The final book of the Bible, Revelation prophesies the ultimate judgement of mankind in a series of allegorical visions, grisly images and numerological predictions. According to these, empires will fall, the "Beast" will be destroyed and Christ will rule a new Jerusalem. With an introduction by Will Self.

A startling exploration of the history of the most controversial book of the Bible, by the bestselling author of Beyond Belief. Through the bestselling books of Elaine Pagels, thousands of readers have come to know and treasure the suppressed biblical texts known as the Gnostic Gospels. As one of the world's foremost religion scholars, she has been a pioneer in interpreting these books and illuminating their place in the early history of Christianity. Her new book, however, tackles a text that is firmly, dramatically within the New Testament canon: The Book of Revelation, the surreal apocalyptic vision of the end of the world . . . or is it? In this startling and timely book, Pagels returns The Book of Revelation to its historical origin, written as its author John of Patmos took aim at the Roman Empire after what is now known as "the Jewish War," in 66 CE. Militant Jews in Jerusalem, fired with religious fervor, waged an all-out war against Rome's occupation of Judea and their defeat resulted in the desecration of Jerusalem and its Great Temple. Pagels persuasively interprets Revelation as a scathing attack on the decadence of Rome. Soon after, however, a new sect known as "Christians" seized on John's text as a weapon against heresy and infidels of all kinds-Jews, even Christians who dissented from their increasingly rigid doctrines and hierarchies. In a time when global religious violence surges, Revelations explores how often those in power throughout history have sought to force "God's enemies" to submit or be killed. It is sure to appeal to Pagels's committed readers and bring her a whole new audience who want to understand the roots of dissent, violence, and division in the world's religions, and to appreciate the lasting appeal of this extraordinary text.

The NIV is the world's best-selling modern translation, with over 150 million copies in print since its first full publication in 1978. This highly accurate and smooth-reading version of the Bible in modern English has the largest library of printed and electronic support material of any modern translation.

Take an in-depth look at over forty fierce, faithful, and strong women featured in the Old Testament with Preaching the Women of the Old Testament. Inside this unique resource author Lynn Japinga interprets the stories of various biblical women, including Eve, Rebekah, Dinah, Tamar, Miriam, Deborah, Jael, Abigail, Bathsheba, and Vashti. Along with providing an interpretation, Japinga demonstrates how the character's story has been read in Christian tradition and offers sermon ideas that connect contemporary issues to each story. This book is ideal for pastors who want to know more about the many women of the Old Testament and learn how to better incorporate them into their sermons. - from publisher.

Drawing on the cutting edge of modern scholarship, this astonishing book completely undermines the traditional history of Christianity that has been perpetuated for centuries by the Church and presents overwhelming evidence that the Jesus of the New Testament is a mythical figure. “Whether you conclude that this book is the most alarming heresy of the millennium or the mother of all revelations, The Jesus Mysteries deserves to be read.” —Fort Worth Star-Telegram Far from being eyewitness accounts, as is traditionally held, the Gospels are actually Jewish adaptations of ancient Pagan myths of the dying and resurrecting godman Osiris-Dionysus. The supernatural story of Jesus is not the history of a miraculous Messiah but a carefully crafted spiritual allegory designed to guide initiates on a journey of mystical discovery. A little more than a century ago, most people believed that the strange story of Adam and Eve was history; today it is understood to be a myth. Within a few decades, authors Timothy Freke and Peter Gandy argue, we will likewise be amazed that the fabulous story of God incarnate—who was born of a virgin, who turned water into wine, and who rose from the dead—could have been interpreted as anything but a profound parable.

Revelations About Revelation was born of a Pastor's heart for laypeople, to help them understand a book of the Bible which has been grossly misinterpreted for ages by many preachers and Bible teachers. The author seeks to explain as simply as possible what the Apostle John was actually expressing to people of his own time, in the context of the circumstances they were facing, to help them stand firm for Jesus in the face of persecution. Too many times, Revelation has been presented as some horrifying prediction of the future, when John plainly states that he was sharing with the Church in his own time "the tribulation and the Kingdom and the patient endurance" (Revelation 1:9). He was not speaking of some far-off future tribulation, but the one they were facing at the end of the First Century AD, which has continued to this day and will continue in one form or another, in varying degrees of ferocity, until Christ returns. The author of the present work first preached through Revelation for the two congregations he was serving in 1985. He felt the need to pass this message along to more people than would ever hear him preach, so he began putting it all together in a book in 1987. After a busy life of ministry, other work, and public service, approaching retirement, he was finally able to edit and complete the basic manuscript and prepare it for publication, which he hopes will be helpful to the reader in understanding the strange images of Revelation that those who read may draw strength from the witness of John in difficult times and find courage to stand strong for Christ in any and all circumstances. Glory be to God!

