Defeating the Dragon
As you slowly read through the following verses, see the events happening in your mind as if you are watching them live:
“Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, and threw him into the pit, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he might not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years are ended . . .” Revelation 20:1-3
Did you notice that it was an angel given the power to bind the deceiver with a great chain and then throw him in the abyss? In the movie in my head, the angel grabs the superhuman enemy of God, man, and good by the throat and tosses him down into the pit. The deceiver won’t be able to exercise his deceit from the bottomless pit. Clearly, the evil one does not have the same power as God, not even close. The dragon’s power has limits on it because he originally was one of God’s highest angelic creations. Even after he was thrown out of heaven for his rebellion, his power was not as God’s omnipotence. Knowing this, we more clearly understand these commands:
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil,
and He will flee from you.” James 4:7
Because we are very aware that the “devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour,” it is incumbent for we who are in Christ to know we can cause him to run away. How do we do that? Ephesians 6:11 answers this question:
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to
stand against the schemes of the devil.”
Would you like to put the devil and his minions on the run? If so, then consider putting on the armor as part of your daily practice:
"Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints," Ephesians 6:14-18
Here’s your daily checklist:
___ Belt of truth
___ Breastplate of righteousness
___ Gospel shoes of peace
___ Shield of faith
___ Helmet of salvation
___ Sword of the Spirit
___ Prayer
Check those off and see our enemy run!
Francie Overstreet
EFCC Member
Come Out of Her, My People
Revelation 18:4
A few years ago, I had the life-changing opportunity to visit Israel. When we were there, we had the chance to walk through the ruins of Qumran, the desert community by the Dead Sea, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. The people who lived there were separatists. These were people who had moved out of Jerusalem and built their own enclave in the wilderness, convinced that the city and temple were too corrupt. The remains of their city are filled with pools that were used for ceremonial washing, showing their desire to remain pure before God. Their solution to the corruption in Jerusalem was isolation. They wanted to escape the world, live apart, and wait for God to judge.
So when we read in Revelation 18:4, “Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins,” it’s natural to wonder if that’s the kind of life the angel has in mind. Should we start our own Christian commune somewhere and pull away from the world? Should we buy land, live off the grid, make our own butter, and wait for God to judge? I find there to be tension between that way of living and what Jesus prayed for his disciples. He said, “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one… As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world” (vv. 15–18).
The call to “come out” isn’t about geography; it’s about allegiance. It’s not isolation, it’s distinction. The word church is translated from the Greek word ekklesia, which means the “called-out ones.” We are people who live right in the middle of the world but refuse to be owned by its values. That’s what makes the angel’s command in Revelation both hard and hopeful. It's hard because Babylon’s culture is seductive. At times, it feels as normal as the air we breathe. And yet it’s hopeful because we are given power through Scripture and God’s Spirit to resist.
The real danger isn’t that you’ll live in Babylon; the danger is that Babylon will live in you. And it happens subtly. Slowly. Quietly. Like fish who don’t realize they’re in water, we can swim in a culture of pride, consumerism, and indulgence until it feels normal. Revelation interrupts our drift and says, “Come out. Don’t take part in her sins. Don’t fall with her fall.” Instead, let God’s truth form you. Let worship replace idolatry, generosity replace greed, purity replace indulgence, and humility replace pride. The great truth is that we can live now as citizens of the city that never falls… the New Jerusalem!
So today, maybe you pray something like this: Jesus, keep me in the world but free from its grip. Let your truth shape me today, that I might live as your called-out one, even here in Babylon. Amen.
Pastor Ryan Paulson
The Real Avenger
“It is mine to avenge; I will repay in due time their foot will slip;
their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them.”
Deuteronomy 32:35 NIV
This future time we are studying in Revelation 17 & 18 is not like the sci-fi movie series, the Avengers. It will be very real and far beyond anything a writer of fantasy could imagine. Our God is love and has done everything possible to draw mankind to His forever family. He sacrificed Himself, He offers mercy and grace, He calls for repentance, offers full forgiveness, and He offers a way out until the very last moment. Then God answered this cry from the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne:
“...O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” Revelation 6:10
The answer comes in chapter 18:20 and notice who the judgment is for:
“…for God has given judgment for you against her.”
