2025.08.08 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 5:22–33

Read Deuteronomy 5:22–33

Questions from the Scripture text: To whom did YHWH speak these words (v22)? Where? From the midst of what three things? With what sort of voice? What did He add? What else did He do with these words? To whom did He give the tablets? What had the people heard (v23)? From the midst of what? While what was happening? To whom did they come near in response? Who, specifically, came near? What did they say that YHWH had shown them (v24)? What did they hear? What did they see could happen, with what results for man? But what were they still afraid of happening (v25)? If what continued? What rhetorical question do they ask (v26)? With what implied answer? What do they tell Moses to do (v27)? Who heard them say this (v28)? To whom did He answer? What was His assessment of the elders’ statement? What did He desire that they would have in them (v29)? So that what would be the result? What does He tell Moses to tell them (v30)? But where does He tell Moses to go (v31)? What three things will He speak to Moses? And what is Moses to do with them? So that the people may do what, where? What does Moses now tell them to do (v32)? And what not to do? How should they walk (v33)? In order that what may happen? 

How does God display His glory? Deuteronomy 5:22–33 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twelve verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God displays His glory especially in His grace.

YHWH made a great revelation of Himself in fire, cloud, darkness, and loud voice (v22, cf. Heb 12:18–19).  Israel understand that this is a display of glory and greatness (v24). They are afraid that this glory and greatness will destroy them (v25).

But Israel don’t see that the greatest revelation of Himself here isn’t fire, blackness, darkness, and tempest. The greatest revelation of Himself is in His grace. 

That grace is already on display in the fact that they are not yet dead (end of v24). The rhetorical question in v26 should drive this home to them. When has this ever happened? It hasn’t! God has done an amazing, gracious thing. 

That grace is also plain in the desire of YHWH that they would have a heart that fears Him (v29a) and gives complete obedience: always obeying all His commandments (v29b).

That grace is explicit in the further purpose of this right-heartedness, “that it might be well with them and with their children forever” (v29c). 

But that grace is supremely evident in His provision of a Mediator. In the short-term, He provides Moses. God has given the moral law with His own voice and His own writing in stone (v22). But the ceremonial and civil law, He will now give through the mediator of this administration of the covenant of grace (v31). The mediator urges obedience upon them (v32–33a) for the same gracious purpose that the Lord Himself has already stated, “that you may live and that I may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess” (v33b). 

As mediator, Moses is a type of Christ. It is Christ’s intercession that is the greatest display of God’s grace, the greatest display of God’s glory. How wonderful, dear reader, that in our administration of the covenant of grace, we hear all God’s Word from God’s Son, Who loved us and gave Himself for us! When we worship God, we even come with Him, and through Him, into the glorious presence of God Himself (cf. Heb 12:22–29). God has chosen to display His glory especially by His grace, and that, especially in His Son, our Mediator!

What place does God’s wrath and power have in your thoughts about His greatness? What place does His grace have in your thoughts about His greatness?  What place does Jesus, the Mediator, have in your thoughts about God’s greatness?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for displaying the greatness of Your glory especially by Your great grace. And thank You for doing this, especially in Christ, through Whom we thank and praise You, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP2 “Why Do Gentile Nations Rage” or TPH266 “Thou Art the Way”

2025.08.07 Hopewell @Home ▫ Revelation 19:11–21

Read Revelation 19:11–21

Questions from the Scripture text: What did John see opened? What did he see there? What was its rider called? What two things does He do in righteousness? What are His eyes like (v12)? What is on His head? What was written, and who knew it? What was his clothing dipped in (v13)? What was His Name called? Who follow Him (v14)? Dressed in what? Riding on what? What went out of His mouth (v15)? Whom does He strike with it? What else does He do to them? What does He tread? What name does He have written in what two places (v16)? Whom does John see in v17? Standing where? To whom does he cry loudly? Telling them to come to what? In order to eat what (v18)? What three entities does John see in v19? What are they gathered to do? Against Whom? Who were captured in v20? Where were they cast? What happened to the kings of the earth and their armies (v21)? What do the birds do?

