Pastor Marco Ambriz

Nov 16, 2025

What do you think God dreams of?

Babylon the Great

The author John used the name "Babylon the Great" as a stand-in for the Roman Empire, the current reigning world power at the time of the writing of Revelation.

Indictment of the Roman Empire

• Materialism & Greed

• Economic injustice

• Ecological destruction

• State-sponsored violence

• Idolatry/Emperor worship

• Dehumanization of the "other"

• Silencing or killing critics

The Promise of God

The Book of Revelation describes the eventual demise of evil empires and the forever reign of God's good kingdom (aka the kin-dom of God).

Revelation 21:1–22:2 (NRSV)

1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 

The sea is an ancient Hebrew metaphor for chaos and the dark unknown.

2 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 

Some Christians hold that they will be caught up or snatched up from earth to depart to heaven. That is one interpretation. 

Here, we are told that heaven comes down. What are the implications of heaven coming down, rather than earth going up?

3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them as their God; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them;

This is one of the most commonly repeated phrases in the Bible. It is the language of covenant. The two entering into an agreement. It is unheard of in the language of deity in the ancient world.

4 he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.” 

5 And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 

What does this renewal look like in your imagination?

Conclusion

The Church is called to resist the Empire and to work toward the new creation.

Where could God be calling you to refocus your hope and energy on the renewal of all things?

Where could Jesus be calling you to follow his resurrection hope?