Mystery Babylon

Posted on January 17, 2021 by AntiochCMI

“. . .Babylon is fallen, is fallen; and all the graven images of her gods He hath broken unto the ground” (Isaiah 21:9b).

This most amazing of prophecies of Isaiah was given one hundred years before the rise of Babylon in 606 B.C.! The empire fell in 536 B.C. The significance, however, is more than natural concerning the Babylonian Empire. The significance of the prophecy is spiritual, and was amplified in the vision given to the Apostle John in the Book of Revelation. Isaiah’s prophecy is part of the “mysteries of the Kingdom of God” (Luke 8:10b) spoken of by Jesus [Kingdom Speak, 1/10/21].

What is Mystery Babylon? For the answer we must go back to Genesis and the first empire builder, Nimrod. The grandson of Ham, Nimrod lived during the 400 year period between the Flood and Abraham. Nimrod’s fame was as a “mighty hunter” (Genesis 10:9), and he was a great leader in the enterprise of the Tower of Babel. Babylonia has long been known as the “Land of Nimrod.”

The Nimrod spirit is a spirit of world conquest, empire building, world government. It is imperial in nature. It goes forth as a “mighty hunter” to conquer, to dominate, and colonize peoples, nations and lands. The Nimrod spirit hungers for power and its appetite is insatiable. It is evident in all generations for it is the offspring of the original one who sought it, the Great Dragon, the Old Serpent, Lucifer, Satan, the Evil One.

The Church was birthed during the Empire of Rome. The Caesars were considered gods, and ruled with an iron fist. Most of the known world was under its control. The Apostles had a Code word for Rome, “Babylon” (cf. 1 Peter 5:13).

Mystery Babylon is operating in our day and will continue to be revealed (remember the meaning of mystery–hidden to be revealed in time), until the culmination of all things when the mystery is fully unveiled and manifest in the Antichrist, the Man of Sin [Mystery of Iniquity, 1/13/21].

Mystery Babylon is the convergence of government, commerce, religion and media for world domination. They are of one mind (cf. Revelation 17:13). It is antithetical to the Kingdom of God; it is an antichrist spirit, as the Apostle John wrote in his Epistle, “Little children, it is the last time; and as you have heard that Antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby, we know that it is the last time” (1 John 2:18).

In Revelation John writes concerning Mystery Babylon, “I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet colored beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet color, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication. Upon her forehead was a name written, Mystery Babylon the Great, the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth. And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. . .” (Revelation 17:3b-6a).

In the Scriptures, see the prophets Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, Jeremiah; and the Apostles Paul, Peter and John, there are symbols relating to Mystery Babylon. Governments are Beasts, Satan is the Dragon, and the Media are the False Prophets. The Dragon gives his power to the Beast and the False Prophets are the mouthpiece of the Mystery Babylon Empire (cf. Revelation 13:2,4,11,13).

Mystery Babylon is always at war with the saints because they serve Another. In the antichrist system this is not acceptable and must be destroyed. However, it was revealed to John the Apostle, “these shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them, for He is LORD of lords, and King of kings; and they that are with Him are called, and chosen and faithful” (Revelation 17:14).

Then John heard the voice of a mighty angel who cried with a loud voice, “Babylon the Great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird” (Revelation 18:2). This proclamation of the angel shows the prophecy of Isaiah had the deeper meaning to the spiritual, hidden, Mystery Babylon that was at work in the earth.

John then heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, that you be not partakers of her sins, and that you receive not of her plagues; for her sins have reached into heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities” (Revelation 18:4-5).

“And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and honor and power be unto the LORD our God. For true and righteous are His judgments, for He has judged the great whore which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and has avenged the blood of his servants at her hand” (Revelation 19:1-2).

Rejoice, saints of God, victory is assured! “. . .Babylon is fallen, is fallen; and all the graven images of her gods He hath broken unto the ground” (Isaiah 21:9b).

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All the Way My Savior Leads Me

Posted on January 15, 2021 by AntiochCMI

All the way my Savior leads me; what have I to ask beside? Can I doubt His tender mercy, Who thro’ life has been my guide? Heavenly peace, divinest comfort, here by faith in Him to dwell; for I know what-‘er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well. For I know what-‘er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well.