What happens in the final battle? Revelation 19:11–21 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eleven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that in the final battle, Jesus Himself destroys all of His and our enemies.

vv1–10 had ended with the great marriage feast of the lamb. Now this passage proceeds to another, very different feast. There is a great war with a great King, and the outcome is so sure that the birds are invited to it as to a great feast (v17–18). 

The identity of the King. The outcome is sure because of Who the King is. He is called Faithful and True (v11, cf. 3:14). In righteousness He judges and makes war (cf. v2). His eyes are as flames of fire (v12, cf. 1:14). On His head are many crowns, indicating that He is the King of kings (cf. v16). The blood on His robe (v13) is that of those who are under His wrath (cf. Isa 63:1–6). He is God, the Word (cf. Jn 1:1–14). He is the King of kings and Lord of Lords (v16, cf. Dt 10:17, Dan 2:47, Php 2:11). 

The vengeance of the King. He strikes with the rod/sword of His mouth (v15, cf. Is 11:4, Rev 1:16). He rules with a rod of iron (cf. Ps 2:8–9). He treads the winepress of God’s own wrath (cf. 14:20, Is 63:1–6). He casts two members of the faux trinity alive into the lake of fire (v20) and kills the rest with the sword from His mouth. He leads the holy, heavenly armies of v14, but He Himself accomplishes the entire victory.

Will you be part of the bride in the first feast, or the destroyed in the other feast? When the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, the saints will enjoy their rest, glorify Him, and admire Him (cf. 2Th 1:7, 10). But on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, He will take vengeance in flaming fire and punish them with everlasting destruction from His presence and from the glory of His power (cf. 2Th 1:8–9). Obey the gospel! Turn, from sin and self, unto the Lord Jesus!

How does one come to be part of the bride of Christ? Have you done this? What awaits you in the last day?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for being forgetful of the glory of Jesus Christ, and the day of His great wrath that is coming soon. We deserve that wrath, so we hide ourselves in Him as our hope of being members of His bride in the last day. Grant that it would be so, and give us to glorify and admire Him in that great day, we sk in His Name, AMEN! 

 Suggested songs: ARP2 “Why Do Gentile Nations Rage?” or TPH389 “Great God, What Do I See and Hear”

2025.08.06 Midweek Meeting Livestream (live at 6:30p)

Click below for the:

August 6 Prayer Meeting Folder

Proverbs 16:10–15 sermon outline

We urge you to assemble physically, if possible, with a true congregation of Christ's church. For those of our own congregation who may be providentially hindered, we are grateful to be able to provide this service.

IF you are unable to get the stream to work, or simply wish to save on data, you can listen in simply by calling 712.432.3410 and entering 70150 at the prompt.

Each week we livestream the Lord's Day (Sabbath School, Morning Public Worship, and p.m. Singing and Sermon) and Midweek Meeting (sermon and prayer). For notifications when Hopewell is streaming live, install the CHURCHONE APP on your [Apple], [Android], or [Kindle] device, and enter hopewellarp for your broadcaster.

2025.08.06 Hopewell @Home ▫ Micah 4:1–5

Read Micah 4:1–5

Questions from the Scripture text: When will the following come to pass (v1a)? How is YHWH’s house described in v1b? Where/how will it be established (v1c–d)? What will happen then (v1e)? Who will come, doing what (v2a)? What will they say (v2b)? To where, specifically, will they come (v2c)? For Him to do what (v2d)? So that they can do what (v2e)? What will go out of Zion/Jerusalem at that time (v2f–g)? What will He do for whom (v3a)? And what will He do to whom else (v3b)? With what results among the nations (v3c–f)? Who will be able to do what (v4a)? What will not be done to them (v4b)? How sure is this (v4c)? What are people currently doing (v5a)? But what will YHWH’s true people do (v5b)? For how long (v5c)?

