[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YzW7_c6XvU[/youtube]
Then the angel said to me, "The waters you saw, where the prostitute sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations and languages." {Rev 17:15 NIV}
"The beast and the ten horns you saw will hate the prostitute. They will bring her to ruin and leave her naked; they will eat her flesh and burn her with fire. For God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to give the beast their power to rule, until God's words are fulfilled." {Rev 17:15-17 NIV}
We learned in our study of Revelation 13 what it means to have the mark of the beast written on ones forehead. It is to mentally ascribe to and agree with the beast, to be committed to the Beast's authority.
I'm not a religious fanatic, however I find this very interesting. The quotes that I posted was actually directed to the Roman Catholic Church, which I find inaccurate and twisted. Here's the reason why:
"Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great!
She has become a home for demons
and a haunt for every evil spirit,
a haunt for every unclean and detestable bird.
For all the nations have drunk
the maddening wine of her adulteries.
The kings of the earth
committed adultery with her,
and the merchants of the earth grew rich from her excessive luxuries." {Rev 18:1-3 NIV}
Here's another:
"The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her because no one buys their cargoes any more -- cargoes of gold, silver, precious stones and pearls; fine linen, purple, silk and scarlet cloth; every sort of citron wood, and articles of every kind made of ivory, costly wood, bronze, iron and marble; cargoes of cinnamon and spice, of incense, myrrh and frankincense, of wine and olive oil, of fine flour and wheat; cattle and sheep, horses and carriages; and bodies and souls of men." {Rev 18:11-13 NIV}
"They will say, 'The fruit you longed for is gone from you. All your riches and splendor have vanished, never to be recovered.' The merchants who sold these things and gained their wealth from her will stand far off, terrified at her torment. They will weep and mourn and cry out:
"Every sea captain, and all who travel by ship, the sailors, and all who earn their living from the sea, will stand far off. When they see the smoke of her burning, they will exclaim, 'Was there ever a city like this great city?' They will throw dust on their heads, and with weeping and mourning cry out:
{Rev 18:14-19 NIV}
For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. "
For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness. (2 Thessalonians 2: 11-12.)
I don't think the Revelation speak of Rome at all, but it speak of a wicked nation which is us. You guys should do a research on Ephraim and Manasseh (The two sons of Joseph who is the true Israel) to learn what happen to the House of Judah after it was destroy and where the Stone of David went or is now. Who is Israel or should it be which one is Ephriam and Manneseh? Also, read about the covenant of God and the promise to Abraham.