What the Bible says * Pastor Brett Peterson

First, a Clarification….

Theories…Theories…• Babylon is the UK or EU – • Babylon is Rome – • Babylon is the Catholic Church – • Babylon is the U.N. – • Babylon is the United States - • Babylon is the _______________

• Let’s see how the prophets describe Babylon!

Tale of Two CitiesTale of Two Cities

Jerusalem BabylonCity of God City of Man

• In the first book of the Bible we read about the building of the Tower of Babel & the first great city, Babylon, and in the last book of the Bible we read about the fall of Babylon. Is there any connection? To miss the obvious would be spiritual blindness! The Tower of Babel in Genesis was the effort of man, in defiance and disobedience, to make a name for himself and exalt himself above his Maker. The fall of Babylon in Revelation will be the final judgment of God upon man for his continued refusal to recognize the supremacy of his Creator.

Babel, 2010, B.C.Babel, 2010, B.C.

America, 2010, A.D.America, 2010, A.D.

• After the Arc ran aground on mount Arat, mankind multiplied quickly.

• About 100 to 150 years after they stepped off the arc, man began to show his pride.

• They wanted to build a tower that reached heaven.

• They loved their own accomplishments…

• Genesis 11:1-9

1. Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. 2 As men moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled there.

3. They said to each other, "Come, let's make bricks and bake them thoroughly." They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. 4. Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth."

• 5. But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower that the men were building. 6. The Lord said, "If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. 7. Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other."

8. So the Lord scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. 9. That is why it was called Babel--because the Lord confused the language of the whole world. From there the Lord scattered them over the face of the whole earth.

Satellite Image of BabylonSatellite Image of Babylon

Hussein’s Palace

Palace of Nebuchadnezzar

Artificial hills

Canal followingthe ancient city walls

Ruins of Tower of Babel

Enmerkar and the Lord of Aratta 21st Century BC (& we are in the 21st too)George Smith (1840-1876) Translated the Babylonian flood tablet also translated this tablet “The building of this temple offended the gods. In a night they threw down what had been built. They scattered them abroad and made strange their speech. The progress they impeded.”

• Modern day Tower of Babel ruins (on the outskirts of ancient Babylon-current day Iraq) are currently 150 feet above the plain with a circumference of 2300 feet. "The Greeks used the word Borsippa, which means Tongue-tower." 1

Inscription of King Nebuchadnezzar on Tower of Babel (Borsippa) ruins reads:

I have completed its magnificence with silver, gold, other metals, stone, enameled bricks, fir and pine.

The first which is the house of the earth’s base,

the most ancient monument of Babylon;

I built and finished it.

• I adapted the circuits, I put the inscription of my name in the Kitir of the portico.

I set my hand to finish it. And to exalt its head.

As it had been in ancient days, so I exalted its summit.

Reference: The Tower of Babel-Ancient Babylon Ruins Inscription inscription

• is reported on Page 40 of Grant R. Jeffrey's book • "The Signature of God/The Handwriting of God".

• Herodotus wrote in 440 B.C. "It has a solid central tower, one furlong square, with a second erected on top of it and then a third, and so on up to eight. All eight towers can be climbed by a spiral way running around the outside, and about halfway up there are seats for those who make the journey to rest on."

• Sumerian tablets record the confusion of language as we have in the Biblical account of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9). There was a golden age when all mankind spoke the same language. Speech was then confused by the god Enki, lord of wisdom. The Babylonians had a similar account in which the gods destroyed a temple tower and "scattered them abroad and made strange their speech.“

• Kramer, Samuel N.1968 The “Babel of Tongues”: A Sumerian Version, Journal of the American Oriental Society 88:108–11

• Walton, John1995 The Mesopotamian Background of the Tower of Babel. Bulletin for Biblical Research 5:155–75. Reprinted in Bible and Spade 9 (1996): 77-96.

• Sumerian tablets record the confusion of language as we have in the Biblical account of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9). There was a golden age when all mankind spoke the same language. Speech was then confused by the god Enki, lord of wisdom. The Babylonians had a similar account in which the gods destroyed a temple tower and "scattered them abroad and made strange their speech."

Hanging Gardens of Hanging Gardens of BabylonBabylon

• Babel or Babylon is all about man’s attempt to exalt himself and defy God.

• It is all about telling God we don’t need Him.

• It is exactly what America is doing today and spreading all over the world.

• Quote from one notable Hollywood big-wig:• “Hollywood creates societal norms, h__, we influence the

world, and what we’ve created is a global community that rejects God and exalts sex. Sex is our God.”

