There
is a lot of talk about the end of the world these days. It instills
fear in some. But it doesn't have to be that way, writes Hostetler.
We can't change how or when the world will end, but, if you know how
to survive it, “it can actually be the best of all beginnings.”
(5)
He
explores The Revelation as “a survivor's guide, a message of
blessing and hope, and a tool that will thoroughly prepare you for
the end … whenever it comes.” (5)
Hostetler
shows how the opening words of The Revelation give three powerful
instructions: feel blessed, focus on Jesus, feel His touch. With that
introduction, he goes through The Revelation section by section.
The
letters to the churches reveal that God knows us, as well as twelve
imperatives for those who want to be ready for the end of the world.
The
next chapters get us oriented to worship in relation to the throne of
God.
The
seven seals help us recognize the evil around us and realize that it
will not overrun us. The golden censer shows us what happens with
prayer. The seven shofars may reveal what happens when we don't pray,
or perhaps that we are to pray for justice, or that we are to pray
because these things are going to happen.
Chapters
10 and 11 emphasize the importance of gospel proclamation and
Christian witness in the end times. Chapters 12 and 13 offer three
revealing perspectives. Chapter 14 yields a new vision of three
redeeming practices to apply.
Hostetler
goes on to reveal the encouragement found in the rest of The
Revelation. He sees this book as last minute reminders of truly
important things, especially in light of the approaching end of all
things. (114)
A
prayer is offered at the end of each chapter, instilling the
encouraging truth into the spiritual life of the reader.
If
you want to identify the Antichrist or know when the (supposed)
rapture will take place, this is not the book for you. But, if
you desire to experience the blessing and encouragement The
Revelation holds, then I recommend this book.
As
Hostetler says about Chapter 15: “So, yes, the world is going to
pot. Yes, our culture is corrupt. Yes, things may be getting worse in
many ways, but that is all the more reason to sing and pray
and listen to God in worship.” (148) Wise words.
Bob
Hostetler is a writer, editor, pastor, and speaker from southwestern
Ohio. His books have sold over three million copies. He has won two
Gold Medallion Awards, four Ohio Associated Press awards, and an Amy
Foundation Award. He is a co-founder of Cobblestone Community church
in Oxford, Ohio. He and his wife has two grown children. Find out
more at http://www.bobhostetler.com/.
Leafwood
Publishers, 214 pages.
I
received a complimentary copy of this book from the publishers for
the purpose of this review.
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