Disciples Must Choose

In Revelation, every man either “Tabernacles in Heaven” or is one of the “Inhabitants of the Earth.” The terms are not geographical or spatial but reflect whom the group serves. Men either belong to “Heaven” or the “Earth.” Those who elect to follow the Lamb “Tabernacle in Heaven,” but the “Inhabitants of the Earth” choose to submit to the “Dragon” and consequently await a grim fate.

The Shining City

Contrary to the claims of politicians and far too many church leaders, Jesus is the only light able to illuminate this dark world, and as they follow him “wherever he leads,” preach his Gospel, and otherwise reflect him, his Body, the Assembly of Spirit-filled saints, becomes the only shining “City on a Hill” on the Earth.

The Recurring Empire

Not only was Babylon an ancient kingdom, but it also serves in Scripture as a symbol for the repeated attempts by kings and tyrants to establish regional and global empires and their inevitable destruction. The rising and falling of empires is as old as human civilization, and the phenomenon continues to this day as one presumed world ruler replaces another. Underneath its shiny exterior, it is always the same beastly entity.

The True Emperor

Jesus has reigned as Sovereign over the Earth since his Death and Resurrection, already he is seated on the Messianic Throne. Because of his obedience, he is the “Ruler of the Kings of the Earth.” Before his Ascension, he declared that God had bestowed all authority on him - “In Heaven and on Earth.” Thus, his authority is without limits and a present reality. Working for competing political entities is, at best, a waste of time.

Idolizing Caesar

In Revelation, the “False Prophet” uses religious symbolism and economic control to coax the inhabitants of the World Empire to render homage to the Imperial Throne. Whether force or persuasion is employed, the goal remains the same. Men who refuse to embrace and venerate the “Beast” are excluded from economic activity and thereby impoverished.

Usurping God

Paul pointed to the obedience of Jesus as the model of proper conduct for disciples. His willingness to die at the hands of the World Empire is the paradigm for how believers must live and think if they wish to follow him “wherever he goes.” His self-sacrificial act stands in sharp contrast to the political systems of this age that seek to replace God and impose their rule over humanity.

Mistaken Prophets?

In recent years, the world has witnessed significant prophetic failures by the “apostles” and “prophets” who dominate the Charismatic Movement. One of these predictions was so spectacularly wrong that several “prophets” found it necessary to issue public apologies. Alas, their “repentance” and public exposure have not stopped them and their deceptive activities. They simply repackage themselves and rebrand their “ministries.”