An Expository Journey through the Book of Revelation

Transcription

1 An Encapsulated View of the Best from Christian Publishers Order this book NOW! Volume 3. Issue 32 July 2007 COUNCIL OF REFERENCE Dr. Richard Averbeck Rev. D. Stuart Briscoe Dr. Paul Cedar Mr. Dave Coleman Dr. & Mrs. Larry Crabb Mr. Roger Cross Rev. Samuel Farina Dr. Kenneth O. Gangel Rev. & Mrs. Lud Golz Dr. Howard G. Hendricks Mr. Olan Hendrix Dr. David Jeremiah Rev. Knute Larson Dr. John C. Maxwell Dr. Bruce McNicol Mr. Dean Merrill Mrs. Elisa Morgan Dr. Ray Ortlund Dr. Luis Palau Dr. Gilbert A. Peterson Rev. Wes Roberts Rev. & Mrs. Jamie Rassmussen Mr. Jim Warren Dr. Rick Warren Publishers Catherine & David Martin Editors Cheryl & Michael Chiapperino DISCIPLESHIP ON THE EDGE An Expository Journey through the Book of Revelation A Quick Focus The Book's Purpose Make a case that Revelation is more a discipleship manual than a book predicting the future Demonstrate that Revelation is a book about Jesus, which, consequently, should lead the reader to the feet of Jesus Help believers see the present in light of the unseen realities of the present and the unseen realities of the future Issue a call for all people to decide who will be the Lord of their life and their world The Book s Message The book of Revelation powerfully presents the gospel of Jesus Christ. Although subject to a wide variety of interpretations, it provides a compelling portrait of a Savior who maintains complete control over the present and the future. No other book helps believers overcome their fears and no other book explains the movement of history better than Revelation. Revelation shows Christ-followers how to be genuine disciples in the midst of life s harsh realities. Jesus calls us to be disciples on the edge between this world and the next where worldly kingdoms and God s kingdom clash. VII Seven Main Points Things Are Not as They Seem Window 1: Messages to the Churches Window 2: The Throne in Heaven Window 3: The Ultimate War By Darrell W. Johnson Regent College Publishing ISBN: X Window 4: God s Faithful Bride Window 5: The Final Drama Prologue and Epilogue

2 2 Revelation is a book about Jesus Christ. It is Revelation in the sense that the curtain is pulled back so that we can arrive at a deeper understanding of Jesus being in complete control of this world. The visions John received on the Isle of Patmos provide a constant reminder that things are not as they seem. There is more to life than meets the eye. The title of the book is The Revelation of Jesus Christ by Jesus Christ about Jesus Christ. The book is all about Jesus Christ. Although the book presents challenging symbolism, the underlying theme is obvious. Jesus has already won the battle. The book, which speaks a contemporary word to the Church and our world, forces us to deal with the fundamental issue of discipleship: who will be the object of my worship? Vivid Imagery Revelation doesn t reveal any new truth. It simply presents the gospel of Jesus Christ in a fresh way, namely, through vivid imagery. The book contains more than 500 quotations or illusions to the Old Testament, reminding us that John saw these visions through the lens of an imagination steeped in the Old Testament. Historical Context Evidence points to a date around A.D. 96. The persecution of Christians had escalated since the time of Christ. Emperor Domitian in A.D. 92 required that all citizens bow and declare divine lordship to the emperor. John refused and was arrested and banished to the Isle of Patmos as punishment. Literary Observations John refers to the book as a letter, as a prophecy, and as an apocalypse. He is a pastor writing a pastoral letter to encourage believers to stay strong things are not seem as they in difficult times. Prophecy suggests declaration more than prediction. The visions helped Christians interpret the times in which they lived. As apocalyptic literature, the book helps us understand the present in light of the unseen future. It also helps us interpret the present in light of present events. Remember, things are not as they seem. The verb open is used four times and divides the book into five major sections (4:1; 11:19; 15:5; 19:11). Adding the prologue and epilogue gives us seven sections. The five major sections serve as windows through which we understand the visions. However, we must recognize that the series of visions does not necessarily suggest the chronological movement of history, just the order in which John received the messages.

