Isaiah 30:10 warns about people wanting to hear "smooth things" being prophesied. Such may be the case for those who wish to invoke blessings on themselves for any other reasons than scripturally backed statements. Galations 5:19-21 is one of about ONE HUNDRED verses warning us about those who do NOT inherit the Kingdom of God. This is something also found in Ephesians 5:5; the book of 1 Corinthians; Hebrews; Romans; Revelation AND the Gospels.
To remind God of blessings promised in the Scriptures; if done in the correct way is honoring to God. Without discernment; however we may not be aware of what this means; and also if we are living in a sinful lifestyle we are trying to deliberately ask for something we cannot have as long as we refuse to submit to the Lord and we are producing bad fruit.
The church much like Israel has certain CONDITIONAL as well as unconditional promises. The POSSESSING church (that is those who have the Holy Spirit and are truly saved) is and always will be a subset in this age of the confessing or professing body of believers (i.e. the church). The difference is there are some who believe in the true God and others in a God of their own imaginations; fitting the parameters that a person finds reasonable; or comfortable living with by mentally cherry picking what appeals from the Word and filing the unpleasant verses somewhere in the cobwebs in the back of their mind.
God is no respecter of persons ( Acts 10:34 also Romans 2). He does whatever He chooses and we know for certain that He desires glory for Himself and no other. (See Isaiah 42:8). John 16:10 shows how God seeks glory for the Son; therefore His desire for worship is never selfish as He always does the Father's will. This is selfless love and shows an example of how we are to live. If we thank God for things in our lives that bring us into sin such as excess money for greedy gain ( Titus 1:11); we are only heaping greater condemnation on ourselves.
9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,
10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
About 15 years ago and several times before that I had a vision of the pure terror involved with the mark of the Beast. I have since told people that I would ask the Lord would give them such insight but not for those who aren't spiritually strong. The Lord has held back the day of Judgment, but it is promised to be worse than any time in the past and future. Mark 13:19 as well as other New Testament passages and Daniel 12 show proof of this. Without Christ we are dragged in; to the sieve of destruction ( Isaiah 30:28). Suddenly the wicked are broken and that without remedy ( Prov. 6:15).
To realize how fearful judgment is apart from Christ I cannot put into words. When we see Mystery Babylon we can't help but be reminded of the American Pie song with its lyrics
I went down to the sacred store
Where I'd heard the music years before
But the man there said the music wouldn't play
These remind us of Ecclesiastes 12:4 as well as Lamentations 5:14 along with other stanzas in this song about the Lord taking off and no more joyful music as stated in Revelation 18:22. We are hypnotized by music and media today and its demonic mantras and dulled in our senses with the vulgar obsenities that increasingly assail the rightous. The agenda is out in the open at this point; Satan's hour is about to arrive. Christ comes soon so rejoice
Truth mixed with falsehood: further thoughts on O.T. and N.T. and on "cherry picking" scripture
When David wrote in Psalm 119 that he loved the law; it was not necessarily for the regulations itself; at least to the main theme; but it was the nature of God and His righteousness where knowing the Lord personally; such statements could be made. Isaiah 30:10 is a warning that people wanted to hear smooth things; and that reminds us that we can't selectively pick verses that seem encouraging to us. We also have to look at such texts as 1 John 4. Verse 12 shows that we must love one another; but further inspection on this and the entire book of 1 John shows what agape love is; it has to be a perfect love and goes against the flesh where people in the flesh tend to pick and choose who they love. (see 1 John 3:15-16). We could say the same thing in a subject like prosperity. God promised Abraham would become great; and blessed him greatly with possessions. Nonetheless; the cost of this was having to wander around as a nomad in what would become eventually the territory of the Promised Land.
Again; in regard to the law it is actually held to a greater standard in the New Testament as to thoughts and intentions of the heart (see Matthew 5:28). God is also still concerned about vows and covenants made such as with marriage and we cannot live as the world and expect to inherit the Kingdom of God. The lawless one is coming ( 2 Thess. 2:9-12). God has written the law in our hearts ( Rom. 2:15).
The Dominionist concept of the church taking over the world before Christ comes back is clearly in opposition to such verses as 1 Timothy 4. We aren't in a Theocracy where we can be expected to conquer as Israel did; we also can't exact restrictions more than Christ did with soldiers ( Luke 3:14); where Christ didn't try to make them lay down their arms. We can learn to wait on God as Romans 12:19 suggests. May we read and apply all scripture in a sound manner.
There are different places in the prophecies that say Christ will pour out the same plagues that were poured out on the Egyptians.
But, they want be LITERAL as they were in Egypt.
Hail mingled with fire was one of the plagues in Egypt, as was frogs.
Ezekiel 13:11 ....oh great hailstones shall fall, and a stormy wind shall rend it....
Ezekiel 38:22 And I will plead with him with pestilence and blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon many people that are with him, and overflowing rain, and great hailstone, fire and brimstone.
Isaiah 30:30 And the Lord SHALL CAUSE his glorious voice (his word) to be heard, and shall show the lighting down his arm, with the indignation of his anger, and with the FLAME of a devouring FIRE, with scattering, and tempest and hailstones.
So all these are SYMBOLIC of something that is going to judge God's people, as did the plagues judge the Egyptians.
John 5:22 ... God hath committed all judgement to the Son ...
So these symbols of judgement are symbols of Christ, and Christ is the Word, and the WORD(S) of God JUDGES US.
John 12:48 ... the words that I have spoken, the same words will judge you .....
Isaiah 28:2 Behold the Lord has a mighty and strong one (the WORD), which as a tempest of HAIL and a destroying storm, as a flood of mighty waters, shall cast down to earth with the hand
Isaiah 28:3 The crown of PRIDE .....
Isaiah 28:5 In that day (of judgement when one believes God's word) the Lord (the WORD) shall be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty,unto the residue his people.
Isaiah 28:8 But they (the residue of his people) have also ERRED THROUGH WINE (explained in other scriptures, but is not alcoholic wine), and through strong drink (not alcohol) are OUT OF THE WAY (Christ is the way) .... they err in VISION and stumble in JUDGEMENT.
