Conflict and Courage.
Daniel 2

Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: and he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding. Daniel 2:20, 21.
Behold the Jewish captive, calm and self-possessed, in the presence of the monarch of the world's most powerful empire. In his first words he disclaimed honor for himself and exalted God as the source of all wisdom. To the anxious inquiry of the king, “Art thou able to make known unto me the dream which I have seen, and the interpretation thereof?” he replied: “The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, show unto the king; but there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days.” ...

In the annals of human history, the growth of nations, the rise and fall of empires, appear as if dependent on the will and prowess of man; the shaping of events seems, to a great degree, to be determined by his power, ambition, or caprice. But in the word of God the curtain is drawn aside, and we behold, above, behind, and through all the play and counterplay of human interest and power and passions, the agencies of the All-merciful One, silently, patiently working out the counsels of His own will....

In the history of nations the student of God's word may behold the literal fulfillment of divine prophecy. Babylon, shattered and broken at last, passed away because in prosperity its rulers had regarded themselves as independent of God, and had ascribed the glory of their kingdom to human achievement.... The kingdoms that followed were even more base and corrupt; and these sank lower and still lower in the scale of moral worth.

The power exercised by every ruler on the earth is Heaven-imparted; and upon his use of the power thus bestowed, his success depends.... To recognize the outworking of these principles in the manifestation of His power who “removeth kings, and setteth up kings”—this is to understand the philosophy of history.1Prophets and Kings, 494-502.

THE NAME THAT RULES HEAVEN AND EARTH

And Jesus Came And Spake Unto Them, Saying, All Power Is Given Unto Me In Heaven And In Earth" (Matthew 28:18 KJV).


When the Lord Jesus declared, "...All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth," He made a proclamation no earthly ruler could ever truthfully make. Throughout history, mighty empires arose with extraordinary influence and vast dominions.

The Pharaohs ruled with terrifying authority in Egypt. Nebuchadnezzar expanded Babylon's greatness across nations. The Persians, the Greeks, and later the Romans each dominated the world in their time. Yet, every one of those empires eventually crumbled.

However, while Rome still stood in all its pride and "Glory," the Lord Jesus came on the scene with a higher dominion. This wasn't merely political authority or earthly influence but absolute authority over all realms, visible and invisible, celestial and terrestrial. No emperor ever possessed that. No king ever ruled both heaven and earth. Only the Lord Jesus declared such authority.

This was why the disciples were so fiercely persecuted. They proclaimed another Kingdom while Caesar was still emperor. They preached a Name greater than Rome's authority, and the rulers of that age couldn't tolerate it. Yet, while they all faded away, the dominion of Christ continued increasingly unabated.

Hebrews 13:8 says, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." His authority hasn't diminished. His Name hasn't weakened through the ages. The same Name that healed the sick, raised the dead, cast out devils, and shook nations in Bible days carries the same power today.

More wonderfully, He's given us the power of attorney, the legal right and divine authority to act in His stead. When you speak in the Name of Jesus, you're not uttering mere words; you're exercising authority from the One who rules heaven and earth. Therefore, never be intimidated by earthly systems, oppositions, or circumstances.

Empires may rise and fall, governments may change, and human powers may fade, but the Name of the Lord Jesus remains eternally supreme. Use that Name with boldness. Use it to enforce His will in your world, for He rules over all, now and forever. Hallelujah!


FURTHER STUDY

Philippians 2:9-10 KJV Wherefore God Also Hath Highly Exalted Him, And Given Him A Name Which Is Above Every Name: That At The Name Of Jesus Every Knee Should Bow, Of [Things] In Heaven, And [Things] In earth, And [Things] Under The Earth;

Acts 4:12 KJV
Neither Is There Salvation In Any Other: For There Is None Other Name Under Heaven Given Among Men, Whereby We Must Be Saved.

Ephesians 1:19-22 AMPC
And [So That You Can Know And Understand] What Is The Immeasurable And Unlimited And Surpassing Greatness Of His Power In And For Us Who Believe, As Demonstrated In The Working Of His Mighty Strength, Which He Exerted In Christ When He Raised Him From The Dead And Seated Him At His [Own] Right Hand In The Heavenly [Places], Far Above All Rule And Authority And Power And Dominion And Every Name That Is Named [Above Every Title That Can Be Conferred], Not Only In This Age And In This World, but Also In The Age And The World Which Are To Come. And He Has Put All Things Under His Feet And Has Appointed Him The Universal And Supreme Head Of The Church [A Headship Exercised Throughout The Church],

Let's talk about it.
Babylon is not presented as openly pagan. She is presented as a counterfeit.