Not one city…Not one city…• Jeremiah tells us in chapter 50:32b…"I will kindle a

fire in his CITIES and it shall devour all round about him."

• Jeremiah tells us in chapter 51:43 of the description of Babylon after the judgment… "Her CITIES are a desolation, a dry land, and a wilderness, a land where no man dwelleth…“

• This can’t be the Catholic Church!!!

Babylon is referring to a Babylon is referring to a nationnation• Jer 50:12 Your mother will be greatly ashamed, She

who gave you birth will be humiliated. Behold, she will be the least of the nations, A wilderness, a parched land and a desert.

• Jer 50:13 "Because of the indignation of the LORD she will not be inhabited, But she will be completely desolate; Everyone who passes by Babylon will be horrified And will hiss because of all her wounds.

• Another character trait for Mystery Babylon is that of being the "engine of world's economy". Now the scriptural texts do not specifically use those exact terms but those terms match to the description of the activities described about Mystery Babylon. Revelation 18:15-19 indicates that the world's economy can't function without "Mystery Babylon". When she is destroyed the lament goes up from the merchants of the earth that "no man buyeth their merchandise any more."

Jerusalem & Babylon Jerusalem & Babylon then…then…

SymbolicSymbolicJerusalem in the last days is called….Rev 11:8 And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which mystically is called Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified.

In these last days, especially when the False Messiah is embraced by the Jews, Jerusalem will be symbolically Sodom and Egypt!“the synagogue of Satan”

Rev 2:9 'I know your Rev 2:9 'I know your tribulation and your tribulation and your

poverty (but you are rich), poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by and the blasphemy by those who say they are those who say they are

Jews and are not, but are a Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.synagogue of Satan.

The Church is Spiritual The Church is Spiritual Jerusalem todayJerusalem today

Jerusalem is all about the Jerusalem is all about the Temple – a place to Temple – a place to

worshipworship1Pe 2:5 you also, as living stones, are being built up as a 1Pe 2:5 you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

1Co 3:16 Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?

In these last days….In these last days….Geographic Location Spiritual designation

Jerusalem Sodom, Egypt, synagogue of Satan.

Rome The world power that births the Antichrist

Babylon (Iraq) Becomes the foremost world power and rides to power on Rome, and helps the antichrist come to power, but then is hated by the antichrist and destroyed.

Rev 17:7 And the angel said to me, "Why do you wonder? I will tell you the mystery of the woman(Babylon) and of the beast (Rome)that carries her, which has the seven heads and the ten horns.

Thus, it is called ‘Thus, it is called ‘Mystery Mystery BabylonBabylon’’

Rev 18:3 "For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the passion of her immorality, and the kings of the earth have committed acts of immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich by the wealth of her sensuality." Rev 18:4 I heard another voice from heaven, saying, "Come out of her, my people, so that you will not participate in her sins and receive of her plagues; Rev 18:5 for her sins have piled up as high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.

End time kingdomsEnd time kingdoms• The Bible describes two great kingdoms two great kingdoms that will exist

upon the earth immediately prior to the Rapture of the Church. These kingdoms are the kingdom of the beast the kingdom of the beast (Rome)(Rome), and the nation known as Babylon the Great (the Babylon the Great (the world leader before the Antichrist). world leader before the Antichrist). At first these two kingdoms enjoy a special relationship with each other, but at the appointed time the kingdom of the beast will turn on Babylon and attack and defeat her. As a result of this betrayal the Antichrist's kingdom will be established as the dominant global political power.

• The Bible’s end-time prophecies do not only focus on the kingdom of the Antichrist. The Bible also devotes a great deal of attention to the other end-times power. This power is introduced in Revelation as a mystery, and she is named Babylon…

• Babylon will use the beast and his system, thinking it is Babylon will use the beast and his system, thinking it is accomplishing it’s goal of world peace through him, thus accomplishing it’s goal of world peace through him, thus ‘riding on the beast’.‘riding on the beast’.

• However, once the beast comes to power, he will hate However, once the beast comes to power, he will hate Babylon and God will give him the strength to defeat her.Babylon and God will give him the strength to defeat her.

• (Revelation 17:16-17):(Revelation 17:16-17):• "The beast and the ten horns you saw will hate the "The beast and the ten horns you saw will hate the

prostitute. They will bring her to ruin and leave her prostitute. They will bring her to ruin and leave her naked; they will eat her flesh and burn her with fire. naked; they will eat her flesh and burn her with fire. For God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his For God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to give the beast their power to purpose by agreeing to give the beast their power to rule, until God's words are fulfilled."rule, until God's words are fulfilled."

