This week we are diving into one of the oddest, most controversial and downright WEIRD books of scripture. Revelation is a testy piece of scripture. It is full of obscure references, fantastical imagery, metaphors, political speech and visionary experiences with God. Many times, it is understanding how to read such a book that is opposite from a style of communication we are used to that keeps us from actually applying it into our lives.

Revelation is a combination of the wonderful and the weird.

For some people, it is the litmus test for faith. For others, it is the last book they want to read or hear about in worship.

But Christianity can't be Christianity without embracing this as part of the story of God and his people.

This week we are reading a brief section from chapter 19.

19 After this, I heard what sounded like a vast crowd in heaven shouting,

"Praise the Lord! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God. 2 His judgments are true and just. He has punished the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality. He has avenged the murder of his servants." 3 And again their voices rang out:

"Praise the Lord! The smoke from that city ascends forever and ever!" 4 Then the twenty-four elders and the four living beings fell down and worshiped God, who was sitting on the throne. They cried out, "Amen! Praise the Lord!"

In this passage, we meet many characters. It is the story of these characters and their actions we learn about the world, ourselves and what Jesus desires for us.