3 3 window 1 : messages churches to the Vivid imagery has a way of communicating truth in ways that propositional language cannot. In the first chapter John writes about his first vision, one which prepares the foundation for the letters to the seven churches. Jesus in the Middle of the Churches (1:9-20) In this first vision John sees the risen Christ standing in the middle of seven lampstands, representing the seven churches that receive the book. Jesus is dressed in the attire of a high priest and king. His hair like wool reminds us that He is ageless, all-wise, and perfectly clean. His eyes of fire symbolize his absolute purity, while his feet of bronze burn away evil everywhere He steps. Every description reminds us that He holds the entire universe in His hands. Ephesus: Flawed at the Center (2:1-7) In chapters 2-3, John addresses seven churches. Certainly there were more than seven in Asia Minor, but seven symbolizes completeness. The visions are messages for the whole Church of Jesus Christ. Home to a significant financial center and the fertility goddess Diana, Ephesus was the epicenter of the world. The church there was founded by Paul, pastored by John, and attended by Mary, the mother of Jesus. This influential church had much going for it. It buzzed with many programs and activities. However, at the very center it was flawed. They had left their first love. The love for Jesus they had from the beginning had waned. To restore their passion for Jesus, they needed to remember their former passion, repent, and re-do the things they used to do when they first fell in love with Jesus. Smyrna: Stay Strong under Pressure (2:8-11) Smyrna, located in modern Izmir, was a lovely city. It was home to poet Homer and martyr Bishop Polycarp. Jesus recognized the tremendous pressures this congregation faced and commended them for their faith. His message contained no words of condemnation whatsoever. However, things would get worse before they would get better. Tribulations were being initiated by Roman and Jewish circles as well as by the devil himself. The text reveals four ways to keep faith under pressure. First, remember that the attacks are primarily against Jesus. Second, recognize that Jesus uses pressures to improve our faith. Third, understand that the trials occur only with God s permission. Fourth, stand on the promises Jesus makes. If we endure, we will receive the crown of life, and we will not be hurt by the second death. Pergamum: Attacks from Outside and Inside (2:12-17) To Pergamum, Jesus identified Himself as the One who has the two-edged sword. Interestingly, the city s symbol was the sword because it was one of only a few cities that Rome allowed to administer capital punishment. Believers here were engaged in an all-out battle for the mind. They did well withstanding the pagan ideas from outside the church. From politics to religion to medicine, the devil had gained strongholds in Pergamum. It is amazing that a church even existed in a city so dominated by paganism. But the believers became too tolerant of some of its members who were teaching things contrary to the gospel. Jesus commanded them to repent. The Church must welcome all people. However, it must not welcome all ideas and spiritual persuasions. Instead, it must always stand on God s truth. Thyatira: Problems with Spiritual Adultery (2:18-29) Thyatira was a prosperous commercial center famous for its trade guilds. Every occupation sponsored its own guild. Not belonging to one was a recipe for financial disaster. The problem for the church was that these guilds expected members to engage in compromising activities. What made matters worse was a woman in the church, Jezebel, who taught a theology promoting compromise. In essence, she taught that participating in the ungodly guild activities would not hinder a person s walk with Jesus. Believers today constantly face the temptation to compromise their faith by engaging in inappropriate activities. Just like He did with the church at Thyatira, Jesus reminds us that giving in to these temptations is equivalent to spiritual adultery. Will we be loyal to Jesus even when the stakes are high? continued on page 4

4 WINDOW 1: MESSAGES TO THE CHURCHES continued from page 3 4 Sardis: The Dead Church (3:1-6) Sardis was a wealthy congregation with many members. It had an excellent reputation. But Jesus opinion was different. In fact, He pronounced the insult of all insults. He said that the church was dead. We aren t certain exactly what prompted this assessment. Maybe they became content with mediocrity. Perhaps they focused on activities more than evangelism. This church faced no criticism because it was doing nothing of kingdom value to warrant criticism. With a tone of urgency Jesus called for this church to wake up and to repent. There was still hope. What are the signs that a church is fully alive? A living church is one that openly confesses Jesus as Lord, one that reproduces itself by winning people to Christ, and one that is filled with passion. Philadelphia: The Open-Door Church (3:7-13) Jesus must have truly enjoyed presenting His message to the church at Philadelphia. He says nothing but positive things to them. The primary exhortation is found in verse 8: Look, I have placed before you an open door. Prior to saying these words, Jesus stated that he had the key of David. To what door does Jesus possess the key? There are two possible interpretations, both of which may actually have been intended. First, open door refers to the door of salvation. By His death and resurrection Jesus opened the