In what ways can we avoid sharing in Babylon's "plagues" today? The Urgent Call: “Come Out of Her, My People” Revelation 18:4: “Then I heard another voice from heaven say, ‘Come out of her, My people, so that you will not share in her sins or contract any of her plagues.’” Why the Command Still Matters • Babylon’s final, literal fall lies ahead, yet its spirit—pride, idolatry, materialism—already permeates today’s culture (1 John 2:15-17). • God’s command reaches every generation that finds itself living in a world system hostile to Christ (James 4:4). Practical Ways to Step Out of Babylon’s Shadow • Separate in allegiance – Refuse any loyalty that rivals wholehearted devotion to the Lord (Joshua 24:15). – Reject ideologies that redefine truth, marriage, or life contrary to Scripture (Isaiah 5:20). • Purify worship – Guard Sunday worship from creeping entertainment values (John 4:24). – Eliminate occult‐tainted media, music, and games that glorify darkness (Ephesians 5:11-12). • Guard the mind – Filter news, social media, and entertainment through Philippians 4:8. – Memorize and meditate on Scripture daily (Psalm 119:11). • Steward finances counterculturally – Resist Babylon’s lure of luxury and debt (Proverbs 22:7). – Invest in gospel work and care for the poor (Matthew 6:19-21; Galatians 6:10). • Pursue holy relationships – Choose close friends who strengthen your walk (Proverbs 13:20). – Practice biblical dating and marriage ethics (Hebrews 13:4). • Maintain ethical integrity at work – Reject corrupt shortcuts and dishonest gain (Proverbs 11:1). – Work “as for the Lord” even under ungodly supervisors (Colossians 3:23-24). • Cultivate discernment with technology – Set boundaries on screen time; avoid sites that fuel lust, greed, or rage (Matthew 5:28). – Use platforms to shine light, not spread gossip or slander (Ephesians 4:29). • Stand with a faithful church family – Submit to sound teaching and loving accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25). – Serve shoulder-to-shoulder in evangelism and missions (Acts 1:8). God’s Promised Reward for Separation • Protection: “The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trial” (2 Peter 2:9). • Purity: A bride prepared for Christ, unspotted by the world (Ephesians 5:27). • Perspective: Hope of reigning with Christ when Babylon finally collapses (Revelation 19:1-6). Living Ready Today • Keep short accounts with God—confess sin immediately (1 John 1:9). • Fix your eyes on the soon return of Jesus (Titus 2:13). • Encourage others to heed the same call before judgment falls (Jude 23). Come out—and stay out—so that when the final plagues descend, you’ll be standing in the clear light of God’s mercy rather than the ruins of a fallen world system. |
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