BABYLON

Many Bible scholars have questions about America, New York or Rome, wondering if these places pertain to prophetic writings meant for this generation in regard to Babylon.

When reading Isaiah 13:19&20, it is evident that the original empire of Babylon will never be restored as Saddam Hussein envisions: "And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. It shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation: neither shall the shepherds make their fold there."

So, by faith in the Word of God, we now understand that any prophetic reference to a Babylonian-like community would have absolutely nothing
to do with restoration projects under consideration in Iraq, but would have great spiritual significance.

The Roman empire, founded around 750 BC by primitive tribesmen from Central Italy, grew to become powerful during the Life of Christ. Later it became a monarchy under Augustus the heir of Julius Caesar, and was expanded by other emperors who brought all Europe, Northern Africa and Western Asia under Roman domination. These evil heretics created a pagan religion with a large number of gods and goddesses. Because Christians served only one God, they were often persecuted and put to death.

Now in recent years, these lands once occupied by the original Roman empire are being united under a revived monolithic creed -- that has become known in modern times as the European Union. Obviously, there is no biblical reference to indicate that the "EU" is the renewed Babylon. We realize that just as the physical Babylon had a specific location on the world map in the time of Nebuchadnezzar, the prophetic spiritual Babylon will have a specific location other than Iraq. In the same way, just as the historic physical Roman Empire had a specific location on the world map, the
spiritual Roman Empire will have no consanguinity to modern day Italy.

The reason we must be diligent in our search for knowledge regarding basic facts is that we may fail to recognize the man who was born in Rome, yet now lives in a spiritual principality far removed from his birthplace. This "man" is the prophesied "Antichrist" who is presently alive -- and who is busy laying groundwork for a future world empire.

Bible scholars should proceed cautiously with their interpretations, so as not to needlessly confuse students of prophecy. Simon the son of Jonas, a native of Bethsaida, a Galilee town where fishing was a common occupation, was given a new name and a new mission when he spoke these words to Jesus: "Thou are the Christ, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered him: "Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

So, Peter -- meaning "rock" -- was the foundation upon which the authority and power of God's "Church" was established. Now in our time, we have the original Church along with many false churches. Unfortunately, manmade doctrines have divided Christian communities which have been adulterated by false arguments leading to confusion. This confusion now found in all nations is much worse than it was during the era of "babbling tongues" -- which preceded the original "tower of Babel."

Perhaps the historic Babylon was built at that precise location where the tower once stood? Since that time, evil spirits coming out of that Mideast environment have invaded Earth, compounding confusion upon confusion. And now in these days, we have the difficult task of challenging Spiritual ignorance based upon deception. We are inclined to ask, where can this "Babylon" mentioned in John's Revelation be found?

As these words are being written in 2001, speculation among Christian scholars relative to the prophesied Babylon is generally focused in three separate locations: (1) Is Rome Babylon? (2) Is New York Babylon? (3) Is America Babylon?

The beloved John, a favored disciple of Jesus, often misunderstood the Lord's mission. Being a typical Jew of the time, he was longing for a political government -- or a kingdom with military power. In spite of his zeal and tendency to be impetuous, John was chosen by God as a vessel to give us writings which have a high degree of Spirituality -- and which have proven to be enormously difficult to interpret. We believe the Revelation by John came into existence during his exile at Patmos. Since that time, his written words have been translated, reproduced and critiqued by thousands of scholars throughout many centuries. In this age of reverence for complicated psychological perspectives, we wonder why God chose to use John to deliver such an outlandish depiction of future events -- purporting to have relevancy in our day? Did John qualify himself for this project in a specific manner -- or was he qualified by God? Why was more clarity not provided in the writings of this former fisherman? How are intelligent students of the Bible suppose to comprehend the nature of "voices" he heard -- and the bizarre, symbolic "visions" he was experiencing -- without diagnosing him as being schizophrenic, psychotic or paranoid?

Would John be declared a mental misfit -- seemingly suffering from hallucinations -- if he were alive today? What has changed between then and now? We need to be reminded: The Mind of God as manifested in true prophets was in John. This "Mind" can come to every person who has faith to receive. All Christians can be made able to see, listen, and read with spiritual discernment. 1 Corinthians 2:16 � "For who hath known the mind
of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ."

Is our personal version of the Holy Bible
consistent with the original text?

