Sermon Tone Analysis

The longer I live, the more I am learning that there are many people who are genuinely part of God’s family who don’t fit my preconceived traditionalist understanding.

There are also many religious people who call themselves Christian, who will NOT be present in the events of Rev. 19.

Imposters and charlatans have been present since the time the New Testament was being written.

Liars, False witnesses, false prophets, false apostles, and false brothers are specifically mentioned by Paul, Peter and John.

So, what separated true Christian faith from False Religion?

Both may quote verses from the Bible.

Both may provide comfort and hope.

Both can be found in the pews of churches across the Pentecostal to Liturgical spectrum.

Determining the difference between these two requires 1) knowing the Scriptures (Acts 17:11), and 2) testing for authenticity (1 Pt 1:7).

After years of following Christ, I have concluded (you may tweak my definition) that the primary goal of Biblical Orthodox Christianity is the Glory of God and the ultimate Good of His creation.

[by “good” I mean God’s purpose].

False religions emphasize the comfort or happiness of humanity.

Today’s passage in Revelation exposes the collapse of False religion.

But instead of thinking about them, my prayer is that each of us would think about me.

Where have I been deceived into wrong beliefs?

2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV:2016)

5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith.

Test yourselves.

Transition: if one’s “faith” or religion does not primarily seek the glory of God, consistency with all of revealed Scripture, and the purpose of God, today’s text reveals its final outcome.

The Downfall of False Religion (Rev.

17:1-6; 18-19:3)

Historic Significance of Babylon

Ancient 5,000 BC – Babel (Gen 11)

Old – King Hammurabi (1792 BC)

Middle –default language of the period [clay tablets knows as the Amarna Letters] (1385 BC)

Neo – Nebuchadnezzar II (604 BC)

Neo Babylon becomes the background for the book of Daniel and the Babylonian Captivity.

It was under this Neo-Babylonian empire that Jerusalem was seized and the people of Judah were forced to assimilate to a false religion.

Dr. John Walvoord, former President of Dallas Theological Seminary, writes, “When the teachers of the Babylonian mystery religions later moved from Pergamum to Rome, they were influential in paganizing Christianity and were the source of many so-called religious rites which have crept into ritualistic churches.

Babylon then is the symbol of apostasy and blasphemous substitution of idol-worship for the worship of God in Christ.

In this passage Babylon comes to its final judgment.”[i]

Adornment of the Imposter (17:4 & 18:16)

The woman of Rev 17 is dressed in purple, scarlet, gold, jewels and pearls.

Babylon (the city) is clothed in purple, scarlet, gold jewels and pears.

A religious system is neither a person, nor a city, but apocalyptic literature uses both these forms to describe an influence that is set against the people and purpose of God.

Extent of Former Influence (18:22-23)

You would not believe the extent of items that pastors are asked to endorse.

In jest one time I suggested that a clerical robe could look like a NASCAR jacket or Rodeo Vest with sponsor patches.

In 2004 when The Passion of the Christ appeared in Theatres and marketing people found that faith-based films could be profitable, 2 years later the Rocky Balboa movie released and there was a push to get church youth groups to discuss the characters and themes of the movie for a few weeks in hopes to drive paying theatre attendance.

Multi-level insurance, cleaning solutions, jewelry and motivational materials are just a few of the products I have been asked to hawk.

If you are a musician, I trust you honor God with your music.

If you are a businessman, I trust you conduct business in a way that reflects your belief system.

If you are an actor or athlete, I hope you glorify the Lord in all you say and do.

But, something is askew when wealth and impact exceed truth and righteousness.

This week I learned of an “entrepreneur” who is hosting events under this banner.

I’ve never been to one of these events, and good information may be available.

I don’t doubt that some/all of the people pictured behind this logo are true Christians, but the way this is marketed and the people who make up the leadership team of this event raises many warning flags in my mind.

I listen to modern and traditional Christian Music, but CCM as an industry of its own.

(v.22a) –no more

I have framed Scripture and Precious Moments figurines in my home & craft industries (v.22b) – no more

Ann and I have attended Marriage and family retreats and events, but as an economic source of conferences and products (v.23b) – no more

Christian tourism disguised as “missions” (v.23c) – no more

Notice the word sorcery.

(v.23d)

Literally pharmakia (potions & spells)

Used by Soranus Medicus in ancient Greece to describe abortifacient potions.

As the false religion of sex without boundaries is promoted, this sorcery is offered to make all the consequences “go away”

Even in our country there are discussions about access to this sorcery across state lines.

Blood of the Prophets, Saints & Martyrs (17:6 & 18:24)

· When truth gets in the way of power and profits, many truthtellers are silenced by this false religion.

Transition: Not only do faith/religious systems come to an abrupt end, but we also see…

The Deception of Political Power (Rev.

17:8-17)

We’ve already been introduced to the Red Dragon, and 2 beasts (politics and religion).

Now John is describing their destruction in reverse order.

After false religion is destroyed, we see the outcome of political systems.

Why do I name politics as the Beast in these verses?

Identity of the Beast (17:3 & 9-12)

Rome as 7 hills (17:9)

7 kingdoms (Rev.

17:10 & Daniel 2)

Babylonians (gold head)

Medes(silver chest)

Persians (bronze belly & thighs)

Greeks (iron legs)

Romans (clay feet)

Current

Revived Roman Empire (10 Kings/toes)

10 kings (17:12)

Political alliances: NATO, UN, European Union, ???

Through the current Ukrainian war and petroleum distribution we have seen the importance of alliances and treaties as the seat of power against others.

Outcome of the Beast (17:8)

Power (17:12-13)

o Just as authentic authority receives power from God (Romans 13:1), the influence of human politics will cease to exist while its source (Satan) is restrained for a season.

(17:11-14a)

Pit/Prison (17:8 & 20:2-3)

Destruction (17:11 & 20:10)

Betrayal by the Beast (17:16)

Kings revoke their support of the woman (17:16)

Kings distance themselves from her destruction (18:9-10)

Merchants distance themselves from her destruction (18:11-19)

Today there is significant discussion about tax exemption for churches and clergy housing.

Historically, government has realized the benefits from healthy faith communities.

Active churches and charities have gone great distances into meeting the needs of people so that the demand upon government has been reduced.

But when the existence of religious bodies no longer coincide with the desires of politicians, v.16 describes that religion will be discarded like a detestable nuisance.

Transition: Contrasted to the destruction of false religion and beastly politics in 17 & 18, Rev. 19 reveals the future of the people of God.

The Dignity of Christ’s Bride (Rev.

19:4-10)

Linen of Righteous Deeds (19:8)

1.

Our righteousness = filthy rags (Is 64:6)

But wait, doesn’t Scripture say our righteousness us useless?

2. Granted her to clothe herself

The righteous deeds that clothe the Bride are not of her own initiative