door of salvation. Second, open door refers to the door of opportunity to tell others about Jesus. Even though they faced many obstacles, this was not the time to play it safe because the door of opportunity was open. Laodicea: The Lukewarm Church (3:14-22) The problem with the church at Laodicea was that it was filled with lukewarm Christians. Privately they maintained their faith, while in public they adopted the values of the Roman world. They possessed an orthodox system of beliefs; but they had no zeal. Jesus was ready to vomit them out of His mouth. Laodicea was famous for its wealth, clothing, and medicine, three things that lead people into an arrogant self-sufficiency. Note the parallel with Jesus words of rebuke. He said they were poor, naked, and blind. Yet He made His grace available. All they needed to do was open the door and let Him come into their lives. You may have never turned the door handle. You know that you are spiritually bankrupt, naked, and blind.you know you need what Jesus offers. Open the door. He will come in. window 2 : the throne heaven in Look, a door open in heaven and look, a throne was standing in heaven (4:1-2). With these verses we transition into the second major section of Revelation. The Throne: Control Center (Rev. 4-5) Chapters 4 and 5 belong together. On a Lord s Day, Jesus pulled back the curtain so John could see what was going on in heaven. He says, Look! (the most frequently used verb in the book). He sees a throne, the most dominant image in the book. The throne is the control center of the universe. Several things stand out about it. First, on the throne sits the Lord God Almighty. Second, from the throne emerge thunder and lightning, symbolizing the awesome nature of God s power. Third, behind the throne was a rainbow, a symbol of His mercy. Fourth, around the throne were twenty-four elders, representing the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve Apostles, and four creatures, representing the four corners of the earth and everything that God had created. The Lamb in the Middle of the Throne (Rev. 4-5) John s vision of heaven helped him and helps us clarify our vision of earth. In chapter 5, the lens zooms in on the right hand of the One sitting on the throne. He is holding a scroll with seven seals. Its contents contain God s plan for righting all wrongs and establishing His rule of grace on earth. continued on page 5

5 WINDOW 2: THE THRONE IN HEAVEN continued from page 4 5 The apostle is overcome with emotion because no one is worthy to open the scroll. One of the elders informed him that the Lion of Judah could open the scroll. Expecting to see the Lion, John turned and gazed upon a Lamb. The Lamb was standing in the middle of the throne. All of history is headed in one direction~to the feet of the Lamb who was slain. Singing a New Song (Rev. 5) The Lamb on the throne is the most important scene in the entire book and pivotal to understanding the rest of the book. There is no new truth revealed here, just old truth presented in new ways. Instead of a lion that hurts and kills, John gazes upon the Lamb who takes all of our hurts upon Himself. The four living creatures respond by singing a new song. It is new because what John sees is a vision of a new reality. In 5:9-10, the song declares three great truths for Christ-followers. First, we were purchased when Jesus shed His blood on the cross. Second, we make up a kingdom of priests. Third, we will reign with Him. Our reign with Him is not just future. It is present as well. Come, Jesus, Come! (6:1-17; 8:1-5) With chapter 6, many preachers abandon their sermons because interpretation becomes more difficult. The breaking of the seals helps us understand the secrets of all that is going on in our present world. The first four seals describe what happens when people don t follow the way of the Lamb. Conflict will keep intensifying (white horse). Violence will keep escalating (red horse). Injustice and hunger will keep increasing (black horse). Sickness and death keep intensifying (ashen horse). With the fifth seal John sees underneath the altar those who died as Christian martyrs. They are underneath the altar as a symbol of their sacrifice, just like the blood from the sacrificial animals. The sixth seal represents the cosmic meltdown that occurs when God takes His hands off the world, steps back, and lets people fend for themselves. Sealed for the Great Tribulation (7:1-17) Before explaining the meaning of the two scenes in this vision, it is important to clarify terminology in this chapter. The great tribulation refers to the conflict resulting when opposing kingdoms clash. It is an event that is happening now and has been since Jesus came to earth. Verse 4 speaks of 144,000 sealed servants. The 144,000 symbolically represents the complete number of God s children, consisting of Jews and Gentiles. The seal is nothing visible. It guarantees that believers will keep standing during the tribulation. It also enables them to respond in faith through the ongoing conflict. What do the two scenes tell us? The first scene reminds us that we are sealed and secure (but not necessarily safe). The second scene assures us that on the other side of the tribulation there will be a new world. The Trumpets of Judgment (8:1-11:18) The primary message of the seven trumpets is terrifying judgment. As severe as the judgment is, it is not absolute as noted by the finite times and fractions listed (five months, one-third, etc.). The trumpets of His judgment, just like the broken seals, are blowing in the present. With the first