The judgment is vengeance for the blood of His servants, for those who were followers of Jesus. He takes vengeance on those who were drunk with the blood of the saints, the martyrs of Jesus. (17:6)
In 18:21, John describes an angel throwing a boulder like a great millstone into the sea. (A millstone is a huge round stone, often weighing a ton, used to crush grain into flour.) This evil will be violently thrown down and be no more. When teaching about God’s love for children to workers, I always accompanied it with a warning. “But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea,” Matthew 18:6.
Do something to children, your judgment is coming and beyond imagining.
God’s wrath is not only about the rejection of His holiness but also because of what has been done to His dear servants. He loves His sons and daughters and will surely avenge what was done to them. There will be no more second chances for the perpetrators. They will not escape this judgment.
The persecution of believers is growing in our world. It is mild here but in several other countries Christ followers are murdered, imprisoned, tortured, and more. It has been going on since the resurrection. Please consider reading Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, which is John Foxe’s account of the martyrdom of Christians from the first century to the 16th century. The list is growing but it will come to an end and God will avenge.
“After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, ‘Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of his servants.”
Revelation 19:1-2
Francie Overstreet
EFCC Member
No More!
“Therefore in one day her plagues will overtake her: death, mourning and famine. She will be consumed by fire, for mighty is the Lord God who judges her.”
— Revelation 18:8 NIV
I had a friend growing up who had a spare room where he built an entire Lego city. It was incredible—he spent hours carefully putting every piece in the right place. One night we decided to sleep in there since we had been building so late. What he didn’t know was that I sometimes sleepwalked. Needless to say, his Lego city didn’t survive the night. In one fell swoop, it was destroyed.
Revelation 17–18 paints a similar but far more sobering picture of Babylon—an image of worldly power, wealth, and corruption standing in opposition to God. Babylon represents humanity’s attempt to build life apart from Him. Like the Lego city, it looks impressive—wealth and riches, people doing whatever they please, businesses thriving. But in one decisive moment, God brings it all down. And unlike my sleepwalking destruction, this collapse is far worse and final.
God’s judgment is not partial—it is total: “Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great!” (Rev. 18:2). The mighty city and all it represented is no more. And it is not temporary—it is eternal. Babylon is never rebuilt. Her smoke rises forever (Rev. 19:3). John emphasizes this by repeating the phrase “no more” throughout chapter 18: no more music, no more trade, no more weddings, no more life as usual. What the world thought was unshakable collapses in an instant.
The warning is clear: when we put our hope in anything other than God—especially in things opposed to Him—it is doomed to fall because it is not built to last. Yet this passage also comforts us: evil will not endure forever. Injustice, exploitation, and arrogance will not have the final word. God sees. God judges. God wins.
For believers, judgment is not the end—salvation is.
Pastor Jeremy Johnson
Weep No More
Who can forget 2020 and the effect of Covid on the world’s economy. “The Coronavirus outbreak caused a global economic collapse. Most countries implemented full or partial lockdown measures to slow the spread of the virus. The lockdown slowed global economic activity substantially, many companies reduced operations or closed down, and people lost their jobs.” (National Library of Medicine). A byproduct of our reduced travels was the shift to more online shopping. Amazon became a best friend, but also became a worst enemy as people found it too easy to become shopaholics.
In Revelation 17, the focus shifts to the economic and commercial aspect of the corrupt world system, describing the fall of a vast global economic power centered in Babylon. It warns against systems that attempt to control faith and create a religion in man's image or those that promote a global system of greed and materialism. Verses 11-13 describe the scene: And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn for her, since no one buys their cargo anymore, cargo of gold, silver, jewels, pearls, fine linen, purple cloth, silk, scarlet cloth, all kinds of scented wood, all kinds of articles of ivory, all kinds of articles of costly wood, bronze, iron and marble, cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, slaves, that is, human souls.
Why so much detail ? In the end times, the world’s rebellion against God will rise to a fever pitch. The Antichrist’s system will be characterized by rampant materialism, love of money or greed, outrageous idolatry, and violence against Christians. God wants us to see that greed, materialism, idolatry, and rebellion against Him are linked and all lead to destruction. As Pastor Josh stated yesterday in his Daily Fill, “This scene (in Revelation) is not just ancient history or future prophecy; it’s a mirror for every age . . . even for today.” He did a great job of outlining these chapters and explaining what John was shown. Do you see our present day in the descriptions?.
