The Fall of Babylon

Posted on August 4, 2014 by Mark Shields

The mood in Revelation 18 is somber because of the announcement of the fall of Babylon from an angel of heaven. Once, a great city of trade that created wealth for many is suddenly brought to ruin.

Babylon has been symbolized as a harlot in previous chapters. In Revelation 17:16 the angel told John that the beast and the ten horns you saw will hate the prostitute and bring her to ruin; leaving her naked, her flesh eaten, and her body burned with fire.

Now another angel who many say is Christ himself coming to destroy His enemies announces the fall of commercial Babylon. Wickedness was prominent throughout the city as it was a godless place. The people worshiped idols, sought luxury, were greedy, and desired pleasure.

Can you imagine a great city of today that suddenly had a catastrophic demise? It would probably have tremendous ramifications throughout the world. The stock market would crash, security around the world would be ramped up, and politicians would create new laws thinking they could “play God” to control the situation.

It wears on the mind as we live in a world were evil exist but God’s Word provides food for the mind and His Son creates light for understanding. This day with God, let us take warning to what destroys and what builds up. The work we do for Christ will last forever so pray for each day and look forward to growing, sharing, and building up the kingdom together. Wealth and other things of this world can soon vanish but a future with Christ is forever.

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Trusting in the Promise

Posted on August 1, 2014 by Mark Shields

At this point in the journey as I travel through Revelation 17:7-18 and post some thoughts, we are getting a glimpse into end of times. The faithful will have the advantage because of trust in the promise; keeping a positive outlook because of remembering that God has helped in the past and believing that good things will happen in the future. Take a look at this video for inspiration throughout this day with God: He Is With Us – Love & the Outcome.

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Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. – Hebrews 11:1

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Led in Spirit

Posted on July 31, 2014 by Mark Shields

In Revelation 17:7-18, we continue to read about the mystery as John is led in Spirit by one of the seven angels to a vision of a woman on a beast. The woman is a harlot who is transported by a beast that has seven heads which represent seven kings and ten horns which represent ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom.

The harlot symbolizes a city (Babylon or Rome). The beast is the symbol of idolatry and tyranny. Those that see government as the answer to society’s problems will continue to think they can create a heaven on earth. But Christians know who can provide heaven on earth.

We are getting another glimpse of the end of times in this reading. The people of earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the creation of the world respond to the beast with astonishment (v. 8). The beast will be given power and authority from the kings to make war against the Lamb (v. 13-14).

But we know who wins the war. Only God can create a perfect place that fixes all things. Sometimes things have to be broken down first. God can make anything new and improved if we trust in His ability to turn our doubts and fears around and replace them with trust.

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This day with God, trust that He will make this a better day. Let us also look forward to the improved tomorrows.

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Taking a Stand

Posted on July 30, 2014 by Mark Shields

Some say the harlot which I wrote about in yesterday’s post and described in Revelation 17:1-6 represents the ultimate in godless world religion. A question brought out in this passage is what is the extent of corruption in your local, state and national government?

Taking stands on tough issues is what we need from leaders. Truth will always be truth and wise leaders realize that honesty is the best policy. They not only have class and character but are careful to surround themselves with others who have these same attributes. The result is a pattern of excellence with justice and fairness.
 
Ultimately, those on the side of God are victorious so remain faithful until the end my friend. I hope you will be inspired by this video of one leader that took a stand years ago when he gave this speech: Winston Churchhill “Finest Hour”.



But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. – Amos 5:24

 

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Godless World Religion

Posted on July 29, 2014 by Mark Shields

Reading in Revelation 17:1-6, a great harlot is depicted as the symbol of apostasy and idol-worship; drunk with the blood of the saints (v.6). She represents the ultimate in godless world religion who has been involved with the kings of the earth.

The setting is in a desert or wilderness. The harlot is attractive yet repulsive because she is dressed in purple and scarlet; glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls. She holds a golden cup filled with abominable things and the filth of her adulteries.

The church is thought of as the wife of Christ and in a way, one might think of the harlot depicted in this passage as the wife of Satan. Many in society would like to have a godless religious system. Others see greatness in one nation under God with diverse denominations providing for a religious system that is secure and strong. History has proven over and over that nations with a godless religious system along with an unaccountable government results in disaster for its people.

A balance of power is healthy. The framers of the U. S. constitution realized the need for diversity and integrity. There are so many ideas on how best to govern a city, state, or nation but the system that seems to work best is the idea that the power belongs with its people under one God.

Many diverse small governments (cities, counties, and states) working together with liberty and justice are accountable to its people. This day with God, let us pray for more nations of freedom; the type of freedom that allows its people to use their God given talents for society so they can live, give, and love. With this freedom, people speak and teach; laying out a clear path for each generation to follow.

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