There is nothing intrinsically derogatory about the term "cult", even though popular usage might suggest as much.
Upon further study, I agree that use of the word "cult" is not offensive (when taken in light of it's definition) especially when describing it's early followers. However I would have to say that using this to describe Christianity in it's present state is offensive, given it's present popular context. I apologize for jumping the gun.
He was basically saying "though you are persecuted now, fear not, for your suffering heralds the End of Days and the World to Come".
It's basically a re-affirmation for believers to stick to their faith no matter what, even if it means risking ostracisement and death. For the faithful will be rewarded while the evil persecutors will be brought to justice - and in the end, even death will die.
It's just the sort of pep talk you give to a bunch of frightened followers, vindicating their beliefs and promising that they will be rewarded if they keep them.
For anyone interested here is a nice summary article on "The Book Of Revelations" :
Book Of Revelation | Apocalypse! FRONTLINE | PBS
However, given all the intrinsic proficies of the bible that the Messiah must fulfill (which Christ did not) along with the prophecies about the world that were not fulfilled and Christ's claim that he would return to rule, as a believer I feel justifyed in saying "Jesus will return." After all, it was one of the focuses of his preeching and if I believe He is the Son of God then I really can't turn around and say He was just joshing on the subject of his return.
So in regards to The Book Of Revelations, I believe in the inspired writing of the Bible and in such hold that it's message carries on to future believers until time has run it course. Something of a "current events view", current in the first century and current in this century as well as in between. It would seem you hold more of a literal interpretation written by means of symbollic representation (somewhere along the lines of a Kite) as a message to cheer them up through intense persecution. You are justified in saying this as even lots of scholars would agree with you, but as a believer I feel that there is more to The Bool Of Revelations than it's litteral and historical context (in the sense of first century events) and like the rest of the Bible shares a revelation to the world.