• The Antichrist and Babylon the Great will be bitter enemies. Babylon will exercise global power before the Antichrist, but after he appears the beast and the ten kings will attack Babylon, shifting global power into the hands of the beast.

• Babylon will be utterly destroyed…

• But what about the Christians in Babylon?

There will be a clear call to There will be a clear call to flee prior to the flee prior to the destruction…destruction…• Rev 18:3 "For all the nations have drunk of the wine of

the passion of her immorality, and the kings of the earth have committed acts of immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich by the wealth of her sensuality."

• Rev 18:4 I heard another voice from heaven, saying, "Come out of her, my people"Come out of her, my people, so that you will not participate in her sins and receive of her plagues;

• Rev 18:5 for her sins have piled up as high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.

Let us now examine other Let us now examine other aspects of Babylon the aspects of Babylon the Great, the last global Great, the last global

power before the rise of power before the rise of the Antichristthe Antichrist

• Has a great voice; influences many (Has a great voice; influences many (Jeremiah 51:55Jeremiah 51:55).).• Reigns over the kings of the Earth (Reigns over the kings of the Earth (Revelation 17:18Revelation 17:18). ).

Note: How many Kings and governments have been Note: How many Kings and governments have been propped up and/or removed by the various secret propped up and/or removed by the various secret agencies of the USA?agencies of the USA?

• Hammer of the whole Earth; world policeman Hammer of the whole Earth; world policeman ((Jeremiah 50:23Jeremiah 50:23). ). Note: Any need of elaboration?Note: Any need of elaboration?

• Land abundant in treasure (Land abundant in treasure (Jeremiah 50:37Jeremiah 50:37, , 51:1351:13; ; Revelation 18:14Revelation 18:14,,1717).).

• Merchants made rich by her (Merchants made rich by her (Revelation 18:3Revelation 18:3; ; 18:17-18:17-1919). ). Note: China, Taiwan, Japan, Saudi Arabia and many Note: China, Taiwan, Japan, Saudi Arabia and many other nations have been made rich by America's other nations have been made rich by America's consumerism. consumerism.

• Leading center for commodity trade goods Leading center for commodity trade goods ((Revelation 18:11-13Revelation 18:11-13).).

• A Great City (Revelation 14:8; 17:18; 18:10-21), but has A Great City (Revelation 14:8; 17:18; 18:10-21), but has many cities (Jeremiah 50:32). many cities (Jeremiah 50:32). Note: Just as Ancient Note: Just as Ancient Babylon, she has chief cities which symbolically and Babylon, she has chief cities which symbolically and literally represent the empire, such as NYC and literally represent the empire, such as NYC and Washington. Washington.

• Land of mighty men (Jeremiah 50:36; 51:30). Land of mighty men (Jeremiah 50:36; 51:30). • Land of mixed peoples/immigrants (Land of mixed peoples/immigrants (Jeremiah 50:16Jeremiah 50:16, ,

3737).).

• Land of farmers/agriculture (Jeremiah 50:16).Land of farmers/agriculture (Jeremiah 50:16).• Land of craftsmen/manufacturing (Revelation 18:22).Land of craftsmen/manufacturing (Revelation 18:22).• Land of musicians/music (Land of musicians/music (Revelation 18:22Revelation 18:22; ; Isaiah Isaiah

14:1114:11). ). Note: America's music industry flows to the entire Note: America's music industry flows to the entire world.world.

• Land of vanity and pleasure (Land of vanity and pleasure (Isaiah 47:8Isaiah 47:8; ; Revelation Revelation 18:718:7).). Note: America's entertainment industry, Note: America's entertainment industry, materialism, consumerism.materialism, consumerism.

• Belief of immunity to invasion; dwells carelessly Belief of immunity to invasion; dwells carelessly ((Isaiah 47:8Isaiah 47:8). ). Note: Because of America's nuclear Note: Because of America's nuclear deterrent, the majority of it military is hosted by other deterrent, the majority of it military is hosted by other countries. Other than Pearl Harbor and the 9/11 attacks, countries. Other than Pearl Harbor and the 9/11 attacks, it has been a very long time since America was on the it has been a very long time since America was on the receiving end of an invasion... and the people commonly receiving end of an invasion... and the people commonly pride themselves on this fact.pride themselves on this fact.

• Grown fat (Grown fat (Jeremiah 50:11Jeremiah 50:11).). Note: which country's Note: which country's population is the most over-weight in the world and population is the most over-weight in the world and accumulates the most "stuff"? accumulates the most "stuff"?