Verses 15-16 say, The merchants of these wares, who gained wealth from her, will stand far off, in fear of her torment, weeping and mourning aloud, “Alas, alas, for the great city that was clothed in fine linen, in purple and scarlet, adorned with gold, with jewels, and with pearls! Notice the merchants are standing far away, not wanting to be involved!
Then in verse 17, For in a single hour all this wealth has been laid waste. God wasted no time in destroying Babylon’s idolatry and rebellion after giving the people so many chances to turn away from the evils of the Antichrist.
Later we see In Revelation 18:2, an angel descends to the earth proclaiming the triumphant news of Jesus’ victory over Babylon the Great.
Father, please help us keep our eyes on you and eternal things, not the temporary material things of this world. May we be watchful always of things that lure us away from you.
Deb Hill
EFCC Member
Brace Yourself, Babylon is Here
Come, I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute… - Revelation 17:1
The angel invites John to witness the judgment of “the great prostitute,” which is a clearly derogatory title that is used to represent the system of powers and principalities that the Bible calls “Babylon.” Here in Revelation 17, she is dazzling! She floats above the waters, sitting on a scarlet, blasphemous beast, clothed in purple and scarlet, dripping with gold and pearls. She holds a golden cup in her hand that is full of her sins. Her power has intoxicated nations and seduced kings. If that isn’t enough, she is “drunk with the blood of the saints.” Even John “marveled greatly” at the sight.
This scene is not just ancient history or future prophecy, it’s a mirror for every age… even for today. “Babylon” stands for the world’s powers and seductive cultures, political, economic, and even religious, that lead people away from the authority of the one true God. They may not be as overt as this, but their essence remains. That’s why John is told to look at it, so he won’t be fooled. It is as if Jesus is telling John and us that we need to brace ourselves for what is to come.
1. Brace Yourself Spiritually
The power of Babylon is alluring. It will dress up corruption in gold and call compromise “success.” It invites us to drink deeply of its wine, its comfort, its status, its power, until we’re numb to what God is really up to. Spiritual bracing means waking up and becoming aware of the real struggles in our world. It is not against people, but against the powers and principalities of this world. It means that we must check what’s inside the cup before we sip, making sure that we do not give allegiance to anything other than Jesus.
2. Brace Yourself Emotionally
Babylon is an enemy of believers… of “the saints.” Verse 6 says she is drunk on their blood. Following Jesus sometimes means that we must stand up against the powers of our age. We shouldn’t be surprised when faithfulness to Jesus costs us something. Bracing ourselves means setting our expectations realistically; life with Christ is life on a battleship, not a cruise ship.
3. Brace Yourself with Hope
The angel begins with judgment, but we have to remember that judgement is not despair. No doubt, Babylon’s fall is certain. She may look dazzling now, but her days are numbered. To brace ourselves with hope is to remember, in the end, it is Jesus who wins, it is love that conquers, it is peace that perseveres! Justice comes in the form of a Lamb who was slain, and He brings Heaven with Him!
So look closely. Marvel if you must, but don’t be mesmerized. Keep your heart anchored to Jesus and he will lead you to victory!
Josh Rose
Family Pastor
A Tale of Two Cities
Series: The Dragon & the Lamb | Revelation: Season 3
Text: Revelation 17:1–18:24
Speakers: Pastor Ryan Paulson
October 5, 2025: On Sunday, Lead Pastor Ryan Paulson concluded our latest series, The Dragon & the Lamb, which was our third season of messages in the book of Revelation. His sermon message is entitled "A Tale of Two Cities."
Thief in the night
(“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”)
Amidst Revelation’s descriptions of God’s judgment upon what’s left of the world, Jesus interjects, reminding us that he hasn’t forgotten his people among the chaos. He reminds us that his coming is entirely unpredictable, but he is most certainly coming. Nothing can keep him from stealing us away to be with him.