What does the future hold for devastated Zion? Micah 4:1–5 looks forward to the morning sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the future of God’s church is guaranteed by God’s grace.

This little passage assures us of many wonderful impossibilities. Because of the Israelites themselves, Zion/Jerusalem was soon to be plowed to the ground (cf. 3:12). But at the end of the days, because of YHWH, Zion/Jerusalem would be made to stand—and not just stand, but above all other mountains/powers. This is the wonderful logic of God’s grace; precisely in the face of what is happening with this generation, He affirms the glorious good that He will surely bring to pass at last and forever.

The peoples in v1 are described as a stream. But there is something impossible about this stream. It flows uphill! Both with respect to individual grace, and with respect to the missionary spread of the kingdom, this is a wonderful picture of God’s accomplishing the impossible. Water doesn’t flow uphill. Gentiles don’t stream into Zion. Sinners don’t come to God for Himself and His Word. But what is impossible with men is possible with God!

These people from many nations will exhibit resolve (“Come, and let us go up,” v2b), relish (a hunger/ desire for His Word, v2d), and repentance (living according to that Word, v2e). How will this happen? How will it come to be that they come to Zion for the Word? The Word itself accomplishes this work by first going out from Zion. “For out of Zion the law shall go forth, and the Word of YHWH from Jerusalem,” (v2f–g).

Ultimately whatever peoples are not participating in this revival will be eliminated. For the earth at the end of the days will be such a safe place that there will be no need for weapons or even military training (v3). This isn’t just a general blessedness, but each and every individual will enjoy his part in the blessedness (4a). 

In an age of wickedness and certain, dreadful, imminent judgment, how can they dare to hope that this will be the case? Indeed, not only can they dare to hope, but they must be completely assured, for the mouth of YHWH of hosts as spoken this (v4c)!

Now, what are you to do, in light of this glorious end, if you are living in an age of wickedness and judgment? Opt out of living in the manner of your age! Micah observes the nearly universal, wayward idolatry of the people of his day (v5a). Then, in v5b, he speaks not only for himself but others: “but we.” The implication is that the word of YHWH is going to be used to produce others like him, others who will walk in the name of YHWH their God. And those who do so now, by grace, will do so forever (v5c)!

Behold the wonderful, impossible grace of God that recovers sinners and gathers a glorious church from all the nations, and brings them into a secure, godly blessedness forever!

Why don’t you have to despair in an age of unfaithfulness of the church? What should you do in such an age?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us, for if what came of the church depended upon us, surely it would be utterly destroyed. But, You gorify Your almighty grace by granting repentance to a remnant. Make us to be that remnant who love to come to You, be taught by You, and walk in Your paths. Give us peace and faithfulness, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested Songs: ARP98 “O Sing a New Song to the LORD” or TPH400 “Gracious Spirit, Dwell with Me”

Nothing Can Be Hid from God [Children's Catechism 12—Theology Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 12—especially explaining how God knows all things.

Q10. Does God know all things? Yes; nothing can be hid from God.

The lesson explores the profound truth of God's omniscience, emphasizing that nothing is hidden from Him, drawing heavily from Hebrews 4 and Jeremiah 17. It highlights the mercy of God, Who, already possessing complete knowledge of the human heart's deceitfulness and wickedness, provides the Scriptures to expose and illuminate our own thoughts and intentions. The message underscores that while the human heart is inherently unknowable, God’s revelation enables a degree of self-awareness, ultimately calling believers to accountability before a God who knows all things. The overall tone is instructional and comforting, presenting God’s knowledge not as a source of judgment alone, but as a pathway to understanding and spiritual growth.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

Living the Good Life [Family Worship lesson in Ecclesiastes 2]

What is the point of life? Ecclesiastes 2 looks forward to the hearing of Scripture, publicly read, in public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the point of life is to receive it as from God, and to live it as for God.

