Paul closes his theological section with a prayer for the church. He prays not for circumstances to change, life to be easier, or for more success, but for us to be strengthened, for Christ to dwell in our hearts, to know God’s love, and be so filled with Good that there’s no room for anything else.

The second half of Revelation provides the theological and literary center of the book. God vindicates his church, the faithful witness, and the people of the earth are in awe and give glory to God. It wasn't God's judgments that brought repentance, it was the sacrificial witness of his church and God vindicating his church in full view of the world. This sets the mission for the church, provides the encouragement to not compromise, and shows that the path to glory is to follow the way of the cross.

Ephesians 3:1-13 recounts the mystery that had been revealed, God’s previously unknown plan to include Gentiles in the family of God, and Paul’s calling as a steward of that mystery.

Revelation 11 is all about the church's mission in a world opposed to God. The two witnesses called by God are the Holy Spirit empowered Church. These witnesses complete their prophetic and priestly mission and are then killed by the beast, the organized systems and institutions of the world opposed by God. Their death sets up the heart of Revelation.

Ephesians 2:11-22 show us that salvation is about more than personal rescue. It also includes forming a new humanity “in Christ.” Jesus died to make his church one family. The only way we don’t have peace and unity is if we reject what Jesus gave us.

The mighty angel informs us that God's final judgment is imminent and God's plan for the world will be fully revealed. But before the final trumpet blows, John is recomissioned as a profit. But no longer is he just an observer, he must take in the words of the prophecy and be an active participant in revealing God's word.

Ephesians 2:1-10 displays God’s grace and power in raising believers from death to life. We need to realize what God has done and walk in the life he’s given us.

As the terrible judgments of the 5th & 6th trumpet come to a close, we are prepared to hear the thunder judgments. But surprisingly, God calls a halt to this revelation. He creates space and time to, as we will discover in the coming passage, recommission John to take his message to the world.

In Ephesians 1:15-23, Paul prays that “the eyes of our heart be enlightened.” We need to see the real hope, worth, and power that are ours in Christ.

Ephesians 1:1-14 glorifies God for the spiritual blessings he has given us. These blessings are already ours and form our identity, an identity we must live from.