21 WAYS TO DEMORALIZE A CIVILIZATION:

1. Produce bad art and architecture.
2. Make women look ugly.
3. Condition everyone to think of themselves as victims.
4. Demonize distinction and disparity.
5. Heavily tax the innovative and wealthy.
6. Create a culture of consumerism.
7. Offer an education that narrows perspective and produces cogs in a machine.
8. Ban comedy and satire.
9. Make ownership of property impossible.
10. Disarm and weaken men.
11. Portray dysfunctional households as normal.
12. Create a culture that hates children.
13. Establish state welfare and market the State as savior.
14. Make law enforcement and the justice system untrustworthy.
15: Disconnect people from history and heritage.
16. Honor scoundrels and demonize true heroes.
17. Make illicit pleasure easy to access.
18. Fan the flames of ethnic vainglory and malice.
19. Poison people’s bodies with bad food and medicine.
20. Turn churches into institutions of appeasement and entertainment.
21. Do away with Christ and Christianity.
Lennox Kalifungwa

The Revelation of Jesus Christ and the Faithful Witness

A Bible Study Reflecting on Revelation 1:1-2

The opening words of the book of Revelation immediately establish that this final book of Scripture is not primarily a mystery about world events, political movements, or hidden codes. It is first and foremost “the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Before it is a revelation about judgment, tribulation, heavenly worship, persecution, or the consummation of all things, it is a revelation of a Person. The first two verses of Revelation introduce the entire theological foundation of the book and provide a profound understanding of how God speaks, how Christ reigns, how truth is transmitted, and how believers are called to live faithfully in a world filled with confusion and compromise.

Revelation 1:1–2 declares: “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.”

These verses reveal a divine chain of communication flowing from the Father to the Son, from the Son through the angel, from the angel to John, and from John to the servants of God. This is not accidental. The structure itself reveals something essential about the nature of divine revelation. God is not silent. He is a speaking God. Throughout Scripture, the living God reveals Himself. He reveals His will, His holiness, His purposes, His warnings, His promises, and ultimately His Son. Humanity does not discover God through intellectual achievement alone; God makes Himself known through revelation.

The opening phrase, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ,” carries layers of meaning. It can mean the revelation that comes from Jesus Christ, but it also means the revelation about Jesus Christ. Both meanings are true. Jesus is both the revealer and the One revealed. This is deeply important because Revelation is often approached with fear or fascination while Christ Himself is neglected. Yet the central focus of the book is the exalted Christ reigning over history, standing among His churches, opening the seals, judging evil, conquering death, and establishing His eternal kingdom.

The Greek word translated “revelation” is “apokalypsis,” meaning an unveiling or uncovering. Something hidden is now being disclosed. This means Revelation is not fundamentally intended to conceal truth but to reveal it. While parts of the book are symbolic and require careful interpretation, the purpose of the book is disclosure, not obscurity. God is pulling back the curtain so His servants may see reality from heaven’s perspective.

This is critically important for believers living in difficult times. Human beings naturally interpret history from an earthly perspective. We see nations rise and fall, suffering increase, injustice spread, and chaos deepen, and we are tempted to think evil is winning. Revelation reorients the vision of the church. It reminds believers that above the turmoil of earth stands the throne of heaven. Christ reigns even when the world appears unstable. The Lamb who was slain is also the King who rules.

The text says this revelation was “given” by God to Christ “to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass.” Here the sovereignty of God is unmistakable. History is not random. Events are not spiraling beyond divine control. The future unfolds according to the purposes of God. Even the suffering and opposition that believers face are not outside His authority.

The phrase “must shortly come to pass” does not merely indicate timing; it also conveys certainty. These things “must” happen because they are part of God’s ordained plan. Throughout Revelation, there is a strong emphasis on divine necessity. God’s purposes move history toward a determined end. Evil may rage for a season, but it cannot overturn the decree of heaven.

At the same time, the word “shortly” reminds believers to live with expectancy. The New Testament consistently calls the church to spiritual alertness. Christians are not to live in complacency or spiritual sleep. The return of Christ and the fulfillment of God’s kingdom are realities that shape daily life. The early church lived with a sense of nearness regarding the promises of God, and every generation of believers is called to do the same.

This expectation is not intended to produce fear-driven speculation but holy faithfulness. Revelation was written originally to churches facing pressure, persecution, temptation, and compromise. Its purpose was pastoral as much as prophetic. God gave this revelation so His servants would endure faithfully.

