Galatians we you know who's Paul you the apostle Paul and who are these the apostle Paul and who are these the apostle Paul and who are these Judaizers? Who are the Galatians? What Judaizers? Who are the Galatians? What Judaizers? Who are the Galatians? What was going on? What were the Judaizers was going on? What were the Judaizers was going on? What were the Judaizers doing? What's Paul trying to do? And we doing? What's Paul trying to do? And we doing? What's Paul trying to do? And we don't do that with Revelation. We just don't do that with Revelation. We just don't do that with Revelation. We just start, you know, what does this look start, you know, what does this look start, you know, what does this look like in the 21st century. And uh I I like in the 21st century. And uh I I like in the 21st century. And uh I I tell people, you know, when you look at tell people, you know, when you look at tell people, you know, when you look at the book of Revelation, it begins with the book of Revelation, it begins with the book of Revelation, it begins with in chapter 1 through three or uh chapter in chapter 1 through three or uh chapter in chapter 1 through three or uh chapter 1 verse three, a blessing to the one who

1 verse three, a blessing to the one who 1 verse three, a blessing to the one who hears the book and who keeps it. hears the book and who keeps it. hears the book and who keeps it. >> They're to obey the whole book. Now, how >> They're to obey the whole book. Now, how >> They're to obey the whole book. Now, how could the first century readers be could the first century readers be could the first century readers be expected to read a book that they could expected to read a book that they could expected to read a book that they could have never understood if it's about the have never understood if it's about the have never understood if it's about the 21st century? Mhm. 21st century? Mhm. 21st century? Mhm. >> And then Revelation ends in chapter >> And then Revelation ends in chapter >> And then Revelation ends in chapter 22:10 22:10 22:10 with the angel telling John, "Do not with the angel telling John, "Do not with the angel telling John, "Do not seal up this book because the time is seal up this book because the time is seal up this book because the time is near." To seal up a book meant to hide near." To seal up a book meant to hide near." To seal up a book meant to hide its contents for a later time. This is its contents for a later time. This is its contents for a later time. This is not a book about the 21st century that not a book about the 21st century that not a book about the 21st century that John and his readers had no idea what John and his readers had no idea what John and his readers had no idea what was going on. This was a book addressed was going on. This was a book addressed was going on. This was a book addressed for them. So whatever we do with the for them. So whatever we do with the for them. So whatever we do with the details, it has to be something that details, it has to be something that details, it has to be something that John and his readers could have John and his readers could have John and his readers could have understood. In the same way that you understood. In the same way that you understood. In the same way that you read Galatians or or Colossians or read Galatians or or Colossians or read Galatians or or Colossians or whatever in in Hebrews and you try to whatever in in Hebrews and you try to whatever in in Hebrews and you try to figure out what does this you know what figure out what does this you know what figure out what does this you know what would the first readers yeah we do want would the first readers yeah we do want would the first readers yeah we do want to apply it to us. We have to this is to apply it to us. We have to this is to apply it to us. We have to this is God's word speaking to us today. Uh but God's word speaking to us today. Uh but God's word speaking to us today. Uh but we first have to understand it through we first have to understand it through we first have to understand it through the lens of those that God originally the lens of those that God originally the lens of those that God originally communicated to. And that's that's true communicated to. And that's that's true communicated to. And that's that's true with revelation. So I think that's with revelation. So I think that's with revelation. So I think that's another kind of another stop. I think another kind of another stop. I think another kind of another stop. I think you used that language earlier, a stop you used that language earlier, a stop you used that language earlier, a stop or something a boundary that or something a boundary that or something a boundary that >> that any interpretation of revelation >> that any interpretation of revelation >> that any interpretation of revelation has to be something that John and his has to be something that John and his has to be something that John and his first readers would have grasped. So I first readers would have grasped. So I first readers would have grasped. So I think that that rules out a lot of think that that rules out a lot of think that that rules out a lot of speculation and that I I think rules out speculation and that I I think rules out speculation and that I I think rules out a lot of confus doesn't solve everything a lot of confus doesn't solve everything a lot of confus doesn't solve everything but but but >> but it provides boundaries for what what >> but it provides boundaries for what what >> but it provides boundaries for what what we should do with what we can do with it we should do with what we can do with it we should do with what we can do with it or how we should think about some of

