Worship Preview 8.11.24 "Alpha and Omega and Everything in Between"

First United Methodist Church         

This Sunday: 10:30am – “Alpha and Omega and Everything in Between” Pastor Christopher Eshelman Preaching. Scriptures: Revelation 1:1-11; Revelation 22:16-21; and Chapter 12:1-18

Last week we looked at the context of a well-known verse found in 2nd Timothy which states: “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work” and talked briefly about how the familiar books of the Bible came together and why Roman Catholics, Protestants, and Orthodox churches have slightly different sets. As United Methodists, we hold 66 books – 39 Old Testament and 27 New Testament, as inspired, holy texts. Through our encounter with Scripture, we learn about the living Word of God in our midst, Jesus, the Christ, who we trust in life and death. The biblical authors, illumined by the Holy Spirit, bear witness that in Christ the world is reconciled to God. Our standards affirm that the Bible contains all that is necessary and sufficient for salvation. We interpret individual texts in light of their connections with the Bible as a whole. This includes the book of Revelation.

Revelation has always been controversial – figures such as Luther and Calvin suggested striking it from the canon and it is the only book of the Bible John Calvin did not write a commentary on! And yet it has also inspired great art and music, including Handel’s Messiah: “The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!” and our opening Hymn Sunday, “Crown Him with Many Crowns.” This book transcends categories. It is overtly a letter, written to 7 churches in what is now eastern Türkiye. It is a prophetic, apocalyptic text and we will be unpacking what each of those descriptors mean.

This week, we will look at the beginning and the end of the text. We’ll see the boundaries that it sets, talk about some things that are not found in its pages, and focus on its timelines. To do so, we will also begin in the middle, with the 12th chapter and it’s dramatic, mystical story. Revelation is not about linear time or mere prediction. Revelation is timeless, drawing heavily from the Old Testament, other New Testament texts, and the mythological archetypes of the 1st Century world to tell stories of creation, fall, and renewal to a marginalized people whose world seems to be falling apart. Much like the plagues of Exodus and the questions God asks of Job from the whirlwind, Revelation reveals a God who is interested in and active in history, with us, and yet remains beyond our comprehension.

The great monk, theologian, and author Thomas Merton wrote a prayer that will guide us as we gather Sunday. It is a prayer of sacred unknowing and a liturgy for uncertain times.  

“My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore, will I trust you always  though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.” ~Thomas Merton

If that prayer speaks to you, you will likely find this series helpful, and we encourage you to join in worship filled with sacred imagination and hopeful assurance. You are invited as we gather at 10:30am each Sunday at 301 S National, 10:30am. Blessings on your journey.

Upcoming Events: 

Sunday, August 11th 5:30pm – Ice Cream Social. Join us in Fellowship Hall for a cool treat and plenty of cookies and brownies, along with fellowship and conversation – invite a friend! 

Wednesday, August 14th  5:30–6:30pm: Feeding Families in His Name resumes after a week of rest – this free meal is available to everyone without obligation. A “to-go” meal is distributed under the portico at 301 S. National. A reminder: Please do not block nearby driveways while waiting. Thank you. We have recently had one of our freezers fail and are replacing it at a cost of about $6000, if you would like to support this ministry, you can make donations online at www.firstumcfortscott.org/onlinegiving. 

Aging Forward, Friday, August 23rd – Aging Forward exists to encourage fellowship and lifelong learning for retired adults, our programs are free and open to anyone who would like to attend. In August we will hear from Jeniffer Gum-Fowler of the Fort Scott Library and local author Tanya Glessner, who recently released “The Light You Bring.” Refreshments provided. We meet in Fellowship Hall at First United Methodist Church (3rdstreet entrance) from 1pm to about 4pm. Bring a friend!