• Land of liars and falsehood (Jeremiah 50:36; Land of liars and falsehood (Jeremiah 50:36; 51:17). 51:17). “situational ethics”“situational ethics”

• Deceived by own wisdom and knowledge Deceived by own wisdom and knowledge (Isaiah 47:10). (Isaiah 47:10). Note: uses science to Note: uses science to discredit the Creatordiscredit the Creator

• • When she is destroyed…When she is destroyed…• Nations will be horrified (Jeremiah 50:23).Nations will be horrified (Jeremiah 50:23).• Her cities set on fire (Jeremiah 50:32; Revelation 18:8).Her cities set on fire (Jeremiah 50:32; Revelation 18:8).• Desolate and uninhabited forever (Isaiah 13:19-22; Desolate and uninhabited forever (Isaiah 13:19-22;

Jeremiah 50:12-13; Jeremiah 51:26,29). Jeremiah 50:12-13; Jeremiah 51:26,29).

• GEOGRAPHICALLY, BABYLON IS A LAND “THAT DWELLS UPON MANY WATERS” (JEREMIAH 51:13).

• BABYLON IS A COUNTRY THAT HAS DEFEATED MIGHTY KINGDOMS THROUGH WAR (JEREMIAH 50:23, 51:20-21).

• BABYLON IS A MIGHTY MILITARY POWER (JEREMIAH 51:53).

• BABYLON IS THE CHIEF OF TRADING NATIONS IN THE WORLD AT THE TIME OF THE END (REVELATION 18: 11-19).

BABYLON IS AN ARROGANT NATION, BELIEVING IT WILL NEVER EXPERIENCE THE WRATH OF GOD FOR HER EVIL WAYS (ISAIAH 47:5-11; REVELATION 18:7-8).

• Rev 18:23 and the light of a lamp will not shine in you Rev 18:23 and the light of a lamp will not shine in you any longer; and the voice of the bridegroom and bride any longer; and the voice of the bridegroom and bride will not be heard in you any longer; for your merchants will not be heard in you any longer; for your merchants were the great men of the earth, because all the nations were the great men of the earth, because all the nations were deceived by your sorcery. were deceived by your sorcery.

• For by your sorcery all the nations were deceivedFor by your sorcery all the nations were deceived: : SorcerySorcery is the ancient Greek word is the ancient Greek word pharmakiapharmakia, which , which means, “to prepare drugs.” The lure of commercial means, “to prepare drugs.” The lure of commercial Babylon is like a drug addiction, fed by intoxicating Babylon is like a drug addiction, fed by intoxicating advertising. It also alludes to amazing things, like advertising. It also alludes to amazing things, like electricity, lights, vehicles, etc.electricity, lights, vehicles, etc.

• Babylon will have a Space program like no other Babylon will have a Space program like no other nation…nation…

• (Jer 51:53) "(Jer 51:53) "ThoughThough Babylon should/will ascend to Babylon should/will ascend to the heavens, And the heavens, And thoughthough she should fortify her she should fortify her lofty stronghold, From Me destroyers will come to lofty stronghold, From Me destroyers will come to her," declares the LORD.her," declares the LORD.

• Strongs: “…Strongs: “…and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured [-ly], + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even”

• Babylon comes to power through Rome, or the beast before he comes into power.

• Rev 17:3 And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness; and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast, full of blasphemous names, having seven heads and ten horns.

• Rev 17:4 The woman was clothed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a gold cup full of abominations and of the unclean things of her immorality

Adultery tolerated by Adultery tolerated by society..,society..,• "With her the kings of the earth committed adultery and

the inhabitants of the earth were intoxicated with the wine of her adulteries." Revelation 17:2

• "For all the nations have drunk the maddening wine of her adulteries. The kings of the earth committed adultery with her…" Revelation 18:3

• "When the kings of the earth who committed adultery with her and shared her luxury see the smoke of her burning, they will weep and mourn over her." Revelation 18:9

• Babylon’s worship of materialism is shown through Babylon’s worship of materialism is shown through her emphasis on riches, luxury and the material her emphasis on riches, luxury and the material things of this world -things of this world -

• "…her sins are piled up to heaven, and God has "…her sins are piled up to heaven, and God has remembered her crimes. Give back to her as she has remembered her crimes. Give back to her as she has given…Give her as much torture and grief given…Give her as much torture and grief as the glory as the glory and luxury she gave herselfand luxury she gave herself."." 18:5-7 18:5-7

• "…the merchants of the earth grew rich from her "…the merchants of the earth grew rich from her excessive luxuriesexcessive luxuries."." 18:3 18:3

