Where the Headlines Mirror the Bible 

by Robert Mitchell

Those attending a weekly Bible study on the Book of Revelation at this Salvation Army church in western Pennsylvania like to say they’re “getting ready for battle.” 

“They know they can’t go to battle without the Word of God, and that’s why they come together,” said Captain Kara Martin, who leads the Mon Valley Worship and Service Center in Donora, Pennsylvania. “That’s the purpose behind the Bible study. We’re just getting ready for the battle. We’re drawing near to Christ.” 

About a dozen people gather each Tuesday in the chapel from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. to enjoy lunch, snacks, coffee, and an in-depth study of the Bible’s final book at this corps about an hour south of Pittsburgh. 

The group uses a textbook from John Wesley’s Bible study series, but the teachers are Martin and Envoy Michael Jung, who works out of The Salvation Army’s divisional headquarters in Pittsburgh. Jung has taught Wesley’s Revelation study several times throughout the USA Eastern Territory and always sees new insights. 

“God has really allowed me to grow in my faith through it by revealing new things in the Word as I have taught it and re-taught it,” Jung said. 

Things to come 

Revelation is a deeply mysterious book written by the Apostle John. The imagery has been debated by theologians for centuries, and Martin and Jung said they are careful not to get caught up in teaching one view over another, as there are many differing opinions within Protestantism about the future. 

While Revelation is widely seen as predicting future events in many Protestant circles, Salvation Army Founder William Booth chose to emphasize personal holiness, evangelism, and social reform instead of drawing up elaborate future timelines. 

Jung said he sees how some in the Mon Valley Bible study group believe they are seeing the words of Revelation come to fruition given current events in the Middle East centering around the nation of Israel. 

“I think they’re realizing the connection of today’s world to the scriptures in Revelation,” he said. “They’re saying, ‘Oh, wow. What is going on today is mentioned in the Bible.’ They’re getting a sense of connection to what Revelation is revealing.” 

But Jung is clear that he doesn’t dwell much on what Christians often call the “end times” as much as he does Christian living. 

“I’m not teaching it from an end times perspective,” he said. “I’m really teaching it from a holiness perspective. I’m teaching how we need to live out our faith more today than ever.”

“That’s what holiness is … living out our faith. If you’re not living out your faith and that time comes, are you ready to face God and that Judgment Day? The more we understand the Book of Revelation, and what is to come, the more we have an awe of God or a fear of God that allows us to align with His plan for our lives.” 

Connecting the dots 

Gary Painter, who has been sharing what he learns in the Bible study with his family, said, “You see what’s going on in the world today, and you start reading the Bible and Revelation and you see that it’s what Jesus told us is coming.” 

Francisco Maldonado, who plans to become a senior soldier soon, has enjoyed hearing about the letters to the seven churches in Asia Minor (Revelation 2–3) and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (Revelation 6), including one bringing war. 

“Seeing how everything is playing out now is eerily similar to exactly what Revelation says,” Maldonado said. “The more you read Revelation, the more you realize what is happening around you.” 

For Martin, the discussion — a key element of any Bible study — has been enriching. While some people may have heard about the end times and Christ’s second coming in the abstract, she believes it’s important to “sit down and have a Bible study and actually know what you’re hearing” on the topic. 

“They really dive in and are showing a sense of growth,” she said. “We’re learning and growing with each other. It’s been fulfilling. There are days we don’t finish a whole chapter because we do get so engaged in it.”  

Eager for more 

“With everything going on in the world, I honestly don’t think we talk enough about the end times,” Martin said. “Everyone has questions right now. If we just leave that empty, Satan will use that to fill his own space in their head. I think everyone should be talking about it.” 

Martin called her congregation “a building of misfits” that has come together with a thirst to learn what Revelation has to teach. To her, it feels like family sitting around the table. 

“If you don’t fit anywhere, you fit here,” she said. “There’s different levels of education, so we take it slow. We give everyone a chance to talk. They are actually excited about coming to Bible study. It has a ‘Jesus feel.’ Jesus always ate with His people, and they discussed so many things around the table. It’s sharing fellowship at the same time.” 

The study is supposed to end at 1 p.m. but often goes over. Martin also catches the class talking during the fellowship hour after church on Sunday about what they’ve learned the prior Tuesday. 

When the study started, Martin was concerned there might be some struggles because some of the people have learning disabilities. God turned that around. 

“It was just the opposite,” she said. “Those who have learning disabilities are now trying to read, pray, and follow along. The whole group is retaining information and growing in knowledge.” 

Looking ahead 

If the group adds any more people, Martin said she may consider adding a second study. Once they have finished with Revelation, she plans to study the Book of Hebrews. 

“Bible study is one of the meetings that should never be overlooked,” Martin said. “God moves in beautiful ways during these times.” 

Tyrik Davis, a senior soldier, agreed that Bible studies about Revelation and the end times are necessary. He appreciates the way everyone has a chance to be heard, ask questions, and give insights. 

“I think our church is doing a wonderful job on this Bible study,” Davis said. “A lot of churches don’t like to preach or do a Bible study on Revelation because that’s one of the scariest books of the Bible. I got so much out of it. There’s so much to come.” 

Davis said he has drawn closer to God while learning about the new Heaven and earth to come (Revelation 21) and the warnings about the Mark of the Beast (Revelation 13). 

“I’m learning a lot,” he said. “In the end times, I don’t want to be that person that turns their back on God.” 

Visit the website for The Salvation Army's Mon Valley Worship and Service Center in Donora, Pennsylvania.