The city of man

Notably, the city of man. The city of man.

Key points

• Huntington Bank investing over $40 million to modernize Tupelo operations center, regional headquarters.
• Alistair Begg has been in pastoral ministry since 1975.
• For in His word God promises that our weakness plus God's strength is sufficient for any task He calls us to.
• Senate race with Hyde-Smith is "tied" but polling, history tell another story in Mississippi.
• "Dummy Mummy" freed from her tomb once again at Two Mississippi Museums.

Notably, the city of man. The city of man. By: Alistair Begg – October 19, 2026.

Come out of her, my individuals, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues; for her sins are heaped high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. – Revelation 18: 4-5.

We shouldn't be surprised or alarmed when Christians face continual opposition. Humanity's natural disposition is one of proud defiance towards God and therefore against His individuals. Man, on the unstable foundation of his pride, "builds a city" (to employ the picture language of Revelation) and constructs a lifestyle that is set against God's ways.

Humanity has been doing this since the fall. The first godless building project was on the plain of Shinar, at a place called Babel (Genesis 11: 1-9)-the place that afterwards bore the name Babylon, and to which God's residents were exiled. As Babylon; and Babylon is then personified as a prostitute, enticing individuals to commit spiritual adultery, revelation 18 therefore refers to the city of man, constructed in defiance of God. Alluring and seductive, the city of man is effective at turning plenty of away from God. It is "the great city that has dominion over the kings of the earth" (17: 18), and its influence is significant and destructive.

How, then, are citizens of the city of God to respond to this worldly rival? We are to be in the world but not of the world. In other words, we are to be salt. It has a distinctive taste and a preservative quality; and we are to be light, which exposes what darkness covers but which additionally guides others along the way to safety (Matthew 5: 13-16). We are to live in the tension of being members of this world but not belonging here: residing here but additionally being separate from those whose hearts and minds are set against God. Notably, the sins of the city of man must not characterize the believer, John notes, lest we "share in her plagues." If we yield to Babylon's seduction, we prove our identity was never truly that of a citizen of God's kingdom.

Those who follow Christ must be committed to the Bible's truth. Christianity is more than a moral code. It's more than a framework for living or a method to improve one's life. Where is the cross in that? Christianity is distinct from all other religions in that we hold fast to Jesus' death on the cross as our means of reconciliation to God. We were once dead in our sins, deserving of God's wrath and judgment-but He redeemed us through Christ's perfect life, atoning death, and victorious resurrection.

For now, the world goes on as it always did. But one day Christ will return and silence every false prophet, every citizen of Babylon, and even the devil himself. We may see the church hard-pressed, mocked, legislated against, and persecuted. The world will see it as subdued, on the wrong side of history, and not worthy of respect or acceptance. But we take hope in this triumphant affirmation: neither the gates of Babylon nor the gates of hell will prevail since Christ will build and keep His church (Matthew 16: 18). As you live in Babylon, what of its sins do you find most alluring?, so for now. In what ways are you most tempted to live as though this city is all there is? And what opportunities have you been given to be salt and light to those around you? Be sure both to resist the city of man and to beckon others to the city of God.

Regarding the Author(s).

Alistair Begg has been in pastoral ministry since 1975. After graduation from The London School of Theology, he served eight years in Scotland at both Charlotte Chapel in Edinburgh and Hamilton Baptist Church. In 1983, he became the senior pastor at Parkside Church near Cleveland, Ohio. He has written a number of books and is heard daily and weekly on the radio program, Truth For Life. His Daily Devotionals are presented here via a syndication agreement. Faith Alistair Begg October 14, 2026.

Notably, the Bible tells us that in sending Jesus, God offered His residents the one who would satisfy all the law's demands through full submission and who would then suffer the penalty of sin to set men and women free from its bondage. More From This Author. Faith Alistair Begg October 13, 2026. An ear open, a will ready. Faith Alistair Begg October 12, 2026. Justice, kindness, and humility. Faith Alistair Begg October 9, 2026. Putting the pieces together. Faith Alistair Begg October 16, 2026. The reality of grief. Faith Matt Friedeman October 11, 2026.

Notably, the athletes of God.

Offer your whole-hearted life to Him. Then accept the disciplines by which grace will flow abundantly into your life. Faith Alistair Begg October 8, 2026.

For in His word God promises that our weakness plus God's strength is sufficient for any task He calls us to. News Frank Corder October 16, 2026. Colom's campaign notes mugshot is "fake." Law enforcement states otherwise. News Jeremy Pittari October 16, 2026.

Lawmakers hear reservations, ways to improve health outcomes in Mississippi's prison system. News Frank Corder October 16, 2026.

Colom notes U.S. Senate race with Hyde-Smith is "tied" but polling, history tell another story in Mississippi. Business Cass Rutledge October 13, 2026. Startup plastics manufacturer Koinonia setting up operations in Drew. Business Cass Rutledge October 12, 2026. ALO investing over $176 million in Southaven for national distribution center. Business Cass Rutledge October 7, 2026.

Huntington Bank investing over $40 million to modernize Tupelo operations center, regional headquarters. Culture Susan Marquez October 16, 2026.

"Dummy Mummy" freed from her tomb once again at Two Mississippi Museums. Culture Chris Burrows, Associated Press October 15, 2026.

No. 9 Mississippi and No. 13 Missouri meet in a high-stakes clash of familiar faces. Culture Alistair Begg October 15, 2026. My times are in Your hand. Opinion Sid Salter October 14, 2026. Capital punishment logistical failures a self-fulfilling strategy of death penalty opponents? Opinion Roger Wicker October 9, 2026. Permit reform act is a much-needed course correction. Opinion Delbert Hosemann October 8, 2026. Hosemann: It is time for Mississippi to ban all kratom products.

For now, the city of man remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.