The high priest wore gold, blue, purple, and scarlet (Exodus 28:5–6). The woman of Revelation wears purple and scarlet, and is adorned with gold and precious stones (Revelation 17:4). The resemblance is striking. She carries the appearance of sacred authority.

But one colour is missing: blue.

In Scripture, blue was associated with remembering and doing the commandments of God (Numbers 15:38–40). That makes the point powerful. Babylon may look rich, holy, and authoritative, but she lacks the colour connected with loyalty to God’s law.

This is how false religion works. It borrows the outward appearance of truth while denying the authority of God’s word. It keeps the splendour, the ceremony, and the religious claims—but removes obedience.

God is not looking for a religion that merely looks sacred. He is calling for a people who truly honour Him by keeping His commandments and the faith of Jesus (Revelation 14:12).

The issue at the end is not whether a system appears holy. The issue is whether it stands in obedience to the law of God.

Conflict and Courage.
Daniel 1

But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. 1 Corinthians 9:27.
As God called Daniel to witness for Him in Babylon, so He calls us to be His witnesses in the world today. In the smallest as well as the largest affairs of life, He desires us to reveal to men the principles of His kingdom. Many are waiting for some great work to be brought to them, while daily they lose opportunities for revealing faithfulness to God. Daily they fail of discharging with wholeheartedness the little duties of life....

In the life of the true Christian there are no nonessentials; in the sight of Omnipotence every duty is important. The Lord measures with exactness every possibility for service. The unused capabilities are just as much brought into account as those that are used. We shall be judged by what we ought to have done, but did not accomplish because we did not use our powers to glorify God.

A noble character is not the result of accident; it is not due to special favors or endowments of Providence. It is the result of self-discipline, of subjection of the lower to the higher nature, of the surrender of self to the service of God and man....

The body is a most important medium through which the mind and the soul are developed for the upbuilding of character. Hence it is that the adversary of souls directs his temptations to the enfeebling and degrading of the physical powers....

The body is to be brought into subjection to the higher powers of the being. The passions are to be controlled by the will, which is itself to be under the control of God. The kingly power of reason, sanctified, by divine grace, is to bear sway in the life. Intellectual power, physical stamina, and the length of life depend upon immutable laws. Through obedience to these laws, man may stand conqueror of himself, conqueror of his own inclinations, conqueror of ... “the rulers of the darkness of this world,” and of “spiritual wickedness in high places.” 51Prophets and Kings, 487-489.

*ABUJA AND THE NEW ERA: AN ESCHATOLOGICAL VIEW OF THE GLOBAL ANGLICAN HEADQUARTERS*
_By Postulant C. O. Oyadosu_

*INTRODUCTION: NOT JUST GEOGRAPHY, BUT PROPHECY*

To the glory of God, the announcement on *29 August 2026 in Recife, Brazil*, that the headquarters of the *Global Anglican Communion* will be established in *Abuja, Nigeria*, is more than an administrative decision. It is a prophetic marker.

While some individuals in their opinion rightly calls for wisdom, humility, and global representation, we must also read this moment through the lens of *Scripture, history, and eschatology*. God is not surprised by geography. He ordains seasons.

What we are witnessing is not Africa “taking over” Anglicanism. It is the *return of Christianity to its ancient African roots* and the beginning of an *End-Time Revival that will be led from the Global South*.

*1. CHRISTIANITY IN AFRICA PREDATES EUROPEAN MISSIONS*

The argument that Anglicanism must remain tied to Canterbury because “that is where it began” overlooks a deeper biblical and historical truth: *Africa was Christian before Europe was*.

1. *Ethiopia*: The Ethiopian eunuch in *Acts 8:26-39* took the Gospel to Africa in the 1st century. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church traces its roots to the 4th century, with the _Garima Gospels_ and a canon of 81 books preserved for 1600 years.
2. *North Africa*: Alexandria, Carthage, and Hippo produced giants like Athanasius, Origen, Tertullian, and Augustine. The Nicene Creed was hammered out in North Africa.
3. *Christianity is not a Western export*. It is an Eastern and African faith that later flourished in Europe.

