Satan is the antithesis of hope. What a better way for Satan to get the church to take its focus off the hope of Christ than to distort the message of hope that encompasses the Book of Revelation. Rather than lead us to the hope of Christ’s victory, we have allowed Satan to use it to cause division in the body of Christ. The church has been split based on different theological and eschatological viewpoints of Revelation. Arguments have been fought within the church, within our families, and among friends. I’ve had this experience in my life. I grew up in Pentecostal circles and was raised with one viewpoint. When I studied the Word more on my own and with other Christians, my viewpoint changed. I even took a class in college on the Book of Revelation. But honestly, with all the hostility and divisive outcomes, this book left a bad taste in my mouth. That should’ve been a clue that this effect was not from God but rather the evil one, for God’s Word is truth and light and anything contrary to that is not of God.

So why am I writing this today? My family and I recently started engaging in Passion City Church online as part of our church and worship time. A few weeks ago we watched a sermon by Louie Giglio about Revelation, which was actually one sermon out of a series of sermons. My first reaction when I saw what it was about was, “Ok, here we go again. I would rather watch a sermon about something else.” But I decided not to change it, and I am so glad I didn’t. I got to hear Revelation taught as a Bible study without theological viewpoints or debates. It was just purely the Word of God illuminating the truth and hope of Christ. Now I’ve been a Christian for most of my life, and I’ve read through Revelation quite a few times, but in the midst of hostility and division, I forgot about the message of hope. That is the whole point of Revelation, that in the midst of all the chaos of life and times that seems unbearable, Christ already has the victory! We will get to be with Him, and we will finally be able to be in the presence of the Almighty God. My soul was stirred up after that sermon, and I decided to watch all of them from the beginning to the last one today. What struck me after each message was that it was all about Jesus, every time, straight from the Word of God. There was no debate about “the rapture” or who the 144,000 are. It was all about Jesus, His sacrifice, what He is preparing for us now, and how we will rule and reign with Him as sons and daughters of the living God. That’s why Satan has twisted it and gets us to focus on all the things that WE have chosen to divide us rather than listen to the words of Jesus as He communicates to John amazing scenes from heaven that all the forefathers would have wished they could see. We have such a privilege and honor to get a glimpse of what happens around the throne room of Yahweh. Louie Giglio is a great speaker, but I have no doubt in my mind that the Lord God anointed this series of messages because if there is any time in history that people need to understand the hope of Christ, it’s now.

With that said, I highly encourage you to check out this series: Revelation Series

As a Christian, it will leave you encouraged by the Word of God and emboldened to share the Word with others. If you aren’t a Christian, it will be the message of hope in this dark world that this is not the end of it all, but greater things are in store for those who choose to follow Jesus Christ.

I pray that you will be blessed, uplifted, encouraged and refreshed as the Word of God comes to life and the greatest hope of all time is declared.

Thank You, Father God, for the gift of Your Word which shines the light of truth in this sinful world. Thank You for this Revelation of Jesus Christ which is not simply a message of hope but THE message of hope for all nations, tribes, and tongues that all may know Your ultimate love for us and Your power against the spiritual darkness that permeates our world. We look forward to a new heaven and earth where we will be with You as THE light and where we will finally see You face to face. Thank You for the riches of Your kindness, mercy, and grace. Help us to endure trials and tribulations for the sake of Your name that You may be glorified. Refine Your church with the refiner’s fire so that what is not of You is burned up and what is of You remains so that we can be Your bride you are molding us to be. May our oil be full and lamps lit so that we are ready for the day You, the bridegroom, come for us, Your bride. Forgive us of our sins and heal us so that we can be made whole again in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

©Lauren Demuth