The book of Revelation is the pulling back of the curtain so that we can see what the future of God's people will be. This revelation is our glorious hope as we look to Jesus in these days of tribulation and know for sure he is coming back to take us home.

As we come to the second half of chapter 14 we are once again presented with an image of judgement. This time the judgment is given to us as a harvest of souls. The first harvest is undertaken by Jesus as he reaps the souls of the redeemed and brings them into his glory. The second harvest is of the wicked, who have rejected Christ and worshipped the beast and his image instead. These souls are described as grapes and they are put in the winepress of God's wrath. As the blood flows our of the wine press we see the complete judgement of God against the wicked.

Our response to this section is to look to Jesus, and not envy the ways of the world, so that we can be sure that we are among the harvest of the redeemed and brought into his presence forever.

Glorious Hope is a podcast teaching series from Annalong Presbyterian Church. You can find out more at http://www.annalongpc.org/sermons.

Get your copy of the ESV Scripture Journal (Revelation) wherever you get your Christian books to help your own study in this series.

A video of this podcast is available at https://youtu.be/sddQZd_ezVE.

The book of Revelation is the pulling back of the curtain so that we can see what the future of God's people will be. This revelation is our glorious hope as we look to Jesus in these days of tribulation and know for sure he is coming back to take us home.

Revelation says gives us the same message on repeat, but presents it to us from different perspectives. As we turn to chapter 14 we see again the 144,000 in heaven. This number represents all those who are Christ's and have been faithful to him. We hear that they sing praise of his name and although we don't know the words they sing, Revelation 7 tells us it is of praise of who God is and what he has done for his people. Verses 1 to 5 give us a wonderful image of what it means to be people who are faithful to God and the firstfruits of his plan of redemption.

However, there is a different image presented to us in verses 6 to 11 as three angels bring three messages. The first two communicate a message of encouragement. The first says there is still time to turn to the Lord as it proclaims the Geternal gospel. The second angel announces the fall of Babylon, the representation of everything that is defiled by sin. And the third angel brings a message of stark warning of the judgement of God who continue to worship the beast and its image.

The truth of Revelation 14 v 1-13 is one of great encouragement and great warning to ensure that we are marked with the name of God and the Lamb on our foreheads. This will lead to eternal glory.

Glorious Hope is a podcast teaching series from Annalong Presbyterian Church. You can find out more at http://www.annalongpc.org/sermons.

Get your copy of the ESV Scripture Journal (Revelation) wherever you get your Christian books to help your own study in this series.

A video of this podcast is available at https://youtu.be/REcbBTRhBZQ.

The journey on the road to Emmaus serves as a profound narrative of realisation and spiritual awakening, wherein two disciples, initially shrouded in grief and confusion, ultimately discern the identity of their traveling companion as the risen Lord Jesus. This sermon profoundly explores the significance of recognising Christ not merely as a historical figure but as our ever-present Saviour in our daily lives. As the disciples engage in conversation, their hearts ignite with understanding, revealing the transformative power of Christ's presence amidst the ordinary moments of life. The discourse emphasises the necessity of a deep, personal relationship with Jesus, which transcends mere acknowledgment and demands an active expression of faith through our daily coming to Christ through Bible reading and prayer. Ultimately, you are invited to introspectively examine your own identities in Christ, urging you to embrace the gospel as the only message of salvation that leads to eternal life.

Takeaways:

• The journey of the disciples on the road to Emmaus illustrates the transformative power of recognising Christ as our companion in life's journey.
• In understanding our identity, we must consider how deeply intertwined it is with our relationship with Christ, as revealed through Scripture.
• Discipleship requires a commitment to embodying the teachings of Jesus in our daily lives, rather than relegating Him to occasional worship.
• The experience of the disciples emphasizes the importance of communal recognition of Christ, as they shared the revelation of His identity and mission together.
• Christ's presence in our everyday activities reflects His desire to walk alongside us, offering guidance in both joy and despair.
• The disciples' hearts burned within them as they encountered the risen Lord, highlighting the profound impact of divine revelation on our spiritual journey.

You can listen to more teaching from Annalong Presbyterian Church at www.annalongpc.org/sermons.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ constitutes the fulcrum of the Christian faith, as it signifies His triumph over death and the assurance of eternal life for believers. This sermon delves into the profound journey undertaken by the women who approached the tomb on that momentous Easter Sunday, initially burdened by the weight of their grief and expectation. As they arrived at the tomb, the unexpected sight of the rolled-away stone heralded a transformative truth that would forever alter their understanding of death and resurrection. We explore the significance of their encounter with the angelic messengers, who proclaimed the momentous news, "He is not here; He has risen," illuminating the truth of Jesus' victorious emergence from the grave. Consequently, this episode invites you to reflect upon the implications of the resurrection, challenging you to embrace the hope and assurance it offers in the face of mortality.