Therefore, to locate the Global Anglican headquarters in *Abuja* is not innovation. It is *restoration*. It is God bringing the Communion back to a continent where the faith was planted by the Apostles themselves.

As *Colossians 3:16* declares for this last Sunday of August: _“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.”_ That Word first dwelt richly in African soil.

*2. AN ESCHATOLOGICAL READING: THE SHIFT TO THE GLOBAL SOUTH*

Jesus said in *Matthew 24:14*: _“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”_

Church historians like Philip Jenkins in _The Next Christendom_ have documented what the Spirit is doing: *The numerical and spiritual centre of Christianity has moved to Africa, Asia, and Latin America.*

The decision to place the headquarters in *Abuja* fits this eschatological pattern:
1. *Numerical strength*: Over 60% of active Anglicans today are in Africa. Nigeria alone has more Anglicans than all of UK, US, Canada and Australia combined.
2. *Doctrinal clarity*: In a season where Western provinces are revising biblical teaching on marriage, life, and authority of Scripture, God is raising up a bastion of biblical orthodoxy in the South.
3. *Missionary sending*: For 500 years the West sent missionaries to Africa. In this season, Africa is sending missionaries back to Europe, America, and Asia.

This is not nationalism. This is *fulfillment*. The last shall be first, and the first last. *Mark 10:31*

*3. WHY ABUJA? WHY NOW? PROPHECY AND REVIVAL*

Many prophetic voices across Africa for the last 30 years have spoken of an *“End-Time Revival that will start from Nigeria and spread to the nations.”* Nigeria’s Anglican Church has been at the forefront of:
- Church planting movements
- Prayer and fasting culture
- Defense of Scripture under persecution
- Youth and evangelistic fervour

The *G26 gathering in Abuja, March 2026*, was not accidental. It was a divine alignment. Abuja, the centrally located capital of the most populous black nation, becomes a *new Upper Room* from where the Spirit will be poured out.

Just as Jerusalem was the geographic center for the 1st century Church in *Acts 1:8*, *Abuja can be a 21st century center* for a global outpouring — not because Nigeria is superior, but because God chooses weak and unlikely places to shame the wise. *1 Corinthians 1:27*

*4. ANSWERING THE CONCERNS: INFRASTRUCTURE, GLOBALITY, AND OWNERSHIP*

Some highly respected Anglican Church fathers in God raised legitimate practical concerns. But eschatology teaches us that *God provides infrastructure for what He ordains*.

1. *On Infrastructure*: Joseph was sent to Egypt, Daniel to Babylon, and Paul to Rome. God never waits for perfect roads before He moves. As the headquarters grows, God will raise partners, technology, and diaspora Anglicans to build it. The early Church had no “international banking” either.
2. *On Global Representation*: Yes, leadership must reflect Africa + Asia + Europe + Americas + Pacific. But global representation does not require a Western postcode. With virtual platforms and international flights to Abuja increasing daily, *global access is a matter of will, not geography.*
3. *On “Looking African”*: The Gospel has always looked like the people who carry it. When it was in Rome it looked Roman. In Canterbury it looked English. In Antioch it looked Middle Eastern. *Let it now look African, and let the world come and see the glory of God in it.* The goal is not to erase culture, but to submit every culture to Christ.

The headquarters in Abuja will not “own” the Communion. *Christ owns it.* But the location will be a sign that God is doing a new thing. *Isaiah 43:19*

*5. ABUJA MUST BE MORE THAN AN OFFICE — IT MUST BE AN ALTAR*

I agree fully with Venerable Dr Jesulola here. If Abuja is to host the headquarters, it must become:
1. *A Global Anglican Prayer Centre* - 24/7 worship like David’s tabernacle
2. *An International Theological Institute* - Raising the next generation of orthodox scholars
3. *A Missionary Training and Sending Base* - For Europe, Asia, and the Americas
4. *An Archives and Research Library* - To recover African, Ethiopian, and Global South contributions to Anglican theology

This will silence critics and prove that this is not about pride, but about *mission*.

*CONCLUSION: THE HEADQUARTERS MAY BE IN ABUJA, BUT THE VISION IS FOR THE WORLD AND FOR THE END*

Beloved, we are not in a time for timidity. We are in a time for faith.

