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.

In chapter 2 we are introduced to the seven churches spoken of in chapter 1. Beginning with Ephesus and Smyrna we see examples of the enduring call to faithfulness in Christ. The church in Ephesus was commended for its orthodoxy of the truth of the gospel, but was challenged by its coldness as it turned away from its first love. If it didn't return to Christ then he would come and take the lampstand away, leaving it without any hope or proclamation of the gospel.

In Smyrna, only one of two churches not to be rebuked, the news was hard for them as Jesus tells them they would continue in their tribulation. This would be for a period of time known to God and this was of great comfort. To endure the tribulation would mean that they would receive the crown of life in eternity.

The message to these two churches is one of staying faithful to the end. To do so means an eternity of great joy and security, where the fruit of the tree of life would be theirs and the freedom in Christ to escape the second death-the punishment received by those who reject Jesus.

Glorious Hope is a podcast teaching series from Annalong Presbyterian Church. You can find out more at 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/TifLOSZSDvA.

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.

John introduces this book as a prophecy that is to be read aloud. Prophecy is not just future telling, but tells us what our current state is. When you survey the prophecies of the Old Testament you gain an understanding that the prophets spoke more about the people's relationship with God and then warned them of what would happen if they did not repent. So the prophetic message of Revelation 1 v 9-20 is one that tells us the current reality of Jesus and where he is most happy to be. The image is given of Jesus amongst the lampstands, confirmed as the seven churches in Asia Minor. Jesus is in the midst of the midst of the churches and is not abstract from them.

John goes on to see the reality of Jesus and who he is to his people. John knew Jesus well and what he sees is the glorified Christ who has authority and command of all things. But he is also the Christ who puts his right hand on John and says "Fear not". Our Saviour is gracious and loving and wants us to trust in him so that we will know him as our glorious hope.

Glorious Hope is a podcast teaching series from Annalong Presbyterian Church. You can find out more at 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 can be viewed at https://youtu.be/GAJc1t9vv0A.

On Sunday 21 September 2025 we began our new teaching series in the book of revelation. This introductory sermon introduced, through he first 8 verses of the book, how Revelation serves as a profound source of hope for God's people, and it is imperative that we approach it with the understanding that it is not intended to create division among Christians or to cause confusion.

Rather, the text presents a vivid portrayal of Christ's triumphant return, which will be a day of great celebration for those who have embraced Him, contrasting sharply with the sorrow and torment that awaits those who have chosen to reject His grace. As we embark on this study through Revelation, we shall explore its rich theological significance, recognising its message as one of encouragement and assurance amid the trials faced by believers.

The overarching theme of this series, aptly titled "Glorious Hope," underscores the essential truth that Christ's return is certain and that it heralds a victorious outcome for His followers. We invite you to engage deeply with this book, fostering a greater understanding of its implications for our lives and our faith.

Glorious Hope is a podcast teaching series from Annalong Presbyterian Church. You can find out more at 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 can be viewed at https://youtu.be/bQ6JwpaySck.