REVELATION

 

 Who'd have thought studying the Book of Revelation could result in so much excitement?  Not me, and certainly not the other twenty-odd people who gathered in the Ross Lounge on Wednesday morning.  In fact, before the study began, there was a downright nervousness in the room.  After all, we were about to tackle "that book."  The one with all the scary images.  The one filled with fire and brimstone.  The one that foretold the end of the world.  Who wouldn't be nervous.

     Yet, when we actually read chapter one, with Rev. Irwin's guidance, we felt hopeful, excited, victorious, upbeat, powerful. 
      Imagine John, living in a time of extreme persecution of Christians, exiled on the island of Patmos, where Christians were sent as slaves to work in the copper mines.  Then realize that this old man, in such circumstances writes 
"Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the first-born from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.  To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father -- to him be glory and power forever and ever! Amen."   
     Talk about a cry of defiance against an oppressive regime.  Christ is the ruler of kings!  Christ has conquered death!  Christ has made His followers a kingdom, a royal priesthood!  How could we, in the comfortable lounge of SPPC, remain downhearted in the face of such a message.  We couldn't.  The room buzzed with excitement.  Irwin couldn't write fast enough to keep up with the words and ideas that poured out.

     This is Bible Study on Wednesday mornings at SPPC.  You should try it.  You'll like it.