The devotional explores the pursuit of purpose through pleasure, productivity, and prosperity, ultimately concluding that these earthly endeavors prove fleeting and ultimately meaningless when pursued for personal gain. Solomon’s exhaustive testing reveals that wisdom is preferable to folly, yet even wisdom cannot escape mortality and oblivion. The sermon emphasizes that true fulfillment arises not from accumulating possessions or achievements, but from recognizing God as the source of all good and enjoying life's blessings as gifts from Him, a perspective that transcends temporal limitations and promises enduring joy.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.08.05 Hopewell @Home ▫ Ecclesiastes 2

Read Ecclesiastes 2:1–11

Questions from the Scripture text: With what did Solomon decide to test his heart (v1)? With what conclusion? What did he think of laughter and mirth (v2)? With what other things does he try to satisfy himself (v3)? Trying to figure out what? What building projects did he attempt (v4–6)? What possessions did he acquire (v7–8)? How does he assess his efforts in v9? What is his poetic summary of what he did (v10)? And what was his poetic analysis of it all (v11)? What did he try next (v12a)? What was the problem with trying new things (v12b–c)? But what was decidedly better (v13)? Why (v14a–b)? But what ultimately neutralizes this advantage (v14c–d)? What, then, does Solomon tell himself (v15)? What even happens to both after death (v16)? How does this affect Solomon (v17)? What does he conclude about his labor (v18a)? Why, what must he do with it all (v18b)? And what might be the case with the successor (v19)? How does he summarize this in broader application (v20–23)? But what is actually good (v24a)? Why (v24b)? What question does v25 ask? What answer does v26 give? To whom does God give this knowledge and joy? What does He give to the sinner?

What is the point of life? Ecclesiastes 2 looks forward to the hearing of Scripture, publicly read, in public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the point of life is to receive it as from God, and to live it as for God.

Solomon tried joy (v1–3), not merely pleasure, but the best pleasures, tempered with wisdom (v3). Solomon tried productivity (v4–6). Solomon tried possessions (v7–8). And he did this better than anyone else had done (v9a); he even specifies that all of this was done in a wise manner (v9b).

But when the joy of the labor was the reward for his labor (v10), he concluded that this too was as fleeting as vapor and wind, without lasting benefit, because it was under the sun (v11). 

So, if joy in all of these good things could not suffice as an end in itself, what about wisdom. Could wisdom be the purpose and profit of things (v12a)? After all, joy in accomplishments would never be ultimately unique (v12b–c). And while it was true that wisdom enabled one to live with eyes wide open (v13–14b), yet even wisdom was subject to the great equalizers.

Death is a great equalizer (v14c–d), equally occurring unto the wise and to the fool (v15a–d). So, under the sun, even wisdom is as fleeting as vapor (v15e–f). 

Lack of remembrance is a great equalizer. Time, like an ever-rolling stream, bears all its sons away (v16c–d); they fly forgotten, as a dream dies at the opening day (v16b). This forgetting happens to the wise and to the fool alike (v16a).

Successors are a great equalizer. All of man’s labor must be left to those who come after (v18), but there is no way to ensure the wisdom of that man (v19a), so that whatever is left to the succeeding generation is as fleeting as a vapor (v19b). So long as all of this is done merely under the sun, there is no amount or quality of labor or success that will keep it from being s fleeing as vapor (v20–23).

Is the answer despair? Absolutely not! The answer is conscientiously to receive all good—and, additionally, the enjoyment itself of that good—as actively given by the hand of God (v24)! Only when it is not viewed primarily as our achievement (v25), but rather known as a gift of grace even in the effort itself (v26a) are fruitfulness and enjoyment substantial and lasting! The sinner’s labor is also assigned by God (v26b), so that his godlessness may expose all of his aims and efforts to be as fleeting as vapor (v26c).

