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8 Feb: Are We Still Living in Babylon? Taken from an article by Dr. David Talley
Romans 12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind …”
If you remember the story of Israel’s captivity, Babylon came down to Israel and conquered it as punishment from God for their sinful ways, predominately engaging in idol worship time and time again. But then, in fulfillment of Jeremiah’s prophecy, after 70 years God brought His people back home – Ezra 1:1-3 “Now in the first year of Cyrus King of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus so that he sent a proclamation throughout all of his kingdom, and also put it into writing, saying: ‘… the Lord, the God of heaven, has appointed me to build Him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever there is among you of all His people may go up to Jerusalem and rebuild the house of the Lord, the God of Israel: He is the God who is in Jerusalem.’”
To make a long story shorter, all those who were moved to do so were allowed to go back home and begin to re-establish their Jewish heritage. They began this rebuilding by rebuilding the temple. Ezra 3:10,11 “Now when the builders had laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, the priests stood in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites, the Sons of Asap, with cymbals, to praise the Lord according to the directions of Kind David of Israel. They sang, praising and giving thanks to the Lord, saying, ‘For He is good, for His loving-kindness is upon Israel forever.’ And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the Lord because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.”
During these early days things seemed great and wonderful. It seemed like nothing was going to stop them – but then, and now and always, LIFE happened. Adversaries of Israel began in a variety of ways to disrupt and distract Israel from continuing their rebuilding. Years into this venture Haggai brought this word to the people: Haggai 1:4 “Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses while this house (of the Lord) lies desolate?”
Apparently, what has happened is that during the previous years the people became distracted from their mission of rebuilding the temple because of outside influences and internal/personal influences. They began focusing on their own personal welfare at the expense of following God’s expectations. They did not reject God but simply became distracted and off course.
Does this strike you as being something familiar that you have heard before? Consider one portion of the Parable of the Sower: Mtt 13:22 “And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.” Again, the struggle is not outright rejection, like the seed in the rocks, but a gradual loss of sight on God and His word do to the things of this world and this life.
Spiritual struggles rarely begin with open rebellion but rather when our eyes begin to wander, when responsibilities crowd out prayer and bible studies and when weariness supplants worship.
Gal 5:16 “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.” Eph 4:14,15 “As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking in the truth of love – we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ.”
When we let the cares of this world overtake our focus, devotion and commitment then we are going to find ourselves on a path that is not pleasing to God. If we want to stay on that narrow path leading to the Lord, then we must learn to rely on the Lord for the strength and guidance that we need. Jesus has told us that He came to bring us an abundant life! That is a life that enjoys the blessings of God and resists the temptations of the devil. What does Paul warn us about in Ephesians? Eph 6:12,13,18 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.” Remember, this armor is to help us resist the devil; this armor and our prayers for all of us – each and every one of us to live and enjoy that life He has promised.
God reminded Israel that they were HIS people through His prophets. Zechariah 4:6 “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord” John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Weakness becomes the perfect stage for God’s strength. In their weakness, the Spirit would carry them and the work forward (Paul’s thorn in the flesh). God’s work, done in His ways, accomplishes His purposes. Transformation is not about human effort—it is about trusting Him. 1 John 5:4,5 “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” We must be trusting, turning to and obeying the words that God has given us to guide our lives.
When we find ourselves slipping into old patterns we must trust God’s corrections.
As time went by, Nehemiah found a community slipping into old patterns. Even rebuilding the temple did not solve their struggle. Sabbaths were ignored. Leaders abused power. Idolatry crept in. Nehemiah discovered empty storerooms and neglected responsibilities in the temple and asked, “Why is the house of God neglected?” (Nehemiah 13:11).
Not hated. Not rejected. Not abandoned. Not repurposed. Just … neglected.