or how we should think about some of or how we should think about some of these things that seem really odd and these things that seem really odd and these things that seem really odd and strange to us in the book. strange to us in the book. strange to us in the book. >> Yeah. I think it helps to ask yourself >> Yeah. I think it helps to ask yourself >> Yeah. I think it helps to ask yourself the question as I enter into this the question as I enter into this the question as I enter into this reading, what am I doing this for? Am I reading, what am I doing this for? Am I reading, what am I doing this for? Am I doing it for as a way as as to see the doing it for as a way as as to see the doing it for as a way as as to see the whole biblical narrative picture? whole biblical narrative picture? whole biblical narrative picture? Fantastic. Am I doing this because I Fantastic. Am I doing this because I Fantastic. Am I doing this because I want to spend some devotional time with want to spend some devotional time with want to spend some devotional time with God? Great. Then read it as the God? Great. Then read it as the God? Great. Then read it as the devotional. If you are entering and say, devotional. If you are entering and say, devotional. If you are entering and say, "No, I'm doing this. I'm entering into "No, I'm doing this. I'm entering into "No, I'm doing this. I'm entering into it this time because I particularly want it this time because I particularly want it this time because I particularly want to study these things." That's okay. to study these things." That's okay. to study these things." That's okay. We're not saying don't do that, We're not saying don't do that, We're not saying don't do that, >> but we're saying do that with some >> but we're saying do that with some >> but we're saying do that with some wisdom at hand, right? And wisdom at hand, right? And wisdom at hand, right? And >> and so and there are many many helpful >> and so and there are many many helpful >> and so and there are many many helpful tools and resources to help you tools and resources to help you tools and resources to help you understand the understand the understand the >> the cultural time in which this was >> the cultural time in which this was >> the cultural time in which this was being written because again, it's a being written because again, it's a being written because again, it's a phrase that we've used many times phrase that we've used many times phrase that we've used many times throughout this series especially is is throughout this series especially is is throughout this series especially is is the Bible was written to the audience at the Bible was written to the audience at the Bible was written to the audience at the time. It's still for us today. So, the time. It's still for us today. So, the time. It's still for us today. So, who was John writing to? Well, that that who was John writing to? Well, that that who was John writing to? Well, that that helps to speak into all these things and helps to speak into all these things and helps to speak into all these things and to help help say what this could or to help help say what this could or to help help say what this could or could not mean. I think it's it's it's could not mean. I think it's it's it's could not mean. I think it's it's it's another one of those books where it's a another one of those books where it's a another one of those books where it's a tricky thing to say, "No, I know that tricky thing to say, "No, I know that tricky thing to say, "No, I know that this means that I know that this is this means that I know that this is this means that I know that this is saying that." You might find yourself, saying that." You might find yourself, saying that." You might find yourself, you know, uh you know, uh you know, uh holding on to some positions that that holding on to some positions that that holding on to some positions that that might not be exactly true. So, so hold might not be exactly true. So, so hold might not be exactly true. So, so hold with open hands too of saying well with open hands too of saying well with open hands too of saying well >> in my is as I read it I I think it's >> in my is as I read it I I think it's >> in my is as I read it I I think it's this even as we talked about authorship this even as we talked about authorship this even as we talked about authorship in place it's like well in my in place it's like well in my in place it's like well in my understanding in my reading I think it's

understanding in my reading I think it's understanding in my reading I think it's this but I understand that there are this but I understand that there are this but I understand that there are scholars who think otherw who think this scholars who think otherw who think this scholars who think otherw who think this or think differently or think differently or think differently >> and hey that's kind of there's room for >> and hey that's kind of there's room for >> and hey that's kind of there's room for biblical scholarship in that too and biblical scholarship in that too and biblical scholarship in that too and saying as long as you approach with saying as long as you approach with saying as long as you approach with >> with study and with rigor and with ev >> with study and with rigor and with ev >> with study and with rigor and with ev and just saying this is where I'm coming and just saying this is where I'm coming and just saying this is where I'm coming to um you you know that's okay but also to um you you know that's okay but also to um you you know that's okay but also keeping in mind saying holding open hand keeping in mind saying holding open hand keeping in mind saying holding open hand and saying I I I'm going to approach it and saying I I I'm going to approach it and saying I I I'm going to approach it this way but I understand that the heart this way but I understand that the heart this way but I understand that the heart of this book is about Jesus it's about of this