It seems that you did not understand that GOD gave the sealed book of Revelation unto JESUS,and JESUS called an angel(different of the translation,in fact an Archangel,as an ambassador of the Lord),and delivered the message unto Him to reveal the content of the book to the apostle John who was in Patmos because of the Word of GOD,and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Being on Patmos,the archangel presents himself to John being behind Him as recommended by the Word( Isaiah 30:21),not in front,in front only JESUS must be,do you understand?And John heard behind him a great voice, as of a trumpet, so John turned to see the voice that spake with him, and being turned he saw seven golden candlesticks (the 7 Churches of Asia, whose spiritual conditions reflect the spiritual conditions of the Churches in this current time of the END, time of Apocalipse, by the way reflect a very terrible condition);
John saw in the midst of the seven candlesticks ONE LIKE UNTO THE SON OF MAN. How was him? Revelation 1:13-16:
13 He presents himself "clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle".(This picture or scenary remembers Joseph in Egypt- Exodus 41:38-45)
14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.
16 And he had in his right hand seven stars:and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged Sword:and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.(By the way, he was also with Joshua in the Old Testament- Joshua 5:13-15)
Paul Apostle spoke about him in 1Thes.4:16 and 1Cor.15:51-52.Take a look.
JESUS warned:At midnight there was a cry made,Behold, the bridegroom cometh;go ye out TO MEET him-Mat.25:6.Who's going?
See,IT'S NOT ENOUGH to just have lamp-the Word of GOD-a lamp for the feet-Ps.119:105;It's necessary also to have oil,otherwise the lamp will go out.
One world government needs to be discussed at present. There are alliances as I said before that could be considered part of the divided Roman empire of the last days such as expressed in Daniel 2:40-41. This kingdom will have the strength of iron but be divided and not cling as clay and historically; of course we see Rome as being the western capital; and Constantinople being the eastern capital. Part of this involves the Papal authority and Eastern; Greek and or Russian Orthodox church in charge of the other "leg" so to speak if that is interpreted correctly. This final beast is going to take over the whole world; that is pretty clear from verses in Daniel and Revelation 13. It would seem pitting nations against one another would allow the final 10 nations to rule one hour with Antichrist (see the 3 subdued in Daniel 7:24). This is the final religious; and economic world government under the "Mystery Babylon" rule when the woman rides the Beast ( Rev. 17:13); then later in the second half of the Tribulation ANtichrist destroys the system and its ruling city with fire ( Rev. 17:16). The religious center starting this year in Abu Dhabi and other such concepts has allowed all monotheistic faiths to be at one facility. It seems clear through cooperative efforts today with the Saudi's and even some effort by Turkey in the background that the Temple will be rebuilt with some international agreement on control of the Temple Mount.
For now; we must be aware what is going on but continue to be the salt and light of the world; warning about the conflagration to come. The net that all nations will be led into the seive of destruction is coming. ( Isaiah 30:28). It is a trap coming for the whole world ( Luke 21:24) and we need to remain focused and not be taken aback at His sudden return to take His church home; praying always to be worthy to escape all the things to come and stand before the Son of Man ( Luke 21:36).
Hello Spencer, I agree with you about John's baptism.
In my previous post I wanted to put emphasis on the christian baptism and its meaning using as an introduction John's baptism.
So now mainly about John:
1. John's mission was to reveal the Savior (Jesus), John 1:31.
Also when Mary went to Elisabeth, Elisabeth prophesied and among other she said ( Luke 1:75-76), "And thou, child(John), shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord (Jesus) to prepare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins".
Also John 1:29 (the Lamb of the God).
2. When the angel Gabriel came to Zacharias he said, ( Luke 1:16-17) "And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord"
The latter means that another part of John's ministry was to to to teach Hebrews to clean their heart by preaching them to obey God's commandments, what they should do and what not, see Luke 3:7-18. And lead Hebrews to repentance for their sins to be forgiven. That remission of sins was done during the baptism, in public. ( Luke 3:3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;)
3. Isaiah prophesied about John the Baptist, ( Isaiah 30:3-5), "The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it."
So John prepared a smooth path for Jesus' ministry.
Revelation 16:21 And there fell upon man a great HAIL out of heaven, each stone about the weight of a talent (a talent weighs about 57 pounds): and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the HAIL; for the plague thereof was very great.
Since Revelation is symbolic, what is this a symbol of:
We have to go to the prophets:
Isaiah 28:2 Behold, the Lord hath a mighty and strong one ....who is this MIGHTY and STRONG ONE? ..... it is JESUS, the WORD OF GOD ......which as a tempest of HAIL and a DESTROYING STORM ......the HAIL in Revelation is symbolic of the WORD OF GOD, and his words are going to DESTROY ALL DECEPTION FROM THE CARNAL MIND of his people.
Revelation 9:17 And I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat upon them, having breastplates of FIRE, and of JACINTH, and BRIMSTONE, and the heads of the horses were as heads of lions; and out of their mouths ISSUED FIRE and smoke and BRIMSTONE.
Revelation 9:18 And by these three were a THRID PART OF MAN KILLED, by the FIRE, and by the SMOKE, and by the BRIMSTONE, which issued out of their mouth.
This is symbolic, you can contain PHYSICAL fire and brimstone in ones mouth.
Isaiah 30:33 ...for the king it is prepared; he hath made it deep and large; the pile thereof is FIRE and much wood; the BREATH OF THE LORD, like a stream of BRIMSTONE, doth kindle it.
Ezekiel 5:2 ...though shall burn a THIRD PART .....
Ezekiel 5:3 Thou shall take thereof a FEW ......
Ezekiel 5:4 .....and cast them into the midst of the fire, and burn them in the fire: for thereof (those destroyed in the fire) SHALL A FIRE COME FORTH ino all the house of Israel.
Zechariah 13:9 And I will bring the THIRD PART through the FIRE ......
Revelation 8:7 And the third part of the trees were burnt up .....
Isaiah 9:5 For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood, but this (battle) shall be with BURNING and fuel of fire.
Isaiah 9:19 .... people shall be the fuel of the fire
Proverbs 6:16-19 lists seven things which are also abominations: "haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are swift in running to mischief, a false witness who utters lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers."
Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christ (Christ is the word, so there shall arise false words), and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; in so much that, IF IT WERE POSSIBLE (but is not possible), they should deceive the very elect.
Jude 1:4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, WHO WERE ORDAINED TO THIS CONDEMNATION .....
God says he himself has caused this and brought it to pass.
Luke 22:31 ....Satan has desired to have you, THAT HE MAY SIFT YOU as wheat ....
