Oh how the Bible is all one story!
There is an amazing parallel between the plagues of Egypt and the judgments (seals, trumpets, bowls and visions of conflict) of Revelation. Both are an “un-creating of the world.” As you’ll hear in the sermon this week, God un-creates the world before He brings a new heaven and a new earth.
Now, this week you’ll see an amazing parallel between the trumpets of Jericho and the trumpet judgments of Revelation. Both bring disaster on the unrepentant.
The seals are from the perspective of how God’s judgment can refine believers.
The trumpets are from the perspective of how judgment affects unbelievers, rather than, as with the seals, to refine believers. As Dr. Campbell writes: “Although some may repent” (think Rahab in Jericho), “the ultimate purpose of the judgments is the hardening of hearts of unbelievers and the bringing to pass of God’s judgment.”
The ultimate goal of the judgments, however, is to glorify God and to demonstrate His authority over the nations of the world.
An optional but fascinating video shows how archeology substantiates the story of Joshua and the battle of Jericho. At the close, they also address the problem people have with God and judgment. You can also see this on you-tube or transfer it to your big screen. All these discoveries strengthen our faith!
Every year at Christmas I list my top books of the year. I’ve read so many about the plight of North Koreans, and the martyrdom of believers there. I’m not sure which book I’ll choose from this series, but I did love “The World is Bigger Now” by Euna Lee, an American Christian journalist captured when trying to film a documentary about the above.
She was sentenced to 12 years of hard labor. What she did that is relevant to this week was inspired by the Jericho story. She was held captive for five months, and during that time she marched around her small space for seven hours each day, asking God for judgment on her captors and release for herself. And the walls came down — for she was released just before she had to begin her twelve year sentence.
Here is a two minute video from CNN of her returning home to her family. Both President Clinton and Al Gore went to North Korea on her and her fellow journalist’s behalf.
On Tuesday, read this article first:
https://defendinginerrancy.com/bible-solutions/Romans_9.17.php
On Thursday and Friday, I hope you’ll watch or listen to this excellent sermon on the judgments, which is particularly on the trumpet judgments. It is from Westside church in Vancouver.
Sunday:
- What stands out to you from all of the above and why?
- If you watched the video on the archeology of Jericho, what stood out?
Monday: Getting Ready
3. In PART 5 of Mystery Explained, read the introduction up to the headline: The First Four Trumpets.
A. How are the four sets of judgments like the four gospels?
B. Give one illustration from Campbell of a parallel between one of the plagues of Exodus and one of the judgments of Revelation.
C. What does Dr. Campbell believe the ultimate purpose of the judgments is?
D. What did the sound of the trumpet signify at Mount Sinai? At Jericho?
E. What is the overall significance of the trumpets?
F. How has suffering impacted you as a believer?
It is enlightening and sobering to me to realize that unbelievers, though they may claim to be believers, back away from God in times of suffering, and true believers persist, despite not knowing the reason for their suffering. Their mouths are stopped and they know God is wiser than they are.
G. Thoughts on the above?
Tuesday: First Three Trumpets
It is a mystery as to why God would harden hearts, but here is a one page article with an explanation. Read this:
https://defendinginerrancy.com/bible-solutions/Romans_9.17.php
5. What comments do you have on the above?
6. Somehow, in God’s mysterious ways, election and free will work together. I believe election is bigger than foreknowledge, but it is a mystery to me how this works. However, I do think it is wise when sharing Christ with another to consider tellng them that there is danger in postponing surrender. See Isaiah 55:6. How might you explain this to someone you love?
7. Compare the plague in Exodus 9:22-25 to the Judgment in Revelation 8:6-7
8. What does Dr. Campbell write about this first trumpet in the opening paragraph under “The Four Trumpets.”
9. Compare the plague in Exodus 7:20 -25 with the second and third trumpet judgments in Revelation 8:8-11.
10. What does Dr. Campbell write about the second and third trumpets?
Wednesday: The Fourth Trumpet
11. Compare the plague in Exodus 10:21-23 with the Judgment in Revelation 8:12.
12. What does Dr. Campbell write about the fourth judgment. What does darkness signify?
13. How have you felt the darkness to be increasing in our world — or do you think it is as it has always been?
14. Read Revelation 8:13. What does the eagle cry out? How is this the opposite of holy, holy, holy? Significance?
15. Read the last paragraph in Mystery Explained in this section which begins “That the events described…
A. What common theme do you find in the prophesies of Moses and Amos?
B. What does Micah 7:9 say?
C. What does Dr. Campbell say we should learn from this?
16. Optional: Read Joshua 5:13 to 6:5. What parallels do you see with Revelation?
Thursday/Friday Sermon
Saturday:
17. What is your take-a-way and why?
94 comments
Good Sunday morning blog sisters.
I have been pondering the “…half an hour…” bit of the last study and have come up with this mathematical relationship. I am NO mathematician! So, if anyone cares to engage to straighten me out, please do 😉.
If 1 day is 1000 years in God’s timeframe…(of course, I only have human “standards” unless there are other places in the Bible that reveal minutes, seconds, hours, in His time), and there are 86,400 sec in 1 day, then that means there are 86.4 sec in a day, (since 1000 yr is equal to a day), 3.6 sec in an hour, and 1.8 sec in a half an hour. Not much time!
I LOVE, love, love the sermon last week where the pastor compare a baby’s loudest scream to the silence and then energy after! When the baby is going to scream he/she is silent. Then the burst of energy comes. If the “half an hour” is really only 1.8 sec, before the burst of judgment energy, that’s interesting to me.
Anyone have any ideas about this?
Wow, Laura! Your mathematical time frame supports that half an hour is not much time! It does add up to the baby’s scream as I have observed many being born in the DR; it is not much time between silence and the scream. Thanks for sharing!
Oh Laura — you always make me smile!!! And Bing, your time with babies added to my smile.
Laura, this too made me smile…mathematics is definitely not my forte, so I was impressed!
There is one thing that we need to be careful of in your statement “1 day is 1000 years in God’s timeframe” which is kind of quoted from 2 Peter 3:8. It actually says, “A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day.” He was talking about scoffers mocking the truth of the promise of Jesus coming again. I say this because I was in a study where because of this verse they taught it took God 6,000 years to create the world. I believe that in Genesis a day means a 24 hour day…God created the light and separated it from darkness. He called the light “day” and the darkness “night.” Evening passed and morning came, marking the first day. Genesis 1:3-5. I apologize if I’m stepping on anyone’s toes but I’m a firm believer that it only took God 6 days to create this world. The importance of like is just showing a comparison not actuality
Just wanted to share this article.
https://www.ligonier.org/blog/what-rc-sprouls-position-creation/
I couldn’t get the link to work.
The link worked for me – maybe try a different browser, Laura. I like Sproul and he made sense.
Thanks Sharon, you have helped me understand a bit more. “Like” is an important qualifier. So 30 minutes is really a half an hour. Okie dokie!
Laura, I know that Revelation is symbolic so it may not be 30 minutes as we know it. I take the 6 days of creation as being literal 24 hour days because of the passage from Genesis above.
This can be a bit confusing. Sorry the link didn’t work above …it was just about different views on creation.
Laura and Sharon! Thank you both for sharing your thoughts! I love that we all feel free to express our ideas on this Blog. These are good things to discuss! I was able to open the link. It is good. I hope you can get it open, Laura! God is Awesome!
Sunday:
1. What stands out to you from all of the above and why?
It was alarming for me to read this as I think of my friends and family who are unbelievers: As Dr. Campbell writes: “Although some may repent” (think Rahab in Jericho), “the ultimate purpose of the judgments is the hardening of hearts of unbelievers and the bringing to pass of God’s judgment.” I am praying that these friends and family would be like Rahab and repent of their sins and be saved in Christ.
But, this was comforting for me: “The ultimate goal of the judgments, however, is to glorify God and to demonstrate His authority over the nations of the world.”