four trumpets, all nature breaks loose, affecting one-third of the earth s vegetation, sea life, and rivers, as well as the rhythm of day and night. With the fifth trumpet, God allows Satan to open the bottomless pit so that demons can be loosed. The sixth trumpet unleashes an army of 200 million. Some want to die but can t. Other s hearts are hardened even further. The truth is this: There is a God, a living God. This is God s world. It works God s way or it does not work. If we violate God s will and way, it will turn back on us. Faithful Witnesses (11:1-13) Chapter 11, filled with symbolic images, is a difficult chapter to interpret. Overall, the images (two lampstands, two witnesses, etc.) picture the Church and its witness in a world where kingdoms clash. The chapter contains courtroom language. Jesus is on trial for claiming to bring a new kingdom that displaces all others. Our effective witness to the world depends on our humble repentance. Could the absence of humble repentance today be the very reason why the Church seems so ineffective? When the Church faithfully witnesses to the world, trouble comes. But even if believers get killed for doing God s work, they win because they have new life in the city of God. Seeing the heart of the faithful witnesses even in death breaks the heart of the killers and wins them. This truth demonstrates the mystery of the cross. Jesus wins through suffering.

6 6 window 3 : the ultimate WAR And the temple of God, which is in heaven was opened (11:19). With these words we transition into the third major section of Revelation. The War behind All Wars (11:19-12:17) Chapter 12 describes the war behind all wars. There are three main characters: the woman who represents the people of God, the dragon who represents Satan, and the child, who represents Jesus. The events in this chapter are past and present. The dragon is furious because he knows he is a defeated foe. He knows his time is short. So he sets out to do all he can to wreak havoc on Christians. The master deceiver constantly heaps guilt upon believers by reminding them of their sin. The verses teach us how to overcome his tactics. When he uses the guilt tactics, we must remember that the blood of the Lamb takes care of our sins. When he deceives, we overcome by knowing, speaking, and doing the truth. When he seeks to kill, we remind ourselves that death is not final. The Two Beasts (13:1-10) Satan could not defeat Jesus; so he goes after His followers. He uses two puppet powers to accomplish his objectives. One puppet power is described as a beast coming from the sea (13:1). It represents every human kingdom that casts God aside. The dragon doesn t go after believers directly; he uses the addictive draw of political power. When the state removes God from any realm of influence, Christians will be in trouble. What does this puppet have to do with discipleship on the edge? First, believers must maintain a healthy suspicion of political powers. Second, our highest allegiance must be to the kingdom of God. The Second Beast (13:11-18) The second puppet power is described as a beast emerging from the earth. This beast prompts people to put their trust in political powers. The religious overtones in this section signify that this second beast represents religious power and institutions. It draws people to worship the state instead of the living God. History attests that religion can become the enemy of discipleship. What is disheartening is that this beast operates within the Church. It derives its authority from the surrounding culture instead of from the Word of God. It leads people to put their hope in human resources and human institutions. The beast from the earth uses the symbolic number 666. The number six represents incompleteness. Three symbolizes completeness. So the three sixes suggest that the beast is completely incomplete, always falling short of God s glory. Visions of the Redeemed (14:6-20) While the war of all wars rages, the gospel spreads, reminding us that things are not as they seem. Soon Jesus will reap His harvest. Three angels announce the gospel. The first announces that the hour of judgment has come and calls for everyone to worship God. The second proclaims that Babylon, representing all of rebellious humanity, has fallen. God causes the ungodly system to collapse so that people can hear the gospel. The third calls for people to choose to worship either the beast or God. What do these verses teach us about discipleship on the edge? They remind us that with every decision there is a consequence and that there is a remedy for every bad decision. And, most importantly, the verses remind us how important it is for believers to join the angels in announcing the gospel. Marks of the Lamb s People (14:1-5; 15:1-4) God defeated the rebellious nations, not by brute force but through the death of His Son, the sacrificial Lamb, on the cross. Standing with Him on Mount Zion are 144,000, symbolic of all who profess Christ as Lord. In these two parallel sections of Revelation, John describes the characteristic marks of the Lamb s people. First, they know that they have been purchased by the Lamb s blood and, therefore, belong to Him. Second, 14:4 teaches that they gladly offer themselves as sacrifices to God. Third, they are engaged to the Lamb and must never violate this relationship by flirting with ungodly world systems. Fourth, the Lamb s people long to be blameless like the Lamb. Fifth, they follow wherever the Lamb leads. Sixth, through their faithfulness, even unto death, they win the victory over the beast.

