What problems might there be? It’s hard to understand There are different interpretations It has often been hijacked by the lunatic fringe

What problems might there be? It’s hard to understand There are different interpretations It has often been hijacked by the lunatic fringe It can be scary (when not understood) This type of writing is no longer used today It’s not always studied by church leaders

Why do a series on Revelation? 1 Tim 3 v 16 – 17 There is genuine interest There is real confusion We live in challenging days This is a book of encouragement I felt prompted to do it

What I want us to grasp: The awesome majesty of God The glory of the resurrected Jesus The certainty of God’s victory The depth of God’s involvement in the church, in the world and in our lives The security we have as believers The glorious future God has promised us

An introduction to Revelation: 1.The name of the book 2.The type of writing 3.It’s Jewish 4.The author and the date 5.It’s a vision 6.It’s a prophecy 7.It carries a blessing for us

Some book recommendations: John HosierG.K.Beale

Steve Petch Sunday 20 th September 2009 Part 1: ‘His name is Jesus’ Revelation 1:1 – 18

His name is Jesus V1: “The Revelation of Jesus Christ”

His name is Jesus Who Jesus is: He is God (part of the trinity) The faithful witness The firstborn from the dead The ruler of the kings of the earth

His name is Jesus What Jesus has done for us: He loves us He has freed us from our sins by his blood He has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father

His name is Jesus What Jesus is going to do: He is coming With the clouds Every eye will see him People will mourn because of him

His name is Jesus What John saw: “Like a son of man” Dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash round his chest His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow His eyes were like a blazing fire

His name is Jesus What John saw: His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace His voice was like the sound of rushing waters In his right hand he held seven stars Out of his mouth came a sharp, double edged sword His face was like the sun shining in all it’s brilliance

His name is Jesus How should we respond to Jesus? Surrender to his lordship Live a life worthy of the calling we have received

His name is Jesus How does Jesus then respond to us? Blessing Peace Reassurance Forgiveness / salvation Eternal life Security

Steve Petch Sunday 20 th September 2009 Part 1: ‘His name is Jesus’ Revelation 1:1 – 18