I believe that which glorify God is for the good and in the end, “at the name of Jesus every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord.” Philippians 2
2. If you watched the video on the archeology of Jericho, what stood out?
The archeology of Jericho supports the Joshua story. I was fascinated by the explanation and the details. I agree with this last sentence by the narrator:” The Jericho story shows the faithfulness of God to His people, of the peril of society that exchanges good for evil and of the power of God Himself, for whom all things are possible.” I need to rest on this truth as I see Canaan’s sins repeat themselves in our present generation.
a. There will be no siege but Jericho’s fall will be sudden, complete, and unexpected.
b. Joshua was given an encouragement to not be afraid in its conquest of Jericho. Joshua prepared by sending spies. Joshua and the Israelites have to pass through the Jordan River. Joshua will need to prepare his heart and mind. Joshua was given the battle plan by the Captain of the Lord’s host.
c. Obedience to the battle plan was precise even though it may not make sense considering Jericho was about a mile around to walk in the midst of the heat and without stopping. Without saying a word-they marched around the city for 7 days. Day 7 circle 7 miles, 7 hours under the heat without stopping.
d. Archaeological evidence of where Rahab’s house was: her house is against the wall, north and closer to the hills of Judah where the spies rushed to hide.
e. The walls came down and the Israelites went up.
f. Radiocarbon dating vs historical dating was talked about and the speaker believes historical dating is more accurate and there is about 150 years difference of dating between the 2.
g. The Israelites were instructed not to plunder Jericho but to destroy all living things. Only fine metals should be added to the Lord’s treasury but all other things should be destroyed. How can that be? Some have questioned why God did that. This is difficult for some.
h. Where the Bible has led from the time of Joshua and through centuries of revelation culminating in what we have in Jesus and so we have the unfolding of God’s dealing with us.
i. First, there is evidence God has given Jericho and Canaan a long opportunity to repent of what it become a corrupt, reprehensible way of life. The prophetic tradition of OT bears witness to the same opportunity given later to Israel when its land was occupied by corrupt kings.
Second, The religion of Canaan was not one where morality or ethics played a significant role. Its religion is about nature (man would visit temple prostitutes to start the fertility cycle in agriculture); Molech was a god who was worshiped; it was a bronze idol part human and part bull. Children were sacrificed and then those who survived would someday kill their own children. The society of Canaan had been so corrupt that God completely erased it.
Third is the societal principle of blood revenge. If Israel has not fully and finally conquered Jericho, an eternal thirst for vengeance would have lived in their survivors.
The archaeological evidence is consistent with Joshua’s story.
The Jericho story shows the faithfulness of God to His people, of the peril of society that exchanges good for evil and of the power of God Himself, for whom all things are possible.
What great notes, Bing!
Bing, I agree with Dee! These are great notes! The video was wonderful. I love the Archaeologist’s information on the Radiocarbon dating versus historical dating. It is amazing that the grain jars were still full. So much that the Archaeologists learned confirms what is written in God’s word. Praise God!
It is chilling to realize that our sophisticated society today is committing and encouraging many of the same sins, only candy coating them. Our children are being taught that choices to sin are a right; that we are free to be and do what makes us feel good. Unfortunately, they are not being taught the cost of sin. How I pray for many in our own country to repent of their sins and come to know Jesus. I am so thankful for Christian schools and Christian teachers.
What stands out to you from all of the above and why? The return of the 2 journalists from North Korea. It is nothing short of a miracle from God. This isn’t the first time that I’ve heard of a Christian prisoner doing something like what Euna did (the marching around her cell praying for 7 hours a day) and God blessed them for it.
If you watched the video on the archeology of Jericho, what stood out? I’ll have to watch it tonight and comment tomorrow.
Dawn — it reminds me of what we heard in the sermon last week: God arranges it so our prayers make a difference!
Sunday
1. What stands out to you from all of the above and why?
“Oh, how the Bible is all one story.” I think it always points to Jesus Christ when all is said and done and there is so much that is intertwined.
To see the journalist’s reunite with their families was very moving.
2. If you watched the video on the archeology of Jericho, what stood out?
In the video they spoke of how Joshua and the king of Jericho couldn’t come to a peace agreement and that’s why Israel seized the city. We know this isn’t true as God was giving the land to them. I found it interesting that they found pots of grain in most of the houses. The Israelites only took silver, gold, bronze or iron which was to be brought into the treasury. Most armies plundered everything. 7 days of marching may of been to see if they would persevere or be obedient but used more to cause psychological warfare. The walls fell in such a way that they provided a ramp up into the city. Dating by pottery, historical dating is more accurate than radiocarbon dating. Many struggle with the fact that no lives were to be preserved but God had given them plenty of time to repent.
Discerning about why they got the land.
It is hard to think of everyone being wiped out, but I also understand in not wanting succeeding generations from them. And my mouth is stopped!
What a perfect example for that, “and my mouth stopped!” He is God and who am I to think I have any of the answers?
1. What stands out to you from all of the above and why?
The difference between the seals and judgments. We are studying Exodus 34:6-7 and yesterday I discovered that in verse 7 the Guilty means the unrepentant, not those who are His-those who have repented. (because we all sin, this question was raised in class.) YET He is long suffering! I would have demolished everyone in a week! Yet He is gracious, compassionate and slow to anger. I often wonder when the 1/2 hour will come. To me this world is worse than I could have ever imagined-leaving God out. Anyway, I thought of our study on the blog and how God is 100% consistent.
I could be mistaken-probably am, but for some reason I have this strong sense that right now God is sifting us in the church-the Wheat from the Tare. As we’ve seen more and more prominent Christian pastors, authors, teachers, musicians, deny God, or accept that certain sins are okay, or might not have been believers after all.
I have that sense too, Rebecca, that He is sifting the church, using Covid, using suffering. It is very striking to realize that true believers press in, even though they may have a short time of falling away, they return.
Rebecca, I too believe the church is being sifted and sadly it’s been needed…oh how we must pray!
Dee, this so encouraged me…
” It is very striking to realize that true believers press in, even though they may have a short time of falling away, they return. ”
I agree with you, Rebecca, Dee and Sharon. We certainly see the church being sifted here in our area. The Northwest is a very “unchurched ” area, but there are a number of strong, Bible believing, Christian churches. Some other churches have followed the popular acceptance of some sins; and many true believers leave those churches. I agree, Rebecca. The world is beyond anything I could have imagined ~ and it seemed to happen quickly. God is sifting. He is true to His word. I am so thankful for each of you dear ladies.
I am finally home and trying to catch up here! Yes, I do believe that God is sifting the church. and am thankful for the encouraging words from Dee for those who seemed to be falling away: “…true believers press in, even though they may have a short time of falling away, they return.” and I so pray that the “short time” is according to God’s time and how I often see time!
1. What stands out to you from all of the above and why?
That the Bible is all one story. Yesterday at church, we had three readings – the first from Exodus about God giving the Manna, and the last reading from John’s gospel about Jesus saying that He is the true bread from heaven. Usually, only one reading is talked about in the sermon, but the minister said that he was going to talk about both, because of how they are connected. I have to admit that when I read that God will “un-create” the world, it made me feel a bit dismayed. My first “thought picture” was something like evolution going backwards! God promised in Noah’s day that He would never use a flood to destroy the earth and wipe out everyone and everything again. Un-creating the world sounds like a different approach to get rid of everything.
2. If you watched the video on the archeology of Jericho, what stood out?
Archeologists found homes with jars of grain, all full. Jericho was a well-fortified city, and the battle took place at harvest time. Jericho had plenty of grain and a source of water to sustain it for months, even years, against an attack. The city had survived an attack by the armies of Egypt at one time. But this was a very brief, short attack, which lasted only a week. So we know that it is true that there was no long, drawn out siege by the Israelites upon the city. God had told His people not to plunder the city, and this is why the jars full of grain were found. Usually, the victorious army would take everything, including the grain, either to eat it or to barter with it. I learned that God’s having His people march around the city may have been “psychological warfare” to unnerve the king of Jericho. I didn’t realize that it would’ve taken the people about an hour to march around the city one time, and in the desert heat. I didn’t know that Rahab’s house was built right into that outer wall of the city, on the North side, and that part of the wall did not fall. Rahab was spared, along with her family, but God commanded that everyone else be killed. Some people today may have a problem with that, because we want to say that God is a God of love. He is, as shown by His sending Jesus. But God had given the inhabitants of Jericho time to repent, but they did not. It made me shudder to think of babies being sacrificed to their god, Molech.
You always make me ponder. Do you believe in macro-evolution — where it jumps species? I believe in micro, within the species. But I rabbit trail.
I like the thought that God’s anger is part of His love, sparing future generations from sins of the fathers.
Dee, you made me think! I had to do some reading on the difference between macro and micro evolution! I just believe that God created everything – exactly how He did it, I leave it up to Him! Some people believe in a literal six day creation, and others believe in evolution. I do not believe that those are “salvation issues”, that you must believe, say, in a literal six day creation in order to be a Christian. Or that we need to get hung-up on how old the earth is.