Luke 22:32 But I WILL PRAY FOR YOU: that your faith (the faith of Christ) fail not .... IT'S CHRIST'S WORKS ....
Isaiah 28:21 ....that he may do HIS WORK, HIS STRANGE WORK; and bring TO PASS his act, HIS STRANGE ACT.
Isaiah 45:9 Woe unto him that striveth with his maker! Let the potsherds strive with the potsherds of the earth, Shall the clay say to him that fashioned it, What makest thou? OR THY WORK, He hath no hands?
Isaiah 48:10 Behold I have refined the, but not with silver, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.
Matthew 13:21 Yet hath he not root in himself; but endureth for awhile, and when tribulations and persecutions ariseth because of the WORD, by and by he is offended.
Christ had many disciples, but when the words became to hard for them they went the way of the world.
Matthew 13:23 ..... and false prophets, shall show great signs and wonders .....
Revelation .... and with him the false prophet ....were cast alive into the a lake of fire burning with BRIMSTONE
Isaiah 30:33 ....the breath of the Lord, like a stream of BRIMSTONE, doeth kindle it.
Isaiah 33:14 ...Who among us SHALL DWELL with the devouring fire ( Hebrews 12:29)? who amongst us SHALL DWELL with everlasting burning?
Isaiah 9:5 For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise and garments rolled in blood, but this (battle) shall be with burning and fuel of fire.
Isaiah 9:18 ...and the people shall be the fuel of the fire .....
This chapter; like all scriptures should be taken as a literal prophetic event unless certain things are clearly symbolic. In this case everything is given a literal time frame and sequence; with supporting details not only in this chapter and the rest of Revelation; but other books including the Old Testament in scripture.
We can argue what we may about a Post Millennium mindset and agree to disagree if we have a basic belief in Christ's PHYSICAL return to earth in the future (something which FULL preterists seem to think has already occurred but in some mystical fashion). That would be the only case where we should disfellowship; and I and another brother in the Lord were forced to do that a few years ago. Something else which I consider very dangerous is the mindset that Satan is already bound in the bottomless pit. This is notwithstanding all the promises of the church that the powers of darkness will have no affect on us. There is certainly no limitation on killing the saints of God which Satan will do and continue to do until his punishment is enacted (at the end of the Tribulation and the end of the battle after he is released after the 1000 years). The general statement that a time worse than any that has ever happened or will ever exist again ( Matt. 24:21) with all the percentages of deaths listed in Revelation certainly has not occurred yet. We need to examine other scriptures such as Isaiah 14:17; Isaiah 41:5-13 on the coastlands burning; Isaiah 13:12 on man being rarer than the "gold of Ophir"; Isaiah 30:28 about the nations being put into the seive of destruction; Zechariah 12:9 on all nations gathered and half of Jerusalem taken and numerous other prophetic passages to see that indeed Armageddon must occur. Other verses talk of clear descriptions of mortal man still capable of sinning on the earth in the Millennium such as Zechariah 14:17-18; and Isaiah 65:20-25 being two of the clearest examples.
Concluding thoughts on seventh vial in Revelation 16
We see here; in the seventh vial judgment a great hail coming down on the earth which fits into the scenario of the Ezekiel 38 war. This is tied in with the greatest earthquake ever in verse 18; and Babylon the Great to be judged; the "great city" whatever that is-possibly Jerusalem being split in three pieces and all the cities of the nations falling.
In answering this question; it appears the full Preterists here will have an eschatological argument. So I will try to give you a few things to think about.
Firstly; we need to rightly divide scripture. When we look at the wicked being burned up as chaff; we first have to decide if there is merely a physical destruction (such as appears with Armageddon when the wicked are killed but not resurrected for 1000 years); or in other battles in the past.
Going beyond the death of humans; we can appeal to verses which state that the earth; sun and moon are eternal. Psalm 78:69 seems to indicate this. Therefore; in Revelation there is stated to be no need for the light of the sun and moon but nothing stating that they aren't still there. We also see that the light of the sun and moon are to increase sevenfold ( Isaiah 30:26) which certainly appears to me to be a Millennial promise; if it is for eternity the same point exists.
The verses about the sun and moon going dark go from 1/3 of day being dark in the Trumpet judgments to the darkness in the vial judgments. Neither is the final extinction though (and the stars falling refer to the fallen angels and or meteorites/satellites.) No doubt the burning heat in the vial judgments is related to all these manifestations as well.
At any rate; the elements in Peter are what would define atomic structure as it appears in Greek. The earth and heavens which are now not clean in His sight ( Isaiah 24:23) will have to be restored and made perfect as well as all creation including His saints will be remade as well into glorified bodies. Clearly; our spiritual state is the only thing that matters as to how we spend eternity. Let us not lose this perspective. I would ask that you search scripture as a Berean on these matters and help fulfill the Great Commission commanded for His church to preach in whatever way you can; warning others to flee the wrath to come.
I feel there is a significant detail that is possibly a detail that the LORD wants to show you. You may want to independent research about lions. I would be interested in what you find relating to what the LORD shows you!
Psalms 91, lions Psalms 91:13,
1st I must thank you, Thanks for bringing me back to this Psalms it's Powerful & encouraging!
Hear are more scriptures on lions within the scripture. Several of GOD's people were delivered from lions.
I understand it to mean, any lion just incase we question "what about a young one". Here's a scripture about "._._.an old lion,who shall rouse him up?' Genesis 49:9,
Young lion : Numbers 23:24,
these also mention a difference between: Job 4:8-21, Job 28:8, Job 38:39, Psalms 17:12, Isaiah 30:6, Isaiah 31:4,
Ezekiel 19:3, Amos 3:4, Micah 5:8,
Victory from lions : Judges 14, 1Samuel 17:34,36, 2Timothy 4:17, Daniel 6,
But also used against a Prophet that disobeyed GOD's specific orders : 1Kings 13,
Hello Dennis. The comment that you read, referring to Jeremiah 6:20, is likely the writer's thoughts expanded to include the Christian's stance before God today. What was spoken against Jerusalem in those early times, she who failed to listen to the prophetic Word (v17), refused to "walk in the old paths" (or, live according to God's Directions for them) (v16), & who couldn't even blush for all the abominations that they were committing (v15); all these sins, & more, were before God's Face & He would deal with them.