The decision to place the Global Anglican Communion headquarters in Abuja is:
1. *Historical*: Returning to Africa’s ancient Christian roots in Ethiopia and North Africa
2. *Missional*: Placing leadership where the growth and sacrifice is greatest
3. *Eschatological*: A sign that God is shifting the centre of global Christianity for the final harvest

We must reject both Western paternalism and African triumphalism. Instead we must embrace *divine orchestration*.

*Canterbury will always be our mother.*
*Abuja can now be our mission outpost for the nations.*

As we close August and enter September, let us pray:
_“Lord, let the Word of Christ dwell richly in Abuja. Let this be the start of the End-Time Revival through the Anglican Communion. Let Nigeria serve with humility, and let the whole world see Jesus.”_

The headquarters may be in Abuja.
But the fire will reach the whole earth.

*Amen. Maranatha. Come Lord Jesus.*

_“Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else... Saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.” – Isaiah 46:9-10_

Shalom!

God reigns over all generations, from captivity in Babylon until Christ.

Answer to Prayer-9

Teachings-49

"And the secret was revealed to Daniel in a night vision." Daniel 2:19

Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had a dream. The dream was very significant. But he forgot the dream. His mind was very troubled to know the meaning of the dream. So he called all the magicians and astrologers of the kingdom. He demanded of them, "I have had a dream, and I must tell you the dream and its interpretation. If you cannot tell me, you will be cut into pieces and your houses will be made a pile of dung." Then all the wise men of the kingdom fell into a great astonishment. Then they said, "There is no man on earth who can tell the dream to the king. If you tell us the dream, we will give you its interpretation." The king was so angry at the words of the magicians that he ordered all the wise men of the kingdom to be killed. In fact, this was a plan of Satan to destroy the Jews. Why would the king’s general seek to kill Daniel and his companions, the Jews, instead of killing the Chaldeans first? When Daniel saw that he would die if he did not make known the dream and its interpretation to the king, he asked the king for time and prayed to God. He and his companions prayed to God that the dream and its interpretation would be made known to him. Amazingly, God hears our prayers! He told Daniel the dream and its interpretation in a night vision. Daniel then went and told the king. The king was amazed and glorified God. Thus Daniel and all the others were saved.

“He gives knowledge to the wise and understanding to those who understand, and reveals deep and secret things.” Dan 2:21-22 [49

Daily Bible Lesson .
WHY DOES REVELATION POINT TO ROME AS BABYLON—AND WHAT DEADLY “WINE” IS INTOXICATING THE WORLD?

“Babylon… made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” — Revelation 14:8

John saw something terrifying:

A WOMAN WITH A GOLDEN CUP.
KINGS UNITED WITH HER.
NATIONS DRINKING.
A WORLD INTOXICATED.

Revelation 17:1–6

This is not merely about ancient Rome.

It is about WORSHIP. AUTHORITY. DECEPTION. CONSCIENCE.

And ultimately—

CHRIST OR HUMAN AUTHORITY: WHO WILL RULE THE HEART?

Before pointing at Babylon, therefore, ask:

IS ANYTHING IN HER CUP ALREADY IN MINE?
---

① THE WOMAN—RELIGION THAT BECAME UNFAITHFUL TO CHRIST

A pure woman symbolizes God's faithful people.

“I have likened the daughter of Zion to a comely and delicate woman.” — Jeremiah 6:2

But Revelation 17 shows a harlot.

Why?

Because she still appears religious—

yet has become unfaithful to her rightful Husband.

“MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT.” — Revelation 17:5

Babylon is therefore not merely irreligion.

It is something more deceptive:

RELIGION WITHOUT FAITHFULNESS TO CHRIST AND HIS WORD.

The greatest danger may not be rejecting the Bible—

but using the Bible while placing another authority above it.
---

② WHY ROME?—FOLLOW THE PROPHETIC MARKERS

Revelation does not ask us to guess.

The woman sits upon seven mountains. — Revelation 17:9

She is connected with the city that “reigneth over the kings of the earth.” — Revelation 17:18

In John's day, that ruling city was Rome.

Daniel had already foretold a power arising from the Roman world that would:

SPEAK GREAT WORDS.
PERSECUTE THE SAINTS.
THINK TO CHANGE TIMES AND LAW.