Dear reader, you are surrounded by people who say things that have an appearance of wisdom; things like “as long as it gives you joy” and “the point is the journey” and “as long as you do things the right way.” But these only have the appearance of wisdom, and apart from the knowledge of God in Christ, they are neutralized by death, remembrance, and successors, so that they are fleeting as vapor. 

God grant unto you, instead, to receive your life, the living of it, the fruitfulness of it, and the enjoyment of it, as so many different gifts directly from His hand—and all for the sake of Christ. Then, there will be nothing better for you than that you should eat and drink, and that your soul should enjoy good from His hand in all your labor!

What are the tasks that God has assigned to you? What is the ability in which you are depending upon Him to sustain you? What is the productivity for which you are depending on Him to produce? How is your heart taking joy in Him and His goodness in each of these good gifts of His? How and why have you been brought into such a wonderful life with Him? How are you responding to that?

Sample prayer:  Lord, all of our joys, all of our efforts, and even all of our wisdom are pointless apart from You. Soon, we shall die, be forgotten, and our productivity under the sun eventually squandered by a fool. But You, Lord, give us to enjoy even our daily food and drink and labor. These are gifts from You, and the enjoyment of them an additional gift from You. Now, as we come to worship You, grant that we would only do so as a gift from You. Give us to know the worship as a gift from You, and our ability to do it as a gift from You, and the edifying produce of it as a gift from You, and our joy in all of this as an additional, super-added gift from You in Christ. So, help us to worship You, by Your Spirit, we ask in and through Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, AMEN!

Suggested Songs: ARP1 “How Blessed the Man” or TPH222 “O God, Our Help in Ages Past”

2025.08.03 Lord's Day Livestreams (live at 10:10a, 11:10a, 3p)

Click below for the:

August 3 Lord's Day Worship Booklet

Micah 3 sermon outline

3p song selections & Revelation 19:1–10 sermon outline

We urge you to assemble physically, if possible, with a true congregation of Christ's church. For those of our own congregation who may be providentially hindered, we are grateful to be able to provide this service.

IF you are unable to get the stream to work, or simply wish to save on data, you can listen in simply by calling 712.432.3410 and entering 70150 at the prompt.

Each week we livestream the Lord's Day (Sabbath School, Morning Public Worship, and p.m. Singing and Sermon) and Midweek Meeting (sermon and prayer). For notifications when Hopewell is streaming live, install the CHURCHONE APP on your [Apple], [Android], or [Kindle] device, and enter hopewellarp for your broadcaster.

2025.08.02 Hopewell @Home ▫ Revelation 19:1–10

Read Revelation 19:1–10

Questions from the Scripture text: How does Revelation 19:1 relate, chronologically, to the fall of harlot Babylon? What does John hear? What is this great multitude saying—what four things do they ascribe to Whom in their praise? What two things have demonstrated his (Revelation 19:2)? What has He done to show this about His judgments? What had the harlot done? And what has He done to her? What do they repeat in Revelation 19:3? What do they say about the harlot? Who do what in Revelation 19:4 (cf. Revelation 4:10, Revelation 5:8)? What do they say? From where does the next voice come (Revelation 19:5)? What does it tell whom to do? Whose voice do we hear in Revelation 19:6? What does it sound like? What is it saying about the Lord? What does it exhort one another to do (Revelation 19:7)? Why—what has come? Who has done what? What will be granted to her (Revelation 19:8)? What is this fine linen? To whom does the one with John now speak (Revelation 19:9)? What does he tell John to do? What is John to write about whom? What does the voice say about what John is writing? How does John respond to the one who says this thing (Revelation 19:10)? But how does this one respond? What does he call himself? Whom does he serve? What do the brethren have? Whom should John worship? Why?

How do we respond to the events of the last day? Revelation 19:1–10 provides a sermon preview. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we respond to the events of the last day with great and universal praise unto God.

We praise God for His truth and righteousness. In His judgments (Revelation 19:2), God has especially shown His truth and righteousness. He has been righteous to the harlot, punishing her corrupting influence (verse 2a). He has been righteous to the saints, avenging them (verse 2b). He has been righteous in the extent of the punishment, it being forever and ever (Revelation 19:3). 