Takeaways:

• The resurrection of Jesus Christ marks a transformative moment in Christian faith, showcasing His supremacy over death and affirming the promise of eternal life for believers.
• The journey of the women to the tomb serves as a metaphor for the spiritual journey each individual must undertake in seeking truth and understanding the implications of the resurrection.
• Despite their initial confusion and fear, the women at the tomb become the first witnesses to the resurrection, highlighting the significance of their role in the early Christian community.
• The empty tomb not only signifies Jesus' victory over death but also invites each person to confront their own beliefs about life, death, and the hope found in Christ.
• The ritual observance of preparing Jesus' body reflects the depth of grief experienced by His followers, but the resurrection transforms that grief into joy and hope.
• Ultimately, the resurrection of Jesus is not merely a historical event but a vital truth that compels believers to share the good news of salvation and eternal life with others.

You can find more teaching from Annalong Presbyterian Church at www.annalongpc.org/sermons.

Good Friday is deemed "good" due to the profound significance of what Jesus accomplished on Calvary's cross. This sermon from the Good Friday service at Kilhorne Parish Church delves into the weighty and remarkable nature of this day, reflecting on its implications for humanity's relationship with God. The sermon explores the events surrounding Christ's crucifixion, emphasising the tearing of the temple curtain and the resurrection of the saints, both of which signify a transformative access to God and the promise of eternal life. We examine how Good Friday serves as a pivotal moment in history, where sorrow intertwines with hope, leading us to anticipate the joy of Easter Sunday. Ultimately, we are reminded that this day, while heavy with grief, is imbued with the promise of redemption and future hope through Jesus Christ. The sermon text is from Matthew 27: 27-54.

Takeaways:

• Good Friday serves as a poignant reminder of the profound sacrifice that Jesus made on Calvary's cross, embodying the ultimate act of love and redemption.
• The tearing of the temple curtain symbolises the removal of barriers between humanity and God, granting believers direct access to divine grace and mercy.
• On this day, we reflect on the heavy sorrow of Christ's crucifixion while simultaneously acknowledging the remarkable hope it brings for eternal life through His resurrection.
• This sermon emphasises that the significance of Good Friday is not merely in its sadness, but in the transformative promise it represents for all who put their faith in Jesus.
• The resurrection of Christ, celebrated on Easter, is intricately connected to the events of Good Friday, underscoring the victory over sin and death that believers are assured.
• Ultimately, the message of Good Friday encourages us to respond with faith and trust in Christ, recognising the depth of His love and the hope of eternal life He offers.

This sermon is preach by Rev David McCullagh as guest speaker at the Good Friday service at Kilhorne Parish Church.

To find out more about teaching at Annalong Presbyterian Church, visit www.annalongpc.org/sermons.

The triumphal entry into Jerusalem is often the only event people think of on Palm Sunday. The gospel of Luke records for us other events of the day. The first is Jesus weeping over Jerusalem, telling us of his heart for the lost. Jesus knew that he was going to be rejected by the people, just as the prophets foretold. They had rejected his ministry and in a matter of days they will reject him again and condemn him to crucifixion. Yet he wept over the judgement they will face for their sin and rejection of him.

The second event is the overturning of the trading tables in the temple and the teaching of Jesus. This challenged the morality and ethics of the religious leaders as failing to guard the temple and ensure proper worship was conducted and their theology as the ones who were looking out for the Messiah, yet rejected him in their midst. Jesus displays righteous anger for this and so displays his heart to us. He wants us to be in a full relationship with him and not miss out on the salvation he offers.

Takeaways:

• Jesus demonstrates both sorrow and righteous anger, revealing his deep concern for humanity.
• Palm Sunday highlights the duality of Christ's emotions as he weeps for Jerusalem's lostness.
• The rejection of Jesus by Jerusalem illustrates a profound spiritual blindness that leads to judgment.
• We are called to emulate Jesus by weeping for the lost rather than judging them harshly.
• The cleansing of the temple signifies Jesus' righteous anger against the corruption of true worship.
• Understanding the heart of Christ compels us to genuinely love Him and respond to His call.

You can listen to more teaching podcasts from Annalong Presbyterian Church by going to www.annalongpc.org/podcasts.

As we begin our journey to Easter from Palm Sunday to Resurrection Day we begin, not in Jerusalem, but 500 years before Jesus sat on the donkey as we hear from the prophet Zechariah who foretold of the events of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Zechariah tells us that the Messiah would come and would be unlike any other king the people had known before or like the kings around them. He would be Isaiah's suffering servant and he would bring his people peace. This peace wouldn't be the absence of war, but would be the true peace only salvation can bring.