Daniel 7:23–25

Revelation 13 continues the same prophetic pattern.

This is why historic Protestant interpreters identified papal Rome as a central fulfillment of these prophecies.

But notice carefully:

PROPHECY IDENTIFIES A SYSTEM—NOT EVERY PERSON WITHIN IT.

For God Himself says:

“Come out of her, MY PEOPLE.” — Revelation 18:4

CHRIST HAS PEOPLE EVEN WHERE ERROR EXISTS.
---

③ HER FORNICATION—WHEN THE BRIDE REACHES FOR CAESAR

Why does God call it fornication?

Because the church belongs to one Husband.

“I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” — 2 Corinthians 11:2

Yet Babylon joins herself to:

“The kings of the earth.” — Revelation 17:2

Here lies the prophetic tragedy:

THE BRIDE REACHES FOR CAESAR WHEN SHE SHOULD CLING TO CHRIST.

Religion seeks government power to accomplish what Christ entrusted to truth and the Holy Spirit.

Ellen White warns that when churches seek civil power to enforce religious observances, the principles of the prophetic image to the beast are reproduced. — The Great Controversy, p. 445

Jesus declared:

“My kingdom is not of this world.” — John 18:36

CHRIST WINS CONSCIENCES.
BABYLON SEEKS TO CONTROL THEM.
---

④ THE WINE—ERROR THAT MAKES CROOKED THINGS LOOK STRAIGHT

Why wine?

Because intoxication does something frightening:

IT DISTORTS PERCEPTION.

A drunken man can feel perfectly confident—

while walking crooked.

So can a religious person.

“A golden cup in her hand full of abominations.” — Revelation 17:4

Ellen White identifies this intoxicating cup with the false doctrines Babylon has received and communicated to the world. — The Great Controversy, p. 388

Here is the warning:

THE CUP IS GOLDEN—BUT GOLD DOES NOT PURIFY WHAT IS INSIDE.

Falsehood rarely conquers by announcing:

“I am false.”

It comes dressed as—

TRADITION.
AUTHORITY.
ANTIQUITY.
POPULARITY.
RELIGION.

Therefore:

“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:21

NEVER CONFUSE AN ANCIENT BELIEF WITH AN INSPIRED BELIEF.
---

⑤ FIRST INTOXICATION—TRADITION ABOVE “IT IS WRITTEN”

Jesus exposed this danger directly:

“Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition.” — Mark 7:13

That is Babylon's operating principle:

MAN'S WORD WHERE GOD'S WORD SHOULD RULE.

Jesus defeated Satan three times with:

“IT IS WRITTEN.” — Matthew 4:4,7,10

That must become our foundation too.

Not—

“My church teaches it.”

“My family always believed it.”

“Millions cannot be wrong.”

But:

“WHAT IS WRITTEN?”

“To the law and to the testimony.” — Isaiah 8:20

FAITH DOES NOT ASK TRADITION FOR PERMISSION TO OBEY GOD.
---

⑥ THE OLD WINE—“YE SHALL NOT SURELY DIE”

The first doctrinal contradiction in Scripture came from the serpent.

God said:

“Thou shalt surely die.” — Genesis 2:17

Satan answered:

“Ye shall not surely die.” — Genesis 3:4

Scripture still declares:

“The dead know not any thing.” — Ecclesiastes 9:5

“The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” — Ezekiel 18:4

Why does this matter in the last days?

Because Revelation predicts supernatural deception.

“Spirits of devils, working miracles.” — Revelation 16:14

If Satan can impersonate the dead—

a false doctrine about death can become a doorway for a false supernatural experience.

THE SERPENT'S FIRST LIE MAY HELP PREPARE THE WORLD FOR HIS FINAL DECEPTION.

Our safety?

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart.” — Psalm 119:11
---

⑦ THE GREAT QUESTION—WHO HAS AUTHORITY TO DEFINE WORSHIP?

God sanctified the seventh day.

Genesis 2:2–3

God wrote:

“The seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God.” — Exodus 20:10

Jesus declared:

“The Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.” — Mark 2:28

Revelation's final crisis is unmistakably about worship.

“Worship Him that made heaven, and earth.” — Revelation 14:7

versus:

“If any man worship the beast and his image…” — Revelation 14:9

Then Heaven points to the faithful:

“Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” — Revelation 14:12

So the deepest Sabbath question is not merely:

WHICH DAY?