We praise God for His great acts in His plan of salvation. The worship of the twenty-four elders and four living creatures, in Revelation 19:4, is the third act of the worship in which they lead all of God’s great assembly. First it was for creation (cf. Revelation 4:10), then it was for redemption (cf. Revelation 5:8), and now it is for consummation (Revelation 19:4). We praise the Lord for His mighty acts. We sing the new song unto the Lord, upon the closing chapter of His plan (cf. Psalm 96, 98). Indeed, it is the Lord Jesus Himself Who now leads this praise from the throne (Revelation 19:5).

We praise God for His almighty love. It is wonderful that the great display of God’s omnipotence (Revelation 19:6) is not the judgment of the harlot but the marriage of the bride to the Lamb (Revelation 19:7). His power has not only delivered her from her guilt, but fitted her for her wedding (end of verse 7). When you grow in grace, dear saint, your righteous acts become part of the fine linen of the bride (Revelation 19:8)! The Lamb has loved an unworthy bride, betrothed her to Himself, and is fitting her for Himself. Here is the greatest display of almighty power and divine love! 

We respond by serving the saints. We must announce the blessed invitation to the marriage supper (Revelation 19:9). Even John’s angel guide views himself as servant to those who will inherit salvation (Revelation 19:10, cf. Hebrews 1:14). But we are “fellow servants,” and it should be our desire to be used by God to bring every one of His elect to that wonderful marriage feast!

What is your heart-habit of praise to God for His works? What are you looking forward to on the last day? What is God’s greatest display of his power to you, and how are you responding to it? How does the thought of “clothing the bride” incentivize you unto good works? How are you participating in the service to bring all of the saints to the marriage feast?

Sample prayer: Lord, forgive us for when we feel that justice is being neglected. Grant that we would remember the perfect truth and righteousness of Your judgments, that we will see at the last day. And forgive us for how unmindful we are of the marriage supper of the Lamb. Make us to see His love, and come to His feast, and do those righteous acts that are the fine linen of His bride. Forgive us for not serving more in evangelism and discipleship, and use us, as You gather in all Your elect, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP98 “O Sing a New Song” or TPH471 “The Sands of Time Are Sinking” 

2025.08.01 Hopewell @Home ▫ Revelation 17–18

Read Revelation 17–18

Questions from the Scripture text: Who comes to talk with John in Revelation 17:1? Whose judgment will he show him? Upon what did she sit? Who did what with her (Revelation 17:2a)? What did she do to whom (verse 2b)? Where did he take John, and whom did he see there (Revelation 17:3)? Upon what was she siting? How was she clothed (Revelation 17:4)? What did she have in her hand? What was written on her forehead (Revelation 17:5)? With what was she drunk (Revelation 17:6)? What impression does she make upon Jon? What does the angel ask (Revelation 17:7)? What will he do to help John? Which beast is this, and who marvel at it (Revelation 17:8, cf. Revelation 13:3–4)? What do the heads of the beast represent her (Revelation 17:9)? What do each of these mountains have (Revelation 17:10)? From what eras? As what does the beast present himself (Revelation 17:11)? What do the horns represent (Revelation 17:12)? How long is each of their reigns? Like whom do they think (Revelation 17:13)? With Whom do they make war (Revelation 17:14)? Who wins? Why? What do he waters from Revelation 17:1 represent (Revelation 17:15)? What do the kings and kingdoms ultimately do to the harlot (Revelation 17:16)? Why (Revelation 17:17)? And who is the mother of this and all harlots (Revelation 17:18, cf. Revelation 17:5)? Whom does John see in Revelation 18:1? What does this angel have? How glorious is he? What does he do in Revelation 18:2? What has happened to Babylon the great? What happened to those who drank her cup (Revelation 18:3, cf. Revelation 17:4)? What does John hear in verse 4? Whom does the voice address? What does it tell them to do? Why (Revelation 18:5)? What will God do to her in this remembrance (Revelation 18:6)? To what extent (Revelation 18:7)? And with what result (Revelation 18:8)? How/why? What will the kings of the earth do at this (Revelation 18:9-10)? Who else will weep (Revelation 18:11)? Why (Revelation 18:11-14)? What, specifically, will they say (Revelation 18:15-16)? What will shock them the most (Revelation 18:17, cf. end of Revelation 18:10)? Who else will mourn her (Revelation 18:17-18)? In what manner (Revelation 18:19)? Most amazed at what? But who will have what other reaction (Revelation 18:20)? Why? Who does what in Revelation 18:21? To demonstrate what? What will now be an irrelevant memory (Revelation 18:22-23)? Why—what was found in her (Revelation 18:24)?