I do agree with all that, Susan.
Hmmm…what is a day in God’s timeframe? I never have thought of the literal 6-day creation as a belief.
Monday
3. In PART 5 of Mystery Explained, read the introduction up to the headline: The First Four Trumpets.
A. How are the four sets of judgments like the four gospels? All 3, seals, trumpets and bowls describe the same series of events, but from slightly different perspectives.
B. Give one illustration from Campbell of a parallel between one of the plagues of Exodus and one of the judgments of Revelation. The 5th trumpet, involves locusts like the original plague in Exodus 10:12-15
C. What does Dr. Campbell believe the ultimate purpose of the judgments is? The hardening of the hearts of unbelievers and the bringing to pass of God’s judgements.
D. What did the sound of the trumpet signify at Mount Sinai? The ultimate judgement of God on Egypt expressed through the deliverance of His people. At Jericho? The first 6 trumpets were in preparation to the 7th which was the final judgement.
E. What is the overall significance of the trumpets? They highlight the fact that Revelation portrays the journey of the church out of Egypt (Babylon), into the protected place in the wilderness (the church age) and eventually into the Promised Land (the new Jerusalem).
F. How has suffering impacted you as a believer? Suffering has pushed me towards a closer relationship with the Lord. It has refined me and shown me time and time again His faithfulness. I think the biggest way it has impacted me though is learning and experiencing His attribute of sovereignty.
It is enlightening and sobering to me to realize that unbelievers, though they may claim to be believers, back away from God in times of suffering, and true believers persist, despite not knowing the reason for their suffering. Their mouths are stopped and they know God is wiser than they are.
G. Thoughts on the above? I had a very special friend that was so in love with the Lord, you could smell the fragrant aroma of our Lord exude from her. She went through suffering after suffering and it seemed to me the aroma just kept getting stronger and stronger. She died of Leukemia and left behind such an awesome testimony. I am so thankful that God placed her in my life as she taught me so much. Of course Jesus is my ultimate example and when we suffer it’s all about glorifying the Lord and knowing He is the wisest.
May we all be like your friend — or yes, as you say, as Jesus was when He faced the worst.
1. What stands out to you from all of the above and why?
Well, I suppose what stands out to me is how I haven’t spent much time in prayer for the persecuted in other countries. Sadly, my prayers revolve around my immediate friends and family. I need to expand my horizons I do believe.
2. If you watched the video on the archeology of Jericho, what stood out?
I liked how the reasoning played out for each of their suppositions about the site. For example, the fact that there was a lot of grain left over in their pottery meant that they were following God’s order to not plunder the goods upon take over of the city.
I also thought it was interesting that one time around the city was a little over 1 mile, and that on the seventh day they had to walk around it 7 times for a total of 7 miles. It would have taken over 7 hours to do this.
3. In PART 5 of Mystery Explained, read the introduction up to the headline: The First Four Trumpets.
A. How are the four sets of judgments like the four gospels?
The judgments all reveal the same events but from a different perspective, like the gospels.
B. Give one illustration from Campbell of a parallel between one of the plagues of Exodus and one of the judgments of Revelation.
The fourth trumpet brings darkness just like the Egyptian plague.
C. What does Dr. Campbell believe the ultimate purpose of the judgments is?
The ultimate goal is to glorify God and to demonstrate His authority over the world.
D. What did the sound of the trumpet signify at Mount Sinai? At Jericho?
It marked the presence of God. It was the ultimate judgment of God on Egypt. At Jericho, it was also about judgment. The first six trumpets are preparatory to the final trumpet.
E. What is the overall significance of the trumpets?
The significance is that they show the progression from the journey out of Egypt, to the wandering in the wilderness, and finally to the promised land.
F. How has suffering impacted you as a believer?
I persevere. I can’t give up. He wouldn’t want me to.
3. In PART 5 of Mystery Explained, read the introduction up to the headline: The First Four Trumpets.
A. How are the four sets of judgments like the four gospels? They describe the same series of events but from slightly different perspectives.
B. Give one illustration from Campbell of a parallel between one of the plagues of Exodus and one of the judgments of Revelation. The first trumpet is hail, fire and blood and is modeled on the plague of hail and fire in Exodus.
C. What does Dr. Campbell believe the ultimate purpose of the judgments is? Is to glorify God and demonstrate His authority over the nations of the world
D. What did the sound of the trumpet signify at Mount Sinai? At Jericho? God’s judgment
E. What is the overall significance of the trumpets? That Revelation portrays the Church’s journey out of Egypt into the protected place of the wilderness (church age) and eventually into the promised land (new Jerusalem).
F. How has suffering impacted you as a believer? Pressed on my heart deeper that God is in control and knows what He is doing.
G. Thoughts on the above? This blows me away. I’ve never seen how this fits together before, so I am mulling over it still.
Sunday:
What stands out to you from all of the above and why? The North Korea prisoner released and her faith in our God in an impossible situation, humanly speaking. Of course, for God nothing is impossible.
If you watched the video on the archeology of Jericho, what stood out? Again, the situation at Jericho was impossible from a human perspective, but God led Joshua to follow instructions which made little sense to him, I’m sure, but showed God’s great power.
F. How has suffering impacted you as a believer? I have been struggling through many challenging situations over the last 5 years, which have tested my faith. There has definitely been a psychological aspect where the Enemy has brought me low. Despite my struggles, I hold on to the knowledge that God has a higher purpose and I look for the good purpose He might have in mind, though my human perspective sees only woe. I admit to not having the best attitude about my suffering at times. I’ve definitely had to remind myself that others certainly have it worse. I’ve also had to check my attitude when faced with yet another struggle these past months. My heart has been weak and tired. I found myself giving in to despair. In those times I have been grateful for community which has been able to come alongside and lift me back up. Reflecting now, I see that I need to look for ways to better glorify God through it all. I want to be like Sharon’s friend, though just now I feel far from that.
G. Thoughts on the above? I have been greatly encouraged by the fact that the Bible is one story. Tying Revelation into the rest of the Bible has been so helpful and strengthened my faith.
We’re so glad you are here, Chris. It has helped me to realize we have been in the tribulaton since Christ’s resurrection, so shouldn’t be surprised by suffering. Sounds like you are doing good talking to your soul!
I agree! That has been so helpful!
Chris, glad to see you here. “ I admit to not having the best attitude about my suffering at times.” I go through this, too, and makes me wonder why my faith goes puny at times. I have t discipline myself to speak truth to my soul and it helps me.
Thank you. You put it so well. I loved the sermon on psalm 42 from a past lesson-‘put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.’ Speaking to our souls in such times is so important, and having others to speak into us when we just can’t. 💕 thank you for your encouragement.
3. In PART 5 of Mystery Explained, read the introduction up to the headline: The First Four Trumpets.
A. How are the four sets of judgments like the four gospels? They are speaking of the same events from different perspectives.
B. Give one illustration from Campbell of a parallel between one of the plagues of Exodus and one of the judgments of Revelation. The fifth trumpet involves locust just as the eighth plague of Egypt.
C. What does Dr. Campbell believe the ultimate purpose of the judgments is? The hardening of the hearts of unbelievers and the bringing to pass of God’s judgment.
D. What did the sound of the trumpet signify at Mount Sinai? The ultimate judgement of God on Egypt expressed through the deliverance of his people. At Jericho? Its destruction.
E. What is the overall significance of the trumpets? They highlight the fact that Revelation portrays the journey of the church out of Egypt (Babylon) into the protected place in the wilderness (the church age), and eventually into the Promised Land (the new Jerusalem).
F. How has suffering impacted you as a believer? In my early walk with Christ, I belonged to a name it and claim it type of church and if you were suffering it’s because you weren’t in God’s will and you needed to “figure out” what God’s will was. That suffering was rarely relieved and only led me to pretend that things were o.k. so I didn’t look like a bad Christian. Fortunately, I was a more mature Christian when I was faced with some REAL suffering. I found myself praying more, but also reaffirming in my prayers that I was not going to turn/walk away no matter how hard or confusing it was. That there was a purpose to the suffering even if I could never figure it out.
It is enlightening and sobering to me to realize that unbelievers, though they may claim to be believers, back away from God in times of suffering, and true believers persist, despite not knowing the reason for their suffering. Their mouths are stopped and they know God is wiser than they are.