The word “servants” is especially significant. Revelation is given not to the powerful, the elite, or the self-sufficient, but to servants. Throughout Scripture, the servant of God is one who belongs wholly to the Lord. The language reflects humility, obedience, and devotion. Spiritual understanding is connected to submission. Those who approach God proudly often remain blind, but those who bow before Him receive light.

There is a profound spiritual principle here. Revelation is not merely intellectual information; it is relational truth given within the covenant relationship between God and His people. The servants of God are those who hear His voice and belong to Him. The book of Revelation therefore calls believers not simply to study prophecy but to live faithfully under the lordship of Christ.

The text further states that Christ “sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John.” The word “signified” suggests communication through signs and symbols. This prepares readers for the symbolic nature of much of the book. Revelation contains visions, images, numbers, beasts, lamps, stars, trumpets, bowls, and heavenly scenes filled with symbolic meaning.

This symbolic language serves several purposes. First, it communicates spiritual realities that transcend ordinary language. Human vocabulary struggles to fully describe heavenly glory, divine judgment, or cosmic conflict. Symbolism stretches the imagination and points beyond literal limitations.

Second, symbolism allows Revelation to speak across generations and cultures. The truths contained in the visions are not confined to a single moment in history but carry enduring theological significance. The imagery speaks to the universal struggle between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world.

Third, symbolic revelation requires spiritual discernment. Revelation is not merely decoded through human cleverness. It must be approached with reverence, humility, and dependence upon the Spirit of God. This is why throughout church history some have misunderstood Revelation when treating it merely as a puzzle book instead of a prophetic testimony centered upon Christ.

The role of angels in Revelation also reminds believers that there is a vast spiritual reality beyond visible existence. Modern culture often reduces reality to what can be measured or scientifically observed, but Scripture consistently reveals an unseen spiritual realm. Angels are servants of God involved in the accomplishment of His purposes. Revelation pulls back the curtain on this invisible dimension and reminds believers that earthly events are connected to spiritual realities.

Then the focus shifts to John himself: “who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.” John is presented as a faithful witness. This theme of witness is central throughout Revelation. The church is repeatedly called to bear witness to Christ even in hostile environments.

John does not invent the message. He bears record of what he received. This highlights the authority of Scripture. The message originates with God, not humanity. Biblical revelation is not the product of human imagination or philosophical speculation. The prophets and apostles were entrusted with divine truth and called to testify faithfully.

The phrase “the word of God” emphasizes divine authority, while “the testimony of Jesus Christ” emphasizes Christ-centered proclamation. Genuine Christian witness always joins these two realities together. It is rooted in God’s truth and centered on Jesus Christ.

John also testifies to “all things that he saw.” Revelation is filled with visual imagery because divine truth is being shown as well as spoken. Biblical revelation engages the imagination, the conscience, the intellect, and the heart. God gives visions that awaken spiritual perception.

This raises an important practical application for believers today. Modern life often overwhelms people with competing visions of reality. Culture constantly disciples the imagination through media, politics, entertainment, consumerism, and ideology. People are shaped by whatever vision captures their hearts. Revelation confronts worldly vision with heavenly vision. It teaches believers to see history through the eyes of God rather than through the fears and narratives of the age.

The opening verses also reveal the deeply Trinitarian character of revelation. God the Father gives the revelation. Jesus Christ mediates it. The Spirit later empowers the churches to hear it. Revelation is saturated with the glory of the triune God. Christianity is not merely ethical instruction or religious tradition; it is participation in the life and purposes of the living God.

Furthermore, these verses reveal that Christ is not passive in history. He is active, reigning, communicating, judging, shepherding, and preparing the consummation of all things. Revelation presents Jesus not merely as the suffering Savior but as the exalted King. The same Christ who walked among the poor and was crucified under Roman authority now stands in sovereign authority over heaven and earth.

This vision was especially important for persecuted believers in the first century. Many Christians faced rejection, imprisonment, economic hardship, and death because of their allegiance to Christ. To outward appearances, Rome seemed invincible and the church seemed weak. Revelation redefines reality. Caesar is not lord; Jesus is Lord. Earthly empires rise temporarily, but Christ reigns eternally.

This message remains profoundly relevant today. Many believers live in societies increasingly hostile to biblical truth. Others endure direct persecution. Even where open persecution is absent, there is immense pressure toward compromise, moral confusion, spiritual apathy, and cultural conformity. Revelation calls the church to steadfastness. The faithful witness of John becomes a model for every believer.

Faithfulness often requires endurance. Revelation repeatedly emphasizes patient perseverance. The church is not called to conquer through worldly power but through faithful testimony. The Lamb conquers through sacrifice, and His people follow Him in costly obedience.