Yet, in spite of their sins, they had the audacity to offer burnt offerings & sacrifices to God for their sins (v20), when they had no intention of forsaking their sins & their pitiful condition. This is what is termed as 'hypocrisy': their hypocritical behaviour might appease their consciences & they might appear as devout to others, but God, Who looks on the heart, only saw a greater wickedness - sin being compounded by useless penitence & offerings.
We can note a similar warning given by Isaiah to Jerusalem much earlier ( Isaiah 30:1, "Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin"). And you can read the rest of that account in that chapter.
So, the comment you read in your Bible, was the writer's application to Christians today: not to think that our offerings of worship & service to God & to others have any merit, unless we first have a true faith in Christ Jesus, His Spirit living within us, & our lives showing forth God's Graciousness to us by living holy & acceptable lives to Him. Choosing to live a life of hypocrisy negates all that - all that which is wicked before an all-seeing God.
Dear EDWARD, draw close to the Lord God in daily devotions, praying, not only reading but studying the Bible, singing hymns, meditating. Here's some helpful verses.
Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Psalms 32:8 - I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
John 16:13 - Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
Isaiah 30:21 - And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.
Matthew 7:7-11 - Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you...
God has allowed it; and it works upon lines of reality that He has established, created, made. This entire earth planet's experience, which Heaven may well be 'Paused' for, to watch, work with, care for has been allowed in order to forever preserve the actual spark of real Freedom to act within our somewhat self made own personalities, that our love for, service to and with God and each-other is honest and freely our own choices, versus the dystopian dull faced automatons depicted in films, masses hollow following some assumed dictator.... the way of the evil one, who deserves not the Capital Letter. Yes, God REALLY LOVES US!
Hi Neumon. I believe you're referring to Isaiah 45:7 and Amos 3:6. Please correct me if you're thinking of other similar verses.
If we read those passages as given & understood, then we're liable to believe that the "evil" being spoken of in both verses is a moral or sadistic evil constructed by God. However, we must turn to the Hebrew to interpret that word. In both cases, the word for "evil" is from the same root word: Rah; and in both instances 'evil' is meant to imply 'calamity or adversity'.
So reading Isaiah 45:7: God both forms the light & creates darkness; if God chooses to remove the light, whether a physical light from the sun, we will have darkness. Or, He chooses to not give or prevent spiritual light coming to someone, then that mind lies in darkness (e.g. Ephesians 5:8, 1 Thessalonians 5:5).
Similarly, with "I make peace & create evil": God can choose to bring peace into a situation or within a person, or He can withhold that peace, & calamity or adversity prevails. So, when it says that God creates 'evil', it's impossible for an Holy God to bring out some evil from within Himself, when no such evil can even exist in such holiness. But God can remove light & peace for His Own purposes, thereby leaving distress & calamity.
Amos 3:6: in like manner, when a trumpet (of warning) is sounded, the people ought to be alerted & afraid of what's to come. If there is a calamity being struck in a city, shouldn't the inhabitants likewise be warned that maybe the Lord is trying to tell them something? Sometimes, not always, when we face an adversity or calamity in our lives, we need to seek the Lord's Face & examine our lives, lest there may be a word of warning from God for us. The Lord told Israel (through Amos) in verse 2: "You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities." Israel was greatly blessed, but they likewise also faced much warning & punishment for their sins & departure from God.
The book says that God created good & evil. Light & darkness. That if it's evil in the city, God has done it. Why then does God punish & reward people if all the good & evil is done by God itself?
Sacha, it is possible that the OT folk knew something of a suffering beyond the grave, but I agree that there's not a lot mentioned in that respect. We could look at Daniel 12:2: "And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt." Here the thought is that those who die will awake (resurrection?), some to everlasting life & some to everlasting contempt. So even if one doesn't believe in a never-ending suffering, this verse shows that the dead don't remain dead but arise to some sort of judgement & punishment that doesn't end.
Isaiah 30:33: "For Tophet is ordained of old; yea, for the king it is prepared; he hath made it deep and large: the pile thereof is fire and much wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it." In this verse, the word "Tophet" is used & in the Greek (NT) is translated as Gehenna. This was a place near Jerusalem, in which the idolatrous Israelites used to offer up their children to Moloch. It may be put, for any place of torment; and particularly it is put for hell. "For the king": For the king of Assyria. "Fire": He alludes to the ancient custom, of burning sacrifices, and particularly of burning children to Moloch. "The breath": The immediate Hand of God, or His Word of anger. "Brimstone": alludes to that shower of fire and brimstone seen in Gen 19:24. Though this verse doesn't speak of an after death judgement, it reveals its counterpart in the NT.
You can also look at Isaiah 66:22-24. So I can't say why there was not more written about this subject in the OT & even among Jews there are different camps as to what to believe. For me, I think it sufficient that Jesus spoke very clearly about it & treated the everlasting suffering of the sinner as real & it was for this reason He came so that none should fall under the Hand of God ( Hebrews 10:31).
We can hear the voice of God when we obey His law and command. The law of God is written in the table of our heart in form of conscience which every body has.
Helen, may the Spirit grace you with HIS wisdom and His understanding. Keep studying God's word, you may think you can't remember everything; and if called upon you are concerned you would fall short of the task. You want fall short of the task because God's word says:
Matthew 10:20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of the Father which speaketh in you.
Our first objective is to agree with the Spirit. WE ARE THE POT AND HE IS THE POTTER.
Sometimes the POT was created just to be seen, your actions more often speak louder than your words.
However the POTTER uses us is at his discretion not ours, but he will provide all you need to fulfil his desires.
Jesus told his disciples he was sent to be a servant, isn't it wonderful that Jesus does all things or us.
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches:....... without me you can do nothing.
Isaiah 30:7 .....Their strength is to sit (like a pot on the wheel) still.
Exodus 14:13 And Moses said unto the people, fear ye not, stand and BEHOLD THE SALVATION OF THE LORD.......
Our problem is WE KEEP GETTING OF THE POTTERS WHEEL.
I have noticed the sun is a brighter white and can be more blinding and glaring and more visible behind clouds and the same for the moon too. I think it's very obvious but no mention of it anywhere, except here?
The two Scriptures that were impressed upon my heart today for you:
Matthew 5:14: "Ye ARE the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid."
Isaiah 30:15 (part): "in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength." Your power & resilience lies in your faith & waiting upon the Lord.