G. Thoughts on the above? It’s so true!
I like your thoughts on how suffering has impacted you as a believer, Dawn. In regards to your experience at a “name it and claim it church”, I remember seeing a person I knew (not personally) on FB in a video she had made, who had been paralyzed in an accident, talk about how she had been to a healing service and she said, “I know God has healed me….now I have to figure out why I can’t get up out of this chair and walk.” I remember thinking, “How cruel to do that to someone”, putting the burden on the person to try to figure out why they can’t experience the “healing”. I remember your sharing with us several years ago about some of the very real, hard suffering you went through, and I love this: “….reaffirming in my prayers that I was not going to turn/walk away no matter how hard or confusing it was.”
So glad God rescued you from that, Dawn. Such a cruel theology.
5. What comments do you have on the above? Such a good explanation of something that is very baffling to some and used by others to try to show that God is unfair and unjust.
6. Somehow, in God’s mysterious ways, election and free will work together. I believe election is bigger than foreknowledge, but it is a mystery to me how this works. However, I do think it is wise when sharing Christ with another to consider telling them that there is danger in postponing surrender. See Isaiah 55:6. How might you explain this to someone you love? If you are hearing of God’s love for you and His call to you to repent and turn to Him you need to consider that this may be the last time He calls.
7. Compare the plague in Exodus 9:22-25 to the Judgment in Revelation 8:6-7 Fire and hail fell from the sky, but only a portion of the earth was destroyed. In Exodus the land of Goshen was spared and in Revelation only 1/3 of the earth was totally destroyed.
8. What does Dr. Campbell write about this first trumpet in the opening paragraph under “The Four Trumpets.” The fire symbolizes God’s judgement. It deals with the destruction of agriculture and a portion of the food supply. Disobedient Israel is pictured as a prophetic forerunner of spiritual Babylon.
9. Compare the plague in Exodus 7:20 -25 with the second and third trumpet judgments in Revelation 8:8-11. Both involved the sea turning to blood and a portion of the sealife died. Also in Revelation the rivers and springs become undrinkable because of wormwood.
10. What does Dr. Campbell write about the second and third trumpets? They all represent God’s judgement bringing economic ruin and famine. The wormwood symbolizes the bitter results of God’s judgement.
3. In PART 5 of Mystery Explained, read the introduction up to the headline: The First Four Trumpets.
A. How are the four sets of judgments like the four gospels?
All four sets of judgments (seals, trumpets, visions of conflict, and bowls) describe the same series of events but from slightly different perspectives. The four gospels all describe the same set of events but from different perspectives.
B. Give one illustration from Campbell of a parallel between one of the plagues of Exodus and one of the judgments of Revelation.
The second and third trumpets feature the poisoning of the sea and the waters, and parallel the plague on the Nile River in Egypt.
C. What does Dr. Campbell believe the ultimate purpose of the judgments is?
The ultimate purpose of the judgments is to glorify God and demonstrate His authority over the nations of the world.
D. What did the sound of the trumpet signify at Mt. Sinai? At Jericho?
The sound of the trumpet at Mount Sinai was the presence of God on the mountain, where Moses was invited to speak with the Lord. God identified Himself as the Lord “who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of slavery”. So the sound of the trumpet signified God’s judgment on Egypt. The trumpets at Jericho were not for the purpose of warning the inhabitants of the city, but were about God’s impending judgment upon them.
E. What is the overall significance of the trumpets?
Their overall significance is that they highlight the fact that Revelation portrays the journey of the church out of Egypt (Babylon) into the protected place in the wilderness (the church age) and into the promised land (the new Jerusalem).
I’m a little curious as to why it’s called the “protected place in the wilderness”, and that is supposed to be the church age. If we are in the wilderness now, how do we see it as a protected place? Or is this to mean that we are protected in reality, only spiritually (I think we already covered this – my memory is being jogged) because we are not ultimately protected physically.
F. How has suffering impacted you as a believer?
I think the hardest suffering in my life has been the loss of loved ones to death. Their absence leaves such an empty space in my life, and even when I hear people say off-handed remarks like “Well, it’s just the circle of life” – death will always feel unnatural to me, like it isn’t supposed to be this way. I remember it hitting me again when I visited the grave of my brother, who was born before me, but only lived 24 hours. Looking at his marker, which has a little boy resting with his toys near him. A little boy who never lived to grow up. In my mind, and I had more understanding of this because I have raised my own children, I pictured all the things my parents never got to experience with David….I could picture my dad running alongside, teaching him how to ride a bike, and my mom holding him and reading to him. It’s very difficult to see the things people go through when I’m working at the hospital, like a 22 year old who lost part of her leg in an accident. Another kind of suffering is not being able to share my thoughts and feelings, or just talk about, God, and spiritual things, with my husband, the one who I am supposed to feel the closest to, but don’t. It’s also a form of suffering to watch your children live lives minus God.
G. Thoughts on the above?
I agree with what you wrote, Dee, but the part about “their mouths are stopped”….that may come eventually, but there may be a lot of lament before that happens, even anger at God. He can handle all of our emotions.
Susan– I agree with your G. Job did lots of lamenting and questioning before his mouth was stopped at the close, and God was pleased with him. So that’s a good clarification.
And yes, I think the wilderness protection is spiritual. Going back to Job, all he lost, except his children, were doubled in the end – -and that’s because his children were protected spiritually and he would see them again.
5. What comments do you have on the above?
After reading this article, I am thinking about the phrase “God raised Pharaoh up”….maybe it means that God, in a way, put him on display for all to see. Pharaoh had already hardened his heart against the Lord, which was evident when he replied to Moses, “Who is the Lord that I should obey Him?” He “thumbed his nose” at God. Pharaoh was already a hardened man, who still had a choice to turn around, but instead continued on in his hardened ways, so God simply put him on display in a way that ultimately brought glory to God.
6. Somehow, in God’s mysterious ways, election and free will work together. I believe election is bigger than foreknowledge, but it is a mystery to me how this works. However, I do think it is wise when sharing Christ with another to consider telling them that there is danger in postponing surrender. See Isaiah 55:6. How might you explain this to someone you love?
“Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.” Verse 7 goes on to encourage the evil man to turn to God and He will have mercy and freely pardon. Oh, I’m not sure how I would explain this. It sounds as if a person can ‘run out of time’ to repent; yet if a person is “elect”, then that won’t happen, will it? No one who is elect will be lost. On the other hand, it seems hopeless to witness to a person who is not one of the elect, doesn’t it?
7. Compare the plague in Exodus 9:22-25 to the judgement in Revelation 8:6-7.
In Exodus, God sent hail and lightning upon Egypt. It was the worst storm since Egypt had become a nation. It destroyed everything in their fields and every tree was left bare. In Revelation, the angel sounds the trumpet, and hail and fire, mixed with blood, is hurled down upon the earth. A third of the earth is burned up, a third of the trees are burned up, and all the green grass is burned up. So it is much more severe in Revelation, affecting the entire earth and not just one nation. I am wondering why the hail is mixed with blood?
Susan – I loved last week’s sermon when he said “God has arranged it so our prayers make a difference.” I believe also, “God has arranged it so our sharing the good news with others makes a difference.” J. I. Packer wrote a book called Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God. I don’t know how these two very clear truths in Scripture (free will and predestination) work together, but they do. We should pray and share our faith because God tells us to do so, and we do not know, as Ecclesiastes 11 tells us, what will prosper and what will not. But we should keep casting our bread upon the waters.
I love your thoughts.
11. Compare the plague in Exodus 10:21-23 with the Judgment in Revelation 8:12. Darkness
12. What does Dr. Campbell write about the fourth judgment. What does darkness signify? God’s judgment. It was unclear to me: when Dr. Campbell stated that this was not a literal darkness was he including the darkness that was over the land of Egypt in Exodus 10?
13. How have you felt the darkness to be increasing in our world — or do you think it is as it has always been? I think that because Earth’s population is increasing that darkness is increasing because there are more people that can be evil, but I only have to look through history and see that the depravity of man has always been very deep and horrifying. Also I think that because of technology we are hearing more and more disturbing things, but I think they were always there.
14. Read Revelation 8:13. What does the eagle cry out? “Woe, woe, woe to those who live on the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!” How is this the opposite of holy, holy, holy? One definition of holy is exalted. Woe is grievous distress. Significance? It emphasizes the vast difference between God and unbelievers.
