This Sunday, Pastor Tom Pfotenhauer (Woodbury Lutheran Church - Woodbury, MN) will bring us a powerful message about the upside-down nature of God's Kingdom, where Jesus calls us to serve "the least of these" not as charity projects, but as His beloved brothers and sisters. Based on his own transformative experiences in the slums of Nairobi, Pastor Tom will remind us that just because someone HAS less, it doesn't mean they ARE less in God's eyes. Every person bears the image of our King, regardless of their circumstances.

As our journey through Revelation concludes, we hear Christ's threefold promise: "I am coming soon." The Spirit and the Bride respond, "Come!" This final dialogue invites us to add our voices to this prayer while extending God's invitation to a thirsty world. Over these twelve weeks, we've discovered that Revelation isn't primarily about decoding future events but inviting present faithfulness in light of Christ's inevitable victory. Today, we'll summarize the central messages of this remarkable book and consider how they should shape our lives as we wait eagerly yet patiently for our King's return. How do we live as people who pray "Come, Lord Jesus" and "Give us this day our daily bread"?

After the final judgment, John witnesses creation's renewal - a new heaven and earth where God dwells directly with humanity. The description of the New Jerusalem dazzles with imagery of beauty, security, and God's intimate presence. This isn't a spiritual fantasy but the fulfillment of God's original intent for creation. The tree of life reappears; healing is available for all nations. Today, we'll explore how this vision of restoration should transform our view of present suffering, environmental stewardship, and community life. When God promises to "make all things new," He doesn't start from scratch - He redeems what was broken, including us.

After hearing "Hallelujah!" echoing through heaven, John witnesses the most anticipated scene in human history - Christ returning as Conquering King. The humble Jesus, who rode a donkey, now rides a white horse. Many crowns replace the crown of thorns. Once stripped away, his robe now bears the title "King of kings." This vision invites us to see Jesus in His full glory and authority. For Christians facing seemingly insurmountable opposition, this picture of Christ's ultimate triumph reframes our present struggles. Today, we'll consider how this vision of the returning King should shape our confidence, priorities, and daily choices.

"Babylon has fallen!" This declaration resonates through chapter 18 as the corrupt system that opposed God's people collapses. For first-century Christians suffering under Rome, this vision offered profound hope. For us today, "Babylon" represents any system built on greed, exploitation, and self-worship. While such systems seem invincible, Revelation reminds us they all share the same fate. The merchants weep, but heaven rejoices. As our culture increasingly resembles ancient Babylon's values and priorities, we'll explore what it means to "come out of her, my people" - living as citizens of a different kingdom while navigating our complex world.

The seven bowls represent God's final judgments - complete, undiluted, and decisive. While these scenes are disturbing, they affirm an essential truth: God will not allow evil to continue forever. There comes a point when His justice must prevail. Yet even here, we find grace. The plagues echo those of Egypt, reminding us of God's determination to free His people from bondage. The saints in heaven affirm, "Your judgments are just and true." Today, we'll wrestle with difficult questions about God's wrath while finding reassurance that a world where evil goes unchecked is more terrifying than a God who judges it.

After the disturbing visions of the dragon and beasts, Revelation 14 offers a contrasting picture of hope: the Lamb standing victorious with His faithful followers. The chapter then depicts two harvests - one of redemption and one of judgment. This reminds us that history moves toward a definitive conclusion where God's mercy and justice will be fully revealed. For believers, this isn't cause for fear but for confidence. Today, we'll explore what it means to live as those already marked for the harvest of grace, singing "a new song" that only the redeemed can learn, while compassionately sharing God's invitation with those around us.

Revelation 12-13 pulls back the curtain on the cosmic battle beneath all earthly conflicts - a dragon waging war against the woman and her child. These vivid symbols reveal something profound: a spiritual reality lies behind our struggles and society's chaos. The dragon (Satan) couldn't destroy Christ (the male child) and now turns his rage against the church. But God provides protectection in the wilderness. Meanwhile, the dragon empowers "beasts" - corrupt political and religious systems that oppose God's people. Today, we'll learn to recognize these influences in our world while finding hope in the Lamb's certain victory.

The trumpet judgments sound terrifying, yet they carry a surprising message of grace. Unlike the final bowl judgments, these are partial (affecting "a third"), giving humanity space for repentance. God's judgment never comes without warning or opportunity for return. Even as the mighty angel of chapter 10 announces that "time is no more," we're reminded that God's patience has limits. We'll confront the uncomfortable truth that God's love includes judgment while finding encouragement in His persistent grace. How are the trumpets of warning sounding in our lives today, and how might we respond before the final trumpet calls?

The breaking of the seals in Revelation 6 reveals calamities that feel disturbingly familiar: war, economic instability, persecution, and death. But before the seventh seal breaks, John sees two remarkable visions of God's people: the 144,000 sealed from harm and the countless multitude in white robes. These images remind us that though followers of Jesus aren't spared from suffering, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit and destined for victory. Our congregation faces its hardships and uncertainties. Today, we'll discover how God's protective seal enables us to survive and thrive amid life's storms.