Dictionary.com defines a “rebel” as “a person who refuses allegiance to, resists, or rises in arms against the government or ruler of his or her country, a person who resists any authority, control, or tradition.” Most rebellions rise and fall without grand success, their leaders lost to history. Very few have gained the prominence and merit of Nimrod, the world’s first rebel leader. Nimrod’s ability to persuade people to follow him, and not the Lord, relied upon the promise that he could bring them a level of joy, happiness and satisfaction God never could.
Today, mankind is not being enticed by a single leader vaunting the potential of a better life. Instead, a message of worldliness is luring billions into its web through countless voices around the globe. The spirit behind that message advocates rebellion against the Lord and His authority by promising unprecedented, unrestricted pleasure. It is a cause devoted to the here and now, and one which can never provide humanity the satisfaction of life which it truly craves.
In episode 5 of Babylon: The Seat of Satan’s Power, Steve Gallagher explains, through Scripture, how this message can only lead a person one way, into utter ruin and desolation.
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.lockman.org
The Desolate Life of a Rebel
Episode 5 Part 1
Unearthing the Plot to Seduce God's People
One of the mysteries embedded within the book of Revelation is the destruction of Babylon. This city can be traced back to Genesis 11, and its empire and rulers played a central role in the exile of Israel. But Babylon is not just a city of the past. She stands alongside Satan, Antichrist, and the false prophet as a major player in the apocalypse at the end of the world. What does Babylon represent? Why should Christians be very concerned about her influence in their lives? And why is she one of the main reasons that so many in the church are addicted to sexual sin? In this inaugural episode of our series: Babylon: The Seat of Satan’s Power, Steve Gallagher gives insight as to why Babylon is a threat not only for future generations, but for us today and reveals her pervading influence over the church at large. This series is based on the book Intoxicated with Babylon: The Seduction of God’s People in the Last Days by Steve Gallagher. You can find out more about that book by visiting our bookstore. Continue to look for new episodes every week. We’ll be releasing teachings by Steve Gallagher, along with interviews from the staff of Pure Life Ministries to look at why Babylon is such an important subject for those battling sexual sin. We hope this series will increase your awareness of what’s behind this evil, and how to combat it in your everyday life. Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. http://www.lockman.org
When Satan Ruled the Earth
The global flood described in the book of Genesis represents a unique event in human history. The destruction of all flesh, save for Noah and his family, is so distinct an incident that God Himself promised never to do it again. But what could possibly have caused the Lord to react so strongly toward His beloved creation? What could have caused this creation, which He Himself had once described as, “very good,” to descend into such wickedness that their thoughts became constantly evil? In episode 2 of Babylon: The Seat of Satan’s Power, Steve Gallagher discusses four of the actions and attitudes of mankind which led to this great cataclysm. And we find that these reasons warn us to avoid all such ways in our own lives. This series is based on the book Intoxicated with Babylon: The Seduction of God’s People in the Last Days by Steve Gallagher. You can find out more about that book by visiting our bookstore.
The Surprising Origins of the First Antichrist
After the flood Noah and his family exited the ark with a clear vision of God’s judgment upon evil. And as they began the toilsome work of rebuilding humanity, they would undoubtedly tell their story to succeeding generations in hopes that another worldwide devastation would be avoided. But sin will not easily be eradicated from our hearts. Even the terror of divine retribution can be quickly forgotten by the enticement of sin’s promises. Scripture tells us that evil is always lurking, waiting for its chance to be revealed. One day the ultimate human expression of evil will reveal itself in The Antichrist. Throughout history, many precursors to this man – many “antichrists” – have risen and fallen. What connects them all is a spiritual lineage that can be traced back to that little band of survivors who exited the ark at the dawn of man’s second genesis.