15. Read the last paragraph in Mystery Explained in this section which begins “That the events described… A. What common theme do you find in the prophesies of Moses and Amos? They are plagues directed toward Israel.
B. What does Micah 7:9 say? That God will bring His people through it and into the light.
C. What does Dr. Campbell say we should learn from this? That through all sufferings, deprivation and even death, that our lives will remain in the hands of God.
16. Optional: Read Joshua 5:13 to 6:5. What parallels do you see with Revelation? Seven priests and seven angels. Both have seven trumpets bringing God’s judgment.
My thoughts, Dawn. We know it was a literal darkness in Exodus, but I believe that represented the spiritual darkness we are under today.
That’s interesting to see evil has always been here, and perhaps as intense. I think in the past, as in America, they may have been more moral, or better at hiding sin, but still depraved. I agree with you on that — I’ve been reading quite a bit about the danger of Christian nationalism, the belief that our founders were Christian men who were much purer than we are. Not sure that was true at all. After reading the book Hamilton, the only Christian of our Founders seemed to be John Adams. We are depraved, but perhaps in new ways — not slavery, but all this LGBT+ and Critical Race Theory seems so wild.
5. What comments do you have on the above?
All hardening was/is to show the glory of God.
6. See Isaiah 55:6. How might you explain this to someone you love?
This is tough. I’m picturing saying something to our oldest son. He was raised in church but has no spirituality in his life from what I can tell. I guess I could mention mortality to him, as his young cousin has just passed away this past week. Something like, “the Bible says we should all be ready for Jesus to return so it’s important to seek Him now; to get to know Him well.”
7. Compare the plague in Exodus 9:22-25 to the Judgment in Revelation 8:6-7.
God told Moses to lift his arm to the sky and the Lord sent a huge thunderstorm. The Lord also struck the earth with a storm in Rev. There is hail in both.
8. What does Dr. Campbell write about this first trumpet in the opening paragraph under “The Four Trumpets.”
The first trumpet deals with the judgment of agriculture (destruction). The judgments are for a small part of earth, trees, and grass. It is a partial famine.
Laura, I so understand your answer to #6 as my son is in a similar state. Will definitely pray for your son and that God will give you His wisdom and timing.❤️
Laura, I have had the same experience with my grown children. My grandkids are more open to listening to us than our kids. I will pray for your son to have his heart open and for the Lord to send someone into his life who will open his eyes. I know with our children, my words don’t always resonate to their hearts. I have prayed so often that the Lord will bring someone into the life of my son or daughters, who will open their eyes to Jesus. I pray for Jesus to totally take charge of what seems like the impossible to me.
Well, believe it or not, I ended up witnessing to my brother this past weekend instead of my son! We were attending his young daughters funeral and he was a wreck. He asked me why it couldn’t have been him instead of her. I told him that she was saved, so she was ok. Maybe it was their “turn?” She would say to them (her mom and dad) what about you guys now? Do you know Him? Not sure how it will play out, but it gets easier each time I do it.
9. Compare the plague in Exodus 7:20 -25 with the second and third trumpet judgments in Revelation 8:8-11.
The plagues in Exodus brought blood to the water in the river and the water was not drinkable. The second and third trumpets also brought blood and bitter water to the rivers.
10. What does Dr. Campbell write about the second and third trumpets?
The second trumpet projected “…something like a mountain…” into the sea. This represents a strong force against a nation or could be a good or bad kingdom. It refers back to Jeremiah’s “destroying mountain” which will be consumed by fire. One third of the sea refers back to the plagues in Exodus and to maritime destruction.
The third trumpet brought bitter water, again destruction of the maritime economic system. Stars are symbolic of angels (good or bad). This could represent Babylon being cast down from heaven in the OT. Jeremiah prophecies that God would judge by using “wormwood,” which is a bitter herb.
Tuesday
5. What comments do you have on the above?
I really like this website, thanks for introducing it Dee. This idea that God hardened Pharaohs heart has caused many debates but I had never heard this problem before, “Pharaoh being exempt from responsibility for his actions because God hardened his heart to accomplish His divine purposes.” It got me thinking how many people who believe this feel they’re “off the hook” so to speak. They aren’t responsible for their sinful nature. After all if God hardens hearts, what chance have I got? The first solution he gives I feel plays back into the problem, although He is omniscient, many Christians have differing views on just what that means, but the second is very important to note that Pharaoh hardened his heart first! The example of Joseph in the third solution explains very well how God uses even evil to accomplish His will and glorification.
6. Somehow, in God’s mysterious ways, election and free will work together. I believe election is bigger than foreknowledge, but it is a mystery to me how this works. However, I do think it is wise when sharing Christ with another to consider tellng them that there is danger in postponing surrender. See Isaiah 55:6. How might you explain this to someone you love?
Wow Dee, you sure know how to stretch me! Having a conversation with my daughter (she is a Christian) just the other day about election, she really struggled with it. I told her the exact same thing, that election and free will work together but it’s something I take in faith that… God has it all figured out.
Explaining Isaiah 55:6 to someone I love…God loves you very much and I would encourage you to open up your heart and reach out to Him. Picture Him with open arms just waiting to receive you. Now may be your only chance as you don’t know what tomorrow holds and His desire is for you to be His child.
I think one thing about election is many Christians use it as an excuse not to witness and that is the argument against it, but we don’t know God’s plan, we don’t know how He draws people to Himself and we may just be the tool to accomplish it.
Below is a quote from Spurgeon…
The system of truth is not one straight line, but two. No man will ever get a right view of the gospel until he knows how to look at the two lines at once. I am taught in one book to believe that what I sow I shall reap: I am taught in another place, that “it is not of him that willeth nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy.” I see in one place, God presiding over all in providence; and yet I see, and I cannot help seeing, that man acts as he pleases, and that God has left his actions to his own will, in a great measure. Now, if I were to declare that man was so free to act, that there was no presidence of God over his actions, I should be driven very near to Atheism; and if, on the other hand, I declare that God so overrules all things, as that man is not free enough to be responsible, I am driven at once into Antinomianism or fatalism. That God predestines, and that man is responsible, are two things that few can see. They are believed to be inconsistent and contradictory; but they are not. It is just the fault of our weak judgment. Two truths cannot be contradictory to each other. If, then, I find taught in one place that everything is fore-ordained,that is true; and if I find in another place that man is responsible for all his actions, that is true; and it is my folly that leads me to imagine that two truths can ever contradict each other. These two truths, I do not believe, can ever be welded into one upon any human anvil, but one they shall be in eternity: they are two lines that are so nearly parallel, that the mind that shall pursue them farthest, will never discover that they converge; but they do converge, and they will meet somewhere in eternity, close to the throne of God, whence all truth doth spring.”
I love that from Spurgeon, Sharon. Keller has a sermon called Love Before The World on election that is good.
Thank you, Sharon for the quote from Spurgeon. I remember my husband using the illustration of the 2 parallel rails of a railroad track ( I think he said he heard it from someone else).
Tuesday:
https://defendinginerrancy.com/bible-solutions/Romans_9.17.php
5. What comments do you have on the above?
I think the article gives a good explanation-as good as humans can give. I think God’s time is fluid unlike ours-we segment time..as A happens, then B, then C. God doesn’t live in that limitation. Since I see life as segmented yesterday, then today, then tomorrow, there is no way I can grasp how God moves in foreknowledge, election, hardening hearts and softening hearts while at the same time we have a responsibility of the chose to harden our hearts or yield to His Spirit wooing us.
6. Somehow, in God’s mysterious ways, election and free will work together. I believe election is bigger than foreknowledge, but it is a mystery to me how this works. However, I do think it is wise when sharing Christ with another to consider tellng them that there is danger in postponing surrender. See Isaiah 55:6. How might you explain this to someone you love?
a month or so ago my oldest son called me because he was struggling with life and becoming deeply anxious. In the middle of him pouring his heart out to me and me trying to encourage him by asking him, “has this happened yet?” he said, “no”, I said, “You are making yourself experience a worst case scenario when it hasn’t happened yet.” He is factual-aspergers. He said in tears, “you’re right.” He asked me how i get through my anxiety. I said, “I know you don’t believe this but I prefer to tell you the truth. There is no way I would have made it through all these valleys lately if it weren’t for Jesus walking through them with me. He’s given me this joy in the pain.” He said, “I know mom, that is your crutch and it is okay but I don’t believe that.” So knowing that my son was brought up in the Word and around us, and others in the body of Christ, I sensed God leading me to confront. I said, “son, when are you going to stop running from God? ” He loves you and wants you so-and I believe He has His hand on you and isn’t giving up on you, all you need to do is surrender to Him.” He said, “mom, I’ve been thinking about God lately but I’m not sure I believe yet. I haven’t ruled Him out but if I had proof He existed I would.” I didn’t try to prove because I’ve already had those conversations with him. So I told him that there isn’t a guarantee that any of us will be here tomorrow, and the longer you wait the harder your heart will get. He said he would think about it. I haven’t heard anything since but I know God is working.