May the Lord bless you richly Mishael & minister to your deepest need as you meditate on the Lord Who came just for YOU & will in like manner do so again.
To remind God of blessings promised in the Scriptures; if done in the correct way is honoring to God. Without discernment; however we may not be aware of what this means; and also if we are living in a sinful lifestyle we are trying to deliberately ask for something we cannot have as long as we refuse to submit to the Lord and we are producing bad fruit.
The church much like Israel has certain CONDITIONAL as well as unconditional promises. The POSSESSING church (that is those who have the Holy Spirit and are truly saved) is and always will be a subset in this age of the confessing or professing body of believers (i.e. the church). The difference is there are some who believe in the true God and others in a God of their own imaginations; fitting the parameters that a person finds reasonable; or comfortable living with by mentally cherry picking what appeals from the Word and filing the unpleasant verses somewhere in the cobwebs in the back of their mind.
God is no respecter of persons ( Acts 10:34 also Romans 2). He does whatever He chooses and we know for certain that He desires glory for Himself and no other. (See Isaiah 42:8). John 16:10 shows how God seeks glory for the Son; therefore His desire for worship is never selfish as He always does the Father's will. This is selfless love and shows an example of how we are to live. If we thank God for things in our lives that bring us into sin such as excess money for greedy gain ( Titus 1:11); we are only heaping greater condemnation on ourselves.
Revelation 14:9-11
9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,
10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
About 15 years ago and several times before that I had a vision of the pure terror involved with the mark of the Beast. I have since told people that I would ask the Lord would give them such insight but not for those who aren't spiritually strong. The Lord has held back the day of Judgment, but it is promised to be worse than any time in the past and future. Mark 13:19 as well as other New Testament passages and Daniel 12 show proof of this. Without Christ we are dragged in; to the sieve of destruction ( Isaiah 30:28). Suddenly the wicked are broken and that without remedy ( Prov. 6:15).
To realize how fearful judgment is apart from Christ I cannot put into words. When we see Mystery Babylon we can't help but be reminded of the American Pie song with its lyrics
I went down to the sacred store
Where I'd heard the music years before
But the man there said the music wouldn't play
These remind us of Ecclesiastes 12:4 as well as Lamentations 5:14 along with other stanzas in this song about the Lord taking off and no more joyful music as stated in Revelation 18:22. We are hypnotized by music and media today and its demonic mantras and dulled in our senses with the vulgar obsenities that increasingly assail the rightous. The agenda is out in the open at this point; Satan's hour is about to arrive. Christ comes soon so rejoice
When David wrote in Psalm 119 that he loved the law; it was not necessarily for the regulations itself; at least to the main theme; but it was the nature of God and His righteousness where knowing the Lord personally; such statements could be made. Isaiah 30:10 is a warning that people wanted to hear smooth things; and that reminds us that we can't selectively pick verses that seem encouraging to us. We also have to look at such texts as 1 John 4. Verse 12 shows that we must love one another; but further inspection on this and the entire book of 1 John shows what agape love is; it has to be a perfect love and goes against the flesh where people in the flesh tend to pick and choose who they love. (see 1 John 3:15-16). We could say the same thing in a subject like prosperity. God promised Abraham would become great; and blessed him greatly with possessions. Nonetheless; the cost of this was having to wander around as a nomad in what would become eventually the territory of the Promised Land.
Again; in regard to the law it is actually held to a greater standard in the New Testament as to thoughts and intentions of the heart (see Matthew 5:28). God is also still concerned about vows and covenants made such as with marriage and we cannot live as the world and expect to inherit the Kingdom of God. The lawless one is coming ( 2 Thess. 2:9-12). God has written the law in our hearts ( Rom. 2:15).
The Dominionist concept of the church taking over the world before Christ comes back is clearly in opposition to such verses as 1 Timothy 4. We aren't in a Theocracy where we can be expected to conquer as Israel did; we also can't exact restrictions more than Christ did with soldiers ( Luke 3:14); where Christ didn't try to make them lay down their arms. We can learn to wait on God as Romans 12:19 suggests. May we read and apply all scripture in a sound manner.
There are different places in the prophecies that say Christ will pour out the same plagues that were poured out on the Egyptians.
But, they want be LITERAL as they were in Egypt.
Hail mingled with fire was one of the plagues in Egypt, as was frogs.
Ezekiel 13:11 ....oh great hailstones shall fall, and a stormy wind shall rend it....
Ezekiel 38:22 And I will plead with him with pestilence and blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon many people that are with him, and overflowing rain, and great hailstone, fire and brimstone.
Isaiah 30:30 And the Lord SHALL CAUSE his glorious voice (his word) to be heard, and shall show the lighting down his arm, with the indignation of his anger, and with the FLAME of a devouring FIRE, with scattering, and tempest and hailstones.
So all these are SYMBOLIC of something that is going to judge God's people, as did the plagues judge the Egyptians.
John 5:22 ... God hath committed all judgement to the Son ...
So these symbols of judgement are symbols of Christ, and Christ is the Word, and the WORD(S) of God JUDGES US.
John 12:48 ... the words that I have spoken, the same words will judge you .....
Isaiah 28:2 Behold the Lord has a mighty and strong one (the WORD), which as a tempest of HAIL and a destroying storm, as a flood of mighty waters, shall cast down to earth with the hand
Isaiah 28:3 The crown of PRIDE .....
Isaiah 28:5 In that day (of judgement when one believes God's word) the Lord (the WORD) shall be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty,unto the residue his people.
Isaiah 28:8 But they (the residue of his people) have also ERRED THROUGH WINE (explained in other scriptures, but is not alcoholic wine), and through strong drink (not alcohol) are OUT OF THE WAY (Christ is the way) .... they err in VISION and stumble in JUDGEMENT.
I will continue in a second comment on the frogs.
God BLESS YOU!
It seems that you did not understand that GOD gave the sealed book of Revelation unto JESUS,and JESUS called an angel(different of the translation,in fact an Archangel,as an ambassador of the Lord),and delivered the message unto Him to reveal the content of the book to the apostle John who was in Patmos because of the Word of GOD,and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Being on Patmos,the archangel presents himself to John being behind Him as recommended by the Word( Isaiah 30:21),not in front,in front only JESUS must be,do you understand?And John heard behind him a great voice, as of a trumpet, so John turned to see the voice that spake with him, and being turned he saw seven golden candlesticks (the 7 Churches of Asia, whose spiritual conditions reflect the spiritual conditions of the Churches in this current time of the END, time of Apocalipse, by the way reflect a very terrible condition);
John saw in the midst of the seven candlesticks ONE LIKE UNTO THE SON OF MAN. How was him? Revelation 1:13-16:
13 He presents himself "clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle".(This picture or scenary remembers Joseph in Egypt- Exodus 41:38-45)
14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.
