Join us for a special Bible Study Series during Lent.
Entitled "Perspectives on Life from the Book of Revelation", it will be led by The Rev. Dr. Brett Cane.
Like the Bible Study sessions, this series will be held on:
- Mondays at St. Stephen's - 7:00 p.m. from February 8 to March 21
- Wednesdays at St. Mary's - 11:00 a.m., from February 10 to March 23
No registration required - just turn up - even bring a friend!
For many people, there is a fascination with the possibilities of prophetic fulfilment and predictions of the end-times. Central to these concepts are images from the last book of the Bible, The Revelation to St. John.
However, the pictures we see there are often fantastic, projecting us into another world of awesome angels and many-headed beasts, confusing number codes and cataclysmic judgements.
What is the meaning of such writing? Can we possibly understand it and does it have any relevance to us in our daily lives?
The answer to both these questions is "yes"! Once we grasp the background to the book and the sources of its imagery, we can see its basic message which is as relevant today as it was to the first century Christians to who first heard it read.
People are encouraged to read the portion of the book listed for each week as this is the passage on which the study is based. The chapters in brackets are supplementary reading to throw extra light on the passage specifically being look at.
After each Wednesday session, an audio recording of that week's session will be posted under the Sermons tab of this website. Also after each Wednesday session, the handouts for that week will be attached to the audio recording for that week. So if you are unable to attend a session, you will still have access to the handout material.
Following is the focus of the discussion that will be covered for each of the seven weeks of this special Bible study series on the Book of Revelation:
Week #1: February 8/10
"Seeing Things from God's Perspective"
The nature and purpose of the Book of Revelation - it is not a mystery impossible to decipher, but a message to help discouraged Christians see their purpose in the plan of God who is indeed still in control.
Revelation 1
Week # 2: February 15/17
The Dramatic Reading of the Book of Revelation for Four Voices and Chorus
The book was written primarily as a prophetic letter to be read out loud in the churches to which it was sent. As we hear major portions of the book read, we will attempt to duplicate the experience of the early Christians as they first heard it read to them.
Week # 3: February 22/24
"The Scene on Earth and the Scene in Heaven"
Hearing the challenges to some of the seven churches and recognizing God's rightful place at the centre of our lives and world through worship.
Revelation 2; 3; 4
Week # 4: February 29/March 2
"Nothing Succeeds Like Failure - The Job God Has for Us to Do"
Jesus as the Lion who is the Lamb is the key to unlocking the mystery of how God will reclaim his world. The "secret message of the scroll" that God will reclaim his kingdom by extending his mercy through the witness of His people.
Revelation 5; 11 (chapters 6; 7; 8; 9; 10)
Week # 5: March 7/9
"Help in the Battle - No Compromise with Evil"
In John's picture of the "Refugee Queen" and the Beast, we see that in our battle with evil, the way is hard but the victory is sure. In his picture of the "Harlot Queen" we hear God's call to His people not to be seduced by the economic and power structures of the world which contain the seeds of their own destruction.
Revelation 12; 17; 18: 1-5 (chapters 13; 14; 15; 16; 18: 6-24)
Week # 6: March 14/16
"God Calls Us to Account - How will it all end?"
Future judgement is a reality when evil in all its forms will be finally dealt with. Addressing questions of "The Millennium", "The Rapture" and resurrection.
Revelation 19:11-21; 20 (chapter 19: 1-10)
Week # 7: March 21/23
"Hope for the Future - Who's in Control?"
In John's picture of the "Bridal Queen" we see the vision of God's Kingdom finally established bringing transformation and a new intimacy with him. Looking over the whole book and the truth about God, we renounce falsehood within ourselves and rejoice in yielding our ultimate allegiance to him.
Revelation 21; 22