This Hallelujah Banquet

November 1, 2020
In 1984, beloved pastor and writer Peterson wrote a series of Lenten sermons based on the Book of Revelation. Editors at WaterBrook Publishing have taken these sermons and crafted this posthumous collection. Here, Peterson delves into the Apostle John's letters to various early Christian communities, where John offers support, guidance, and correction, as warranted for each church's situation. The fantastic imagery and apocalyptic aspects of Revelation don't figure much in this book. Never one to shy away from life's realities, Peterson had little use for triumphalism or the ""religious entertainment industry."" Faith, for it to be true, must be tested. In these sermons, he focuses on the tests of faith each early Christian community faced: tests of love, suffering, truth, holiness, reality, witness, and commitment. The last chapter consists of ""Final Exams,"" questions for reflection (and space to write responses) that could be useful for Bible study groups, adult Sunday school classes, or a personal spiritual journal. Perfect for those who appreciate Peterson's writing and want to wrestle with issues of faith.

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November 16, 2020
Peterson (The Message Bible), a Presbyterian minister who died in 2018, interprets the book of Revelation in this stimulating posthumous work compiled from a series of his sermons and archived commentaries. Discussing John’s letters to the seven churches, Peterson emphasizes John’s exploration of meaning and perception. Peterson shares personal memories and provides examples from scripture to catalog joy, weeping, and anger as reactions to living in the fullness of Christ. On the opposite side of the spectrum, he identifies lukewarmness as “a special fault of the successful” and urges readers to be strongly committed to Christ. He also examines how wrestling with social and political issues amounts to a “test of holiness,” using John’s letter to the citizens of the city of Thyatira as an example. Peterson argues that how Christians apply gratitude, praise, grace, and love determines how one matures. He also includes explanations of the spiritual significance of common scriptural terms, such as the words “hallelujah” and “amen,” and concludes with thought-provoking questions for reflection. By asking readers to “examine your motives” and “test your heart,” this insightful, contemplative study of Revelation will appeal to Christians who enjoy the work of N.T. Wright.

January 1, 2021

While the Book of Revelation in the Christian New Testament is well known for depicting events at the end times, it also represents new beginnings. Late in his ministry, the apostle John wrote letters of instruction to the seven churches he had established, helping them to realign with characteristics of Christ. Through a posthumous compilation of past sermons, Peterson (The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language) focuses on these letters and makes relevant parallels with modern-day Christians. Whether the characteristic under question is love, suffering, truth, holiness, reality, witness, or commitment, Peterson's use of historical references helps readers to better understand challenges faced by the early churches and thus the importance of spiritual renewal and realignment. The author's tone and use of personal and relatable anecdotes will draw in those new to Peterson and fans of his writings. This encouraging work presents a reminder that a glorious feast, a "hallelujah banquet," awaits true followers of Christ at the beginning of eternity. To help readers to reflect and to renew spiritually through reading and note-taking, the book's section of Final Exams is especially useful. VERDICT A new interpretation of the Book of Revelation for Christians seeking spiritual maturity.--Chad Clark, San Jacinto Coll. District, Pasadena, TX

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