16 And he had in his right hand seven stars:and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged Sword:and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.(By the way, he was also with Joshua in the Old Testament- Joshua 5:13-15)
Paul Apostle spoke about him in 1Thes.4:16 and 1Cor.15:51-52.Take a look.
JESUS warned:At midnight there was a cry made,Behold, the bridegroom cometh;go ye out TO MEET him-Mat.25:6.Who's going?
See,IT'S NOT ENOUGH to just have lamp-the Word of GOD-a lamp for the feet-Ps.119:105;It's necessary also to have oil,otherwise the lamp will go out.
One world government needs to be discussed at present. There are alliances as I said before that could be considered part of the divided Roman empire of the last days such as expressed in Daniel 2:40-41. This kingdom will have the strength of iron but be divided and not cling as clay and historically; of course we see Rome as being the western capital; and Constantinople being the eastern capital. Part of this involves the Papal authority and Eastern; Greek and or Russian Orthodox church in charge of the other "leg" so to speak if that is interpreted correctly. This final beast is going to take over the whole world; that is pretty clear from verses in Daniel and Revelation 13. It would seem pitting nations against one another would allow the final 10 nations to rule one hour with Antichrist (see the 3 subdued in Daniel 7:24). This is the final religious; and economic world government under the "Mystery Babylon" rule when the woman rides the Beast ( Rev. 17:13); then later in the second half of the Tribulation ANtichrist destroys the system and its ruling city with fire ( Rev. 17:16). The religious center starting this year in Abu Dhabi and other such concepts has allowed all monotheistic faiths to be at one facility. It seems clear through cooperative efforts today with the Saudi's and even some effort by Turkey in the background that the Temple will be rebuilt with some international agreement on control of the Temple Mount.
For now; we must be aware what is going on but continue to be the salt and light of the world; warning about the conflagration to come. The net that all nations will be led into the seive of destruction is coming. ( Isaiah 30:28). It is a trap coming for the whole world ( Luke 21:24) and we need to remain focused and not be taken aback at His sudden return to take His church home; praying always to be worthy to escape all the things to come and stand before the Son of Man ( Luke 21:36).
Hello Spencer, I agree with you about John's baptism.
In my previous post I wanted to put emphasis on the christian baptism and its meaning using as an introduction John's baptism.
So now mainly about John:
1. John's mission was to reveal the Savior (Jesus), John 1:31.
Also when Mary went to Elisabeth, Elisabeth prophesied and among other she said ( Luke 1:75-76), "And thou, child(John), shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord (Jesus) to prepare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins".
Also John 1:29 (the Lamb of the God).
2. When the angel Gabriel came to Zacharias he said, ( Luke 1:16-17) "And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord"
The latter means that another part of John's ministry was to to to teach Hebrews to clean their heart by preaching them to obey God's commandments, what they should do and what not, see Luke 3:7-18. And lead Hebrews to repentance for their sins to be forgiven. That remission of sins was done during the baptism, in public. ( Luke 3:3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;)
3. Isaiah prophesied about John the Baptist, ( Isaiah 30:3-5), "The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it."
So John prepared a smooth path for Jesus' ministry.
Revelation 16:21 And there fell upon man a great HAIL out of heaven, each stone about the weight of a talent (a talent weighs about 57 pounds): and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the HAIL; for the plague thereof was very great.
Since Revelation is symbolic, what is this a symbol of:
We have to go to the prophets:
Isaiah 28:2 Behold, the Lord hath a mighty and strong one ....who is this MIGHTY and STRONG ONE? ..... it is JESUS, the WORD OF GOD ......which as a tempest of HAIL and a DESTROYING STORM ......the HAIL in Revelation is symbolic of the WORD OF GOD, and his words are going to DESTROY ALL DECEPTION FROM THE CARNAL MIND of his people.
Revelation 9:17 And I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat upon them, having breastplates of FIRE, and of JACINTH, and BRIMSTONE, and the heads of the horses were as heads of lions; and out of their mouths ISSUED FIRE and smoke and BRIMSTONE.
Revelation 9:18 And by these three were a THRID PART OF MAN KILLED, by the FIRE, and by the SMOKE, and by the BRIMSTONE, which issued out of their mouth.
This is symbolic, you can contain PHYSICAL fire and brimstone in ones mouth.
Isaiah 30:33 ...for the king it is prepared; he hath made it deep and large; the pile thereof is FIRE and much wood; the BREATH OF THE LORD, like a stream of BRIMSTONE, doth kindle it.
Ezekiel 5:2 ...though shall burn a THIRD PART .....
Ezekiel 5:3 Thou shall take thereof a FEW ......
Ezekiel 5:4 .....and cast them into the midst of the fire, and burn them in the fire: for thereof (those destroyed in the fire) SHALL A FIRE COME FORTH ino all the house of Israel.
Zechariah 13:9 And I will bring the THIRD PART through the FIRE ......
Revelation 8:7 And the third part of the trees were burnt up .....
Isaiah 9:5 For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood, but this (battle) shall be with BURNING and fuel of fire.
Isaiah 9:19 .... people shall be the fuel of the fire
Leviticus 18, note the whole chapter, ending with Leviticus 18:30, Leviticus 20, Deuteronomy 7:25-26, please read in context Deuteronomy 7, Deuteronomy 12:28-32, Deuteronomy 13, Deuteronomy 18:9-22, Deuteronomy 22:5, Deuteronomy 23:17,18, Deuteronomy 24:1-4, Deuteronomy 27:15, Deuteronomy 25,
Leviticus 11, Proverbs 3:32, Proverbs 11:20,
1Kings 11:1-14, 2Kings 23:13, Proverbs 16:12, Proverbs 28:9,
Proverbs 12:22, Proverbs 15:8,9,26, Proverbs 17:15,
Hopefully these are helpful
Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christ (Christ is the word, so there shall arise false words), and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; in so much that, IF IT WERE POSSIBLE (but is not possible), they should deceive the very elect.
