First Presbyterian Church of Edgewood
  • Home
  • About
    • Leadership
    • Church History
    • Matthew 25
    • Directions
  • Community Resource
    • Facility Use & Rental
    • Maintenance Request
  • NEWS
    • ONLINE WORSHIP
    • NEWS & UPDATES
    • Newsletter
    • Photos
  • Ministries
    • Worship Services
    • Christian Formation
    • Music Ministry
    • Community Meals
    • Mission
    • Pet Ministry
    • Deacons
    • Presbyterian Women
    • Officer Resources
  • Calendar
  • Contact
  • DONATE
  • Home
  • About
    • Leadership
    • Church History
    • Matthew 25
    • Directions
  • Community Resource
    • Facility Use & Rental
    • Maintenance Request
  • NEWS
    • ONLINE WORSHIP
    • NEWS & UPDATES
    • Newsletter
    • Photos
  • Ministries
    • Worship Services
    • Christian Formation
    • Music Ministry
    • Community Meals
    • Mission
    • Pet Ministry
    • Deacons
    • Presbyterian Women
    • Officer Resources
  • Calendar
  • Contact
  • DONATE

NEWS & UPDATES

October-November Sermon Series

10/14/2024

 
Picture
Two Beasts, a Dragon, and a Lamb:
A Journey Through the Book of Revelation
The Book of Revelation often evokes images of fiery destruction, cryptic symbols, and apocalyptic prophecies. Many have approached it with fear and trepidation, focusing on predictions about the end of the world. But is there another way to read it?

This October and November, we will journey through Revelation, exploring it as a powerful political cartoon that speaks directly to the challenges of our time. I had a New Testament professor who, when we came to the book of Revelation, showed us the political cartoon you see here. When we talk of donkeys and elephants fighting, we know that we’re not talking about literal animals fighting—or playing Twister. The same is true with Revelation.

When early Christians heard this book read, they would have heard 666 as an allusion to Emperor Nero. The heard the references to Old Testaments stories—the plagues of Egypt and Daniel’s visions. The author, John, was in tune with his audience.

Just as cartoons use exaggeration and satire to make a point, Revelation employs dramatic language and visions to challenge the status quo. The beasts, dragons, and battles depicted in the book represent the forces of evil and oppression that have plagued humanity throughout history.

Through October and November, we will encounter Revelation in this way: as a first-century political cartoon, a bold critique of the Roman Empire's oppressive power and idolatry. John used vivid imagery and symbolism to expose the injustices and false claims of the empire, calling on Christians to resist its corrupting influence.

In our modern world, we encounter our own "beasts" in the form of political corruption, economic inequality, and systemic injustice. Revelation invites us to consider how we relate to these powerful forces. How do we resist their influence and remain faithful to God's call for justice and compassion?

We will wrestle with these questions, exploring how Revelation's message challenges us to live as disciples of Christ in a world that often seems at odds with God's vision.

While Revelation paints a stark picture of the world's brokenness, it also offers a powerful vision of hope. It reminds us that God's love and justice will ultimately triumph over evil and oppression.

I invite you to join in this journey through the Book of Revelation. Together, we will discover how Revelation's message speaks to the challenges of our time and inspires us to live as faithful witnesses to God's transformative power.

In Christ,
Pastor Jason Dauer

Comments are closed.

    Archives

    June 2025
    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    November 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    January 2019
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018

    RSS Feed

ABOUT US
Leadership
Church History
Community Resource
Facility Usage Policy
​
HOME
NEWS
Online Worship
News & Updates
Newsletter
Church Calendar
Worship Schedule
MINISTRIES
Christian Formation
Music Ministry
​
Mission
Presbyterian Women
​FROGS Program
Deacons
Community Meals​
Photo Galleries
DIRECTIONS
CONTACT
​
DONATE
First Presbyterian Church of Edgewood   |   The Community Church   |   120 East Swissvale Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15218   |   412-241-4613