Col 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.
(From my America Series – Part three)
Re 18:1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. 2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, “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.”
After John explained the mystery of “the judgment of the great whore that sits upon many water,” the last angel now enters which is mentioned that comes down from heaven prior to the Lord’s return. Keep in mind that the waters represents “peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues” as stated in Rev 17:15, and how the American military has a foothold presence literally all over the world on “many waters” as well. Now here in chapter 18 we see an angel comes from heaven with such great power and authority that the earth is lightened with his glory of his descent. Now, whether this lightening of the earth by the angel is literal, or prophetically symbolic of something else, we can but only speculate. However, what we can be sure of is that the fall of Babylon the great into perdition has begun at this time.
While God’s judgment against America is multi-faceted, it is still primarily because of her sins that she “has become the habitation of devils,” which implies a deluge of demonic power would ascend upon America as birds in a “cage.” I do not feel the use of the word “cage” implies their imprisonment, but rather assigned territories whereby they will tirelessly labor to further ensnare the inhabitants of the land thru their corrupt and seductive deceptions. Therefore they are depicted as unclean and hateful birds, creatures of opportunity seeking easy prey and consuming every seed of truth not buried in the heart of the hearer. One hardly needs to labor to expound upon either of these to establish evidence to the profane and malicious elements of the diverse cultures contending in America.
Being now in my mid-fifties, I remember stories from my youth about homosexuality existing, it was lurking out there, yet for the most part barely seen in open society. Its existence and practices brought a sense of revulsion, especially when contemplating what would happen to the natural order of a society’s continuance which depended upon a healthy family environment if it were to be openly exposed to such vile inordinate affections. The thought of one’s own father having no affection for your mother, or even for other women, but rather lusting after another man was inconceivable. I remember as a child hearing of the most profane indulgences of immorality and homosexuality, that a man would utilize what was of divine design for procreation (to which all nature bears witness was for the planting of life bearing seed into a womb) and seek to joined together with another male where bodily waste is discharged – such a thought was so revolting I was near certain it was only a myth cruelly designed to scare children. Yet now today the American armed forces are actively training its leaders on what to tolerate or discipline regarding public displays of affection by openly homosexual recruits as well as the Navy now allowing chaplains to perform same sex marriages in military chapels.
Sadly, it isn’t necessary to labor to establish the aspect of the “hateful bird,” for many in this country have so perfected their hate that there has even been the legislated the concept of “hate crimes.” Surely many of the readers have similar stories to tell possibly similar to my own, having grown up in Miami and experiencing the racial riots in my school between the “whites and the blacks.” My early years were exposed to a spirit of hatred that was not learned at home. But with the influx of Cubans and Haitians taking over certain neighborhoods, there was a prevailing amount of resentment and hatred on all sides. So much so, many lifelong residents left their homes in south Florida half-jokingly saying “The last American to leave . . . please bring the flag.”
Even when my time in the Air Force required my (Cuban) wife and I to move to Idaho, we were both taken back by the extreme prejudice and hatred of the locals towards the Indian populace. It just seems that no matter where you go, people apparently just need to hate someone.
Having been exposed to so much hatred, one might think I would be inclined to embrace the “hate crime” concept. However, I cannot escape the feeling that the enforcement of it is unevenly favorable to certain groups and not equitably enforced for all. It seems as if “hate crime” laws and their enforcement are actually designed to be a weapon for retaliation to be used by some to force their own immoral itinerary upon the rest of society.
Rev 18:3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.