Jude 1:4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, WHO WERE ORDAINED TO THIS CONDEMNATION .....
God says he himself has caused this and brought it to pass.
Luke 22:31 ....Satan has desired to have you, THAT HE MAY SIFT YOU as wheat ....
Luke 22:32 But I WILL PRAY FOR YOU: that your faith (the faith of Christ) fail not .... IT'S CHRIST'S WORKS ....
Isaiah 28:21 ....that he may do HIS WORK, HIS STRANGE WORK; and bring TO PASS his act, HIS STRANGE ACT.
Isaiah 45:9 Woe unto him that striveth with his maker! Let the potsherds strive with the potsherds of the earth, Shall the clay say to him that fashioned it, What makest thou? OR THY WORK, He hath no hands?
Isaiah 48:10 Behold I have refined the, but not with silver, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.
Matthew 13:21 Yet hath he not root in himself; but endureth for awhile, and when tribulations and persecutions ariseth because of the WORD, by and by he is offended.
Christ had many disciples, but when the words became to hard for them they went the way of the world.
Matthew 13:23 ..... and false prophets, shall show great signs and wonders .....
Revelation .... and with him the false prophet ....were cast alive into the a lake of fire burning with BRIMSTONE
Isaiah 30:33 ....the breath of the Lord, like a stream of BRIMSTONE, doeth kindle it.
Isaiah 33:14 ...Who among us SHALL DWELL with the devouring fire ( Hebrews 12:29)? who amongst us SHALL DWELL with everlasting burning?
Isaiah 9:5 For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise and garments rolled in blood, but this (battle) shall be with burning and fuel of fire.
Isaiah 9:18 ...and the people shall be the fuel of the fire .....
God Bless YOU!
Isaiah 30:6 .....from whence come the young and old lion, the viper, and the flying fiery serpent .....
Isaiah 11:8 AND THE SUCKLING CHILD shall play on the hole of the asp, and the WEANED CHILD shall put his hand on the cockatrice's den.
Some WORDS OF GOD TO MEDITATE ON
This chapter; like all scriptures should be taken as a literal prophetic event unless certain things are clearly symbolic. In this case everything is given a literal time frame and sequence; with supporting details not only in this chapter and the rest of Revelation; but other books including the Old Testament in scripture.
We can argue what we may about a Post Millennium mindset and agree to disagree if we have a basic belief in Christ's PHYSICAL return to earth in the future (something which FULL preterists seem to think has already occurred but in some mystical fashion). That would be the only case where we should disfellowship; and I and another brother in the Lord were forced to do that a few years ago. Something else which I consider very dangerous is the mindset that Satan is already bound in the bottomless pit. This is notwithstanding all the promises of the church that the powers of darkness will have no affect on us. There is certainly no limitation on killing the saints of God which Satan will do and continue to do until his punishment is enacted (at the end of the Tribulation and the end of the battle after he is released after the 1000 years). The general statement that a time worse than any that has ever happened or will ever exist again ( Matt. 24:21) with all the percentages of deaths listed in Revelation certainly has not occurred yet. We need to examine other scriptures such as Isaiah 14:17; Isaiah 41:5-13 on the coastlands burning; Isaiah 13:12 on man being rarer than the "gold of Ophir"; Isaiah 30:28 about the nations being put into the seive of destruction; Zechariah 12:9 on all nations gathered and half of Jerusalem taken and numerous other prophetic passages to see that indeed Armageddon must occur. Other verses talk of clear descriptions of mortal man still capable of sinning on the earth in the Millennium such as Zechariah 14:17-18; and Isaiah 65:20-25 being two of the clearest examples.
We see here; in the seventh vial judgment a great hail coming down on the earth which fits into the scenario of the Ezekiel 38 war. This is tied in with the greatest earthquake ever in verse 18; and Babylon the Great to be judged; the "great city" whatever that is-possibly Jerusalem being split in three pieces and all the cities of the nations falling.
See Ezekiel 6:6; ; Isaiah 30:25; Ezekiel 38:22; Zechariah 14:2; Isaiah 13:9.
Firstly; we need to rightly divide scripture. When we look at the wicked being burned up as chaff; we first have to decide if there is merely a physical destruction (such as appears with Armageddon when the wicked are killed but not resurrected for 1000 years); or in other battles in the past.
Going beyond the death of humans; we can appeal to verses which state that the earth; sun and moon are eternal. Psalm 78:69 seems to indicate this. Therefore; in Revelation there is stated to be no need for the light of the sun and moon but nothing stating that they aren't still there. We also see that the light of the sun and moon are to increase sevenfold ( Isaiah 30:26) which certainly appears to me to be a Millennial promise; if it is for eternity the same point exists.
The verses about the sun and moon going dark go from 1/3 of day being dark in the Trumpet judgments to the darkness in the vial judgments. Neither is the final extinction though (and the stars falling refer to the fallen angels and or meteorites/satellites.) No doubt the burning heat in the vial judgments is related to all these manifestations as well.
At any rate; the elements in Peter are what would define atomic structure as it appears in Greek. The earth and heavens which are now not clean in His sight ( Isaiah 24:23) will have to be restored and made perfect as well as all creation including His saints will be remade as well into glorified bodies. Clearly; our spiritual state is the only thing that matters as to how we spend eternity. Let us not lose this perspective. I would ask that you search scripture as a Berean on these matters and help fulfill the Great Commission commanded for His church to preach in whatever way you can; warning others to flee the wrath to come.
Agape; Rich P
They were all ashamed of a people that could not profit them, nor be an help nor profit, but a shame, and also a reproach.
2 Samuel 19:3 | View whole chapter | See verse in context
And the people gat them by stealth that day into the city, as people being ashamed steal away when they flee in battle.
Hebrews 2:11 | View whole chapter | See verse in context
For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,
Isaiah 33:9 | View whole chapter | See verse in context
The earth mourneth and languisheth: Lebanon is ashamed and hewn down: Sharon is like a wilderness; and Bashan and Carmel shake off their fruits.
1 John 2:28 | View whole chapter | See verse in context
And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
Micah 3:7 | View whole chapter | See verse in context
Then shall the seers be ashamed, and the diviners confounded: yea, they shall all cover their lips; for there is no answer of God.
