Revelation: A New Hope (Week 2)
In this series, we’ll explore Revelation through three lenses: the past—its Jewish roots and symbolism; the present—the context of its original audience; and the future—the timeless truth it speaks to the Church today.
For our Revelation Resources page, click here.
On the podcast, Drew, Pete, and Jessica discussed the question: Can someone’s heart become unhardened? They explored Pharaoh’s hardened heart, while also considering the thief on the cross and the power of repentance:
What do these two stories—Pharaoh and the thief on the cross—teach us about hardened hearts, repentance, and God’s willingness to receive us when we turn toward Him?
What are some signs that our hearts may be becoming hardened toward God? How can we remain sensitive and responsive to Him?
The Book of Revelation can be difficult to understand because of its imagery and symbolism. How can we approach Revelation with humility rather than relying solely on our own ideas, interpretations, or assumptions?
What has the Book of Revelation revealed about God that has shaped the way you understand Him or live your life?
Revelation points us toward God’s ultimate victory and the hope we have in Christ. How should that hope impact the way we live, worship, and remain faithful today?
Practicing the Tools - Three helpful lenses through which to read Revelation
1 – Reading Revelation with its Culture in Mind (Present)
2 – Reading Revelation with History in Mind (Past)
3 – Reading Revelation with Timeless Truth in Mind (Future)
Read Revelation 2:8-11 (Jesus Christ's letter to the persecuted church in Smyrna)
What do you see in this passage that seems to be pointing to something the early church was experiencing in their present context?
What is something here that may be referencing Jewish history or Old Testament Literature?
How do those tools help us understand the timeless truth we can learn in our time?
Read Revelation 3:7-13 (Jesus Christ's message of commendation and promise to the faithful church in Philadelphia)
Use the same three questions above to explore this passage through the lenses of present context, history, and timeless truth.
(*Video available after Sunday services)