• Babylon is a great consumer of material goods and when Babylon is a great consumer of material goods and when she falls the merchants mourn over their loss of revenue,she falls the merchants mourn over their loss of revenue,

• "The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over "The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her because no one buys their cargoes any more-her because no one buys their cargoes any more-

• "They will say, ‘The fruit you longed for is gone from you. All your riches and splendor have vanished, never to be recovered.’ The merchants who sold these things and gained their wealth from her will stand far off, terrified at her torment. They will weep and mourn and cry out: ‘Woe! Woe, O great city, dressed in fine linen, purple and scarlet, and glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls! In one hour such great wealth has been brought to ruin!’" Revelation18:11-17

• "For all the nations have drunk the maddening wine of "For all the nations have drunk the maddening wine of her adulteries. The kings of the earth committed adultery her adulteries. The kings of the earth committed adultery with her, with her, and the merchants of the earth grew rich from and the merchants of the earth grew rich from her excessive luxuriesher excessive luxuries." ." 18:318:3

• "When the kings of the earth who committed adultery "When the kings of the earth who committed adultery with her with her and shared her luxuryand shared her luxury see the smoke of her see the smoke of her burning, they will weep and mourn over her." burning, they will weep and mourn over her." 18:918:9

• "The merchants who sold these things "The merchants who sold these things and gained their and gained their wealth from herwealth from her will stand far off, terrified at her torment." will stand far off, terrified at her torment." 18:1518:15

• "Woe! Woe, O great city, where "Woe! Woe, O great city, where all who had ships on the all who had ships on the sea became rich through her wealthsea became rich through her wealth! In one hour she has ! In one hour she has been brought to ruin!" been brought to ruin!" 18:1918:19

• "Every sea captain, and all who travel by ship, the sailors, and all who earn their living from the sea, will stand far off. When they see the smoke of her burning, they will exclaim, ‘Was there ever a city/ nation like this great city?’" 18:17-18

• "The woman you saw is the great nation/ city that rules over the kings of the earth." 17:18

Babylon of the last days is Babylon of the last days is a nation made up of a nation made up of

people from many nations people from many nations (only America fits this (only America fits this

description) We are the description) We are the ‘melting pot’.‘melting pot’.

• Babylon is also described as a power Babylon is also described as a power whose population is made up of diverse whose population is made up of diverse races and cultures:races and cultures: "…the great prostitute, "…the great prostitute, who sits on many waters… Then the angel who sits on many waters… Then the angel said to me, ‘The waters you saw, where the said to me, ‘The waters you saw, where the prostitute sits, are peoples, multitudes, prostitute sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations and languages.’" nations and languages.’" 17:1,1517:1,15

Rev 17:4 The woman was clothed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a gold cup full of abominations and of the unclean things of her immorality, Rev 17:5 and on her forehead a name was written, a mystery, "BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH."

A world Power like no A world Power like no other…other…

• Isa 13:19 And Babylon, the beauty of kingdoms, the glory of the Chaldeans' pride, Will be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.

• Isa 13:20 It will never be inhabited or lived in from generation to generation; Nor will the Arab pitch his tent there, Nor will shepherds make their flocks lie down there.

• Isa 47:5 "Sit silently, and go into darkness, O daughter Isa 47:5 "Sit silently, and go into darkness, O daughter of the Chaldeans, For you will no longer be called The of the Chaldeans, For you will no longer be called The queen of kingdoms. queen of kingdoms.

• Isa 47:6 "I was angry with My people, I profaned My Isa 47:6 "I was angry with My people, I profaned My heritage And gave them into your hand. You did not heritage And gave them into your hand. You did not show mercy to them, On the aged you made your yoke show mercy to them, On the aged you made your yoke very heavy. very heavy.

• Isa 47:7 "Yet you said, 'I will be a queen forever.' These Isa 47:7 "Yet you said, 'I will be a queen forever.' These things you did not consider Nor remember the outcome things you did not consider Nor remember the outcome of them. of them.

• Isa 47:8 "Now, then, hear this, you sensual one, Who dwells Isa 47:8 "Now, then, hear this, you sensual one, Who dwells securely, Who says in your heart, 'I am, and there is no one besides securely, Who says in your heart, 'I am, and there is no one besides me. I will not sit as a widow, Nor know loss of children.' me. I will not sit as a widow, Nor know loss of children.'