7 7 window 4 : God s faithful bride And the temple of the tabernacle that is in heaven was opened (15:5). With these words we transition into the fourth major section of Revelation. The Bowls of God s Judgment (15:1-16:21) As awful as this judgment scene is, the verses are saturated with the gospel. The seven bowls provide a different perspective of the same judgment depicted by the seals and trumpets. The images communicate the horrors of what happens when people do not repent. Sores cover human bodies, and bodies of water become blood. Rebellious nations gather for war at Har-Magedon (Armageddon). There is no such place as Armageddon. The name symbolizes the last resistance staged by the anti-christ. Chapter 19 will show us that the battle is never fought. The resistance ends when Jesus shows up. These verses remind us that judgment is horrible and justified. But God gives ample time for repentance before His judgment comes. There is no refuge from the judging God. But there is refuge in the judging God. Mercy! Babylon Mother of Harlots (17:1-19:10) John sees a woman sitting on a seven-headed, ten-horned beast. She also sits on many waters. The vision suggests a mixing of apocalyptic images (political kingdoms and religious institutions). Her name is Babylon, the Mother of Harlots. Her satanic influence covers the earth. Babylon wants to take the place of Christ, the Bride, but she can t. So she wields her influence over the earth to counter the work of God. In John s day, Rome was the Babylon. Every era has its own Babylon that counters the mission of God. How can we spot the Babylon of our day? By knowing her marks. She leaves God out of the picture. She is marked by sensuality, injustice, violence, deception, and idolatry. Her influence makes it hard to be a true disciple of Jesus. Betrothed to the Lamb (19:1-10) These verses hint that we are hitting the home stretch when God will deliver His Church from the influence of Babylon. One sign of this victory is the description of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. The Church is engaged to Jesus Christ, and He is preparing His bride for the great feast. Because we are engaged, our relationship with Him is secure. To be a genuine disciple, we must never be found in bed with a different lover. Think about the ramifications of our betrothal. Sin is not just sin; it is adultery. Any sin breaks our marriage vows. Therefore, we must maintain total loyalty to the Groom and be ready for the time He returns. We must strive to be the faithful bride that stays victorious over all the pressures initiated by Babylon. window 5: the final drama And I saw heaven opened and look! (19:11). With the fourth appearance of the word opened, the fifth window opens for us, culminating in the new creation and the new Jerusalem. The Final Battle (19:11-21) The term final battle is actually misleading because the final battle has actually already been fought and won~on the cross. These verses answer two critical questions. First, why does Jesus win the battle? Simply put, He wins because no one can defeat Him due to who He is. He is faithful and true; His eyes penetrate like a flame of fire; His robe is dipped in blood; and on His robe is written King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Second, how does He win the battle? Not with the traditional weapons of war. He wins by speaking. Just like God began history in Genesis 1:1 with the spoken word, He will end history with the spoken word. The final battle will never be fought because Jesus has already won. continued on page 8

8 8 WINDOW 5: THE FINAL DRAMA continued from page 7 The Millennium (20:1-10) The Bible speaks of Jesus reigning for a thousand years in six different verses, all in this chapter. There are three major interpretations regarding the Millennium: pre-millennial~jesus returns before the thousand years; a-millennial, a symbolic time frame referring to the Church age; and postmillennial~jesus returns after the millennium. All three agree that the best is yet to come and that the future belongs to Jesus. All three should agree that the thousand years is symbolic. Moreover, all should agree that Jesus is not going to become king; He already is king. Finally, all should agree that the gospel is powerful enough to change the culture in the present. The important number is not one thousand. The important number is one. When we woke up this morning we were one day closer to the day when Jesus will finally have his way! The Great White Throne (20:11-15) One day we will stand before God s throne and give an accounting of our lives. In this chapter the throne is the central focus. The One sitting on the throne is Jesus Himself. Everyone stands before the throne. The books are opened, and the dead are judged according to their deeds. Verse 12 indicates that another book was opened, the Lamb s book of life. Those whose