Thursday, July 6, 2006

Good Morning  

 

 

Today's Reading:    Revelation 17:7-18, Barclay 165-168 

 

-- Couple of quick sections to conclude study of Chapter 17.

 

-- Again, I think that just for purposes of understanding, you can see why there are those who interpret the symbolism in this chapter to mean present day New York, with possible references to United Nations, to the European Union, to the seductive nature of American culture -- there are a lot of elements in this chapter that you could, if you wanted, connect to the US.  I'm sure that reader in the 18th century probably could have done the same with London or Paris.  Such is the nature of Revelation.

 

-- Barclay continues his commentary in the context of Rome, and he mentions in passing how he is dealing with a bit of the time issue, by noting that John is projecting himself BACK to the time of Vespasian.  Just don't see why John would do that, or to what purpose, but it is an approach that Barclay needs to work to make his other elements work out.  That is a point of dicussion for us whether we agree with that approach or not.

 

-- The other thing for today is the idea that Barclay pulls out of the scripture -- that those who are not Christian will be 'dazzled' by the beast and his works and his power.  Evil is seductive, and exciting, and powerful, and without a firm foundation, we as humans are easily lost to it.  It reminds me of the old saying "If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything."

 

Today's Scripture 

 

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.  Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

 

Galatians 5:1

 

Today's prayer requests:      From Megan:

 

Please keep my friend Kayla and her family in your prayers.  She is currently pregnant with their 2nd child and has recently found a mass in her throat.  The doctor's did an ultrasound last week and determined that a biopsy was needed.  She will have that done Monday.

 

Also need to continue to remember Kelley Thaxton and her husband Don.

 

Today's class member prayer: 

Michelle Ray     

 

Jay