It is:

WHO IS LORD?

If Jesus is Lord—

His Word outranks every human tradition.
---

⑧ THE MOST DANGEROUS WINE—ANYTHING THAT OBSCURES CHRIST

At Babylon's deepest level, the issue is not merely a collection of incorrect doctrines.

It is another authority standing where Christ belongs.

Scripture declares:

“There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” — 1 Timothy 2:5

“Neither is there salvation in any other.” — Acts 4:12

No human priesthood can replace His mediation.

No human merit can supplement His sacrifice.

No human authority can outrank His Word.

CHRIST IS ENOUGH.

CHRIST OUR SACRIFICE.
CHRIST OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
CHRIST OUR HIGH PRIEST.
CHRIST OUR MEDIATOR.
CHRIST OUR SAVIOR.

“We have a great high priest… Jesus the Son of God.” — Hebrews 4:14

THE MORE CLEARLY CHRIST IS SEEN, THE LESS ROOM REMAINS FOR COUNTERFEITS.

---

⑨ WHY DO KINGS DRINK?—BECAUSE ERROR EVENTUALLY WANTS POWER

Babylon's wine does not remain inside a church.

Revelation shows a terrifying progression:

ERROR BECOMES ALLIANCE.
ALLIANCE BECOMES LEGISLATION.
LEGISLATION BECOMES PRESSURE.
PRESSURE BECOMES COERCED WORSHIP.

“No man might buy or sell…” — Revelation 13:17

Finally:

“Cause that as many as would not worship… should be killed.” — Revelation 13:15

But Jesus never forced a conscience.

He said:

“If any man will come after Me…” — Matthew 16:24

And:

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock.” — Revelation 3:20

Notice the difference:

**JESUS KNOCKS.

BABYLON COMPELS.**

TRUTH NEEDS NO SWORD TO MAKE IT TRUE.

---

⑩ WHY DOES THE WORLD BECOME DRUNK?—SINCERITY CAN EXIST WITHOUT TRUTH

Here is what makes deception terrifying:

A deceived person usually does not know he is deceived.

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” — Proverbs 14:12

Sincerity matters.

But sincerity cannot transform error into truth.

So the Bereans did something every last-day Christian must learn:

“They searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” — Acts 17:11

They did not ask:

“WHO SAID IT?”

They asked:

“IS IT WRITTEN?”

THE SAFEST CHRISTIAN IS NOT THE ONE WHO NEVER QUESTIONS HIS TRADITION—BUT THE ONE WHO LETS SCRIPTURE QUESTION EVERYTHING.
---

⑪ NOW TURN THE PROPHECY AROUND—IS BABYLON IN ME?

We can correctly identify prophetic Babylon—

and still possess Babylon's spirit.

That should make us tremble.

DO I LOVE TRUTH WHEN IT CORRECTS ME?

DO I OBEY WHEN OBEDIENCE COSTS ME?

DO I DEFEND SCRIPTURE—or merely my interpretation?

DO I WANT CHRIST TO RULE—or simply to confirm what I already believe?

“Search me, O God, and know my heart.” — Psalm 139:23

Prophecy was never given merely to expose somebody else's apostasy.

IT WAS GIVEN TO PREPARE MY CHARACTER FOR CHRIST'S COMING.

Knowing Babylon cannot save me.

“This is life eternal, that they might know Thee… and Jesus Christ.” — John 17:3
---

⑫ THE ANTIDOTE TO BABYLON'S WINE—THE EVERLASTING GOSPEL

This may be the most beautiful truth in the whole prophecy.

Before Heaven cries:

“BABYLON IS FALLEN!” — Revelation 14:8

Heaven first proclaims:

“THE EVERLASTING GOSPEL.” — Revelation 14:6

That order is deliberate.

Before God exposes the counterfeit—

HE REVEALS CHRIST.

Before He calls people out—

HE GIVES THEM SOMEONE TO COME TO.

Babylon offers intoxicating wine.

Jesus cries:

“If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink.” — John 7:37

Babylon elevates human authority.

Jesus says:

“Thy word is truth.” — John 17:17

Babylon reaches for earthly power.

Jesus conquers through Calvary:

“I… will draw all men unto Me.” — John 12:32

THE FINAL MESSAGE IS NOT BABYLON-CENTERED.