The above verse is one of the reasons why I reject the Eight Beast as being the Roman Catholic Church, for where have all the “merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies?” Seriously, the Catholic Church has not made anyone rich except those who have access to indulgences because of its own materialism and gluttonous spirit. But all the nations of the world with all their merchants have become extremely wealthy by their catering to the great consumer nation of the world, America where there is an unquenchable craving for materialism, fashion, entertainment and pleasures. (Please note – I distinguish the various key players of Revelation here)
To make matters worse, the American mentality of entitlement have so saturated all age groups and cultural backgrounds nowadays that the good old-time work ethic is virtually extinct. That doesn’t mean people are no longer willing to work, but certainly too many seem to work harder at not having to work by striving to get as much as possible in exchange for as little as possible. The true notion of “fair trade,” meaning rendering a fair hard day’s work for a fair day’s wage has essentially disappeared. America has now become the habitation of embezzlers and purloiners; people who feel they deserved to be paid simply because they have to go to work and therefore are not able to just go and do the things they would rather be doing . . . and here we are many trillions dollars in debt still spending with no end in sight.
Revelation 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. 5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.
The Bible teaches Christians are called to be separate from the world and from the vain and dead “camp” of religiosity. Therefore is we were truly seeking to worship God in spirit and truth, perfecting holiness in the fear of God, we would be a class people notably different. However, I believe this call to “come out from among her” is more than a call to just be spiritual and culturally distinct, but a literal call to obey geographically as well.
Yes, one day we might need to separate from this country’s social, economic, and religious systems if we are to successfully continue seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. This is a call to “come out” is to warning to flee before God’s wrath befalls the Eight Beast as it goes headlong into perdition, equivalent to call in the following passages admonishing believers of old flee
Jeremiah 51:6 Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity; for this is the time of the LORD’S vengeance; He will render unto her a recompense.
Jeremiah 51:45 My people, go ye out of the midst of her, and deliver ye every man his soul from the fierce anger of the LORD.
I know some believe this is the rapture call of Christ coming and stealing away His bride, but personally I am persuaded it is a call for God’s people to leave as a final witness against the wicked prior to the out pouring of God’s judgment. For having exhausted God’s patience and longsuffering, they have gone too far and now their judgment is imminently hanging in the balances as they are found to be wanting. Prayerfully consider the words of Jesus when He sent forth the seventy giving them power to be witnesses of the Kingdom of God having come unto man.
Luke 9:5 And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.
Luke 10:10 But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, 11 Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. 12 But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city. 13 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 14 But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you. 15 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell. 16 He that heareth you heareth Me; and he that despiseth you despiseth Me; and he that despiseth Me despiseth Him that sent Me.
Acts 18:5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. 6 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.
I believe this will be possibly the last and greatest godly witness to warn wicked and religious unbelievers in America – as the body of Christ with the same faith as father Abraham leaves their natural country in obedience to God who has called them out and prepared for them an enduring City with no end.
Please, there will be no survivalist mentality in this coming out; no seeking to save our own lives, no trusting in the wisdom of man, or the strength of the flesh, or confidence in silver and gold. No, this is the simple obedience of faith for the glory of His Name alone. A public testimony and witness against them, just like the faith of Noah, of whom scriptures say condemned the world to its destruction by his own obedience. Faith like righteous Lot who left all his possessions obedient fleeing Sodom and Gomorrah.
I have met many who are sincerely preparing for the hard times they believe are coming, but sadly it is mostly in the wisdom of the flesh as they prepare hording up silver and gold, trusting in its earthly worth and ready to fight for their own survival. But I ask, when did God ever deliver His people through filthy mammon or the arm of the flesh?
Jeremiah 9:23 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: 24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. 25 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will punish all them which are circumcised with the uncircumcised.
Zephaniah 1:14 The great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly. 15 That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, 16 A day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers. 17 And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the LORD: and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung. 18 Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD’S wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land.
Even now judgment has been sweeping across our land, but all this, they will not hear.
Rev 18:6 Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double. 7 How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. 8 Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.
America has become a nation that drinks iniquity like water, and according to her works God has been rewarding her. Ever since President Bush Sr. introduced to the world the “New World Order” with plans to divide the heritage of Abraham with God’s enemies for peace, clear examples of judgment can be given. For God has faithfully correlated His judgments with our nation’s actions of against His holy land often times within a twenty-four hour period or less.
Time and space prohibits cataloging each and every detail, the following are but a drop in the bucket recorded in William Koenig’s excellent book Eye to Eye. .
