While we look forward to The Lord judging a wicked world, this message addresses how we are to live presently; between the now and the not yet."

The video of Johnny Cash reading Revelation 19 can be found at https://youtu.be/1aKwbVhhZcY?si=UOlQ2...

Summary: Revelation 19 opens with a heavenly shout of praise after Babylon’s fall and contrasts two symbolic women: the corrupt harlot and the pure bride. Babylon represents worldly systems that pursue wealth, power, idolatry and sexual immorality; God actively judges those systems and will vindicate the blood of His persecuted servants. The book of Revelation presents numerous scenes rather than a strict singular timeline, so the “after these things” moments demand our attention to various sequences as revealed that may not necessarily be chronological.

The marriage supper of the Lamb pictures the church arrayed in righteousness, destined for our union with Christ; which ia the glory of redemptive history.

Living now, before that final consummation, requires lots of practical discernment. Believers must refuse the love of the world and choose heavenly treasures over temporal gains; while avoiding hiding completely from culture; yet still resisting its corrupting influences. Israel’s fruitful exile in Babylon gives inspiration for us to remain faithful in a foreign land; while building lives, raising up families, seeking the city’s peace, and being a blessing where God has placed us as His people. Daniel and his companions exemplify thriving under cultural pressure. Check out the encouragement from Jeremiah 29.

Thriving in Babylonian times calls for a series of “re” responses: realigning with healthy congregational life and purposeful assembling; realizing the futility of human schemes that try to replace God; regaining responsible family patterns; repenting of unbelief and fear; resigning to the Lord’s corrective discipline; resisting destructive heresies and the lure of sensational prophecy; restoring those who fall with measured gentleness; retraining our thinking away from self-centered narcissism; and returning to worship that fixes our hearts on Heaven.

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Like walking and chewing gum at the same time, we can live in the world withough being part of it; until The Lord's return