Adventure Day 8 - 3/1/09

William Barclay, a respected Bible scholar of the last century, wrote that Revelation chapter 13 "...is the essence of the whole book."

The Devil, knowing that his time is short and that the world as we know it is coming to an end, does everything he can to solicit people's allegiance. This passage also warns us that Satan will empower a beast, or a world superpower, that will then make war against true followers of Christ everywhere throughout the world. Christians do well to keep this teaching "on the radar screen" and faithfully pass this warning along from generation to generation.

My sermon today is the first of two messages based on this chapter. In the book, Salt & Light (and the shortened version, The Day That Changed America), author Bob Fraley asks a very uncomfortable question: Could this chapter be a reference to the United States of America? He presents a compelling argument that if America continues down its current trajectory, rebelling against God and "slouching toward Gomorrah," perhaps some time in the not too distant future the description of what the Apostle John records in his Revelation may appropriately fit this modern superpower. A rather unpleasant thought, eh?

We have several copies of this book, Salt & Light, in the Church Office. It's a good evening's read, and quite difficult to put down once you get started. We'll try to circulate the copies we have so that as many as desire can take a read. Just let us know of your interest, and we'll get you on a list and get you the book as they are returned to the office.

During each day of the second week of our 50 Day Spiritual Adventure we will be reading one of Christ's seven letters to the churches of Asia. Today's Scripture reading is Revelation 2:1-7, a letter to the Church at Ephesus. What does Jesus view as commendable about this church in Ephesus....and what does he hold against them? In what ways might you see this critique appropriate for many churches today?

God's Peace!
Pastor Paul