Christians too often either avoid the book of Revelation or leave it to be interpreted by people with wild futuristic scenarios. Engaging Revelation is written in the conviction that Revelation can be read for what it is--a magnificent proclamation of the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Engaging Revelation guides readers through this last book of the Bible and explains how to understand its picturesque imagery and symbols. Even more it explores how Revelation speaks a powerful word, God's word, to our time. "Pastor Mark Braaten addresses a challenging and often misunderstood book of the Bible in ways that are easy to understand and follow. His right placement of God's word of hope and promise alongside of God's word of warning and judgment are faithful to the text and life-giving to anyone willing to listen. I was blessed by his work and highly recommend it to anyone serious about studying the book of Revelation." --Daniel Selbo, bishop, North American Lutheran Church "Pastor Braaten is a skilled and caring minister who wants all people to come to know the love of God. In Engaging Revelation, it's easy to pick up on his emphasis on God's activity in the lives of believers and in the world. He continually points to the sometimes mysterious book of Revelation as one that is filled with both promise and warning. In true Lutheran fashion, he clearly delineates the dialectic of Law and Gospel found in the Revelation. People often ask the question of theodicy, 'Where is God in the midst of trial and suffering?' Braaten reminds the reader that Jesus is in the midst of his churches, constantly loving, tending, forgiving, and speaking the word of God to his people. For any who have struggled with the last book of the Bible, this study is well worth picking up." --Amy C. Little, general secretary, North American Lutheran Church The Rev. Dr. Mark Braaten has served in pastoral ministry for over 40 years. He presently serves as the Southern Area Assistant to the Bishop of the North American Lutheran Church. He has a 30 plus year fascination with the book of Revelation. His Doctor of Ministry degree is in Revelation studies; he has taught on Revelation in numerous places in the United States and Ethiopia. Pastor Mark continues to be fascinated by this powerful last book of the Bible. In addition to his new book, Engaging Revelation, Rev. Braaten has also written Come Lord Jesus A Study of Revelation. Additional books and studies by Rev. Braaten include the books Prayer as Joy Prayer as Struggle, Telling Their Stories - Encounters with Jesus, and a Bible study Ruth - The Adult Version. Rev. Braaten is married to Karen and they are the parents of three children - Amber, Christopher, and Cassaundra. In addition, their family has been blessed with three grandchildren - Skylar, Scarlett, and Sophia. Rev. Braaten lives in Bullard, Texas and he thoroughly enjoys the beauty and lifestyle of East Texas. He is a native Northern Minnesotan and still loves fishing and canoeing along the Canadian border. His hobbies include swimming and playing with grandchildren. For more information about books by Rev. Braaten, please go to his website at engagingrevelation.com