- On October 18, 1991 the administration of Senior President Bush sends letter of invitation to each participant of the Middle East Peace Conference in Madrid, Spain to introduce the “Land for Peace” concept. October 20, 1991 the Oakland Hills Firestorm, the East Bay Hills Fire, and the Tunnel Fire erupt and ultimately killed 25 people and injured 150 others. At least 1,520 acres were destroyed including 3,354 single-family dwellings, 437 apartment/condominium units resulting in an economic loss estimated at $1.5 billion.
- On October 30 – November 2, 1991 the Madrid Middle East Peace Conference transpires while the Perfect Storm, also known as the No-Name Storm develops and moves up along the east coast and into President Bush’s home in Kennebunkport Maine where the windows are blown out as 30 foot waves hurl 100pound stones into his living room – Total damage estimated to be $208 million with 12 deaths. Worst storm in 100 years,
- Between February 18th-25th, 1993 having already has been to Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Lebanon, U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher of the Clinton administration visits Israel in an attempt to reopen the Arab-Israeli negotiations. On February 26, 1993 the World Trade Center bombing occurs with $750 million in damage.
- On March 2, 1992 having been granted an audience with President Clinton, PLO Chairman Arafat arrived in Washing D.C. for requested meeting to protest Israel building housing units in East Jerusalem. March 1-2, 1997 severe weather conditions developed causing Mississippi and Ohio flooding and tornadoes. President Clinton’s home state of Arkansas was devastated by tornadoes with a total of67 dead ( 26 in Arkansas) and an estimated $1 billion damages. On March 4 the New York Times headlines “In storm’s wake, grief and shock” was adjacent to photo of President Clinton and Chairman Arafat with caption reading “President Clinton rebukes Israel”
- On September 24, 1998 President Clinton announced meeting with Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu and PLO Chairman Arafat. The purpose of meeting was to pressure Israel to give up 13% of land. September 24-28, Hurricane George develops in Gulf of Mexico on the 24th and makes landfall on three days later with 110 mph winds, heavy rains and extensive flooding resulting in an estimated $5.9 billion damages. Hurricane George dissipated when Arafat left U.S.
- Next year September 13, 1999 is the first meeting between Israel Foreign Minister and PLO official to work out Palestinian State borders. Between September 7-17 Hurricane Floyd grows into a monstrous storm on Sept. 13th causing the greatest evacuation in U.S. history. Total estimated $6 billion in damages.
- March31, 2001 President George W. Bush Jr. welcomes both Egypt President Mubarak and Jordan King Abdullah II to the White House. Their purpose was to persuade him to be more aggressive in Middle East talks and to continue pressure and support the “Land for Peace” initiative. Same day a Chinese fighter “bumps” into a highly technical U.S. reconnaissance plane and forces its 24 member crew to make an emergency landing in China.
- August 25 – September 10, 2001, according to an article in the Washington Post, President Bush, Secretary Powell, and Ambassador to Israel Daniel Kurtzer together with cooperation with the Saudis worked on the most comprehensive plan concerning “Land for Peace” proposal which was scheduled to be delivered by Secretary Powell on September 24th to Israel. On September 11, Terrorist reportedly used 2 airplanes to attack the World Trade Center towers in New York City and supposedly a 3rd to attack the Pentagon, while a 4th plane which was intended for the White House has its debris scattered in Pennsylvania leaving almost 3000 dead and $ 40 billion in damages.
- On November 7, 2002 President Bush hosted a dinner at the beginning of Ramadan for Arab Ambassadors. The President publically honors the Koran and Islam by saying, “We see in Islam a religion that traces its origins back to God’s call on Abraham. We share your belief in God’s justice and your insistence on man’s moral responsibility.” November 9-11, 88 Tornadoes rip through 7 states; some are category F-4 with 200 mph winds, one of the worst November outbreaks on record. Normal tornado season is in March – July.
