Introduction to Worship for 10/30/2016

Revelation 7:9-17

The Revelation to John is a challenging book to read and understand. It was written in symbolic language in a time of great danger and persecution. Its language of visions is a kind of secret code that the writer used to encourage Christians to remain faithful and to stand firm against opposition.

The message of Revelation for Christians today is the same. We live in God’s world and we affirm God’s reign over the whole of creation, while waiting for the time when Jesus will come to bring God’s reign to fulfillment.

This is part of what John saw, heard, and wrote down:

In God’s dream of the world,
no one will be sad
because God’s home is with every one of us,
almost like God pitches a tent next to where we live.

In God’s dream of the world,
no one will cry
because everyone will live in peace
so there will be no fighting and arguing.

In God’s dream of the world,
no one, woman, man, or child, will be hungry,
and everyone will have a home.

Can you imagine anything better?
In God’s dream of the world,
God will never, ever leave us.
Sickness and death will disappear.
What a glorious day that will be!

What do you think the people thought when they got John’s letter telling them about God’s dream?

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