37 min
10. The Big Picture of Revelation Iowa City Church Podcast
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- Christianity
The book of Revelation (notice there is no "s" on the end) is one of the most misunderstood books of the Bible. It is not a book that describes how the world is going to end nor is it written scare people (though there are some scary images).
Revelation is a book written to give hope and encouragement to Christians who were facing hardship and persecution in first century Asia Minor. The main message of the book is to remain faithful to King Jesus and don't compromise no matter what the cost.
The reason this message is often lost on most readers is because it was written in a unique, yet common style of writing called Apocalyptic literature. The genre is described this way by Tim Mackie from Bible Project:
"Apocalyptic literature is a prophet's symbolic dreams and visions that reveal God's Heavenly perspective on history and current events so that the present could be viewed in light of history's final outcome."
With this definition in hand, what we have in the book of Revelation is God's "Big Picture" plan of how history, and real time events are working to lead to the realization of God's Kingdom coming to fulfillment in a New Heaven and a New Earth.
At the center of God's plan to bring about this fulfillment is Jesus. In Revelation there are three distinct images of Jesus given: a high priest, a slain lamb, and a king on a white horse. These three descriptions are essential in reminding the readers as to who Jesus is, the roles that he plays in our lives and why he is worthy of our allegiance and worship.
Give a listen to the conclusion of our Big Picture sermon series by taking a closer look at who Jesus is and why devoting our lives to him leads us to the destination our hearts desire.
The book of Revelation (notice there is no "s" on the end) is one of the most misunderstood books of the Bible. It is not a book that describes how the world is going to end nor is it written scare people (though there are some scary images).
Revelation is a book written to give hope and encouragement to Christians who were facing hardship and persecution in first century Asia Minor. The main message of the book is to remain faithful to King Jesus and don't compromise no matter what the cost.
The reason this message is often lost on most readers is because it was written in a unique, yet common style of writing called Apocalyptic literature. The genre is described this way by Tim Mackie from Bible Project:
"Apocalyptic literature is a prophet's symbolic dreams and visions that reveal God's Heavenly perspective on history and current events so that the present could be viewed in light of history's final outcome."
With this definition in hand, what we have in the book of Revelation is God's "Big Picture" plan of how history, and real time events are working to lead to the realization of God's Kingdom coming to fulfillment in a New Heaven and a New Earth.
At the center of God's plan to bring about this fulfillment is Jesus. In Revelation there are three distinct images of Jesus given: a high priest, a slain lamb, and a king on a white horse. These three descriptions are essential in reminding the readers as to who Jesus is, the roles that he plays in our lives and why he is worthy of our allegiance and worship.
Give a listen to the conclusion of our Big Picture sermon series by taking a closer look at who Jesus is and why devoting our lives to him leads us to the destination our hearts desire.
37 min