Christ Church Podcast

In this inaugural episode of our new "Special Revelation" series, Mike Woodruff sits down with New Testament scholar Dr. Dana Harris to demystify the Book of Revelation. Far from a cryptic codebook for end-times prophecy, Dr. Harris argues that Revelation is a powerful and pastoral letter about worship, ethics, and the ultimate victory of God.If you've ever been confused or intimidated by the imagery in Revelation, this conversation is for you. We tackle common questions about symbolism, the nature of God's victory, and how this book was meant to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.Key Topics Discussed:00:00 - Introduction to the "Special Revelation" Series02:15 - Who is Dr. Dana Harris?04:30 - What is the Book of Revelation Really About?08:10 - Is the Language Symbolic or Literal?12:45 - The Big Idea: "God Wins"16:20 - Common Misinterpretations and Dispensationalism21:50 - How Dr. Harris's Views Have Evolved25:40 - Current Scholarship on Revelation30:15 - The Role of Material Culture & Archaeology35:00 - What's Keeping a Revelation Scholar Up at Night?38:10 - Dr. Harris's Current Reading & RecommendationsFeatured Scholar: Dr. Dana Harris (Professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School)Mentioned in this Episode:- Dr. Harris is teaching a 4-week class on Revelation for Lake Light beginning October 29th. Register at the Lake Light website.- Dr. Harris's book on Greek Grammar: An Introduction to Biblical Greek Grammar.- Look for her upcoming books: an introduction to Revelation and an exegetical commentary.Subscribe to Christ Church Conversations for more insightful discussions that connect biblical scholarship with everyday faith. Don't forget to like and share this video to help others discover this resource!Connect with Christ Church:Visit our Website: https://christchurchil.orgFind More Revelation Resources: https://christchurchil.org/revelation#BookOfRevelation #BibleStudy #NewTestament #Theology #Eschatology #ChristChurch #Podcast #ChristianTeaching #DanaHarris #MikeWoodruff

In a week marked by tragedy, violence, and national unrest, where do we turn for hope and stability? In this powerful message, we continue our series in the Book of Revelation, discovering a vision of Jesus that is anything but small. This is not the humble Jesus of the Gospels, but the glorified, cosmic Christ—the King of Kings who holds the keys to death and hell. In the midst of chaos, this sermon offers a profound call to trust in His ultimate authority, to be the church in a hurting world, and to find our hope not in the events of the day, but in the One who has already won the victory.

Welcome to our new series diving into the Book of Revelation! After 35 years, Pastor Mike is finally tackling this often-misunderstood book of the Bible. In this introductory message, he shares why he's come to see Revelation not as a source of anxiety, but as a profound source of hope, resilience, and a powerful revelation of Jesus Christ. Join us as we begin to pull back the curtain on this incredible letter.

On this Pentecost Sunday—the 2,000-year "birthday" of the Church—we reflect on Psalm 130, a powerful psalm for those feeling overwhelmed by guilt, shame, or life's struggles. Whether you're burdened by personal failures, anxiety about the future, or the chaos of the world, this psalm offers hope in God's mercy and redemption.Key Points:The Cry from the Depths (Psalm 130:1-2)The psalmist expresses deep despair but turns to God for mercy.Unlike worldly solutions (anger, blame, or denial), God invites us to bring our emotions to Him.The Problem of Guilt and Shame (Psalm 130:3-4)If God kept a record of sins, no one could stand—yet with Him, there is forgiveness.Guilt is about specific wrongs; shame is the feeling that something is wrong with us.Our culture often denies guilt but still struggles with deep-seated shame.The Hope of Redemption (Psalm 130:5-8)Our hope is not in optimism (based on circumstances) but in God's unchanging promises.Just as watchmen wait for morning, we wait on the Lord with expectation.Jesus is the ultimate Redeemer—foreshadowed in this psalm, He brings full forgiveness and restoration.Key Scriptures Referenced:Psalm 130 (Main Text)Acts 2 (Pentecost and the birth of the Church)1 Corinthians 4:4-5 (God as the ultimate judge)Daniel 9 (God's mercy and forgiveness)Like, Subscribe & Share to help others find hope in God's Word!#Psalm130 #Forgiveness #HopeInGod #Pentecost #ChristianSermon