Everything the devil does to thwart the work of God, or that men do to supplant His work, ultimately advances the work of God. God’s work on His city and dwelling place among men has continued to benefit through the worst of times. The work is tested by these attacks, but it grows stronger through...

Some of the symbols or metaphors in Revelation are different ways to illuminate the same things. For example, the false church is called “The Great Harlot” and “Mystery Babylon” because each of these titles reflect a basic aspect of its nature. The false church is called “the Great Harlot” because...

As we continue to study the two churches portrayed in Revelation—the church God is building and the one man is building—we want to be careful not to become reactionary. We instead want to seek a vision for what God is doing so that our hearts are in it, to give ourselves to become part of His work...

“Mystery Babylon” in the book of Revelation is an illuminating title for the false church—man’s church that man tried to build—and it became an antithesis and persecutor of God’s church. This title reveals the roots and nature of this false church, which are in man. Mankind has not ceased to try to...

The apostle Paul wrote this to the Corinthians—and to us—in 2 Corinthians 11:2-3: “For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his trickery, your minds will be led...

In Matthew 24:4-5, Jesus warns about the troubles to come upon the world at the end of the age: “See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and they will mislead many people.” After the warning not to be misled, He addresses what is likely to be...

The true Christian life is the most difficult life we can live on this earth, but it is also the most fulfilling life we can live. As John wrote in 1 John 5:19, “The whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” We can be sure the evil one is making this life as difficult as he can for the true...

In 2 Timothy 3:1, Paul warns, “Realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.” This statement should bring us encouragement, as Acts 14:22 declares, “It is through many tribulations that we must enter the kingdom of God.” Trials and tribulations are doorways to His kingdom. The...

When the disciples asked the Lord about the signs of the end of the age, the first thing He said was, “ See to it that you are not misled” (see Luke 21:8). Obviously, this will be a time dominated by deception. Other biblical prophecies corroborate this. Could deception get any worse than it is now...

We continue this week with what it means to be a bondservant of the Lord. One thing it means is that we live to serve Him, not just ourselves. It also means attaining a level of trust with the Lord where He can count on us to do with excellence any job He gives us, and we can trust the Lord fully...