book is about Jesus it's about of this book is about Jesus it's about worship it's about hope all these things worship it's about hope all these things worship it's about hope all these things that we've been talking about don't lose that we've been talking about don't lose that we've been talking about don't lose the you know all of the details like the the you know all of the details like the the you know all of the details like the force for the trees don't lose all you force for the trees don't lose all you force for the trees don't lose all you know get lost in the details and miss know get lost in the details and miss know get lost in the details and miss out on this message that that God still out on this message that that God still out on this message that that God still has intact for us today um through the has intact for us today um through the has intact for us today um through the book. book. book. >> Mhm. Right. >> Mhm. Right. >> Mhm. Right. >> So, have fun, but also get that. >> So, have fun, but also get that. [laughter] >> That's right. Yeah. Have fun. Enjoy it. >> That's right. Yeah. Have fun. Enjoy it. >> That's right. Yeah. Have fun. Enjoy it. >> That's great. >> That's great. >> That's great. >> Don't be afraid of it. Yeah. >> Don't be afraid of it. Yeah. >> Don't be afraid of it. Yeah. >> No, I think that's a good point. Don't >> No, I think that's a good point. Don't >> No, I think that's a good point. Don't be afraid of it. Um, yeah, it's it's not be afraid of it. Um, yeah, it's it's not be afraid of it. Um, yeah, it's it's not something that you need to be afraid something that you need to be afraid something that you need to be afraid now. Yeah, it can be it's it's for sure now. Yeah, it can be it's it's for sure now. Yeah, it can be it's it's for sure tricky. It's for sure all these things tricky. It's for sure all these things tricky. It's for sure all these things and so, you know, but don't enter into and so, you know, but don't enter into and so, you know, but don't enter into it with it with it with >> with fear. enter in to say, "God, I'm >> with fear. enter in to say, "God, I'm >> with fear. enter in to say, "God, I'm excited to spend this time with you and excited to spend this time with you and excited to spend this time with you and and see what you have for me in this."

and see what you have for me in this." and see what you have for me in this." >> Um, and walk through it with somebody >> Um, and walk through it with somebody >> Um, and walk through it with somebody else, walk through it with, you know, a else, walk through it with, you know, a else, walk through it with, you know, a pastor or walk through with a group of pastor or walk through with a group of pastor or walk through with a group of friends, your small group, and have friends, your small group, and have friends, your small group, and have those discussions together like, um, those discussions together like, um, those discussions together like, um, >> there's so much beauty in that. >> there's so much beauty in that. >> there's so much beauty in that. >> Um, so always encourage that. David, as >> Um, so always encourage that. David, as >> Um, so always encourage that. David, as we start to wrap up our time today, what we start to wrap up our time today, what we start to wrap up our time today, what is is is what would you like to leave people what would you like to leave people what would you like to leave people thinking about the book of Revelation as thinking about the book of Revelation as thinking about the book of Revelation as we wrap up our time? Yeah. I I would kind of go back to what Yeah. I I would kind of go back to what we said, a couple things we've said we said, a couple things we've said we said, a couple things we've said earlier. I would just stress, man, read earlier. I would just stress, man, read earlier. I would just stress, man, read read the book of Revelation as a story read the book of Revelation as a story read the book of Revelation as a story of how of how of how of of how God of of how God of of how God is going to establish his kingdom on is going to establish his kingdom on is going to establish his kingdom on earth of earth of earth of >> how God is going to create all things >> how God is going to create all things >> how God is going to create all things new, including this earth. In other new, including this earth. In other new, including this earth. In other words, our our hope is not is not heaven words, our our hope is not is not heaven words, our our hope is not is not heaven to go to heaven. Our hope is an earthly to go to heaven. Our hope is an earthly to go to heaven. Our hope is an earthly one. and and in the meantime to be a one. and and in the meantime to be a one. and and in the meantime to be a worshshiping. Revelation calls us to be worshshiping. Revelation calls us to be worshshiping. Revelation calls us to be a worshshiping people. It calls us to a worshshiping people. It calls us to a worshshiping people. It calls us to follow the lamb wherever he goes and to follow the lamb wherever he goes and to follow the lamb wherever he goes and to focus on those things to see see focus on those things to see see focus on those things to see see revelation as a profound call to worship revelation as a profound call to worship revelation as a profound call to worship God and the lamb. A profound call to God and the lamb. A profound call to God and the lamb. A profound call to obey them and worship them and and a a obey them and worship them and and a a obey them and worship them and and a a profound profound profound a profound presentation of our hope and a profound presentation of our hope and a profound presentation of our hope and earth that that God is at work. God is earth that that God is at work. God is earth that that God is at work. God is at work creating all things new.