The opening verses also confront modern individualism. Revelation is addressed to “his servants,” meaning the covenant people of God together. Christianity is not isolated spirituality detached from the church. Revelation is given to strengthen communities of believers who worship, suffer, and endure together.

Additionally, the passage teaches that revelation carries responsibility. Truth is not given merely to satisfy curiosity. God reveals Himself so His people may respond with worship, obedience, and faithfulness. Knowledge without transformation becomes spiritual pride. Revelation calls believers not only to understand but to overcome.

There is also comfort in these opening verses. The God who reveals is the God who governs. The future is not controlled by chaos, violence, governments, economies, or human ambition. The future belongs to Christ. This does not eliminate suffering, but it gives suffering context. Revelation does not deny the reality of tribulation; it declares that tribulation is not ultimate. Christ is ultimate.

The book opens not with despair but with revelation. Light shines into darkness. Heaven speaks into earthly confusion. Christ stands above history as Lord. For believers surrounded by fear and uncertainty, this truth becomes an anchor for the soul.

The passage also reminds believers of the importance of faithful proclamation. John “bare record.” The church today is likewise entrusted with testimony. In every generation, Christians are called to bear witness to the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. This witness may be costly, but it is essential.

In a culture saturated with deception, truth-telling becomes an act of spiritual faithfulness. The church must proclaim Christ clearly, courageously, and compassionately. Revelation begins with testimony because the kingdom advances through witness. The gospel is announced, not hidden. Christ is proclaimed, not concealed.

Finally, Revelation 1:1–2 invites believers into worshipful awe. The opening verses place humanity before the majesty of divine revelation. God speaks from eternity into history. Christ reigns over the unfolding ages. Heaven is not silent. The risen Lord reveals Himself to His servants so they may endure with hope and live with faithful obedience.

The opening of Revelation therefore becomes more than an introduction to a prophetic book. It is a summons to spiritual vision. It calls believers to lift their eyes above the noise of the world and behold the reigning Christ. It reminds the church that history is moving toward divine fulfillment. It assures suffering believers that God has not abandoned His people. It teaches that faithful witness matters. And it proclaims that Jesus Christ stands at the center of all revelation, all history, and all hope.

The church does not ultimately live by fear of the future but by confidence in the One who holds the future. The Revelation of Jesus Christ begins by unveiling the sovereign Lord who speaks truth, governs history, strengthens His servants, and calls His people to faithful endurance until the kingdom of God is fully revealed.

A Polluted River
You can think of the world system as a polluted river.
1. One tributary is the tributary of worldly entertainment.
2. Another tributary is the tributary of consumerism.
3. Still another tributary in this polluted river is the tributary of empire.
All of these tributaries are part of the same polluted river. In other words, they are all part of the world system.

Church practices that promote allegiance to Christ: The procession, baptism, the Lord’s Supper, preaching, prayers, and songs of praise.
Church practices that promote consumerism: Through the blast of images and options or implicitly pushing the pleasures of technology through caressing a screen repeatedly. - Kenute P. Curry

Chapter 33 Seven Heads




Students of prophecy have proposed several interpretations for the 7 heads of the beast of Rev 17, and thus the dragon of Rev 12 and the leopard beast of Rev 13 as well:

Rev 17:9 And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.
10 And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.

This is the second part of Revelation that elaborates on understanding an aspect of prophecy requiring wisdom. The other is the end of Rev 13. Students of prophecy have grappled with this riddle, and some have suggested that the 7 heads represent the 7 major powers that have persecuted God’s people. I was taught this at an Adventist College when I was a student, which is the following: The 7 persecuting nations were the four kingdoms of Dan 2, followed by the little horn, and those five preceded by two other nations: Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome, and finally Papal Rome. The focus of this verse is on Rome when John wrote the Revelation. Papal Rome, the last of the seven, had not yet come but had to rule a short while still. The problem here is that Papal Rome dominated for 1260 years, longer than any of the other persecuting powers, so the short time does not make sense. For this reason another explanation needs to be found.

Another interpretation that is proposed by some scholars is that the 7 kings are 7 Roman Emperors, starting with Julius Caesar. I am not elaborating on that interpretation since it is not held by many and makes the Roman Empire the beast of Rev 17. It will be hard to make the rest of Rev 17 make sense with that view.

Revelation makes the most sense when contemporary interpretations are found for most of it with the exception of the first six of the seven churches. Let us find a contemporary interpretation for Rev 17’s beast and its 7 heads.