7. Compare the plague in Exodus 9:22-25 to the Judgment in Revelation 8:6-7 The Hail was thrown upon the Earth. Everything was destroyed including the grass, trees, etc. They are very similar except for the blood mentioned in Revelation, but maybe the blood represents people.
I pray he really will think about it! I thought your response was wise.
I’ll be praying for your son. I’m glad that he can be honest with you without being hostile.
It has been another hectic week. I hope no one minds, but I’m going to put a bunch of comments here rather than on individual posts.
1. What stood out in the introduction?
It was very helpful to see where the perspective was from in each set of judgements. The clip of the journalists as they were met by family was so moving. It made me think about what it will be like when we enter the physical presence of Jesus, having been released from this world.
2. The film about Jericho. I always appreciate hearing when someone can provide ‘proof’ of what we read in the Bible. Even when some of the details aren’t exactly right. In Joshua 6:24, it says that they then burned the whole city and everything in it, except the articles of metal that had been dedicated to God. Not sure how grain would have survived that. And in Joshua 6:26, Joshua curses the rebuilding of the city, specifically mentioning the foundations. Those two things left me with a lot of questions. They didn’t talk about how people from the city searched for the spies for three days. I’ve always wondered if they noticed the scarlet cord coming from Rahab’s house?
3. C. As Susan pointed out, there are four judgements, and four gospels. I wondered what significance that has, if any. And, yes! The ultimate purpose is to glorify God and demonstrate His authority. I’d also add that it shows His right to judge, having held out the offer of grace so many times. G. Susan so rightly pointed out that God can handle any of our emotions, and we can freely share them with Him. The important thing is to keep going to Him and not turn away. We talked about this a lot in the study on lament.
6. What Sharon said about not knowing what tomorrow holds, so don’t delay coming to Jesus. And the quote from Spurgeon was great! Just because we can’t wrap our minds around something doesn’t mean God can’t, either.
13. The increase in darkness and Dawn’s comments on the fact that depravity has always been with us. I wonder if we are like the frog in the beaker, being slowly boiled to death. It is hard for us to see the true scope of where we are compared to where we’ve been. Easy for us to try and rationalize away the depravity of society, claiming it has always been this bad. I guess only God is able to see and measure and know.
Good questions, Mary. Thanks too for your comments to others.
Mary, you are such an encourager!!
So glad you are here.
Tuesday
7. Compare the plague in Exodus 9:22-25 to the Judgment in Revelation 8:6-7
Hail and fire thrown on the earth. The hail in Revelation was mixed with blood.
8. What does Dr. Campbell write about this first trumpet in the opening paragraph under “The Four Trumpets.”
The fire symbolizes God’s judgement and its origin is before the throne. It destroys a portion of the food supply. Similar to the 3rd seal judgement. Ezekiel prophesied a similar judgement against Israel and if this also lies behind John’s vision then disobedient Israel is pictured here as a prophetic forerunner of the last days evil world system later identified as spiritual Babylon.
9. Compare the plague in Exodus 7:20 -25 with the second and third trumpet judgments in Revelation 8:8-11.
The Nile was turned to blood and the fish died. One third of the sea became blood and 1/3rd of the living creatures in the sea died.
10. What does Dr. Campbell write about the second and third trumpets?
2nd trumpet…The Old Testament uses mountains as a symbolic representation of nations being judged by God. In Revelation mountains speak of kingdoms, good or bad. It pictures destruction of commercial trade, flushed out in the depiction of the judgement of Babylon. 3rd trumpet…The fire being God’s judgement is focused on maritime economic system bringing economic ruin and famine. Stars elsewhere in Revelation refer to angelic beings representing people, nations and such a being of an evil nature could be involved here. Wormwood, which is a bitter herb and pollutes the water is part of God’s judgement.
Very clear explanations from Sharon!
Wednesday
11. Compare the plague in Exodus 10:21-23 with the Judgment in Revelation 8:12.
A darkness came over the land except on the people of Israel that was so thick people couldn’t see one another, lasted 3 days.
1/3 of the sun, moon and stars were struck, 1/3rd of the day was dark and 1/3rd of the night was dark.
12. What does Dr. Campbell write about the fourth judgment. Darkness isn’t literal but describes a nation or society that rejects God. It is a figurative judgement of God. Sin is its punishment and ungodliness deepens the darkness. What does darkness signify. Ungodliness
Monday: Getting Ready
3. In PART 5 of Mystery Explained, read the introduction up to the headline: The First Four Trumpets.
A. How are the four sets of judgments like the four gospels?
They describe the same series of events but from slightly different perspectives; the gospels all describe the same set of events but from different perspectives.
B. Give one illustration from Campbell of a parallel between one of the plagues of Exodus and one of the judgments of Revelation.
The second and third trumpet feature the poisoning of the sea and the waters and are modeled on the plague of the Nile.
C. What does Dr. Campbell believe the ultimate purpose of the judgments is?
The hardening of hearts of unbelievers an bringing to pass of God’s judgment. The ultimate goals is to glorify God and demonstrate His authority over all nations.
D. What did the sound of the trumpet signify at Mount Sinai? At Jericho?
At Mt. Sinai, it marked the presence of God on the mountain. At Jericho, it was about judgment.
E. What is the overall significance of the trumpets?
They highlight the fact that Revelation portrays the journey of the church out of Egypt (Babylon) , into the protected place in the wilderness (church age) and eventually into the Promised Land (the new Jerusalem)
F. How has suffering impacted you as a believer?
It is enlightening and sobering to me to realize that unbelievers, though they may claim to be believers, back away from God in times of suffering, and true believers persist, despite not knowing the reason for their suffering. Their mouths are stopped and they know God is wiser than they are.
G. Thoughts on the above?
I remember moments with my elderly patients where they are on their deathbeds. Some are as accepting as they can be and others struggled to their last breath. One particular lady who was close to me called for me as her adopted son was overseas. I rushed to the nursing home to pray with her and hold her hand. It was comforting to see that even though her breathing was labored, I saw her hand come up and her eyes opened like she saw something or someone and then she passed away.
My own suffering has brought me closer to God because I have come to the realization that I cannot do anything apart from Him. Although relief from suffering always has brought joy to me, it is in the journey that I have truly discovered the unchanging character of God.
Bing, I have learned so much through the wisdom you have gained in walking with the Lord. This just spoke to my heart… “Although relief from suffering always has brought joy to me, it is in the journey that I have truly discovered the unchanging character of God.”
What a gift you have been to so many as they pass into the next life, Bing.
Thank you, Sharon and Dee, for your kind words.
Wednesday
13. How have you felt the darkness to be increasing in our world — or do you think it is as it has always been?
I think it always has been, but as I’ve grown closer to the Lord the more the darkness is evident.
14. Read Revelation 8:13. What does the eagle cry out? Woe, woe, woe (ESV). Terror, terror, terror (NLT). Doom, doom, doom (The Message). How is this the opposite of holy, holy, holy? It goes from worship to judgement. Significance? It seems that God will be known for judgment which will bring men to their knees, whether than falling to their knees out of worship of His holiness.
15. Read the last paragraph in Mystery Explained in this section which begins “That the events described… A. What common theme do you find in the prophesies of Moses and Amos? They both came out of disobedience, not returning to the Lord.
B. What does Micah 7:9 say? ”I will be patient as the Lord punishes me, for I have sinned against Him. But after that, He will take up my case and give me justice for all I have suffered from my enemies.”
C. What does Dr. Campbell say we should learn from this? “In the midst of suffering and battle, God would protect His people…bring them to the light and will look upon His vindication.” ”Through the sufferings, deprivation and death continually occurring in history, unbelievers are confronted with the reminder that the world and their lives remain in the hands of God and that their idolatrous trust in things other than God has been gravelly and fatally miss placed.”