at work creating all things new. at work creating all things new. >> And and to to let that let that shape >> And and to to let that let that shape >> And and to to let that let that shape and let that form you and let that form you and let that form you >> and and let that perspective >> and and let that perspective >> and and let that perspective uh color how you see and everything. uh color how you see and everything. uh color how you see and everything. Yeah. How you do ministry, how you live Yeah. How you do ministry, how you live Yeah. How you do ministry, how you live life, how you relate to people. life, how you relate to people. life, how you relate to people. >> I love that. What a great way to to end >> I love that. What a great way to to end >> I love that. What a great way to to end our discussion on on revelation. So our discussion on on revelation. So our discussion on on revelation. So David, thank you so much for your time David, thank you so much for your time David, thank you so much for your time today. I deeply appreciate it. today. I deeply appreciate it. today. I deeply appreciate it. >> Would you mind closing us in prayer? >> Would you mind closing us in prayer? >> Would you mind closing us in prayer? >> I would love to. >> I would love to. >> I would love to. >> Thanks. >> Our father >> Our father [music] in heaven, almighty creator of [music] in heaven, almighty creator of [music] in heaven, almighty creator of all things, who is worthy of worship. all things, who is worthy of worship. all things, who is worthy of worship. Father, you've [music] Father, you've [music] Father, you've [music] given us this unique book. And Lord, I given us this unique book. And Lord, I given us this unique book. And Lord, I pray that we will just honor you by pray that we will just honor you by pray that we will just honor you by bathing ourselves in it and [music] bathing ourselves in it and [music] bathing ourselves in it and [music] spending time in it and hearing your spending time in it and hearing your spending time in it and hearing your voice in it. And Lord, I pray that as a voice in it. And Lord, I pray that as a voice in it. And Lord, I pray that as a result of reading Revelation, [music] we result of reading Revelation, [music] we result of reading Revelation, [music] we will be challenged to worship you and to will be challenged to worship you and to will be challenged to worship you and to follow you in obedience, no matter follow you in obedience, no matter follow you in obedience, no matter [music] what consequences that might [music] what consequences that might [music] what consequences that might bring. And father that we in the bring. And father that we in the bring. And father that we in the meantime we [music] will keep with one meantime we [music] will keep with one meantime we [music] will keep with one eye in the present we will keep one eye eye in the present we will keep one eye eye in the present we will keep one eye in the future as [music] we anticipate in the future as [music] we anticipate in the future as [music] we anticipate that day when you will make all things that day when you will make all things that day when you will make all things right and you will establish your right and you will establish your right and you will establish your kingdom [music] on earth your kingdom kingdom [music] on earth your kingdom kingdom [music] on earth your kingdom come your will be done on earth as it

come your will be done on earth as it come your will be done on earth as it already is in heaven and I pray until already is in heaven and I pray until already is in heaven and I pray until that day we'll be found to be faithful that day we'll be found to be faithful that day we'll be found to be faithful [music] stewards of all that you've [music] stewards of all that you've [music] stewards of all that you've given us to do and [music] Father, we given us to do and [music] Father, we given us to do and [music] Father, we pray these things pray these things pray these things in the name of your son Jesus [music] in the name of your son Jesus [music] in the name of your son Jesus [music] Christ, the slaughtered lamb. Christ, the slaughtered lamb. Christ, the slaughtered lamb. In his name we pray. Amen.