All the way my Savior leads me; cheers each winding path I tread; gives me grace for every trial, feeds me with the living bread; though my weary steps may falter, and my soul athirst may be, gushing from the Rock before me, lo, a spring of joy I see. Gushing from the Rock before me, lo, a spring of joy I see.

All the way my Savior leads me; O the fulness of His love! Perfect rest to me is promised in my Father’s house above, when my spirit clothed, immortal, wings its flight to realms of day, this my song thro’ endless ages, Jesus led me all the way. This my song thro’ endless ages, Jesus led me all the way. Amen.

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Fanny J. Crosby (1875) (1820-1915)

Jesus doeth all things well. Take heart saints of God. He is the Rock.

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The Mystery of Iniquity

Posted on January 13, 2021 by AntiochCMI

“For the Mystery of Iniquity is already working; only He who now restrains will restrain, until he be taken out of the way” (II Thessalonians 2:7).

Jesus said, “It is given unto you to know the ‘mysteries of the Kingdom'” (Luke 8:10a), [See Kingdom Speak 1/10/21] and the Mystery of Iniquity is one of those mysteries to which our LORD made reference.

The Mystery of Iniquity is an opposing force in the Kingdom of God, for the Kingdom of God is a Kingdom of Righteousness; for Christ reigns over His Kingdom with a Scepter of Righteousness (cf. Hebrews 1:8).

The word, Iniquity, is a translation of the Greek word: Anomia. It means against Law, or Lawlessness, or wickedness. The Greek word for Law is: Nomos, along with a (against); or, against the law, thus lawless.

The Apostle Paul identifies the Mystery of Iniquity as a person whom Paul calls the “Man of Sin, the Son of Perdition” (II Thessalonians 2:3). This man of sin “opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sits in the Temple of God, showing himself that he is God” (II Thessalonians 2:4). So, the Man of Sin is a lawless, wicked person who opposes God.

Paul says the spirit of the lawless one was working in his day and will be fully revealed in due time. Remember, the word mystery means hidden things that must be revealed to be fully understood. So, the spirit of the Man of Sin, the Lawless one was hidden and working unseen in the world through the working of men throughout the ages, from the days of Adam to the present time.

In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul makes reference to the working of the spirit of the lawless one when he wrote: “And you has He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past you walked according to the course of this world, according to the Prince of the Power of the Air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience” (Ephesians 2:1-2).

The Apostle in his Epistles to Thessalonica and Ephesus connect the dots between the Man of Sin and the Prince and Power of the Air. We see, then, that it is Satan, Lucifer, the fallen angel, who is behind man’s rebellion, his lawlessness, wickedness, rebellion, and source of iniquity in man. Adam sinned and subjected mankind to the evil influence of Satan.

The Wicked One shall be revealed in the Man of Sin, “whom the LORD shall consume with the spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming” (II Thessalonians 2:8).

It is vital for the believer to understand the mystery of iniquity and to keep himself from him. Paul says to the believer, “God has chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the Truth; whereunto He called you by the Gospel to the obtaining of the glory of our LORD Jesus Christ” (II Thessalonians 2:13-14).

It is a dangerous thing, indeed, to reject the Gospel, or to turn from the love for the Truth. Paul says to those who reject the Truth, you are in grave danger of becoming subject to “strong delusion, that you should believe a lie” (II Thessalonians 2:11). Believing the lie condemns us to damnation, even those who take “pleasure in unrighteousness” or iniquity (cf. II Thessalonians 2:12).

The Day of the LORD is fast approaching. The full revealing of the Man of Sin is coming, as well. Be watchful, be prayerful, be vigilant. Do not forsake “the assembling of yourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhort one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).

It is but “a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry” (Hebrews 10 37). “Surely, I come quickly. Even so, come, LORD Jesus! Maranatha! The grace of our LORD Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen” (Revelation 22:20-21)

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Rock of Ages

Posted on January 12, 2021 by AntiochCMI

Rock of Ages, cleft for me. Let me hide myself in Thee. Let the water and the blood, from Thy wounded side which flowed, be of sin the double cure. Cleanse me from its guilt and power.