names were not found in this book were thrown into the lake of fire, symbolizing the state of deep regret and anguish. This is the second death. The first death happens when we die. The second death is for all who go through life refusing to repent. What, in essence, is the Great White Throne all about? At the judgment, the book on me is going to be opened. Then the book on Jesus is going to be opened. Then the book on Jesus is going to be placed over the book on me! And in place of my deeds, the court sees his deeds! What s Absent in the New City? (21:1-22:5) The end of the story is not about the end of creation; it is about the beginning of a new creation. The text describes the new creation in the setting of a city. John immediately notices the absence of some things. The sea, representing powers that threaten to undo believers, is not present. There are no tears, pain, or death. The new city is void of any character trait and behavior that is not consistent with God s kingdom. And, interestingly, there is no temple. Why? Because the city itself is the temple. Verse 23 indicates that the light of Jesus so fills the place that there is no need for the sun or moon. The new city also has no gates. It is an open community. And finally, there is no curse. The curse from Eden is eradicated forever. What s Present in the New City? (21:1-22:5) God promised to make all things new. He will take all things in the existing creation and make them new. What does John see in the new city? First, and most important, God is present, dwelling among the people. Second, the city radiates with glory, the glory that comes from the slaughtered Lamb of God. Third, the stuff of the earth is present~rocks, rivers, streets, trees, etc. Fourth, the text notes that peoples (plural) are there, indicating the new city s multi-ethnicity. Fifth, there is life. The word here is zoe, not just bios. The new city will be filled not just with biological life, but with life that never runs out. Finally, and most wonderfully, we will see His face there. Our lives will be so transformed that we will actually be able to see the face of God. & prologue epilogue (1:1-8; 22:6-21) All about Jesus The beginning of Revelation and the end remind us that the book is all about Jesus Christ. Any interpretation that does not lead to the feet of Jesus is off the mark. The book is about Him and is written to lead people to Him. continued on page 9

9 9 PROLOGUE & EPILOGUE: (1:1-8; 22:6-21) continued from page 8 The literal title for this final book of the Bible is The Apocalypse. The word does not suggest gloom and doom. Instead, it communicates a breaking through and the unveiling of Jesus Christ. Remember, apocalyptic literature helps us understand the present with all of its challenges in light of the unseen realities of the future and the unseen realities of the present. There is more to reality than what we can comprehend with our intellect and emotions. The Time Is Near The time is near. Those words appear at the beginning (1:3) and the end (22:10) of Revelation. Near for what? The time is near for the world to know Jesus. He is not somewhere far off. He is near and for 2,000 years has been moving toward us. The time is near for Jesus to have His way. He is the Alpha and the Omega. He is the beginning and the end. Everything comes from Him and exists for Him. How could anyone resist Him? What must disciples living on the edge do between now and that glorious day? They must resist everything that represents the night. They must embrace the day and walk with God in the light. And they must enter the darkness with the light of Jesus shining bright. Volume 3, Number 32 Publisher Catherine & David Martin Editors Cheryl & Michael Chiapperino Published on the World Wide Web at ChristianBookSummaries.com. The mission of Christian Book Summaries is to enhance the ministry of thinking Christians by providing thorough and readable summaries of noteworthy books from Christian publishers. The opinions expressed are those of the original writers and are not necessarily those of Christian Book Summaries or its Council of Reference. Discipleship on the Edge: An Expository Journey Through The Book of Revelation by Darrell W. Johnson, copyright c 2004 by Darrell W. Johnson. Used by permission of the publisher, Regent College Publising, 5800 University Boulevard, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 2E4 Canada. 412 Pages. $24.95 U.S. ISBN: X. Available at your favorite bookstore, online bookseller, or at The author: Darrell W. Johnson is Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Darrell and his wife, Sharon, have four children, all adopted, from four different countries of the world. Summarized by: Ken Kelly. A graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Dr. Kelly has served as senior pastor of Chapin Baptist Church in Chapin, South Carolina since 1986.