Takeaways:

• On Palm Sunday, we commemorate the prophesied entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling Zechariah's ancient predictions.
• The prophets of the Old Testament served to communicate God's truth, confronting the people with their spiritual state and calling them to repentance.
• In Zechariah's prophecy, the coming king is depicted as righteous and humble, bringing salvation and peace to all nations, contrasting with earthly rulers.
• The imagery of the suffering servant resonates throughout scripture, culminating in Christ's humble entry on Palm Sunday, emphasizing his role as the Good Shepherd.
• The fulfillment of Zechariah's prophecy in Jesus' triumphal entry illustrates the profound connection between the Old and New Testaments regarding salvation.
• Ultimately, Jesus embodies the long-awaited deliverance for God's people, inviting us to embrace his kingship and the abundant life he offers through salvation.

You can listen to more teaching podcasts from Annalong Presbyterian Church by going to www.annalongpc.org/podcasts.

The book of Revelation is the pulling back of the curtain so that we can see what the future of God's people will be. This revelation is our glorious hope as we look to Jesus in these days of tribulation and know for sure he is coming back to take us home.

As this vision progresses we see images that are more horrifying, but their actions are even worse than their looks. In chapter 13 we are introduced to two beasts, one coming from eh sea and the other from the land. Along with the dragon we see them represent a counterfeit trinity. They try to establish themselves as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, but they are not the reality we need to know. The first beast will be a charismatic communicator and will fool people into believing they are a saviour. The second beast will be the agent of propaganda that shows signs and wonders to prove the first beast.

But John warns us to be on our guard so that we are not taken in by their lies. There is only one Saviour and it is the true Holy Spirit who convinces us of our need of Jesus. In two places in Revelation 13 John gives us words of wisdom on how to identify the falsehood of this world, for it is the ruling structures of the world that will try to draw us away from Christ and so lose out on true salvation.

But don't let it! Look only to Jesus for salvation and know eternal security and rest in him.

Glorious Hope is a podcast teaching series from Annalong Presbyterian Church. You can find out more at http://www.annalongpc.org/sermons.

Get your copy of the ESV Scripture Journal (Revelation) wherever you get your Christian books to help your own study in this series.

A video of this podcast is available at https://youtu.be/IkUswiZGYFg.

The book of Revelation is the pulling back of the curtain so that we can see what the future of God's people will be. This revelation is our glorious hope as we look to Jesus in these days of tribulation and know for sure he is coming back to take us home.

All too often we can read Revelation with the perspective of doom and gloom. And, to be sure, there is much that is said about the attempts of the devil to frustrate the people of God in their worship and witness. But here in Revelation 12 we see the victory of Christ over the devil as he wages war in heaven. The devil, of course, cannot win and so is cast out of heaven unto the earth. The victory is secure and it is won through the blood of Christ. Therefore, the church is assured, as the people of God, that even though he will try the devil will never win.

But try he will. The image here in this second half of this chapter is that the red dragon (the devil) pursues the woman (the church) and her off-spring. The devil goes after all those who hold to the commands of Christ and washed in his blood. The church will be rescued and will be taken to a place of refuge and nourishment. This is GOd's protection and provision for the church in these last days.

So we can take heart. Victory is sure and in Christ we can find the balm of salvation for our troubled, angry and wearisome souls.

Glorious Hope is a podcast teaching series from Annalong Presbyterian Church. You can find out more at http://www.annalongpc.org/sermons.

Get your copy of the ESV Scripture Journal (Revelation) wherever you get your Christian books to help your own study in this series.

A video of this podcast is available at https://youtu.be/dm8Cev-reW4.

The book of Revelation is the pulling back of the curtain so that we can see what the future of God's people will be. This revelation is our glorious hope as we look to Jesus in these days of tribulation and know for sure he is coming back to take us home.

As we come to chapter 12 we enter the second half of Revelation. The first half provided general overviews of history. We saw the world’s opposition to the gospel, Christ’s judgments on the wicked nations, and our calling to persevere in faith. The second half of Revelation homes in on the chief characters in the spiritual warfare taking place behind the scenes.

In these first six verses we told by John that he is shown two signs: a woman and a dragon. This marks the battle lines in heaven as the woman, symbolising the church, is overshadowed by the dragon, symbolising the Satan. The dragon has a certain amount of power, but it is limited. He hovers over rate woman waiting for her child to be born so that he can devoir it.

He doesn't succeed! The child born by the woman is taken up to heaven and is seated on the throne, thereby telling us it is the risen Lord Jesus. The woman flees the scene and goes into he wilderness to find safety and provision during the time of trial and tribulation of the church.

Verse 6 concludes for us the message of this section:

1. This present world as home.
2. The wilderness is a place of safety and provision.
3. Our enemy is a defeated foe.

Knowing this, we can have confidence in Christ that as he says in John 16:33, he has truly over come the world and with such we can have peace in Him.

Glorious Hope is a podcast teaching series from Annalong Presbyterian Church. You can find out more at http://www.annalongpc.org/sermons.

Get your copy of the ESV Scripture Journal (Revelation) wherever you get your Christian books to help your own study in this series.

A video of this podcast is available at https://youtu.be/jn9JWNr-7ko.