Did Holy Words become skewed somehow during translations leading
to the Septuagint, the Vulgate, Wycliffe's Bible, Luther's German Bible, Tyndale's Pentateuch, Miles Coverdale's New Testament, the Geneva Bible, Bishop's Bible, Rheims-Douai Bible, the King James Version, the English Revised Version, the Hebrew to English translation known as The Holy Scriptures, the Revised Standard Version, the New American Bible, the Living Bible, The Good News Bible or The New International Version -- not to mention all the other Bibles -- along with thousands
of writings by individuals with opinions about the Bible?

What is the true meaning of God's Word? Will "knowledge" be increased for those who seek understanding as it pertains to the book of Revelation -- or Babylon -- during this generation? What miracle will it take to cause people to understand? Let us read the first two verses of chapter 1: "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things he saw." In verse 3, we see the phrase: "for the time is at hand." In the last two verses of the last chapter we read: "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly, Amen, Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen."

These references place the entire book of Revelation in the context of a specific period of time. Do you suppose John was writing about his time, God's time -- or our time? We wonder how John must have interpreted the words he was writing? Did he think "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord" would come to fruition during his lifetime?
I answer that question by saying, John was human. He could not disassociate himself from the voices and visions he was experiencing.

John fully expected to witness the mysterious events, personally, believing the kingdom was "at hand." In his mind and heart, he could feel the emotion of what was happening all around him. God flooded his very soul with information that mere words could barely explain. Knowing how John and the servants in the seven churches would be reaching premature conclusions, God with his very wise foresight, decided to include this special admonition:
"For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." 22:18&19.

Obviously, God was serious and emphatic, not wanting anyone to alter or distort the vague, symbolic, strange -- and seemingly senseless meanings of words John wrote. God knew that His "Words" would fulfill the intended purpose at a later time (our time). He knew that world events through the centuries would prepare His Church adequately to receive what John had written. Since John's original writing could easily be altered as copies were handmade by the seven churches -- to later be reproduced by printing presses through the centuries -- we can understand why God felt compelled to warn us not to tamper with His book of Revelation. Also, we can be sure that sneaky Satan became fully aware of the messages God was sending out to humankind. Would it not be logical to assume that the clever Master of Deception would attempt to influence scholars, prompt them to twist the meaning of John's writings -- tempt them to add or take away words for the sake of "clarification" -- or somehow attempt to put "proper connotation" in the "context" of contemporary Life?

For those of us who humble ourselves before God as we read the Bible, we must rely on the Holy Spirit to give us understanding. If it is important for us to know when or where the events of Revelation will occur on Earth, God will reveal it in the proper time. By faith we can know that John's witness came out of the heavenly Spirit realm, and we can know that people of all nations expect supernatural manifestations at some point prior to the "Omega" of human history.

Speaking of things which many scholars do not know, I am here to confirm that prophetic phrases -- "shortly come to pass," "for the time
is at hand" and "Surely I come quickly" -- were written in the book of Revelation for...

... this final generation!

Serious students of prophecy have translated Spiritual symbolism found in the Bible by making correlation's to current events. Daily News Headlines seem to make more sense when we understand the meanings of verses found in the Bible. The Holy Spirit speaks to our hearts, and gives us insight that can be shared with others who are attempting to draw closer to Truth.

When Christians set out to spread good Words among those who have not yet heard, we must remember to explain -- "...Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven..." -- is a very important conceptual prayer meant for every person on this planet! Prophecy in the process of being fulfilled must be identified, and publicly advertised internationally before the multitudes formed within the Body of Christ can be properly edified.

Will the decoding of Revelation by prophets invigorate professing Christians and then inspire a renewal of faith? Will the supernatural predictions of prophets hasten the return of lost souls to the Master? Will we finally see a miraculous event which will be the "spark" needed to ignite a spontaneous, passionate, sanctified and unrestrained international revival?

One of the seven churches in Asia known as "Ephesus" was given a special message: "Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent."

Where is the church of Ephesus today? Will prophets explain?

The church in Pergamos was told: "I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth."

Where is the church of Pergamos today? Where does Satan dwell?

In Thyatira, the church was given this message: "Notwithstanding, I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols."

Where is the church of Thyatira today? Is the spirit of Jezebel in the souls of those who profess to be "servants" of God?

The church of Sardis was warned: "Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast receiveth and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee."

Where is the church of Sardis today?

The church in Philadelphia was given special consideration: "Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee."

Where is the church of Philadelphia today?

Finally, to the church of the Laodiceans, God has this to say in our day: "Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see."

Where is the church of the Laodiceans today?

Where are the seven churches to be found?
Where are the seven Spirits of God?
Where are the seven angels and seven vials?

"And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH." 17:5.

"And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space." 17:9&10.