That is also a quiet danger of compromise. It does not announce its arrival. It seeps into routines unnoticed. It justifies itself through busyness, stress, or fatigue. And over time, little compromises become devastating decline. Neglect slowly destroys until its victims are defeated. But time and again, God calls His people back - He called them to action by giving them a vision for the future: “But now be strong … and work. For I am with you … The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house … And in this place, I will grant peace” (Haggai 2:4-9).
The Lord reminded them that He had a good plan. Peace was within their reach if they regained their focus and joined together with Him in His work.
If we want to make sure that we are on God’s path, then we must make sure we are doing God’s work. What does 2 Tim 3:16,17 tells us: 2 Tim 3:16,17 “all Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” Engage in the Lord’s work!
In Israel’s struggles/failures they were not running from God and His response to them was tender: “Return to me, and I will return to you” (Malachi 3:7; Zechariah 1:3).
This is not the voice of an angry judge, but of a loving Father calling His children home again exactly as we see portrayed in the parable of the Prodigal Son. Like this son we must continually seeking to align our hearts with God’s heart daily! Luke 9:23 “Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow Me.” Our journey with the Lord is a daily effort.
Israel’s journey reminds us that faithfulness is not measured by simply getting out of Babylon—it is about allowing God to get Babylon out of us. God does not expect flawless devotion; He desires continuous transformation, daily returning to Him. The Lord understands our distractions, our disappointments, our weariness—but He also refuses to let us settle for a faith that is fading. He continually invites us toward life, renewal, and intimacy with Him. Continuing with the Lord is a lifelong journey of accepting His invitation to trust Him. And through it all, He meets us every step of the way.
1 Feb:
The Importance of Discipleship:
ACTS 20:29 “I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock”.
TGC: Practice Paul’s 6 Marks of Discipleship December 2, 2025 | Caleb Suko
During his three years in Ephesus, the apostle Paul invested deeply in people’s lives. He taught them God’s Word, trained leaders, and modeled faithful obedience. He wept with them, prayed with them, and warned them about false teachers who would distort the truth. He had such a love for them that he penned these words: Rom 9:3 “For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh”. Paul dearly loved his Jewish brothers and sisters and his goal wasn’t entertainment but transformation—bringing men and women to repentance and to faith in Christ. Without intentional discipleship, Paul knew the church would drift. He warned them “fierce wolves” would come, even from among their own number, to draw people away (Acts 20:29–30).
The same danger exists today. Churches that replace biblical discipleship with motivational speeches, entertainment, or cultural trends may still draw a crowd—but they lose their spiritual power. The result is eventual decline, maybe not in numbers but in true spiritual transformation by the gospel’s power. Without biblical teaching and guidance, believers become vulnerable to false doctrine, shallow faith, and moral compromise.
So what does biblical discipleship look like in practice? In Acts 20, Paul’s words and actions highlight six essential qualities every church must practice if they are to remain faithful to Christ.
1. Discipleship requires presence.
1) Jesus: Heb 2:17,18 “He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest . . . . For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered he is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.” Heb 4:15 “For we do to have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet He did not sin.” Mtt 7:28,29 “When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching because he taught as one who had authority, not as their teachers of the Law.” Luke 5:15 “But the news about Him was spreading even father, and large crowds were gathering to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses.” God Himself understood the importance and necessity of being present, in the person of His children. He was here to live a sinless life and thus become the perfect sacrifice, but He was also here in order to give us the personal example for us to follow. At the washing of the Apostles feet He stipulated that He did what He did as an example to follow. In Luke 9 Jesus tells us to take up our cross – and do what? FOLLOW Him!
2) Paul: Paul reminds the elders, “You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time” (v. 18). Paul wasn’t distant but present, living among them, teaching both publicly and from house to house (v. 20). Discipleship is more than sermons or lectures—it’s life shared. Just as God sent His Son to be present with us, so we must be present with one another. True discipleship happens when we enter into each other’s lives, walking together through joys and struggles. We see at the end of Acts 2 and the beginning of the Church how the brethren gathered together in one another’s homes and ate and fellowshipped with each other.