The first half of tribulation has proved challenging for the A-Team. James, the general of all armies and member of the inner circle of Nefas Quietus, is beginning to recognize some unusual personality traits that have him convinced that Nef is not who he claims to be. James's recall has brought to light many of the end-time teachings of his best friend, Chris. He has stepped up his clandestine activities with his son Brad, who is co-leader of the Smyrna church with CJ, the church that Nef has coined as the undergrounders. James has directed the defense of the western community during the release of the four horses, seven seals, and six of the seven trumpets introduced in the first half of tribulation. He relishes in playing the Judas of the twelve disciples of Nef. James’s apprehension for the safety of his family has caused concern because of Nef's tenacious search for the undergrounders’ leaders. Cindy also has noticed a distinct alteration to Nef's personality. His quick explosion of anger and grandiose attitude have made Cindy anxious. However, her loyalty toward Nef has not wavered. She remains a faithful member of Nef's inner circle. Aaron has guided his constituents through the building of the Temple and has held his place on the Israeli Knesset and accepts Nef as a friend to Israel. Chris has been in Heaven since he was raptured. He has petitioned Jesus to allow him to have a part in the fulfillment of prophecies and to help bring the rest of his A-Team family to the realization that eternity is only available through Jesus, the true Christ. At the close of The Rise of Abaddon we saw CJ being called by God to a mission in Israel, and in Last Call we see Revelation come to full completion.

The Hebrew-Christian religion remains the most potent verifiably truthful religion on the planet. It suffers horrendously from murderous oppression in the Middle East, its homeland; and was crushed-flat by the largest political State the world has ever known (Soviet Russia); and it endures heavy disheartenment by flawed innuendo and secularisation throughout Europe. Despite these massive attacks from mistaken religion, hard-line atheists, and dont know-cant be bothered groups yet it remains. And more than this: It remains, philosophically, socially, prophetically, and scientifically the largest, most credible and consistent belief-system on the planet. Its not by accident that non-violent Christianity (believing in the non-violent Ten Commandments and the beautiful spirit of them in the Beatitudes), can survive such intense mentalphysical violent persecution and still remain so vibrant. True Christians know: The only reason it is so, is because the holy Messiah God of Israel is the only true God. He rules over all the kingdoms of men, but its only the kingdom of Christianity which knows this. He loves all humans (but not their thoughtsactions). However only Christians recognise this and sincerely give thanks that He is their God, their prophet, priest and king. He prophesied that enormous ungodliness would come against His church, and followers but these gates of hell would not overcome it, and so it is now, as we head towards Armageddon and the end of the human age. This book explains His prophecies, and associated key milestone calculations. This is one of many ways, witnessing that He is the genuine-unique-article, just as the Hebrew-Christian Bible says. The purpose of our existence is to have a loving relationship with Him. When humans choose to reject Him it causes us to create corrupt and false gods. Without realising it, many religious people worship corrupt gods, and atheism worships its false no-God god. These cannot bring a person into the paradise of fruitful everlasting life their ways effectively bring people into a fruitless everlasting living-death. This grieves the Messiah God of Israel because He loves fruitful life. To encourage us and to verify who He is He leaves indicators throughout history, evidencing even now, in these days of the deeply sceptical cheating spirit that humans are without excuse, come the judgement. Lawrence D. Shawbrooks is now retired but continues to work as an Elder in the Church oversight.

"Live Jesus in Our Hearts" is a prayer said daily by Lasallians all over the world. Our new high school religion curriculum reflects this prayer, and our mission--that every young person would invite Jesus' presence into their hearts. We sought to begin answering the needs of today's youth, in a generation where the spiritual and religious landscape has shifted dramatically. Revelation and the Old Testament is the first semester course in the new high school series Live Jesus in Our Hearts. This series takes a fresh approach to the Framework outline, bringing in new themes such as in-depth use of scripture, extensive online resources, and an invitational, evangelizing approach. Revelation and the Old Testament is an Old Testament overview (with a sneak peak of the New Testament) that includes all the required Framework content related to Revelation. Used with Jesus Christ and the New Testament, you can now teach an overview of the Bible in freshman year using a Framework approved curriculum! Plus, help students connect using: Short stories about young people that relate a teaching or belief to a young person's lived experience. Focus questions introduce each unit in the voice of a teen, guiding students in focusing on what they might learn; units end with an image of a real student and his or her reflections on the unit focus question, inviting the students to check their own understanding. A Unit Highlights section that uses graphic organizers to visually represent the key concepts from each chapter "Hmmm" questions at the end of each article that encourage students to think critically about Christian beliefs. A full page visual feature at the end of each chapter that engages students to reflect on the chapter content in a unique way.