Not the labors of my hands, can fulfill Thy Law’s demands. Could my zeal no respite know, could my tears forever flow, all for sin could not atone. Thou must save, and Thou alone.

Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to Thy Cross I cling. Naked come to Thee for dress. Helpless, look to Thee for Grace. Foul, I to the fountain fly. Wash me Savior, or I die.

While I draw this fleeting breath. When my eyes shall close in death. When I soar to worlds unknown, see Thee on Thy Judgment Throne. Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee.

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Augustus Montague Toplady (1776) (1740-1778)

Lead me to the Rock that is Higher than I. Rest in Him saints of God. He is our Rock.

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Philadelphia!

Posted on January 11, 2021 by AntiochCMI

Letter to the Church of Brotherly Love

Revelation 3:7-13

And to the Angel of the Church in Philadelphia write: These things saith He that is Holy, He that is True, He that has the Keys of David; He that opens and no man shuts; and shuts and no man opens.

I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, and no man can shut it. Even though you have only a little strength, you have kept My Word, and have not denied My Name.

Behold, I will make them of the Synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, but are not, for they do lie; behold, I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.

Because you have kept the Word of My Patience, I also will keep you from the Hour of Temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell on the earth.

Behold, I come quickly! Hold fast that which you have, so that no man take your crown.

He that overcomes will I make a pillar in the Temple of My God; and he shall go no more out. I will write upon Him the Name of My God, and the Name of the City of My God, which is New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. I will also write upon Him My New Name.

He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches.

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Kingdom Speak

Posted on January 10, 2021 by AntiochCMI

Jesus said, “unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of God; but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand” (Luke 8:10).

“Mysteries of the Kingdom of God” is a mysterious phrase, isn’t it? Why is the Kingdom of God a mystery? Well, for one thing “the Kingdom of God comes not with observation. . .it is within you” (Luke 17:20-21).

There are numerous “mysteries” in the Scriptures. What is the “mystery of iniquity”? (II Thessalonians 2:7); the “mystery of godliness” (I Timothy 3:16) the “mystery of the Gospel” (Ephesians 6:19) “mystery Babylon” (Revelation 17:5)?

Mysteries are hidden things that must be revealed, or disclosed, to be understood. Only the discerning spirit will understand the “Kingdom Speak” of the Holy One.

The Apostle Paul said “we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the world unto our glory” (I Corinthians 2:7). Paul goes further to say, “we speak not in the words which man’s wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Ghost teaches; comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (I Corinthians 2:13).

We need to learn “Kingdom speak.” It is the language of the Spirit.

We are entering a new era. Things have changed in our world. Momentous things are taking place, as I write and you read–right now! We need to learn the language of the Spirit, so when we communicate we are understood–not by the world, but by those who are of God.

When Jesus prayed with His disciples before His crucifixion, He said, “I have given them Thy word; and the world hates them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that Thou should take them out of the world, but that Thou should keep them from the Evil” (John 17:14-15).

There is a Kingdom of Darkness and a Kingdom of Light (cf. Colossians 1:13). “Kingdom speak” is speaking in the Light, in the Truth, in Love, in Purity, in Holiness, in Righteousness. “Kingdom speak” speaks to the heart, not the mind. It speaks Revelation Knowledge; it is discerned by the spirit and is spoken in words the Spirit gives. It is understood clearly by those who are spiritual; to those who are carnal, it is foolishness (1 Corinthians 2:14).

We live in the Kingdom of God. We pray, “Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory forever” (Matthew 6:13). We are the Church, the Saints of the Most High God. Let us communicate in “Psalms and Hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in our heart to the LORD” (Ephesians 5:19; cf. Colossians 3:16). “Kingdom speak” is a language for the people of God which the world does not understand.

“Finally, Brethren, whatsoever things are True, whatsoever things are Honest, whatsoever things are Just, whatsoever things are Lovely, whatsoever things are of Good Report; if there be any Virtue, and if there be any Praise, think on these things. Those things which you have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do; and the God of Peace shall be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9). Amen.

