Introduction

Good morning, beloved family. It's such a joy to see each one of you here today, gathered in unity and love, as we seek to understand the Word of God more deeply together.

Today, we turn our hearts and minds to the book of Revelation, specifically chapter 18. A chapter filled with imagery and prophecy, a chapter that has perplexed many, but also a chapter that carries a message of utmost importance for us today.

Before we read the scripture, I'm reminded of a quote from the great Christian theologian, J.I. Packer, who once said, "The Bible is God's word to us, still fresh through all the ages. And if we read it and believe it, we'll find that it is not an old book, but a book that speaks to our here and now."

Let's keep this in mind as we read from Revelation 18:

"After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven. He had great authority, and the earth was illuminated by his splendor. With a mighty voice he shouted:

'Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great!'

She has become a dwelling for demons and a haunt for every impure spirit, a haunt for every unclean bird, a haunt for every unclean and detestable animal.

For all the nations have drunk the maddening wine of her adulteries.

The kings of the earth committed adultery with her, and the merchants of the earth grew rich from her excessive luxuries.'"

Revelation's Warnings

As we proceed, let's remember the words of Francis Schaeffer: "The Bible is not a series of disconnected stories; it is a single narrative in which every story, every character points beyond itself to One who is greater."

Today, we are not just reading a prophecy about Babylon, but a message for us. A message about Revelation's warnings, our readiness for Christ's return, and the repercussions of unpreparedness.

The first thing we notice in Revelation 18 is the fall of Babylon. Babylon, in the Bible, is often used as a symbol of human pride and rebellion against God. It's the city that tried to build a tower to reach heaven, a city that thought it could challenge God and win. But here, in Revelation, we see Babylon's downfall. The city that thought it was invincible is brought low. It's a stark reminder that no matter how powerful we think we are, we are nothing compared to God.

But the warning in Revelation 18 goes deeper than just the fall of a city. It's a warning about the dangers of materialism and wealth. Babylon is described as a city of luxury, a city where the merchants of the earth grew rich from her excessive luxuries. But all that wealth and luxury is shown to be hollow and empty. It's a warning to us not to put our trust in material possessions, not to let the pursuit of wealth become our god.

Yet, there's another layer to this warning. Babylon is not just a city of wealth, it's a city of corruption. It's a city where the kings of the earth committed adultery with her, a city that has become a dwelling for demons. It's a warning about the dangers of moral corruption, about the consequences of turning away from God's laws and standards. It's a reminder that sin has consequences, that living a life of rebellion against God leads to destruction.

Finally, the warning in Revelation 18 is a call to action. It's a call to come out of Babylon, to separate ourselves from the corruption and materialism of the world. It's a call to live lives that are different, lives that are focused on God rather than on the things of this world. It's a call to be ready for the return of Christ, to live in the light of His coming.

Readiness for Return

As we continue our examination of Revelation 18, we find ourselves confronted with a powerful image of readiness ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO