The Babylonian Empire is one of the most frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, and there are good reasons for this. First, Babylon was the dominant empire of the ancient world for many centuries. Second, it is presented in Scripture as a symbol of human pride and the quintessence of civilization's achievements: it was there that the technology, culture, and development of the time were concentrated. Third, God used Babylon as an instrument of punishment for His people, Israel, allowing them to be taken captive for their long apostasy. That is why the Bible speaks so often about this kingdom. However, the main problem with Babylon, for which it faced God's judgment, was its self-confidence and all the evil that came from it. That is what we will talk about today. This is not only a problem of an ancient empire—this sin is typical of every person living in this world.

Marriage is one of God's most important institutions. God created marriage at the very beginning of human existence. A significant part of the brief history of the creation of the world, presented in the first two chapters of the Bible, is devoted to describing this process. The importance of marriage has made it one of the main targets of Satan's attacks. As a result of these attacks, we see the tragic state of marriage and family not only in the world but often in churches today.

What can we do to counteract this? How can we preserve the family and make it a place of blessing? In this sermon, in the light of Scripture, we will look at practical lessons from the long-term experience of ordinary Christians in marriage, which make a strong and blessed marriage possible even today.

In persuading Israel to trust, obey, and follow Yahweh, Isaiah again relays God's words comparing the true God with the false gods that the Jews at that time were infatuated with. These gods do not stand up to any comparison. Not only do they not help or do anything. They also demand to be cared for. The true God, Jehovah, controls the universe and everything that happens in it. He establishes righteousness, saves and cares for His own.

The light of the city standing on top of the mountain is the light of Jesus Christ, the light of His Gospel and His life, which permeates the hearts of those He has saved. In order for us to shine, it is not enough to have only calls and desires. To shine, we need to have light within ourselves; we need to be a source of light. This is exactly what Jesus Christ spoke about when He met the woman in the city of Samaria. What does living water mean? How can we learn to drink it? How can we become a source of this water for the people around us?

John MacArthur's ministry is a shining example of faithfulness to God, love for God's word, and love for the church of Jesus Christ. In these days, as we remember his passage into eternity, it is helpful to draw some practical conclusions about pastoral ministry and its place and role in the life of the church, according to God's design.

We do not worship leaders who have influenced us spiritually. While we are grateful to them, we realize that the primary value is in the Word they preached. And that value is tremendous. It is crucial to remember it.

The election of the nation of Israel always had a purpose that went far beyond that nation. Although the Messiah and the salvation accomplished through Him was primarily revealed to God's people, it was always intended to reach all nations, all over the face of the earth. This principle has not changed in the time of the Church of Jesus Christ. God builds the Church not only to make us strong, free, and joyful in Him, but also to make us conduits of His salvation to others.

Jesus Christ is the Designer and Creator of the Church. At the moment of salvation, the Holy Spirit unites each person to the Body of Christ, His Church, the building of which is the central design of the history of the known universe. According to His design, each of us has a very definite place in Christ's body. Diakonia is one of the most important parts of the life of the Church, contributing to its growth. According to Christ's design, this ministry has two levels. In one sense, all members of the church are participants. In the other sense, it is a specially designated people who have been gifted and ordained by God for this work, which makes the life and development of the Church harmonious and coherent.