Elijah is here to say, find the seven mountains -- and you will find the seven churches which are the seven kingdoms! The spiritual Babylon will dominate as five kings fall from power, leaving the sixth in power while the seventh will wait for the Antichrist -- who will come with an eighth kingdom. During this generation, 10 kings will gain control over these principalities within the European Union: "These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast." 17:13.

Where is Babylon?

"And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth." 17:18. Which "great city" has power over nations? Have "merchants of the earth waxed rich through the abundance of..." London, Jerusalem, Moscow or Paris? Would "merchants of the earth weep and mourn" if Berlin, Damascus, Chicago, Tora, Athens, Madrid or Montreal became unable to sell merchandise? What about Los Angeles, Tokyo, Victoria, Hong Kong, Beijing -- or the thousands of other cities located on this planet that are presently engaged in international trade?

Which city has the potential to become the "great city?"

Does Rome having a world GNP ranking of about 5th place qualify as a leading exporter of goods? Does Vatican City ship manufactured products worldwide? Although there are varying degrees of influence, resulting from the many goods and services being marketed internationally at the time of this writing, the United States is ranked 1st in world GNP. New York is the most influential city in the USA -- and most merchants of Earth would certainly cry to see "the smoke of her burning." News headlines might
read: "What city is like unto this great city?"

Could New York be the
spiritual Babylon as prophesied?

"And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all." 18:21.

Many scholars interpret the book of Revelation literally, changing meanings to conform to the ignorance of carnal reasoning -- while others fully comprehend what God was saying through John. What is this "stone like a great millstone?" A nuclear bomb? Could it be a meteorite? Is it possible that a real angel might actually go to the spiritual Babylon with a spiritual stone to "cast into the sea" to bring about "violence" -- to destroy a city?

Will New York meet this fate in the near future? "And the light of a candle (the Statue of Liberty?) shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom (Jesus?) and of the bride (the Church?) shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants (Stock Market, World Trade Organizations and Corporations?) were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived." 18:23.

What city other than New York could possibly have power over the seven churches, the seven mountains, or the seven kingdoms of Revelation? "And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird." 18:2

What does "habitation of devils" mean? What does "foul spirit" or "unclean and hateful bird" mean to sophisticated people who take pride
in their sanity? Do these words mean that "devils," "spirits" and "birds" coming out of the spirit realm will dominate the principality known as New York? Does this mean that any person who enters that evil domain will open their souls up to devils, foul spirits and unclean hateful birds?

Elijah has come to say, the "cage" represents
a satanic economic system which functions under concepts that are contrary to God's laws.

From a spiritual perspective, spiritual Babylon will be completely dominated by evil when God withdraws from the doomed city. Demonic forces will be in total control as they inhabit the "space" that once was a great city -- before declining into despotic nepotism. If New York is the prophetic spiritual Babylon, what will this mean to Christians who are presently among the merchants of Earth? "And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth." 18:24.

Would a true Christian attempt to serve both God -- and the money merchants of Wall Street, simultaneously? Would Christians attempt
to stand on both sides of the eternal dividing line? What has been the spiritual, political and economic impact of New Yorkers on America -- and on all nations? Has "business" been conducted honestly and equitably? Has "profit" taken precedence over concern for human decency? "Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine;
and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God
who judgeth her." 18:8.

We know that New York was not destroyed when the World Trade Center came under attack on September 11, 2001, but was it a sign of judgment yet to come? As a result of that horrible day which devastated the lives of thousands, America is now at war against terrorism. We have learned that anthrax can be sent through the mail for the purpose of killing innocent people -- and used to terrorize millions who open mail. Now we are wondering if patterns of destruction are forming for a new attack?

Long ago the prophets of Baal deceived people and caused them to serve
a false god. In this day, prophets of Wall Street have deceived people, and caused them to worship mammon instead of God. "I know thy works, (activities) and thy labour, (career) and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: (those who rebel against God) and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, (those who claim to serve God) and are not, and hast found them liars." 2:2.

This portion of the message to the angel of the church of Ephesus has significance to a spiritual neighborhood found in New York.

I have been saying for years: "Planet Earth is my Church and Life is my religion." In the context of my Church, the relationship of "Ephesus" to "New York" pertains to a broader conflict between God and "liars" who claim to be His apostles.

A comprehensive analysis can be developed by those who interpret the economic power base of New York as interconnected with the true Church during the past 200 years. "I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are of the synagogue of Satan." 2:9.