16. Optional: Read Joshua 5:13 to 6:5. What parallels do you see with Revelation? Joshua, the leader of Israel stood on holy ground, worshipped and from there went into battle against Jericho where after marching around once for 6 days, on the 7th day marched around 7 times, 7 priests each carrying a ram’s horn and after one long blowing of the horns the walls of Jericho fell and judgement befell them.
In Revelation there was silence in heaven, a worshipping, then 7 trumpets were given to 7 angels from which judgement would come,
That is a sobering and rather terrible thought, isn’t it — that some will fall to their knees due to judgment rather than worship!
Sharon, I appreciate the different versions of the word, “Woe”. That is scary.
Thursday/Friday Sermon (I found him hard to follow for me as far as taking good notes,)
“The seal of God doesn’t remove us from tribulation because tribulation itself, self evidences the power of God’s seal. “ Norm
Who is God?
God pouring out judgement is hard for us to understand…it’s abrasive and dictatorial.
4 things we learn about God amidst judgement.
The 7th seal is silence, unique and anticlimactic. The earth is shaking but in heaven there is silence. There is silence not because God doesn’t care, which could make us feel alone, but rather He is intensely concerned with what we’re going through. (Rev. 8:2-4)…The silence is connected to the prayers of the people of God. That’s where God’s focus is. God hears us, so meaningful.
.God hears you! He hears even before we speak them, they are a fragrant aroma to Him.
Verse 3 prayers and incense are rising up. Rev.6:10. A prayer for ultimate judgement. Come Lord Jesus…these are the prayers of the people of God. It’s what pushes God to act. Is my life marked by this prayer, by this plea? Are we living like we have a hope. God uses us.
God answers us. The prayer Come Lord Jesus is already being answered…He’s on His way. He answers in judgement, why?
God is holy. It sets Him apart, it’s why Jesus had to come and die and rise. Written on our hearts is a longing for the holiness of God. Gods justice is perfect. He will not clear the guilty.
1/3 repeated 13 times. Point of trumpets? God is sounding a warning.
God is gracious. Not judging all at once. Grace is holding back His kingdom. Trying to get our attention. Natural disasters are continually increasing and the trumpets are being blow.
We’re citizens of another home. We must bring the gospel
Oh how we need to be praying “Come Lord Jesus!”
Sharon, I am so impressed with your heart and diligence.
Tuesday: First Three Trumpets
It is a mystery as to why God would harden hearts, but here is a one page article with an explanation. Read this:
https://defendinginerrancy.com/bible-solutions/Romans_9.17.php
5. What comments do you have on the above?
This is still a mystery-God’s foreknowledge and man’s free will. I do make the choice at the moment but God already knew beforehand what my choice will be.
I found this from TGC by Kevin DeYoung and the section on the timelessness of God helped me a little bit. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevin-deyoung/can-god-know-everything-and-still-give-us-free-will/
6. Somehow, in God’s mysterious ways, election and free will work together. I believe election is bigger than foreknowledge, but it is a mystery to me how this works. However, I do think it is wise when sharing Christ with another to consider telling them that there is danger in postponing surrender. See Isaiah 55:6. How might you explain this to someone you love?
“Call on the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.”
Jesus will come unexpectedly. Now is the time to surrender to Him. Nobody knows what tomorrow will bring. And one does not need to understand everything to surrender to God. “Just as I am, without one plea, as the song goes.”
7. Compare the plague in Exodus 9:22-25 to the Judgment in Revelation 8:6-7
8. What does Dr. Campbell write about this first trumpet in the opening paragraph under “The Four Trumpets.”
The first trumpet deals with the destruction of agriculture-partial famine.
9. Compare the plague in Exodus 7:20 -25 with the second and third trumpet judgments in Revelation 8:8-11.
10. What does Dr. Campbell write about the second and third trumpets?
The destruction of international trade; economic ruin and famine and harsh results of God’s judgment.
Trying to catch up! This week has been a challenge but am glad to see all make effort to comment-that keeps me going as well!
Wednesday: The Fourth Trumpet
11. Compare the plague in Exodus 10:21-23 with the Judgment in Revelation 8:12.
Exodus plague of darkness
12. What does Dr. Campbell write about the fourth judgment. What does darkness signify?
It describes the life of any nation or society which rejects the ways of God. Sin is its own punishment, and ungodly ways serve only to deepen the darkness in which people live.
13. How have you felt the darkness to be increasing in our world — or do you think it is as it has always been?
I think darkness has insidiously and progressively come into our world. When I read Spurgeon or listen to reruns of Billy Graham crusades, they wrote of darkness as if they are talking of and to our present generation. I feel at times that we are just repeating history from OT times. Although the issues maybe different, the sin beneath the sin is still idolatry. God, I praise you for these: “But You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, Slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth.” Psalm 86:15; The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
14. Read Revelation 8:13. What does the eagle cry out? How is this the opposite of holy, holy, holy? Significance?
The eagle cries out “woe to the inhabitants of the earth”. It is the opposite of Holy, holy, holy to emphasize the holiness of God from whom judgment will come.
15. Read the last paragraph in Mystery Explained in this section which begins “That the events described… A. What common theme do you find in the prophesies of Moses and Amos?
Moses prophesied that the OT plagues would come upon a disobedient Israel and Amos declared the fulfillment of the pestilence.
B. What does Micah 7:9 say?
In the latter days, the nations of the world would experience the judgments that came upon Egypt.
C. What does Dr. Campbell say we should learn from this?
Our lives remain in the hands of God.
16. Optional: Read Joshua 5:13 to 6:5. What parallels do you see with Revelation?
The trumpet blast is an announcement of judgment to Jericho just as it is for unbelievers now.
Thursday/Friday Sermon
I listened to several and thought this to be the most excellent. A bit of a review and he wonderfully helps give perspective to the judgments. You can watch him, or download the mp3.
This is heavy stuff. The judgments are not in chronological order, but they are cyclical. The judgements have happened, are happening right now and will continue to happen and intensify. God has sealed His people so they will endure suffering. The seal is for their protection. The seal of God does not remove us from tribulation. Tribulation itself evidences the power of God’s seals on us.
What does divine judgment tell us about the character of God?
1. 1. God hears us amid cosmic upheaval. What does it mean to you to know that God hears your prayer, is attentive to your cry, your life, your situation?
If your life is hidden in Christ, He hears you. Your prayers are like incense, a pleasing aroma to Him. Our prayers should be for Jesus to come and bring justice as those who are under the altar are praying, “how long, O Lord?” Is your prayer marked by a plea for Jesus to come?
2. 2. God answers us.
God is already answering. Jesus is on His way. He will come when we least expect it. Peals of thunder, flashes of lightning, rumblings. His answer is tied directly to His judgment. Why judgment? Why does not He just come?
3. 3. God is holy. The answer of God comes in judgment because He is holy. His holiness sets Him apart. In each of our hearts, we desire to see the holiness of God. We want justice, we want wrongs righted. But often we want justice according to our own terms. We have bias to suit our needs. God’s justice is perfect justice. The cries of our hearts are not like God’s justice. When we see the holiness of God, our only hope is a new kingdom, a new heaven and a new earth.
4. 4. God is gracious. 13x the phrase “a third” is mentioned. God is sounding a warning that is going louder and louder to get the attention of the people. God is gracious so people can turn to Him before it is too late. The Lord is not slow-the only thing that is holding Christ to come now is his unquenchable grace. Revelation 8 is unfolding before us-We see the unraveling of creation. There is an increasing intensity of natural disasters by 80% between 2001 and 2010. The return of Christ signals the end of people who put their hope and trust in anything other than Christ. He waits because He is grace. We need a Savior. “For God so love the world that He gave His only begotten son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 He also waits before sending Jesus again. His judgments will continue to intensify. Do not miss the alarm-do not wait.
Believer’s prayer: Come, Lord Jesus. We are citizens of another country. Help us not to put down our roots here-this is not our home. There will be birth pains until we see Jesus face to face. Help us not to be negligent in bringing the gospel to others. To the unbeliever: Jesus is waiting for you. Your call is to come to Jesus.
Saturday:
17. What is your take-a-way and why?
a. Suffering is part of my journey here on earth. It should not come as a surprise. I Peter 4:12 “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test you [that is, to test the quality of your faith], as though something strange or unusual were happening to you.”
