Sometimes last words are famous because they are foolish or bizarre. Sometimes they are funny or wise. The most famous last words spoken or written are the last book of the Bible, the Revelation. They memorably summarize and conclude centuries of biblical insight, counsel, and experience from people to whom God chose to reveal himself, and who for their part chose to live by faith in God. Yet many people shun Revelation because it scares them or it seems too difficult to understand. This week we will begin a series of messages from Revelation that will attempt to rescue Revelation from its misuse by people who only try to predict the dates of the end times and to help us learn how to live in between the times of Jesus’ comings.