- On January 31, 2003 Secretary Powell states President Bush would become more involved in Israeli-Palestine talks, laboring towards goal of Palestinian state by 2005. February 1, Space Shuttle Columbia breaks apart directly above Palestine, Texas while re-entering earth’s atmosphere. First time an Israeli was on board a shuttle mission. The entire world watched as the Columbia became a shooting star across the sky. It is noteworthy that stars, shooting stars, and comets are often considered bad omens. In Revelation 16:10 speaks of how “the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain.” Such a description could easily describe the results of a nuclear detonation over and area. It is also noteworthy that the seat of America is the District of Columbia.
This pattern has continued into Obama’s administration as easily witnessed last April 19, 2010 when Israel celebrated its independence. Gallups says in the narration in this video, “On April the 19th, Fox News reports that the U.S. will no longer automatically support Israel in the United Nations.” April 20th, the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explodes. Even now we are witnessing record drought and fires in Texas while a few hundred miles away record flooding displacing thousands as tornadoes are now setting new records in strength, intensity and cost of lives and damages . . . and for all this the wicked still will not see, repent or amend their ways.
Therefore, all these judgments have been as it were blows of the axe being laid to the root of the tree.
Mt 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
As with Babylon of old, the sins and arrogance of America has overtaken it. The rebellion steadfast too long and judgments certain and now the tree is condemned. As with the cutting down of any tree there comes a time when the axe-man can stop striking at the tree, the strength is broken and it is able to fall. All the axe-man needs is to lay his hand against the tree and push and it descent begins with what seems almost slow motion as it soon comes crashing down.
Da 4:11 The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth: 12 The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it. 13 I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven; 14 He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches.
Re 18:7 How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. 8 Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her. 9 And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,10 Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come. 11 And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more: 12 The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, 13 And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men. 14 And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all. 15 The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, 16 And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls! 17 For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off, 18 And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city! 19 And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate. 20 Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her. 21 And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all. 22 And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee.
Here is the scariest verse pertaining to America’s soon fall as she is forsaken of the Lord –
Revelation 18:23 And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived. 24 And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.
It is not just that the power grid will be crippled and taken out and men have to sit in dark powerless houses. It is far worse than that, no more light of the Gospel, no more the voice of Christ the bridegroom being heard pleading with men to repent, no more is the church, Christ’s bride there as a watchman crying out “Repent” and “This is the way, walk ye in it.” The time is at hand when Christ will once again say the time is fulfilled, it’s over, it’s too late.
Re 22:11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. 12 And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be. 13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. 14 Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
Awake!
Awake, you sleeper! Awake! Arise and make yourself ready! It’s time to put aside those childish pursuits and your endless musing with vanities. Awake, I say! Do you not realize the time in which you are privileged to live? Now more than ever can the sound of the bridegroom’s coming be heard. Surely He draws near. The need to purify yourself has grown greater, for the time allotted has grown shorter. The dark of night has already conquered the eastern horizon as the sun glow fades in the west. The king had long ago sent out His invitation. He proclaimed to all, “COME!”
Yes come. Make haste! Don’t you know that if you refuse to comply with the King that His anger will be kindled against you? Yet in His longsuffering He says, “Come! Come to the greatest of all feasts! There are food and wine and much song and dance. Joyful dance to celebrate the wedding of all weddings. Come and attend My wedding.”
The bridegroom has long been ready, yet He has patiently waited. He has waited for you! Arise therefore you sleeper! So much remains for you to do. TODAY you must prepare. Set aside simplicity and mature! Strive to increase your knowledge and understanding so you may be completely resolved to live your life solely for the King of kings! Rise up and cast out reservation and hesitation, these are foes have hindered and killed countless before you. Arise! Answer His call! It’s your only reasonable response . . .
“Awake thou that sleepest, arise from the dead, Christ shall give thee light. Awake to righteousness and sin not. For some [of you] have not the [intimate] knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.” (Ephesians 6:14, I Corinthians 15:34)
Live for Jesus Christ The Resurrected King!!
Gates of the City 