• Isa 47:9 "But these two things will come on you suddenly in one Isa 47:9 "But these two things will come on you suddenly in one day: Loss of children and widowhood. They will come on you in full day: Loss of children and widowhood. They will come on you in full measure In spite of your many sorceries, In spite of the great power measure In spite of your many sorceries, In spite of the great power of your spells. of your spells.

• Isa 47:10 "You felt secure in your wickedness and said, 'No one Isa 47:10 "You felt secure in your wickedness and said, 'No one sees me,' Your wisdom and your knowledge, they have deluded you; sees me,' Your wisdom and your knowledge, they have deluded you; For you have said in your heart, 'I am, and there is no one besides For you have said in your heart, 'I am, and there is no one besides me.' me.'

• Isa 47:11 "But evil will come on you Which you will not know how to Isa 47:11 "But evil will come on you Which you will not know how to charm away; And disaster will fall on you For which you cannot charm away; And disaster will fall on you For which you cannot atone; And destruction about which you do not know Will come on atone; And destruction about which you do not know Will come on you suddenly. you suddenly.

Internet , porn and Internet , porn and Hollywood…Hollywood…

• Rev 18:3 "For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the passion of her immorality, and the kings of the earth have committed acts of immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich by the wealth of her sensuality."

We live more sensuously We live more sensuously than any other nation on than any other nation on

earth…earth…• Rev 18:7 "To the degree that she glorified herself and Rev 18:7 "To the degree that she glorified herself and lived sensuously, to the same degree give her torment lived sensuously, to the same degree give her torment and mourning; for she says in her heart, 'I SIT and mourning; for she says in her heart, 'I SIT asas A A QUEEN AND I AM NOT A WIDOW, and will never see QUEEN AND I AM NOT A WIDOW, and will never see mourning.' mourning.'

• Rev 18:8 "For this reason in one day her plagues will Rev 18:8 "For this reason in one day her plagues will come, come, pestilence and mourning and famine, and she will pestilence and mourning and famine, and she will be burned up with firebe burned up with fire; for the Lord God who judges her ; for the Lord God who judges her is strong.is strong.

Is the U.S.A. Babylon? Is the U.S.A. Babylon?

BABYLON THE HARLOTBABYLON THE HARLOT

17:217:2

JERUSALEM THE BRIDEJERUSALEM THE BRIDE

21:921:9

Splendor from exploitingSplendor from exploiting

18:12-1318:12-13

Glory from GodGlory from God

21:11-2121:11-21

Nations corrupted by seeking Nations corrupted by seeking wealth from herwealth from her

17:2; 18:317:2; 18:3

Nations walk in light and Nations walk in light and bring their glory to herbring their glory to her

21:24-2621:24-26

Full of impurity & deceitFull of impurity & deceit

17:4-5; 18:2317:4-5; 18:23

Nothing impure or falseNothing impure or false

21:2721:27

Makes nations drunk on sinMakes nations drunk on sin

17:2; 18:317:2; 18:3

Water of life & tree of life Water of life & tree of life for healing the nationsfor healing the nations

21:1-521:1-5

Hanging Gardens of BabylonHanging Gardens of Babylon

Many pre-trib scholars, Many pre-trib scholars, including the authors of including the authors of the Left Behind series the Left Behind series think that Babylon is think that Babylon is

geographic Babylon or geographic Babylon or modern Iraq….modern Iraq….

Is Iraq really the Babylon that Is Iraq really the Babylon that will be in the last days?will be in the last days?

IRAQIRAQIRAQ FACTS

Population: 22 million

Capital: Baghdad

Major languages: Arabic, Kurdish

Major religion: Islam

Life expectancy: 66 years (men), 68 years (women)

Monetary unit: 1 Iraqi dinar = 1,000 fils

Main exports: Crude oil

Average annual income: US $593

Internet domain: .iq

International dialing code: 964

Notice Iraq does not have any ports except one little one in Basra.

Rev 18:19 "And they threw Rev 18:19 "And they threw dust on their heads and were dust on their heads and were

crying out, weeping and crying out, weeping and mourning, saying, 'Woe, woe, mourning, saying, 'Woe, woe,

the great city, in which all the great city, in which all who had ships at sea became who had ships at sea became rich by her wealth, for in one rich by her wealth, for in one

hour she has been laid hour she has been laid waste!' waste!'

