Stranded Here In Bablyon (America)

Stranded Here in Babylon

Revelation 1:13-16, 20

Babylon, the name is known to all. It's an ancient city, but also a euphemism for a depraved culture. In the Bible, at least once, Rome is referenced with the name Babylon. I would say it's fair that the name “Babylon” could well be a synonym for America. We have become a nation where hatred and incivility rule the day. We have a so-called “Cancel culture” that tries to silence and malign anyone who speaks against the cultural orthodox of there are no morals, anything goes. Sin has become a relic of the past, and as far as our culture is concerned, you better not offend anyone by calling anything sin. Sadly, the one person Americans don't seem to care if they offend, is God. Consider the backlash when a Catholic bishop declared Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi was not eligible for communion in the Catholic church. The bishop is right, by the way. No politician who is Catholic, including our president, should be allowed to partake of communion when they lobby for things that are clearly against what their church teaches. That's Biblical, it's called church disciplined. Frankly, I don't think withholding communion goes far enough, I think they should be ex-communicated, removed from membership in the church until they repent. Yet, our culture is not angry at Nancy Pelosi, but at the Bishop for holding to the Bible concept of holiness and church discipline. A San Francisco newspaper wrote a scathing article on the bishop accusing him, in essence, of betraying the Christian faith. No, he was being faithful to the Christian faith. The faith says, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. BUT, if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just, to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His truth is not in us.” But, the culture ignores that, thinking they know better than a bishop of the church, what constitutes Christianity.

“Woe to them that call good evil and evil good.” Isaiah 5:20

This is exactly what we have now: a culture that ignores sin and calls righteousness bigotry, hate, etc. It seems American culture will go to any lengths to avoid admission of sin and repenting. Dr. Erwin Lutzer writes,

“As I watch some of the angry and often violent demonstrations on tv...I think it is not an exaggeration to say that we are in danger of mob rule.”

We seem to be a nation that is addicted to being angry. How are Christians to respond? We should not engage anger and hate with anger and hate. We do need to stand on God's word and unapologetically speak the truth in love. We must proclaim God's love through Jesus as the remedy for our sin. We cannot preach grace without holiness or we preach an incomplete message. BUT, we must emphasize the grace and forgiveness God offers. We live in a world looking for and starving for real, sacrificial, healing love. If Christians would openly live out the love of Christ, offering healing, offering a haven from the hatred and vitriol in the world, I believe we would see hearts changing.

America is indeed become Babylon. What does this mean for Jesus' church? Look for a moment at Revelation 1:13-16,20 (Read). Notice that Jesus observes the churches and overseas them. He loves His bride the church and the people whom He died for to redeem. Like the churches in Revelation, Jesus blessed what He likes in us and corrects what He does not. SEVEN times in Revelation, Jesus declares “Hear what the Spirit says to the churches!” As we are in the midst of spiritual Babylon in America, we must now, more than ever, heed the voice of the Holy Spirit which will NEVER contradict what God says in His word via Jesus and the apostles. We have a culture that largely rejects what God says, no surprise, it's always been that way. I'd argue what has really changed is Christians. They begun to have a victim mentality rather than a victorious mentality.

Historically, Jesus and His apostles believed false spirituality and immorality were no rampart against God. They boldly believed God's will will be done no matter what. In modern Babylon, the opposite seems true as many Christians seem to have given up, ceding the country over to darkness. Do we no longer believe that God is on His throne? Do we no longer believe His will will be done? It seems the modern Christendom has embraced defeat because they believe God should miraculously do things while we do nothing. Many substitute prayer for action. It's good to pray...but then get busy. Share your faith, study His word, offer encouragement to people. Don't pray for revival or a turning to God then sit on your hands. Christians have adopted a victim mindset because they pray and don't see miracles because they've substituted prayer for action. They've substituted prayer for evangelism. Pray then act. Pray for the gospel to spread, then share your faith. Don't expect God to do it alone, He works through His people!