*Note: Please enjoy a complimentary ebook download of Unveiled Hope, also by Scotty Smith, with the purchase of Revelation. The ebook will automatically be added to your cart.
When the difficulties of life suggest that evil and chaos reign, we need to see that God occupies the throne in heaven and rules this world. Revelation: Hope in the Darkness by Scotty Smith reminds us that in troubled times our hope is in our champion Savior who is with us and will one day make all things right.
This fourteen-week study in the Gospel-Centered Life in the Bible series provides in-depth lessons for one-on-one discipleship, small group, or large group settings. In this guide, author Scotty Smith give us a unique perspective on the end times that maps onto modern-day issues and problems. There is a battle raging against Jesus and his people, but be assured: Jesus wins. Though the world's kingdoms entice and persecute us, the gospel still advances. The Lamb is on the throne, and he alone is worthy of our worship. We can anticipate with great joy the final victory of Jesus and the wedding of the Lamb. Our destiny is renewal and new life, rejoicing with our Savior in the New Jerusalem.
"Over twenty years ago Scotty's Unveiled Hope had a significant impact on my life and ministry. I now heartily endorse its refreshing updated presentation in the amazingly useful study guide, Revelation: Hope in the Darkness. It is clear, concise, gospel-focused, accessible, and a great tool for Christians seeking to understand and find real, substantive hope in this final book of the Bible. The excellent pedagogical approach for small group study follows the biblical text with an insightful article and useful heart-focused exercises leading to group discussion and prayer. Scotty's perspective transcends millennial preferences in a respectful and unifying way that calls believers to engage the world courageously rather than fearfully escape it."
Mark Dalbey, President, Covenant Theological Seminary, St Louis, MO
"Scotty and I have been walking together as brothers and friends for over thirty years. Our friendship has been forged by the journey into our brokenness and growing in a deeper understanding and experience of the riches of the gospel. Scotty's sermons on the book of Revelation, and now this new study guide, Revelation: Hope in the Darkness, capture so many of the freeing and transforming things we have learned together, shaping his writing and influencing many of my songs."
Steven Curtis Chapman, Artist; author; cofounder of Show Hope
"What I love most about Scotty is the way he helps me see Jesus more clearly and love him more deeply. He does this and more in this study of Revelation. In an uncertain time, and through an often difficult and confusing book, he masterfully shows how Revelation, like all of Scripture, is ultimately about the grace and glory of Jesus. I heartily recommend it to you!"
Sammy Rhodes, RUF Campus Minister; author of Beloved and Broken
"Scotty Smith walks us through the book of Revelation, helping us to see the unassailable hope we have in the Lamb who wins. This study guide is invaluable in guarding the reader against common pitfalls and steering them in the direction of resting and delighting in the finished work of Christ. Its questions and exercises will enable groups to apply the truths of this wonderful book deeply into their lives."
Ralph Cunnington, Pastor, City Church, Manchester, England
"Revelation: Hope in the Darkness by Scotty Smith combines the heart of a pastor, the biblical knowledge of a seminary professor, and the imagination of an artist to guide you and your group through one of the most fascinating but often misunderstood books of the Bible. The teaching content is inspiring, the tone is gracious, the format easy to use, and the questions stir up a deeper longing to get to know Jesus better."
Jim Thomas, Lead Pastor, The Village Chapel, Nashville, TN
"Nothing is more vital to our intimacy with Christ than spending time with him in his Word. But a lot of Bible studies stop short and only deal with concepts and ideas and never really speak to our hearts. That's why I'm so excited about this series. Each author writes about the unique gospel insights he or she has gained from Scripture and has created a small group study that will help people actually encounter Christ and be changed by the power of his grace. God has used this material powerfully in my life, marriage, and ministry, and that is my prayer for you as well."
Bob Osborne, Executive Director, Serge
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After doing the Jonah study. (We all loved) we had high expectations and we have found ourselves disappointed. Started out great, but then was not helpful to learn and understand this book of the Bible. Would not recommend if you want to learn about the text.
I highly recommend this study guide for small group bible study. The content is excellent and easy to follow. Pastor Scotty Smith has done a marvelous job of helping us to see Jesus in the book of Revelation.
The Gospel-Center Life in the Bible Series provides Bible Study guides that are perfect for small groups. The topic for this particular study is the New Testament book of Revelation. There are fourteen in-depth lessons that explore the primary theme of the book - Hope in the Darkness. These easy to follow guides require no homework for the participants and are packed with solid Bible teaching. While this complimentary book was provided for review by New Growth Press, no other compensation was given. All remarks are my personal and honest opinion.
There are fourteen sessions in this group study guide. The recommended time is one hour for each lesson, although depending on the amount of discussion, it could easily take longer to complete. The sessions all follow the same format, starting with a ‘Big Idea’ as an introductory statement, then a ‘Bible Conversation’ which introduces the scripture passage and asks some questions to develop our understanding. This is followed by an article from the author, which includes personal reflection, and then questions for discussion. There is an exercise for each participant to complete individually, followed by prayer. The prayer time is the ‘take-away’ for each session, that as we look to apply the lessons we have learnt, it is God who does the work in our lives. There are additional notes for the group leader included at the back of the book. This book takes more of an overview, looking at the big picture of the message of Revelation, zooming out rather than zooming in. In some chapters, the subject matter is lightly touched while the study focuses on its main aim, which is to bring a relevant and applicable message of hope for our lives today. The study covers a range of topics including God’s sovereignty, His protection, our perspective on suffering, and the importance of prayer and worship. How this book affected me: Revelation: Hope in the Darkness is a study that concentrates on feeding faith, rather than fear, and focuses on the love of Jesus for His bride the Church. It does, however, challenge complacency and comfort over repentance and revival. Throughout the book there is a constant theme of hope, always keeping the end of the story in sight, that Jesus wins and finally defeated evil will become eradicated evil! Who would enjoy this book: Anyone who is slightly intimidated by the subject matter of Revelation, would benefit from this study guide as it opens the message in a very relatable way. There are clear explanations of the imagery used while challenging our vision of Jesus and His role in our lives today. Anyone searching for life powering encouragement, while being prepared to reflect and consider life preserving rebuke, would gain from working through this study. The book does not bring any condemnation, it has a clear message of hope – “we are to live for the pleasure and praise of Jesus, not that He might accept us but because He already has.” This review was written by Sharon Hazel for FindingGodAmongUs.com
Part of an ongoing series of bible studies that emphasise gospel centred living. Intended for group use, they helpfully point the members towards honest reflection about how the gospel affects them and how change can be affected through God’s grace. In each lesson, the author has helpfully written an article and probing questions for application. However, the studies do not lead the reader into detailed exegesis, and so do not really help people to read and interpret the Bible for themselves. (I received an ebook in exchange for an honest review)
There is a blessing for anyone ready to learn more about Revelation. It's a hard book with a lot of confusion. That's why I really enjoyed Scotty Smith's work in Revelation: Hope in the Darkness. This is a 14-week study that is designed for small groups. Although I know that's a little longer for a group to meet, this is a great book to dive into that I think takes time. The format is easy-to-follow and for anyone looking for a simple explanation of Revelation, this study delivers. It might be too basic for some, but I think it not only helps the reader learn Revelation, but also find hope. I absolutely recommend. I received an eBook for review purposes. I was not compensated and all opinions are my own.
There is no lack of controversy surrounding the interpretation of the last book of the Bible. Scotty Smith in this impressive gospel-centered book, consistently points us to a grand vision of the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He shows us that the book of Revelation must fill us with hope (instead of fear) and should motivate us to live our lives fully submitted to our Savior-King. The Gospel-centered life series of books is designed primarily for group study. Each chapter has a big idea, a Bible conversation, an article, discussion questions and a personal exercise, concluding with a final wrap-up and prayer (same format as followed in most books in the series). This 14-week study from Revelation doesn’t focus on controversial interpretative issues but tries to summarize the main themes of each chapter, ultimately presenting us with a grand vision of King Jesus. In the initial chapters of the study, we are presented with the apostle John’s majestic vision of Jesus, who is the foundation and anchor of all our hope. In every season of life, and especially in adversity, we need to recover this big vision of Jesus. We are also given an inside view of Jesus’ love for the church and His work of revival among His people. We are told that God is on the throne and Jesus the Lamb who was slain is the only one worthy of opening the seven seals. If God is on the throne, it means that our suffering in this world is under His control and has meaning and purpose. What I love about Scotty Smith’s approach is his relentless focus on Jesus. He shows us that the seven seals, the seven trumpets and the seven bowls all reveal God’s compassionate heart toward an unrepentant people. The various other visions in the middle chapters of Revelation show the cosmic war raging between the Lamb and the Dragon, ultimately resulting in victory for King Jesus. Babylon will be decimated, and King Jesus will reign with His people in the new heaven and the new earth. Jesus’ death and resurrection guarantee that fact. As Scotty writes, “Defeated evil will become eradicated evil.” This should fill us with vibrant hope in the present! I really enjoyed this study on Revelation, and I appreciate the publisher New Growth Press for continuing to produce such rich gospel-centered materials for the Church. The format of the series is excellent and each book in the series consistently points to Christ, our Redeemer. The books also provide a section for leader’s notes, which provide more detail and insight for those leading the study. The appendix in this book ends with the various millennial views and encourages us not to be dogmatic about any of these views. For its gospel-rich insights and practical application, I am glad to commend this book to all. 5/5 stars. *I received this free book from New Growth Press, but was not required to write a favorable review.*