Why do we need to see and hear the greatness of God’s wrath upon worldliness? Revelation 17–18 provides a sermon preview. In these forty-two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we need to be warned about wrath, so that we will come out from among the worldly and be separate.

The wrath of God comes with observation and reaction, both by the world, and by the saints. And, the Lord’s angel summons John to observe this (Revelation 17:1). The “mystery” (knowledge that is revealed from the Scripture, rather than found in the creation) of this “Babylon” is that she is the mother of all harlots (Revelation 17:5), offering luxuries and pleasures apart from God (Revelation 17:4), and receiving the devotion of the kingdoms of the world (Revelation 17:3). 

Whether the empire of the 7 mountains/heads (probably Rome, Revelation 17:9-10), subsequent attempts to rule the world by force of power (the beast, and its manifestations, Revelation 17:11), or lesser kingdoms that are more local or short-lived (the ten horns, Revelation 17:12)—they all have one mind, willing to make war with Christ and His church in service of power (Revelation 17:13), and especially the harlot of prosperity and pleasure (Revelation 17:14). 

The point of the waters (Revelation 17:1, Revelation 17:15) is that this is an equal opportunity harlot, seducing literally every “civilization” there has ever been. The prostitute woman-city of Babylon is a counterfeit of the woman-city of Zion/Jerusalem. A counterfeit church in which the creature is worshiped, rather than the Creator. And wherever peoples, multitudes, nations, or tongues have been, members of the harlot-church of prosperity and pleasure have been found.

But her days are numbered, and regardless of how prosperous or luxurious their experience has been with her, all who loved her will be shocked at the severity and the intensity of her desolation that comes in “one hour” (Revelation 18:10, Revelation 18:17, Revelation 18:19). 

We need to see the violence and completeness of the coming destruction of worldliness (Revelation 18:21-23). When the shiny cup of Revelation 17:4 is drunk, it will turn out to be full not only of her filth, but of the wrath that she will drink with all who have accepted it from her (Revelation 18:6). Even after she has slain so many of the prophets and the saints (cf. Revelation 16:6, Revelation 17:6, Revelation 18:24), we are vulnerable to worldliness. So, the angel in Revelation 17:1 shows these things to John, and the voice of the Lord in Revelation 18:4 urges us to come out of the world-church of worldliness. 

Dear saint, be warned, and be amazed at the judgment of the harlot. Don’t let worldliness seduce you. Separate yourself from that (Revelation 18:4; cf. Isaiah 52:11, 2 Corinthians 6:17). Be one of the called, chosen, faithful ones who are with the Lord of lords and King of kings (Revelation 17:14). Then, you will be among those who rejoice over her, when God avenges His saints (Revelation 18:20).

Whom do you know that pursues prosperity and pleasure? How are you coming out from among them?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for being so easily tempted by the pursuit of prosperity and pleasure. Please make us remember that this harlot religion will be devastated suddenly and completely. And, make us to come out from among the worldly, and be the called, chosen, and faithful ones of King Jesus, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP24 “The Earth and the Riches” or TPH389 “Great God, What Do I See and Hear”