• Rev 18:16 saying, 'Woe, woe, the great city, she who was Rev 18:16 saying, 'Woe, woe, the great city, she who was clothed in fine linen and purple and scarlet, and adorned with clothed in fine linen and purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls; gold and precious stones and pearls;

• Rev 18:17 for in one hour such great wealth has been laid Rev 18:17 for in one hour such great wealth has been laid waste!' And every shipmaster and every passenger and waste!' And every shipmaster and every passenger and sailor, and as many as make their living by the sea, stood at a sailor, and as many as make their living by the sea, stood at a distance, distance,

• Rev 18:18 and were crying out as they saw the smoke of her Rev 18:18 and were crying out as they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, 'What burning, saying, 'What city is like the great city?' city is like the great city?'

• Rev 18:19 "And they threw dust on their heads and were Rev 18:19 "And they threw dust on their heads and were crying out, weeping and mourning, saying, 'Woe, woe, crying out, weeping and mourning, saying, 'Woe, woe, the great city, in which all who had ships at sea became the great city, in which all who had ships at sea became rich by her wealth, for in one hour she has been laid rich by her wealth, for in one hour she has been laid waste!' waste!'

Timeline - IRAQTimeline - IRAQ• Iraq is a poor country that has no influence on the world at all.• It is a divided country – the Sunnis, the Shiites, and the Kirds.• They are not a world power, and they import almost no goods.• We are there to bring Democracy and our influence into Iraq.

•We now control Iraq•America is the head of Babylon today!

Iraq can’t be the Babylon of Iraq can’t be the Babylon of Revelation in it’s current Revelation in it’s current

condition!condition!• However, let’s speculate:• After we bombed Japan,

we helped it become a major world power!

• Could we do the same for Iraq?

• It’s possible…

Who is true Babylon Who is true Babylon Today?Today?

• Revelation 17-18: Babylon is the world economic power• Revelation 17-18: Babylon once again is a city of wickedness and

influences the world to partake in it’s enormities.• Babylon is the most powerful nation on earth• Babylon influences the whole world!• The USA is the Worlds biggest Importer in the world (worth $

2,112,000,000,000)

Habakuk 1:5-7 “Look at the nations and Habakuk 1:5-7 “Look at the nations and watch—and be utterly amazed. For I am watch—and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were you would not believe, even if you were told. 6 I am raising up the Babylonians, told. 6 I am raising up the Babylonians, that ruthless and impetuous people, who that ruthless and impetuous people, who sweep across the whole earth to seize sweep across the whole earth to seize dwelling-places not their own. 7 They are a dwelling-places not their own. 7 They are a feared and dreaded people; they are a law feared and dreaded people; they are a law to themselves and promote their own to themselves and promote their own honor.honor.

America seems to fit the Biblical model for Spiritual Babylon today…

British intelligence reports…British intelligence reports…The British contingent will be The British contingent will be assigned its own sectors in an assigned its own sectors in an

American-dominated force that will American-dominated force that will control the whole country, not just control the whole country, not just

Baghdad.Baghdad.

• Whoever controls Babylon becomes Babylon.• Our nation abandoned God many years ago.• We control Babylon!!

• The US and Sweden are tied for the highest divorce rates in the world

• 54.8 %

• John, when he saw Babylon, said;• Rev 17:6 And I saw the woman drunk with the blood of

the saints, and with the blood of the witnesses of Jesus. When I saw her, I wondered greatly.

Babylon – rich from the Babylon – rich from the saints?saints?• Christian Products and Services Now a $4.5

Billion Business• Drunk on the blood of the saints?• ‘Christian’ Charities collect 1,384,473,268,066

per year• Churches collect 100 Billion per year. • This is more than the U.S. Government collects

in income taxes!

A disarmed, peaceful, A disarmed, peaceful, transformedtransformed Iraq that shines as a light of Iraq that shines as a light of

democracy in the region is an democracy in the region is an appealing prospect. Until—and appealing prospect. Until—and

unless—that goal is achieved, the unless—that goal is achieved, the Bush administration has the Bush administration has the problem of occupation and problem of occupation and

transition. A large US military transition. A large US military footprint in Iraq seems the likely footprint in Iraq seems the likely

consequence of the ecology of the consequence of the ecology of the conflict and the goal of conflict and the goal of

transformation. transformation. Iraq could be under American Iraq could be under American

control for years in the control for years in the transition.transition.

America, influences the world.It’s economy drives the world.As goes America, so goes the world.American currency is the world’s currency

America buys our goods. Lady liberty is the symbol of America and she gives us pleasures like no other nation.

America has made every nation rich, and apart from her, we would still be without hope of world peace.

America exports entertainment, and imports everything else.