3) Me & You: Heb 10:24,25 “Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together . . . . .” 1 Thess 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.” Acts 2:46 “Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking read from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart.” We cannot successfully encourage unless we are involved with one another’s lives.
2. Discipleship requires teaching.
Paul didn’t hesitate to declare “the whole counsel of God” (v. 27). He preached repentance, faith in Christ, and the grace of God. Teaching was at the heart of his ministry. And as we read earlier, teaching was at the heart of Jesus’ ministry as well.
It’s great and necessary to “do life together,” but that on its own will never constitute true biblical discipleship. If our Thursday night meals are the extent of our fellowship with each other then we are missing something. Discipleship requires consistent, clear teaching that shapes both belief and behavior. Every Christian needs to be both a learner and, in some capacity, a teacher of God’s Word. This means investing time into personal Bible study. It also means reading and studying God’s Word together. 1 Peter 3:15 “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and respect”. 2 Tim 3:16 “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness”. John 8:31-32 “To the Jews who had believed Him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'” Colossians 3:16 “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly, as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”
Our time together needs to have the Word of God at the core of its existence.
3. Discipleship requires consistency.
Paul spent three years teaching in Ephesus, and he “[didn’t] cease night or day to admonish every one with tears” (v. 31). His ministry was marked by perseverance.
Joshua 1:8 “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Romans 15:4 “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” James 1:22 “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
Discipleship isn’t a quick program or weekend seminar. It requires steady investment over time, like physical training does. Spiritual growth comes through repeated exposure to God’s Word and ongoing encouragement to obey it. With regularity and consistency, we’ll see fruit over time.
4. Discipleship requires humility.
Gal 6:1 “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Philippians 2:3,4 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Mtt 18:15 “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.” Colossians 3:13 “bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.”
Paul served “with all humility and with tears” (v. 19). Humility (love) is the soil in which discipleship takes root. Without humility, we resist correction, ignore conviction, and attempt to point others to ourselves rather than to Christ. As a discipler, I must be quick to admit my mistakes, confess my sins when appropriate, and provide a humble example of a servant of Christ. This will ensure I’m not pointing people to myself but rather to my Savior. A proud teacher may impress people, but only a humble disciple-maker will truly lead others closer to Jesus.
5. Discipleship requires patience.
Paul endured hardships, opposition, and tears as he ministered (v. 19, 31). Yet he didn’t give up. Eph 4:32 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Discipleship is often slow and frustrating. People stumble, resist, and sometimes walk away. But our patience (Holy Spirit fruit) reflects trust in God’s power to save and transform. By persevering through difficulties, we display the same long-suffering love that Christ shows toward us.
6. Discipleship requires attentiveness. Paul urged the elders to “pay careful attention to [themselves] and to all the flock” (v. 28). He knew spiritual dangers were real. Wolves would come to deceive and destroy, and the only defense was vigilant shepherding.
If you’re going to engage in discipleship, you can be sure that sooner or later, Satan will be looking for a way to discourage, distract, or tempt. Discipleship means being alert—not only to your own spiritual condition but also to the needs and vulnerabilities of those you’re discipling. Regular accountability, prayer, and fellowship help keep us awake to the Enemy’s schemes.
Cost of Neglecting Discipleship: Paul’s words in Acts 20 remind us that discipleship isn’t optional. It’s the very heartbeat of the church. When discipleship is neglected, the church inevitably drifts. Unfaithfulness in teaching leads to unfaithfulness in conduct, and sin is soon justified rather than confessed.
This downward spiral doesn’t usually happen overnight. It begins with small compromises—replacing biblical preaching with entertainment, neglecting personal accountability, softening calls to repentance. Over time, truth is lost.
Paul’s vision for discipleship requires presence, teaching, consistency, humility, patience, and vigilance. When these qualities are embraced, the church remains faithful to its true mission—the gospel of Jesus Christ at work in transformed lives.