Catholicism went into exile as it were when General Berthier of Napoleon took the Pope captive in 1798. Catholicism lost its political domination. They chose a successor to the pope, but that pope and those that took his place were the respective spiritual heads of a broken power. They were “mountains” (places of worship) but not kings (political leaders). Then in 1929 at the Lateran Treaty, the 108 acres of property in the heart of Rome was returned to the Papacy. The Papacy was again an independent state, and received back political power, be it very small. It was not a part of Italy anymore. The pope was again a king and a mountain. We begin counting popes from the one in power in 1929:

• Pius XI – February 6, 1922 to February 10, 1939: Born Ambrogio Damiano Achille Ratti in Italy, Pius XI was the first pontiff to become sovereign of the Vatican City State, which was created as an independent state in February 1929. He also despised Prime Minister Benito Mussolini, and the feeling was mutual.
• Pius XII – March 2, 1939 to October 9, 1958: Born Eugenio Maria Giuseppe Giovanni Pacelli in Italy, he was the second pontiff to use the radio, delivering almost 200 broadcast speeches in different languages to promote peace and decry violence.
• John XXIII – October 28, 1958 to June 3, 1963: Born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli in Italy, he is best known for convening the Second Vatican Council.
• Paul VI – June 21, 1963 to August 6, 1978: Born Giovanni Battista Enrico Antonio Maria Montini in Italy, Paul VI notably continued the Second Vatican Council, implementing its numerous reforms before closing it in 1965. In 1970, he was the first Pope to visit Australia.
• John Paul I – August 26, 1978 to September 28, 1978: Born Albino Luciani in Italy, John Paul I’s reign is among the shortest in papal history. He died aged 65 only 33 days after being named pope, ushering in the first year of the three popes since 1605.
• John Paul II – October 16, 1978 to April 2, 2005: Born Karol Józef Wojtyła in Poland, John Paul II was the first non-Italian pope in 455 years.
• Benedict XVI – April 19, 2005 to February 28, 2013: Born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger in Germany, Benedict XVI’s papacy came to an end with a resignation due to health issues. He died aged 95 on December 31, 2022.

If these are the 7 kings and mountains that Rev 17 is referring to, what is the significance of the sixth pope John Paul II who is the focus of verse 10. Let us look at the life of John Paul II and the impact he had on the church, and the world:

He was the longest reigning pope in the 20th century, and the third longest ever (the apostle Peter being the longest ever). He popularised Catholicism, visiting 129 countries. He modernised many of the doctrines of the church yet remained conservative. His ecumenical drive expanded the church’s influence in Eastern Orthodox churches, Judaism and Islam, as well as in Africa and Latin America. He stood up against communism and was in office when the Cold War ended. He was also against consumerism. He is considered by many as the most significant pope in history.

The seven heads of the dragon and the leopard beast also represent the first 7 popes since Vatican I in 1929.

We will consider another possible reason why John Paul II is the focus in Rev 17:10 in the next chapter. We certainly live in exciting times as we live through the fulfilment of prophecies.

December 22nd, 2025
Personal savior.

For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.—Galatians 3:27

In ancient times, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses with his meekness and wisdom, and Joshua with his varied capabilities, were all enlisted in God’s service. The music of Miriam, the courage and piety of Deborah, the filial affection of Ruth, the obedience and faithfulness of Samuel, the stern fidelity of Elijah, the softening, subduing influence of Elisha—all were needed. So now all upon whom God’s blessing has been bestowed are to respond by actual service; every gift is to be employed for the advancement of His kingdom and the glory of His name.

All who receive Christ as a personal Saviour are to demonstrate the truth of the gospel and its saving power upon the life. God makes no requirement without making provision for its fulfillment. Through the grace of Christ we may accomplish everything that God requires. All the riches of heaven are to be revealed through God’s people. “Herein is My Father glorified,” Christ says, “that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples” (John 15:8).

God claims the whole earth as His vineyard. Though now in the hands of the usurper, it belongs to God. By redemption no less than by creation it is His. For the world Christ’s sacrifice was made. “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16). It is through that one gift that every other is imparted to men. Daily the whole world receives blessing from God. Every drop of rain, every ray of light shed on our unthankful race, every leaf and flower and fruit, testifies to God’s long forbearance and His great love.

And what returns are made to the great Giver? How are human beings treating the claims of God? To whom are the masses of humanity giving the service of their lives? They are serving mammon. Wealth, position, pleasure in the world, is their aim. Wealth is gained by robbery, not of people only, but of God. Men and women are using His gifts to gratify their selfishness. Everything they can grasp is made to minister to their greed and their love of selfish pleasure.—Christ’s Object Lessons, 301, 302.