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The Joy of the Redeemed

Posted on January 9, 2021 by AntiochCMI

Words of the Prophet Isaiah

Chapter 35

The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.

The desert shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it; the excellency of Carmel and Sharon shall see the Glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God.

Strengthen the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.

Say to them who are of a fearful heart, be strong! Fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; He will come and save you!

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.

Then shall the lame leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing. For in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.

And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water. In the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes.

And a highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called, The Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for the holy ones. The wayfaring men, though they be fools, shall not err therein.

No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon; it shall not be found there. Only the Redeemed shall walk there.

And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads. They shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away!

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Be encouraged saints of God. Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so! Hallelujah!!!

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Faith of Our Fathers

Posted on January 8, 2021 by AntiochCMI

Faith of our Fathers! Living still, in spite of dungeon, fire and sword; O’ how our hearts beat high with joy when-e’er we hear God’s glorious Word.

Faith of our Fathers, holy faith! We will be true to Thee ’till death.

Our Fathers, chained in prison dark, were still in heart and conscience free; And blest would be their children’s fate, if they like them, should die for Thee:

Faith of our Fathers, holy faith! We will be true to Thee ’till death.

Faith of our Fathers! We will love both friend and foe in all our strife. And preach Thee, too, as love knows how by kindly words and Virtuous Life.

Faith of our Fathers, holy faith! We will be true to Thee ’till death.

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Frederick William Faber (1849) (1814-1863)

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We Wait For Thee

Posted on January 7, 2021 by AntiochCMI

Words from the Prophet Isaiah

Excerpts from Chapter 33

O LORD, be gracious unto us; we have waited for Thee. Be Thou their arm every morning, our salvation also in the time of trouble.

The LORD is exalted, for He dwells on High. He has filled Zion with Judgment and Righteousness. Wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation. The fear of the LORD is his treasure.

Now will I rise, says the LORD. Now will I be exalted; now will I lift up Myself. Hear, you that are far off, what I have done; and you that are near, acknowledge My might.

The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness has surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings? He that walks Righteously, and speaks uprightly; he that despises the gain of oppressions, that shakes his hands from holding bribes, that stops his ears from hearing of blood, and shuts his eyes from seeing evil. He shall dwell on High. His place of defense shall be the munitions of rocks. Bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.

Thine eyes shall see the King in His beauty. They shall behold the land that is very far off.

Look upon Zion, the City of our solemnities. Thine eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation, a tabernacle that shall not be taken down. Not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be removed, neither shall any of the cords thereof be broken. But there the glorious LORD will be unto us a place of broad rivers and streams, wherein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby.

For the LORD is our Judge, the LORD is our Lawgiver, the LORD is our King. He will save us.

Oh, LORD we wait for Thee.

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Black and Blue

Posted on January 6, 2021 by AntiochCMI

“He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5)

Jesus was bruised. He was made black and blue for you. Not by an accident, but by His own pre-determined will to suffer for our iniquities; our weaknesses, our propensity for error; our anger, our stubbornness, our stumbling and mumbling, and complaining. He was bruised for our conceit, deceit, hate and prejudice.

Jesus was severely bruised for our lies, curses, profanities, and pointing of our fingers. He was made black and blue for our lust, greed, selfishness and vain ambitions.

Jesus was punched in the mouth, spat on, mocked, and bruised with thorns for a crown upon His head. Black and blue, bloodied and swollen, He opened not His mouth.

Bruised for our iniquities, our bruising from sin. Bruised for our bruising, He took it all away. He Who knew no sin became sin that we might become the Righteousness of God in Him. (cf. II Corinthians 5:21). “The reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon Me” (Psalms 69:9b; Romans 15:3).

“He was despised and rejected of men, a Man of Sorrows, and acquainted with grief. We hid as it were our faces from Him; He was despised, and we esteemed Him not” (Isaiah 53:3).

Jesus: Black and Blue. . . for You; and with His stripes You are Healed.

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