This portion of the message was sent to the angel of the church of Smyrna which is a worldwide spiritual domain independent of corrupt economic or political subservience. Once the covenant of Abraham is recognized and honored by all nations, persecution will stop -- and the "chosen" of God will receive a "crown of Life." The source of much "persecution" still to come will have a "New York" connection.

Ramifications throughout the Middle East will be evident as descendants
of Ishmael temporarily reap the inheritance long denied. "I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth." 2:13.

In this portion of the message sent to the angel of the church of Pergamos, we see "false doctrine," "fornication" and "idolatry" as prevalent in the place where "Satan dwelleth." To spiritual entities where the "doctrine of the Nicolaitanes" dominate souls in this day -- be it religious organizations, nations or cities other than New York, the Bible tells us what God will do: "Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and fight against them (evil spirits) with the sword of my mouth." 2:16.

Remember, a "Word" from God ("sword of my mouth") is a million times more powerful than nuclear weapons when fighting evil spiritual forces. As
I have said many times, Soldiers have their weapons, and I have mine!

Portions of the message sent to the angel of the church of Thyatira should have special meaning, especially for Americans: "I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel (false religions), which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication (spiritually defiled by materialism), and to eat things (consume evil thoughts into the soul) sacrificed unto idols. (giving resources to false gods) And I gave her (America) space to repent of her fornication (1982-2003); and she repented not. (many prophets have been ignored) Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation (economy based on world trade to crumble), except they repent of their deeds. (Has America repented yet?) And I will kill
her children with death (nuclear and bio-terrorism); and all the churches (nations where the Body of Christ resides) shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works." 2:19-23.

To those of God through Lord Jesus Christ in the church of Thyatira, there is a promise: "But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine (a Jezebel inspired religion), and which
have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you (Christians) none other burden. But that which ye have already (maintain the status quo) hold fast till I come (to be caught away). And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: (when Christ returns to take His Throne in Jerusalem) And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; (Spiritual power) as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: (soul control over flesh) even as I received of my Father. And I will give him the morning star. (The Spirit of Christ is the Morning Star) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit (God) saith unto the churches." 2: 24-29

To the angel of the church of Sardis, God said: "Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee." 3:3.

This is a warning for procrastinators who continue to avoid repentance: Jesus will come for His Church in an hour of time when it is least expected. And this is a promise: "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but
I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels." 3:5.

To the angel of the church of Philadelphia, God said: "Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man
take thy crown." 3: 9-11.

Elijah is asking, Where are they who deceptively claim to be Jews? Where is the "synagogue of Satan" located? Where is the "church of Philadelphia" to which "liars" go to worship? Until everyone publicly chooses their side of the dividing line, let contemporary prophets of God reveal Truth to the true "Body of Christ" Church!

To the angel of the church of the Laodiceans, God said: "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spur thee out of my mouth." 3:15,16.

This seventh "Laodicean church" refers to all modern religious communities who purport to believe in the doctrine of Christ.

The time for debate is over!

Mediocrity, fluctuations of opinions and taking neutral positions are
no longer valid options! Christians must unite to fight Satan, not fight each other! There must be a shared sense of urgency as Jesus people struggle through "lukewarm" mercy and grace issues. There must
be courage shown as we step out of the "cold" scientifically
compatible theories of orthodoxy into the "hot" faith-based Holy
Spirit dominated miraculous works of "Acts" motivated missions!

Let it be known, the moment of decision is now!

While scholars contemplate the words of prophets, may the Holy Spirit be
a guide to fill souls with joyful confirmation. It is not my purpose to further clarify obvious realities. God has made provision for the needs of His "Body of Christ" Church in the face of great resistance to His purposes. We shall witness a awakening far greater than any of the past. People of all nations will be drawn together in the unity of Love to conquer remaining vestiges of resistance. Jesus Christ will be the conquering Hero. He will be the Light that will shine for the whole world to see.

Think not that Elijah has come to build a coalition between the weak and
the strong -- or to fight a war of nutrition against enemies of God. I have not come to meekly conform to traditional religious practices or to engage in endless controversy for the sake of intellectual victories. These are the end days, and no Truth is required greater than knowing that Lord Jesus Christ is the great I AM!

Pick your spot on the side of the dividing line where goodness is being manifested in opposition to evil. Never waiver in your dedication, but keep your eyes focused on the brightness shining over every horizon. There is a new day coming when storms of Life will no longer cast shadows over saintly souls who stand beside the Perfect Master. Be of good cheer!

Let all hearts be at peace, and may the blessings of the Lord come upon each person who prays believing:

"After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen."

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