1.Two Churches Babylon And Jerusalem - Zac Poonen
The Last Days and The Lord's Coming
Summary
The speaker contrasts two ways of life, symbolized by the trees of life and knowledge, and two resulting systems: Babylon and Jerusalem. He argues that the difference between true and false Christianity is not in doctrine, which can be identical, but in the 'fire' of the Holy Spirit, representing power and purity. True spirituality, like David's heart, requires passion and devotion, whereas mere knowledge or correct doctrine without fervor leads to the dead religion of Babylon.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Two ways given by God from the beginningGod has always given man a choice of two ways to live, starting with the tree of knowledge of good and evil and the tree of life in Genesis.
Cain and Abel as the beginning of two streamsCain and Abel both brought offerings to the true God, but the difference was not doctrine; it was the fire of the Holy Spirit on Abel's offering.
Saul and David representing head versus heartKing Saul was distinguished by his tall head and outward position, while King David was distinguished by a heart after God's own will.
The stream continuing through Jesus and the PhariseesLike the Pharisees, people can have correct doctrine, prayer, and religious activities yet completely lack the fire of divine life.
The two builders in the teachings of JesusJesus spoke of two builders, warning that hearing the word without doing it results in building on sand and a great fall.Matthew 7:24
Obedience is more important than mere religious routineObeying God's word in daily interactions is far more critical to building God's house than merely reading the Bible out of legalistic habit.
Jealousy as a mark of the religious streamFrom Cain's jealousy of Abel to Saul's jealousy of David, resentment toward those with God's fire exposes a religious spirit.
The mother of harlots versus the brideRevelation contrasts Babylon, the mother of harlots dressed in grand and showy attire, with the simple bride clothed in the righteous acts of the saints.
Guard your mind against spiritual adulteryJust as the serpent deceived Eve through craftiness, believers must protect their simple and pure devotion to Christ from being led astray.2 Corinthians 11:2–3
Money, politics, and music in BabylonBabylon incorporates the love of money, alliances with political power, and entertainment-driven music into religious systems.Luke 16:13
The fall of Babylon and the call to come outHeaven rejoices when Babylon finally falls, and God calls His people to separate themselves from this corrupt religious system.