IT IS LAMB-CENTERED.

The purpose of exposing Babylon is not merely to make people leave error—

BUT TO BRING THEM TO JESUS.

---

⑬ “COME OUT OF HER, MY PEOPLE”—THE VOICE BEHIND THE WARNING IS LOVE

Perhaps the tenderest words in the prophecy are:

“Come out of her, MY PEOPLE.” — Revelation 18:4

MY PEOPLE.

Not:

“My enemies.”

Not:

“People beyond salvation.”

MY PEOPLE.

God has sincere people inside systems containing error.

Therefore true present truth produces tears—not hatred.

We do not attack Catholics.

We do not despise Protestants.

We do not exalt ourselves.

WE EXPOSE ERROR—
LOVE PEOPLE—
OPEN SCRIPTURE—
AND LIFT UP CHRIST.

“The wonderful love of Christ will melt and subdue hearts.” — The Desire of Ages, p. 826
---

WHEN JESUS SHOWS YOU TRUTH THAT CROSSES YOUR TRADITION, YOUR COMFORT, YOUR REPUTATION, OR YOUR CHERISHED OPINION—WILL YOU FOLLOW THE LAMB?

That is present truth brought home to the heart.

DON'T MERELY IDENTIFY THE GOLDEN CUP.

REFUSE THE WINE.
OPEN THE WORD.
FOLLOW THE LAMB.
DRINK DEEPLY FROM CHRIST.

“Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst.” — John 4:14

Conflict and Courage.
Daniel 1:1-15
As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom. Daniel 1:17.
Daniel and his companions enjoyed the benefits of correct training and education in early life, but these advantages alone would not have made them what they were. The time came when they must act for themselves—when their future depended upon their own course. Then they decided to be true to the lessons given them in childhood.44Messages to Young People, 243.

What a lifework was that of these noble Hebrews! As they bade farewell to their childhood home, how little did they dream of their high destiny! Faithful and steadfast, they yielded themselves to the divine guiding, so that through them God could fulfill His purpose.45Education, 57.

Daniel and his companions in Babylon were, in their youth, apparently more favored of fortune than was Joseph in the earlier years of his life in Egypt; yet they were subjected to tests of character scarcely less severe. From the comparative simplicity of their Judean home these youth of royal line were transported to the most magnificent of cities, to the court of its greatest monarch, and were singled out to be trained for the king's special service. Strong were the temptations surrounding them in that corrupt and luxurious court.... The direction that their food should be supplied from the royal table was an expression both of the king's favor and of his solicitude for their welfare. But a portion having been offered to idols, the food from the king's table was consecrated to idolatry; and in partaking of the king's bounty these youth would be regarded as uniting in his homage to false gods.46Ibid., 54, 55.

The history of Daniel and his youthful companions has been recorded on the pages of the inspired word for the benefit of the youth of all succeeding ages. Through the record of their fidelity to the principles of temperance, God is speaking today to young men and young women, bidding them gather up the precious rays of light He has given on the subject of Christian temperance, and place themselves in right relation to the laws of health.47Messages to Young People, 243.

*When Alone...*

"Look to Abraham your father, and to Sarah who bore you; for I called him alone, and blessed him and increased him" (Isaiah 51:2).

God chose a single man—Abram—to form the nation of Israel. God selected and called him from the city of Babylon, where he lived amidst idol worship, and made him a father of nations. His name, Abram, was changed to *Abraham*.

Instead of choosing a vast multitude, God called a solitary man and exalted his name. The reason was simply *so that His name might be glorified through it*.

When the people of the entire world were destroyed, only Noah’s family was preserved alive. God blessed this *isolated family of Noah and commanded them to be fruitful and multiply* (Genesis 9:1).

Scripture states that *Jacob was alone when God blessed him* (Genesis 32:24). Similarly, the Lord blessed David when he was *wandering alone in mountains and caves, fleeing from Saul*.

Solitude should draw us closer to God. When the Lord blesses us, He does so without looking at our *family background, education, wealth, or personal strength*; He is a God who blesses us simply because He chooses to. His name is *El Shaddai (God Almighty)* (Genesis 17)

*Give thanks to Him who alone does great wonders, for His mercy endures forever* (Psalm 136:4)

Amen