Paradise Restored

Book excerpt: Bill Mosley believes the book of Revelation has had a bad rap -- while it has the reputation of being a gloomy diatribe about a terrible Day of Judgment and Wrath, it is actually full of action and praise of God. Paradise Restored is a set of 15 practical and positive meditations that invites readers to take a new look at this most misunderstood book in the Bible. Focusing on how Revelation proclaims the cross and celebrates salvation rather than on dreary apocalyptic adventures, these uplifting messages emphasize the message of Christ's redemptive power that lies at the core of all its colorful symbolism. Paradise Restored provides a complete integrated preaching program that ties together the Lenten pilgrimage with the Easter celebration. Seven sermons for Ash Wednesday and Lent examine each of the letters to the seven churches in Asia Minor that comprise the second and third chapters, while additional messages for Good Friday and the seven Sundays of Easter are based on other texts from Revelation (mostly lectionary pericopes). John's vision thus moves from the practical considerations of the seven churches to the glorious sight of the New Heaven and the New Earth. But this book isn't only for preachers -- it's also great for devotional reading or as a user-friendly way to dip your toes in the book of Revelation. Bill Mosley has pastored several congregations in Texas, specializing in rural and small church settings. Currently he serves Trinity Lutheran Church in Frelsburg, Texas, and St. John Lutheran Church in New Ulm, Texas. Mosley is a graduate of Texas Lutheran University and Luther Seminary. His writing has been published in Emphasis preaching journal, Lutheran Digest, Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery magazine, Boy's Life, and KiteLines magazine.