"Babylon, the jewel of kingdoms, the "Babylon, the jewel of kingdoms, the glory of the Babylonians’ pride, will be glory of the Babylonians’ pride, will be

overthrown by God like Sodom and overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah. She will never be inhabited or Gomorrah. She will never be inhabited or lived in through all generations; no Arab lived in through all generations; no Arab will pitch his tent there, no shepherd will will pitch his tent there, no shepherd will rest his flocks there. But desert creatures rest his flocks there. But desert creatures will lie there, jackals will fill her houses; will lie there, jackals will fill her houses; there the owls will dwell, and there the there the owls will dwell, and there the wild goats will leap about. Hyenas will wild goats will leap about. Hyenas will howl in her strongholds, jackals in her howl in her strongholds, jackals in her luxurious palaces. Her time is at hand, luxurious palaces. Her time is at hand, and her days will not be prolonged." and her days will not be prolonged."

Isaiah 13:19-22Isaiah 13:19-22

Adultery literally and Adultery literally and spiritually…spiritually…

The church in America has mixed the ways of The church in America has mixed the ways of the world with the ways of God, and no longer the world with the ways of God, and no longer see it. Material wealth, arrogance, a belief that see it. Material wealth, arrogance, a belief that they are the natural leaders in the world, has they are the natural leaders in the world, has led the Christians to adopt much of the idolatry led the Christians to adopt much of the idolatry that lies at the heart of the United States. that lies at the heart of the United States. Christians have adopted secular America's Christians have adopted secular America's religion: patriotism. They take the symbols of religion: patriotism. They take the symbols of the world, and bring them into the church. the world, and bring them into the church.

• "‘Babylon will be a heap of ruins, a haunt of jackals, an object of horror and scorn, a place where no one lives. Her people all roar like young lions, they growl like lion cubs. But while they are aroused, I will set out a feast for them and make them drunk, so that they shout with laughter-- then sleep forever and not awake,’ declares the LORD." Jeremiah 51:37-39

• And Revelation 18:2 records, "Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great! She has become a home for demons and a haunt for every evil spirit, a haunt for every unclean and detestable bird."

Some ‘Christians’ are more American than they are Christian.

Some think that their freedom comes from the United States of America…

• (Galatians 5:1)(Galatians 5:1)• It was for freedom It was for freedom that Christ set us freethat Christ set us free; therefore ; therefore

keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.yoke of slavery.

• • (Galatians 5:13)(Galatians 5:13)• For you were called to freedom, brethren; only For you were called to freedom, brethren; only dodo

not not turnturn your freedom into an opportunity for the your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.flesh, but through love serve one another.

• It seems many ‘Christians’ are led by It seems many ‘Christians’ are led by their own flesh, rather than the Spirit.their own flesh, rather than the Spirit.

• Rom 8:13 for if you are living according to the Rom 8:13 for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. live. 14 For all who are being led by the Spirit 14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you 15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!“ Father!“

America is driven by America is driven by appetite…appetite…

• Php 3:18 For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ,

• Php 3:19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things.

• Php 3:20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;

• 1Jn 3:1 See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.

• 1Jn 3:2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.

• 1Jn 3:3 And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

• 1Jn 3:5 You know that He appeared in order to take away sins; and in Him there is no sin.

• 1Jn 3:6 No one who abides in Him sins; no one who sins has seen Him or knows Him.

• 1Jn 3:7 Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous;

• 1Jn 3:8 the one who practices sin is of the devil

Sin – “to fall short of God’s standards”Sin – “to fall short of God’s standards”“To miss the mark”“To miss the mark”

Pro 14:34 “Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a disgrace to any people.”

• Disgrace

• Dishonor

• Defeat

Where is your citizenship?Where is your citizenship?

• Php 3:20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;

• Eph 2:19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household

• 1Pe 2:11 Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul.

• 1Pe 2:12 Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.

• Are you the temple of God or a city of this world?

God’s SolutionGod’s Solution-- For Myself, My Family, My Church-- For Myself, My Family, My Church

2 Chron. 7:14 “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

2 Chron. 7:142 Chron. 7:14 “ “If my people, who are called by my nameIf my people, who are called by my name, will , will humble themselveshumble themselves and and pray and seek my facepray and seek my face and and turn from turn from

their wicked waystheir wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive , then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”their sin and will heal their land.”

To Know God personally To Humble yourself To Pray & Seek the Lord To Repent of your sins

THEN

2 Chron. 7:142 Chron. 7:14 “If my people, who are called by my name, will “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from

their wicked ways, their wicked ways, thenthen will I hear from heaven will I hear from heaven and and will will forgive their sinforgive their sin and and will heal their landwill heal their land.”.”

God will hear! God will forgive! God will heal The Church – our ‘land’

THEN…

Proclaiming Truth