Matthew 10:22 “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endures to the end shall be saved.”
b. God hears and answers my prayers and I can be an active participant through them in bringing about His purposes. I want to be more fervent in my prayers for the lost and those who have strayed away from Him.
Saturday
17. What is your take-a-way and why?
Urgency!! Yes, He is a God of love but He is holy too! Is it true that if we just love, we’ll bring people into the church? I think that is important and showing grace but have we brought up a generation that justifies sin thinking they’re showing love? Does a parent not discipline…if we just love them and not correct them, showing there are no consequences for their actions…is that love? I really think my father-in-law saw this when he did a series of sermons on hell…it woke up his church! As you said Dee, it is very sobering to think of seeing blended knees due to judgment rather than worship!
Please forgive my rant, but people need the Lord, to know Him and all His attributes.
Not a rant. Truth speaking.
17. What is your take-a-way and why? I love how once again we are shown how the everything in the bible ties together. I love the insightful answers and comments from my sisters here.
I’ve always been a little perplexed at why we are to pray for Christ’s return if the reason God is holding back final judgement is because of His mercy for people. I do pray it because I want to see everything put right and see with my own eyes everything that is veiled.
Dawn, I have these moments: ” I’ve always been a little perplexed at why we are to pray for Christ’s return if the reason God is holding back final judgment is because of His mercy for people. ” And there are other mysteries but we do obey what God asks of us and everything that is veiled will be unveiled for us. If when we finally “see”, would we would gasp and be silent in awe because of the magnificent beauty of the unveiled?
Bing, yes I think we will!
I resonate with your perplexion, Dawn. Yet am glad to put the timing in His hands!
11. Compare the plague in Exodus 10:21-23 with the Judgment in Revelation 8:12.
There is darkness in both.
12. What does Dr. Campbell write about the fourth judgment. What does darkness signify?
The darkness represents our sin; our separation from God. It represents the judgment of God on the people of Israel.
13. How have you felt the darkness to be increasing in our world — or do you think it is as it has always been?
I think it has always been here, however it comes and goes in waves. Currently, our country is in pain with the 23 week abortion, gender identity confusion, and rampant violence not punished (People who are just awful who beat others in the street, and just today in NYC, a poor woman shot in the back of the head, with no recourse because there is no more bail in some places.).
14. Read Revelation 8:13. What does the eagle cry out? How is this the opposite of holy, holy, holy? Significance?
“Then I looked, and I heard a single eagle crying loudly as it flew through the air, “Terror, terror, terror to all who belong to this world because of what will happen when the last three angels blow their trumpets.””
Revelation 8:13 NLT
I’m not sure I agree that the two words are opposites. The word “holy” means “…exalted, perfect in goodness and righteousness…” Merriam-Webster. The word “terror” means “…intense, overwhelming fear…” One is a noun and the other an adjective. Do you mean that one is directed to God and the other to the devil? I suppose I can see that, if so.
Holy, holy, holy is way more comforting than the Terror, terror, terror for sure!
Good point — contrast would be better than opposite. You are the left-brainer, I am the right! 🙂
Thanks to all who persisted this week, as we are in the hard part of Revelation, yet there are blessings there too. It has helped me increase my awareness of the holiness of God and it has increased my prayer life!
15. Read the last paragraph in Mystery Explained in this section which begins “That the events described… A. What common theme do you find in the prophesies of Moses and Amos?
The theme is disobedience of the Israelites and punishment by God.
B. What does Micah 7:9 say?
It is acceptance of the punishment and justice by the Lord on the enemies of the persecuted.
C. What does Dr. Campbell say we should learn from this?
God will protect His people.
8. What does Dr. Campbell write about this first trumpet in the opening paragraph under “The Four Trumpets”?
The first trumpet judgment is the destruction of agriculture and is based upon the Exodus plague of hail and fire. Only a portion of the earth’s food supply is destroyed.
9. Compare the plague in Exodus 7:20-25 with the second and third trumpet judgments in Revelation 8:8-11.
The passage in Exodus recounts when Moses lifted his staff and the Nile River turned to blood. All the fish died and no one could drink the water. However, the court magicians were also able to turn water into blood and so Pharaoh hardened his heart. In Revelation, when the second trumpet is blown, fire (judgment) comes from heaven and one-third of the water in the sea becomes blood, and one-third of all things living in the sea die. Also, some ships are destroyed. At the third trumpet, a great flaming star falls out of the sky, burning like a torch. The star’s name is Bitterness. It makes one-third of the water in rivers and springs bitter, or maybe even poisonous, because many people die when they drink it.
10. What does Dr. Campbell write about the second and third trumpets?
He writes that mountains are symbolic of nations being judged by God (a “mountain of fire” coming down from heaven) and that this vision is likely rooted in Jeremiah’s portrayal of Babylon as a “destroying mountain” which itself was destroyed by fire. The third of the sea refers to the plague on the Nile River. This trumpet judgment pictures the destruction of maritime commerce and international trade.
The third trumpet judgment is also one in which fire represents God’s judgment, here also focused on the international maritime economic system, and will bring ruin and famine. Stars may represent angelic beings or a being of an evil nature. The bitter water, or “wormwood”, also refers to God’s judgment and Him giving people bitter food and poisoned water.
11. Compare the plague in Exodus 10:21-23 with the judgment in Revelation 8:12.
In Exodus, God caused a terrifying darkness to fall upon the land of Egypt for three days, and the people couldn’t move about because they couldn’t see. In Revelation, one-third of the sun, moon, and stars becomes dark, and so one-third of the day is dark and one-third of the night, too.
12. What does Dr. Campbell write about the fourth judgment? What does darkness signify?
He writes that the darkness is not literal, but a figurative description of God’s judgment. In Zephaniah 1, God’s judgment on Israel is described as “darkness and gloom” and “as a day of trumpet blast”. Darkness signifies the life of any nation or society that rejects the ways of God.
13. How have you felt the darkness to be increasing in our world, or do you think it is as it has always been?
Well, there were some pretty horrible things going on in ancient times too, like child sacrifice to gods, incest, rape, and yes, homosexuality. But it seems in years past, some things were not socially acceptable and not portrayed, for example, on television or in movies. Now, anything goes. I also see a real current of anger in our society, even before this last political election. For example, in the hospital where I work, every day I’m at work I hear a Code Violet being called somewhere in the hospital, usually in the ER. That means a violent situation with a patient or family member is occurring and we have to call security. I had to call my first Code Violet on a patient just last week. It’s scary that we can be threatened by patients and/or their family members while we’re at work.
14. Read Revelation 8:13. What does the eagle cry out? How is this the opposite of holy, holy, holy? Significance?
The eagle cries out, “Terror, terror, terror to all who belong to this world because of what will happen when the last three angels blow their trumpets.”
“Holy, Holy, Holy” was heard being said by all those creatures surrounding God’s throne and praising Him. But Holy God is now about to bring terror upon the people of the earth who do not belong to Him. We are protected by God’s holiness when we belong to Him. Terror is the fate of those who do not.
15. Read the last paragraph in Mystery Explained in this section which begins “That the events described”
A. What common theme do you find in the prophesies of Moses and Amos?
Moses prophesied that the OT plagues would come upon disobedient Israel, and Amos said, “I (God) sent upon you a pestilence after the manner of Egypt…yet you did not return to Me.”
B. What does Micah 7:9 say?
“He will bring me out to the light; I shall look upon his vindication.”
C. What does Dr. Campbell say we should learn from this?
In light of the fact that in the latter days, which began after Christ’s death and resurrection, the nations of the world will experience the same kinds of judgments that befell Egypt, unbelievers will be confronted with the fact that their idolatrous trust in things other than God is gravely misplaced.
16. Optional: Read Joshua 5:13 to 6:5. What parallels do you see with Revelation?
There are angelic beings in Revelation, and Joshua meets a man holding a sword who says that he is the commander of God’s army, and that Joshua has to take off his shoes because the ground around this being is holy. (So he has come from the presence of God) The people of Jericho are afraid of the Israelites and trust in their city wall to protect them, just like unbelievers trust in things that can’t save them. God’s judgment upon Jericho also uses trumpets, or ram’s horns. The final, one long blast signals God’s judgment on the city when the walls collapse.
Excellent, excellent sermon. It helps put the big picture of Revelation in perspective and to understand the holiness and the imperative of judgment and the amazing grace of God. Though the sermon was preached in 2016, it is even more relevant today with the physical world unravelling before our eyes. “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”