fractured: from no consensus-
shallow: from endless sound bites and sloganeering (please- no more snappy mission statements)-
disillusioned: from no appeal to truth, and
fatigued: from microwave, fast paced activities, but no form to support the pressure.
“ Worldliness is what any culture does to make sin seem normal and righteousness seem strange.” G.K. Beall
Our modern cities with their wealth, false religions, and sexual exploitation are modern forms of Babylon. The media and their advertisements can bring into our homes and thoughts the seducing message of worshiping money, sex, power, and pleasure. Advertisements tell us that satisfaction and meaningful living can be found if only we buy the latest product. Vern Poythress
What’s so bad about Babylon?
A Faulty System: “The system whereby men and women, beginning absolutely by themselves, try rationally to build out from themselves, having only Man as their integration point, to find all knowledge, meaning and value” Francis Schaeffer
A System that 'Loves things and Uses People'-
A System Run by Selfish People- “Weeping from far away” Why are they weeping?
A System Run by Wicked People- Mother of the Earth’s Abominations
Crying and Cheering- A Clue to Our Allegiance:
18:20- REJOICE OVER HER, O HEAVEN AND YOU SAINTS AND APOSTLES AND PROPHETS FOR GOD HAS GIVEN JUDGMENT FOR YOU AGAINST HER
Will you weep or cheer at the destruction of Babylon?
What do we applaud now? What do we honor now?
Destroy Babylon now….. It is Going Anyway- A Twist on Jim Elliott’s quote:
“He is no fool to destroy what he cannot keep to pursue what he cannot lose”
“I ordinarily begin speaking about sin to a young, urban, non-Christian like this:Sin isn’t only doing bad things, it is more fundamentally making good things into ultimate things. Sin is building your life and meaning on anything, even a very good thing, more than on God. Whatever we build our life on will drive us and enslave us. Sin is primarily idolatry.” Tim Keller
As we list modern day idols, simple state what are the ‘good things’ that we have made into ‘god things”?
DESTROYING ‘BABYLON’ IN OUR LIVES
Allegiance to the King of Kings
Gospel Message and Spirit Power
Practicing The Disciplines of Grace (Prayer/Scripture/Fasting/Worship/ Sacraments)
Silence and Solitude- Evaluation
Fellowship and Accountability
Patience and Perseverance
Try These Things:
Do an Idol Inventory- Ask God to reveal and then help with the fight
Do a Relationship Inventory- Strengthen the Bonds!
Giving to God’s kingdom in Proportion to Supporting World’s System
Discipline and Restraint in Regards to Appetites
TV/ Movies/ Music/ Entertainment- Ask for Discernment
Christian Liberty- Ask for Discernment “All things lawful- but not all profitable”
Use Gifts to Serve
Loving Confrontation – “Hard on Yourself and Tender Toward Others”
II CORINTHIANS 10:4-6 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6 being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.
EPHESIANS 6:10-20 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.
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