Choosing Between Babylon and Jerusalem: A Spiritual Journey

In our journey through life, we are constantly faced with the choice between two spiritual paths: the path of Babylon, representing worldliness and self-indulgence, and the path of Jerusalem, symbolizing purity and devotion to Christ. Babylon is characterized by a spirit of harlotry, where individuals claim to be engaged to Christ but are more concerned with worldly pleasures, money, and the approval of others. In contrast, Jerusalem represents the Bride of Christ, a community of believers who are sincere, devoted, and willing to sacrifice for their faith.

The essence of our spiritual journey is captured in the metaphor of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil and the Tree of Life. The Tree of Knowledge represents the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake, often leading to pride and self-righteousness. In contrast, the Tree of Life symbolizes a simple, pure devotion to Jesus Christ, where life is lived in sincerity and humility. This devotion is not about accumulating knowledge or adhering to doctrines but about living a life of sacrifice and service, following the example of Christ who loved the church and gave Himself for it.

The true church, like Jerusalem, is a place of sacrifice, where believers are called to deny themselves and serve others. This spirit of sacrifice is what distinguishes the church from Babylon, which is marked by commerce and self-gain. The call to live a life of sacrifice is not about grand gestures but about daily choices to prioritize Christ and His kingdom over worldly attractions.

In our churches, the most valuable individuals are not necessarily those who preach well or have significant ministries but those who foster genuine fellowship and devotion to Christ. This devotion is evident in their willingness to serve others selflessly, reflecting the love and sacrifice of Christ. As we strive to build Jerusalem in our lives and communities, we must focus on nurturing this spirit of sacrifice and devotion, ensuring that our lives are centered around the Tree of Life.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The spirit of Babylon is marked by a focus on worldly pleasures and the approval of others, while the spirit of Jerusalem is characterized by a sincere devotion to Christ and a willingness to sacrifice for Him. This distinction is crucial for our spiritual journey. [01:26]
• 2. The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil represents the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake, often leading to pride and self-righteousness. In contrast, the Tree of Life symbolizes a simple, pure devotion to Jesus Christ, where life is lived in sincerity and humility. [15:27]
• 3. True devotion to Christ is not about accumulating knowledge or adhering to doctrines but about living a life of sacrifice and service, following the example of Christ who loved the church and gave Himself for it. [49:20]
• 4. The most valuable individuals in a church are those who foster genuine fellowship and devotion to Christ, serving others selflessly and reflecting the love and sacrifice of Christ. [46:02]
• 5. Building Jerusalem in our lives and communities requires nurturing a spirit of sacrifice and devotion, ensuring that our lives are centered around the Tree of Life and not the attractions of the world. [01:00:46]
  ** [60:46]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:32] - The Spirit of the Harlot
• [01:42] - The Value of Godly Opinions
• [03:18] - Babylon to Jerusalem
• [05:05] - Movement from Babylon to Jerusalem
• [06:50] - Ezra's Inspired Scripture
• [09:44] - Sinners in Zion
• [14:08] - Tree of Knowledge vs. Tree of Life
• [18:37] - Church Patterns
• [23:00] - Seeking the Kingdom First
• [25:29] - The Test of Temptation
• [31:44] - The Sword and the Tree of Life
• [38:33] - Godly Jealousy
• [46:02] - The Most Valuable Person in Church
• [51:54] - Jerusalem: The City of Sacrifice

1. Revelation 17:1-5
2. Genesis 2:9, 3:22-24
3. Ephesians 5:25

1. What are the characteristics of Babylon and Jerusalem as described in the sermon? How do these characteristics reflect in the lives of believers? [00:32]
2. How does the sermon describe the significance of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil and the Tree of Life? What do these trees symbolize in our spiritual journey? [14:08]
3. According to the sermon, what distinguishes the true church from Babylon? How is this distinction evident in the lives of believers? [49:20]
4. What role do godly opinions play in our spiritual journey, according to the sermon? How should we discern which opinions to value? [01:42]

1. How does the metaphor of the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge apply to the choices we make in our daily lives? What does it mean to choose life over knowledge? [15:27]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the spirit of sacrifice is essential for building Jerusalem in our communities? How can this spirit be nurtured? [01:00:46]
3. How does the sermon define true devotion to Christ? What are the practical implications of living a life of sacrifice and service? [49:20]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the value of fellowship and community in the church? How does this relate to the concept of the most valuable person in the church? [46:02]

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you are more focused on worldly pleasures and approval than on sincere devotion to Christ? How can you shift your focus towards the spirit of Jerusalem? [01:26]
2. Consider the choices you make daily. Are they more aligned with the pursuit of knowledge or with a simple, pure devotion to Jesus? What changes can you make to prioritize the Tree of Life in your life? [15:27]
3. How can you incorporate the spirit of sacrifice into your daily routine? Identify one specific way you can serve others selflessly this week. [49:20]
4. Think about the fellowship within your church community. How can you contribute to building genuine relationships that reflect the love and sacrifice of Christ? [46:02]
5. Identify a person in your life who exemplifies a simple, pure devotion to Christ. What can you learn from their example, and how can you apply it to your own spiritual journey? [41:48]
6. Reflect on the sermon’s message about the spirit of Babylon and Jerusalem. How can you ensure that your life and community are centered around the Tree of Life rather than the attractions of the world? [01:00:46]
7. How can you encourage others in your church to live a life of sacrifice and devotion? What role can you play in fostering a community that prioritizes Christ and His kingdom? [49:20]