I know who the Antichrist is. 

I know who the Antichrist is. 

So do you. 

Well, maybe. 

Very few parts of the Bible drum up more curiosity --and if we're honest, sometimes confusion or even concern-- than the book of Revelation. 

Since I don't seem to have enough stress in my life already, why don't we take on an extensive series in the book? Ha! To be honest, the book of Revelation is the exact thing all my stresses need. Same for you. 

Have you ever gone on a trip and realized you forgot to pack one or two essentials? I've forgotten sunscreen before, but you can almost always buy some (for a million dollars) when you get to the sunny destination. But when you drive 3 hours into the bush on a fishing trip to discover that you left your fishing boots at home ... there is no store, just the moment-by-moment reminder that what you failed to bring along has seriously impacted your week of fishing. 

This Sunday we will begin the journey in Revelation together. And of all the messages ahead of us in this series, this first week may be the most important. Why? It will help us understand some of the essentials we must pack with us for our journey ahead. Without these essentials, we would find ourselves wandering well off-track and cycling through aimless confusion and concern instead of grasping the clear message and meaning alive through Revelation. I hope you won't miss this Sunday! (and if you know you'll be away, be sure to catch it online). 

Our journey through Revelation will be broken up into a few legs over the next few seasons. The remaining weeks of June will be in Revelation chapter 1 and will serve as an introduction to the essentials and the essential central figure. Then through the Summer, we will trek through seven cities in ancient Turkey to learn their stories and what Jesus had to say to the Christians there, and what that means to us today (Revelation 2 & 3). Then, later in the Fall, we will resume journeying deeper into Revelation as Christmas approaches. I'm sure the new year will include a few more legs in our exciting journey through this captivating book. 

Buckle up! 

Can I ask you to get into a new habit for this series? 

As often as possible, let's read ahead. Let's read passages of Revelation BEFORE we unpack them on Sunday. This way we come to the text each Sunday with living curiosity, fresh questions, and things that Jesus has already been revealing about Himself to you. 

So, before Sunday could you read Revelation 1.1-8? Try reading it a few times if you can. Try reading it out loud at least once too. Give a moment or two to ponder what stands out to you about Jesus. Make a few mental notes about things 1.1-8 have you wondering. Then we'll dive in together on Sunday! 

Let's go! 

Pastor Mike