Ezekiel 36:32 | View whole chapter | See verse in context
Not for your sakes do I this, saith the Lord GOD, be it known unto you: be ashamed and confounded for your own ways, O house of Israel.
Hebrews 11:16 | View whole chapter | See verse in context
But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
Genesis 2:25 | View whole chapter | See verse in context
And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
Job 6:20 | View whole chapter | See verse in context
They were confounded because they had hoped; they came thither, and were ashamed.
Isaiah 20:5 | View whole chapter | See verse in context
And they shall be afraid and ashamed of Ethiopia their expectation, and of Egypt their glory.
Psalms 91, lions Psalms 91:13,
1st I must thank you, Thanks for bringing me back to this Psalms it's Powerful & encouraging!
Hear are more scriptures on lions within the scripture. Several of GOD's people were delivered from lions.
I understand it to mean, any lion just incase we question "what about a young one". Here's a scripture about "._._.an old lion,who shall rouse him up?' Genesis 49:9,
Young lion : Numbers 23:24,
these also mention a difference between: Job 4:8-21, Job 28:8, Job 38:39, Psalms 17:12, Isaiah 30:6, Isaiah 31:4,
Ezekiel 19:3, Amos 3:4, Micah 5:8,
Victory from lions : Judges 14, 1Samuel 17:34,36, 2Timothy 4:17, Daniel 6,
But also used against a Prophet that disobeyed GOD's specific orders : 1Kings 13,
Hopefully these are helpful
Yet, in spite of their sins, they had the audacity to offer burnt offerings & sacrifices to God for their sins (v20), when they had no intention of forsaking their sins & their pitiful condition. This is what is termed as 'hypocrisy': their hypocritical behaviour might appease their consciences & they might appear as devout to others, but God, Who looks on the heart, only saw a greater wickedness - sin being compounded by useless penitence & offerings.
We can note a similar warning given by Isaiah to Jerusalem much earlier ( Isaiah 30:1, "Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin"). And you can read the rest of that account in that chapter.
So, the comment you read in your Bible, was the writer's application to Christians today: not to think that our offerings of worship & service to God & to others have any merit, unless we first have a true faith in Christ Jesus, His Spirit living within us, & our lives showing forth God's Graciousness to us by living holy & acceptable lives to Him. Choosing to live a life of hypocrisy negates all that - all that which is wicked before an all-seeing God.
Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Psalms 32:8 - I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
John 16:13 - Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
Isaiah 30:21 - And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.
Matthew 7:7-11 - Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you...
Search "verses about guidance" for more help.
May God bless you with peace.
If we read those passages as given & understood, then we're liable to believe that the "evil" being spoken of in both verses is a moral or sadistic evil constructed by God. However, we must turn to the Hebrew to interpret that word. In both cases, the word for "evil" is from the same root word: Rah; and in both instances 'evil' is meant to imply 'calamity or adversity'.
So reading Isaiah 45:7: God both forms the light & creates darkness; if God chooses to remove the light, whether a physical light from the sun, we will have darkness. Or, He chooses to not give or prevent spiritual light coming to someone, then that mind lies in darkness (e.g. Ephesians 5:8, 1 Thessalonians 5:5).
Similarly, with "I make peace & create evil": God can choose to bring peace into a situation or within a person, or He can withhold that peace, & calamity or adversity prevails. So, when it says that God creates 'evil', it's impossible for an Holy God to bring out some evil from within Himself, when no such evil can even exist in such holiness. But God can remove light & peace for His Own purposes, thereby leaving distress & calamity.
Amos 3:6: in like manner, when a trumpet (of warning) is sounded, the people ought to be alerted & afraid of what's to come. If there is a calamity being struck in a city, shouldn't the inhabitants likewise be warned that maybe the Lord is trying to tell them something? Sometimes, not always, when we face an adversity or calamity in our lives, we need to seek the Lord's Face & examine our lives, lest there may be a word of warning from God for us. The Lord told Israel (through Amos) in verse 2: "You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities." Israel was greatly blessed, but they likewise also faced much warning & punishment for their sins & departure from God.
Isaiah 30:33: "For Tophet is ordained of old; yea, for the king it is prepared; he hath made it deep and large: the pile thereof is fire and much wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it." In this verse, the word "Tophet" is used & in the Greek (NT) is translated as Gehenna. This was a place near Jerusalem, in which the idolatrous Israelites used to offer up their children to Moloch. It may be put, for any place of torment; and particularly it is put for hell. "For the king": For the king of Assyria. "Fire": He alludes to the ancient custom, of burning sacrifices, and particularly of burning children to Moloch. "The breath": The immediate Hand of God, or His Word of anger. "Brimstone": alludes to that shower of fire and brimstone seen in Gen 19:24. Though this verse doesn't speak of an after death judgement, it reveals its counterpart in the NT.
You can also look at Isaiah 66:22-24. So I can't say why there was not more written about this subject in the OT & even among Jews there are different camps as to what to believe. For me, I think it sufficient that Jesus spoke very clearly about it & treated the everlasting suffering of the sinner as real & it was for this reason He came so that none should fall under the Hand of God ( Hebrews 10:31).
Matthew 10:20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of the Father which speaketh in you.
Our first objective is to agree with the Spirit. WE ARE THE POT AND HE IS THE POTTER.
Sometimes the POT was created just to be seen, your actions more often speak louder than your words.
However the POTTER uses us is at his discretion not ours, but he will provide all you need to fulfil his desires.
Jesus told his disciples he was sent to be a servant, isn't it wonderful that Jesus does all things or us.
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches:....... without me you can do nothing.
Isaiah 30:7 .....Their strength is to sit (like a pot on the wheel) still.
Exodus 14:13 And Moses said unto the people, fear ye not, stand and BEHOLD THE SALVATION OF THE LORD.......
Our problem is WE KEEP GETTING OF THE POTTERS WHEEL.
GBU
1 Chorinthians 2 Verses 1 and 2 are an exhortation to follow Christ. Verses 3-15 state a practice that was prevalent
in the Chorinthian church and the reasons to justify it.
Verse 16 states that what is described in verses 3-15 does not come from God - 'But if any man seem to be
contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.'
Matthew 5:14: "Ye ARE the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid."
Isaiah 30:15 (part): "in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength." Your power & resilience lies in your faith & waiting upon the Lord.
May the Lord bless you richly Mishael & minister to your deepest need as you meditate on the Lord Who came just for YOU & will in like manner do so again.