Further Reflection: How do I avoid worshiping at the twin altars of consumerism and materialism?

Question: Who were/are the Nicolaitans as it pertains to the biblical teaching., and todays modern world.

**Quick Answer:** The Nicolaitans were an early sect mentioned in the Book of Revelation, condemned by Jesus for promoting compromise with idolatry and immorality. In God’s word, they symbolize the danger of blending faith with worldly corruption, a warning that still applies today.

Biblical Background
- **Scriptural References:** The Nicolaitans are mentioned in **Revelation 2:6** and **Revelation 2:15**.
- The church in **Ephesus** is praised for *hating their deeds*.
- The church in **Pergamum** is rebuked for tolerating their teachings.
- **Core Practices:** They encouraged eating food sacrificed to idols and sexual immorality, directly opposing the apostolic decree in Acts 15:20, 29.
- **Connection to Balaam:** Their doctrine is compared to Balaam, who led Israel into idolatry and immorality (Numbers 25; 2 Peter 2:15; Jude 11).

Historical Context
- **Origins:** Some traditions trace them to *Nicolas of Antioch*, one of the seven deacons in Acts 6:5, though this is debated.
- **Beliefs:** They may have blended **Gnostic ideas** with Christianity, distorting freedom into license for sin.
- **Impact:** Their teachings represented a **compromise with pagan culture**, undermining the holiness of the early church.

In the Church
- **Tolerance of Sin:** Just as Pergamum tolerated Nicolaitan teaching, some churches today risk normalizing behaviors Scripture warns against, in the name of inclusivity or relevance.
- **Diluted Doctrine:** The Nicolaitans represent teaching that bends truth to fit comfort. In modern churches, this can be prosperity preaching, selective morality, or neglecting repentance.
- **Faith vs. Popularity:** The early church was called to resist compromise even when unpopular. Today, churches face pressure to conform to cultural trends to “stay relevant.”

🏛 In Society
- **Moral Relativism:** Society often says truth is subjective—“your truth, my truth.” That echoes Nicolaitan thinking, where boundaries were blurred.
- **Normalization of Immorality:** Just as they encouraged sexual immorality, society often celebrates lifestyles that Scripture calls destructive.
- **Power Structures:** Nicolaitan influence was about control and hierarchy too. Today, we see systems that exploit people while masking it as freedom or progress.

Symbolism in God’s Word
- **Compromise vs. Integrity:** The Nicolaitans embody the temptation to dilute faith with worldly pleasures. God’s word calls believers to **separation from sin** and **faithful obedience**.
- **Christ’s Response:** Jesus says He *hates their deeds*—a rare and strong statement showing how destructive compromise is to spiritual life.
- **Lesson for Today:** In relation to this world, the Nicolaitans remind us that **faith cannot coexist with idolatry, immorality, or spiritual corruption**. Their example warns against modern forms of compromise—whether materialism, moral relativism, or spiritual complacency.

In Today’s World
- **Compromise with Culture:** The Nicolaitans blurred the line between faith and pagan practices. Today, that looks like Christians adopting the values of consumerism, sexual permissiveness, or moral relativism instead of standing apart.
- **False Freedom:** They twisted grace into license. Modern parallels include the idea that “God loves me, so anything goes,” which undermines holiness and accountability.
- **Idolatry Reimagined:** Ancient idol feasts have their modern equivalents—whether worship of wealth, celebrity culture, or political power.

Risks & Challenges
- **Christ’s Hatred of Compromise:** Revelation makes clear Jesus *hates* the deeds of the Nicolaitans. That’s a rare and strong word—it shows how dangerous compromise is.
- **Church Integrity:** Tolerating Nicolaitan-like teachings weakens the church’s witness and erodes holiness.
- **Call to Holiness:** The church is meant to be distinct, not a mirror of society.
- **False Freedom:** They twisted Christian liberty into license. The same danger exists now when people confuse grace with permission to live contrary to God’s word.
- **Relevance Today:** The Nicolaitans remind us that every generation faces the temptation to trade truth for comfort.
- **Worldly Influence:** Just as the Nicolaitans blurred the line between faith and pagan culture, today’s world pressures believers to normalize sin.

The Nicolaitans were not just an obscure sect; they are a **living warning**. In God’s word, they represent the **perils of compromise**—choosing worldly comfort over spiritual truth. In this world, their legacy reminds us to guard against influences that erode faith, and to stand firm in holiness and obedience to Christ.