SPPC Today

News for Sunday, August 10, 2025

This week we skip ahead a bit in Revelation, from Chapter 7 to Chapter 13. 

Revelation chapters 8–12 describe the opening of the seventh seal and the sounding of seven trumpets, which unleash escalating divine judgments upon the earth. The first six trumpets bring a series of woes, including plagues of hail, fire, poisoned waters, locusts, and a massive army that kills a third of humanity. Interludes in this section feature John eating a prophetic scroll and the ministry, death, and resurrection of two witnesses, whose return to life sparks an earthquake. The sounding of the seventh trumpet announces the arrival of God's eternal kingdom.

Chapter 12 introduces a new, highly symbolic vision that shifts the focus from earthly judgments to the cosmic conflict between good and evil. It depicts a woman "clothed with the sun" giving birth to a male child, who is immediately caught up to God. A great red dragon, identified as Satan, attempts to devour the child and then pursues the woman. She is given eagle's wings to escape to a place prepared for her in the wilderness, where she is nourished for 1,260 days. The chapter culminates in a war in heaven, where Michael and his angels defeat the dragon, who is cast down to the earth in a fury. This passage is widely interpreted as a symbolic depiction of the birth of Christ, the persecution of the church, and the ultimate defeat of Satan by God's power.

Scholars widely agree that these chapters are symbolic rather than a literal prophecy. The judgments are seen as a theological message of God's sovereignty and a call for repentance. The passages serve to offer hope and encouragement to the faithful, affirming that despite suffering and chaos, God is in control and will ultimately prevail over evil.

Why that call to repentance often goes unheeded is the subject of this Sunday's sermon.

Worship this Sunday

Our service this Sunday begins at 10:00 a.m. You can participate in person or connect with our community online via the live stream. The link is available here.

The Scripture readings are:

• Psalm 2

• Revelation 13:1-18 - The Beast and the Dragon

• John 12:28-32

This week our solo will be Fill My Cup, Lord by Richard Blanchard.

Upcoming

• Sunday, August 18 and the following Sunday, August 24 I will be away at St. Andrew's, Victoria and Camp Imadene respectively. In my absence we look forward to welcoming to the pulpit  Dr. Rick Sanford Jr. on August 17 and Rick Wismer on August 24.

• Tea and Tour of the Legislature: details are on the bulletin board in the Narthex. Please sign up to indicate your interest by this Sunday, August 10 for either September 11 or 18. 

May the Lord be with you all!

SUNDAY MORNING

Welcome to Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church. 

Our worship takes place at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday morning both in-person and online (via the SPPC YouTube Livestream button above). We invite you to join us each week as we continue to explore and follow the Word of God. Following the service, there is a fellowship time at the back of the sanctuary.

For the safety of your neighbours, when you attend worship: 

• Please, perform a health check prior to attending.

• While masks are not required, feel free to wear one if you prefer.

We look forward to seeing you on Sunday.