The words, stay and keep are continuation words. One who stays awake does so at night when one would usually sleep. It is hard to stay awake, and it is uncomfortable to remain dressed when it is dark out and your bed beckons. Likewise, it is hard to keep our minds focused on the things the Lord has for us to do when they are often uncomfortable and the world is so dark. However, blessed is the one who maintains a perspective of hope, anticipating the Lord’s return like a kid anticipates Christmas morning.
It strikes me as endlessly fascinating that the Lord likens himself to a thief. He comes to rob the world of us, in this case. There isn’t anything that can be done to deter him. See Romans 8:38-39. Even if we fail and are found in less than optimal circumstances, he’ll still bring us home! Blessed are the ones who persevere.
Jonathan Duncan EFCC Member
The Book of Revelation in a Nutshell
Ephesians 6:11-13 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Joshua 24:14-15 Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served…. or the gods of the Amorites…… But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.
Luke 9:23-25 Jesus said, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it. What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves?
Ephesians 5:15-17 Be very careful, then, how you live, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.
Dr. Harris was a beloved college Bible professor. When Dr. Harris spoke, you leaned in to listen. He wasn’t a man of big or many words. When he spoke, he paused a lot to carefully speak the truth. One day in chapel he summarized the book of Revelation in a way I cannot forget.
With a warm Texan accent he said,
“Listen up. I’m gonna give you the whole book of Revelation in 3 sentences.
1. There’s a war going on. 2. You must pick a side. 3. Don’t be stupid.”
We studied Revelation 15-16 this week, the Day of Judgment, the Day of the Lord. Plagues, bowls of the Lord’s wrath poured out on the earth, a Holy God whose judgments are just: pain, sores, death, scorching fire, darkness, agony, apocalyptic destruction.
If you’re not mindful of the spiritual war waging, may I remind you we live in Dragon territory (Rev. 12). If you’re on the fence about Jesus, debating if he’s really worth following or not…may I say in love, “Don’t be stupid.”
Only one side wins. Only one side is victorious in the end.
Donielle Winter
EFCC Member
Wrath and Love
When my mom was diagnosed with cancer, I remember sitting in waiting rooms, praying through tears, and watching her courage as she befriended nurses and kept baking cookies for others. But through it all, something settled in me: I hate cancer. I hate it because it threatened someone I loved. I hated what it did, the way it steals and destroys. I’m convinced that hatred wasn’t wrong; it was love refusing to sit silent while something destructive ran wild.
And if that’s true for me, how much more true is it for God?
A lot of people struggle with the idea of God’s wrath. They picture a capricious, cruel deity lashing out in fits of rage. However, the Bible paints a different picture. God’s wrath isn’t random or vindictive; it’s an outflow of His righteous, measured opposition to everything that destroys His good creation. Leon Morris once wrote, “God’s wrath is his strong and settled opposition to everything that is evil arising out of his very nature.” Wrath is not the opposite of love; it’s love in action against evil.
Think about it: if God didn’t hate adultery, would He really love marriage? If He didn’t hate abuse, would He really care for the vulnerable? If He didn’t hate racism, greed, lies, and violence, could we really call Him good? Love demands wrath. A God who shrugs at evil would be a God who doesn’t actually love.
Revelation 16 pulls back the curtain to show us this truth. The bowls of wrath aren’t cruel overreactions; they are God’s decisive “No” to sin, idolatry, and rebellion. They are the final act of a God who is unwilling to let cancerous evil keep destroying what He loves. His wrath is the surgeon’s scalpel, cutting away the disease so that healing can finally come.
Wrath, then, is not the Bible’s dirty little secret. It is the proof of His holy love. The opposite of love is not anger; it’s apathy… and praise God, He is not apathetic. God hates evil, and believe it or not, that is good news. God’s wrath means His love is strong enough to fight for us, to defend us, and to heal His broken world. What proves that more than the cross? At Calvary, we see both the seriousness of sin and the depth of God’s love. In Jesus, God Himself absorbed the full weight of evil and triumphed over it. The cross shows us that God’s justice doesn’t stand apart from His mercy; it meets there. Judgment and love converge, so that those who trust in Christ are not condemned but freed to live in His grace.
May you experience that grace afresh today.
Pastor Ryan Paulson