Denial is dangerous.
My husband was a wonderful optimist, and that made him a joy to be around. He loved people, he laughed a lot, and he saw the best in everything and everyone. He was Barnabas t0 my Jeremiah, and I loved him so for it.
But his optimism had a downside. When his stomach pains began, he was in denial that anything could be seriously wrong. I pleaded with him to get a colonoscopy, and he obliged me, going through the prep. But just before he was to get it, an emergency call came in from one of his patients. He settled for a “partial” colonoscopy so that he wouldn’t need anesthesia and could go help his patient. He was sure he would be fine, sure the partial scope would do.
It didn’t. He was gone two years later.
I have found solace in the sovereignty of God, yet I still realize denial is dangerous. This is particularly true with the doctrine of God’s wrath. Why does Revelation spend ten chapters on it? Because it matters — it helps us realize the holiness of God, the patience of God, and the urgency of living wholly for Him.
The world is in denial about the judgment of God. Even when an unbeliever dies, they say: “At least they are not suffering now.”
Really? That’s a faith-based statement based on absolutely no evidence.
That is a complete denial about the holiness and justice of God.
Perhaps the most famous sermon ever preached was Jonathan Edward’s “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” Its truth lit the flames of revival.
I remember studying it in high school, but the textbook mocked it. As Edwards said: “Almost every natural man that hears of hell, flatters himself that he shall escape it.”
The evidence for a loving but holy and just God is ENORMOUS.
Do we hear sermons about hell in our church? As our own Sharon said, when her own father-in-law did a series of sermons about hell, it woke up the church. I know it’s hard, but I also know we need it, so I applaud every one who persists and does the lesson this week!
At the end of the week, I’m going to give you an option between two sermons: Jonathan Edwards or a contemporary one you’ll need to buy from Gospel in Life. Both excellent, yet both like bitter medicine that does our souls GREAT good. (Even if you can only bear half of Edwards, it will be good for your soul.)
Revelation does deal with the very end times, and that is where we are when we get to the end of these four different perspectives of God’s judgment of the world. This week we see hell unleashed on earth with trumpets 5 and 6. Then there is a pause before the 7th trumpet, but by then it is too late to repent.
God allows the same prince who controlled the world during the church age to unleash fury on the world, but the ones who bear his mark will be protected — spiritually, definitely, and perhaps more.
Like the Israelites who put the mark over their doors, the blood of the lamb, we who are under the blood of lamb have an invisible mark as well. One sermon I heard thought the symbol of the mark on our foreheads, whether it is the mark of God or the mark of the beast has to do with the connection foreheads have with our mind. What do we believe? Do we believe God is holy and just as well as merciful and forgiving?
We can be so thankful we are children of a God who is both just and merciful.
My daughter Sally, who is a Christian counselor, and hears so many tragic stories, says, “Now that I know we are in the tribulation, this should not surprise me.”
I can’t really imagine what the very end times will be like, but they sound terrible. I am so thankful that God will not allow Satan to inflict those who bear God’s mark, yet still, I think it will be terrible, and am thankful that for the sake of the elect, he will cut those times short.
There are many opinions from people I respect on what these pictures of stinging, whirring, locusts represent, these pictures which seem like they come from a Stephen King novel. I doubt they are helicopters, as the movie “A Thief in The Night” imagined, but it’s possible. Are they literal locusts as they were in Egypt – locusts who make people want to die but cannot? Maybe — that’s terrible too. It reminds me of the videos I’m seeing of the mouse plague in Australia — where they absolutely are covering the whole floor. (I can’t even bear to show you a video – a mouse plague would be my worst nightmare.) Or they may be, as Dr. Campbell, believes, based on allusions to Joel, a literal army. G. K. Beale’s interpretation, in his commentary that he did with Dr. Campbell is that these verses present a picture of ferocious creatures representing demonic spirits who bring torment on unbelievers. Michael Wilcox sees it as all the evil that the sin and Satan have brought, but which God has allowed, from cancers, to car accidents, to wars. These all, before the 7th trumpet, still can bring man to repentance. Wilcox quotes C. S. Lewis in how God shouts to us in our pain, and then asks: “If we will not hear the tremendous voice of the pain of bereavement, then there can be no hope for us.”
Word Document for Hell- Fury Unleashed
Sunday:
- What stands out to you from the above and why?
Monday: Woe, Woe, Woe
2. Read Revelation 8:13. What do you see and what does it mean?
3. Read Dr. Campbell’s Introduction to the Last Three Trumpets
A. What is the significance, often, of eagles flying overhead?
B. How are the 5th and 6th trumpets different in their attack than the first four?
C. Has God spoken to you through the tremendous pain of bereavement? Share, if you choose.
4. Are you finding these passages difficult to study? If so, why do you persist?
5. Read Revelation 9:1-2. What do you see and what does it mean?
6. Read the first two paragraphs under the fifth trumpet (in kindle end with the sentence “sin is its own punishment.”
A. Who is the angel who fell like lightning what do you learn about him?
B. What cost have you or might you pay for refusing to compromise with the culture?
C. What does smoke signify?
D. How has sin been its own punishment in your life?
Tuesday: The Fifth Trumpet
7. Read Revelation 9:3-11 and describe what will happen with the fifth trumpet (and first woe.)
8. Under the fifth trumpet in Mystery Explained, read the rest of the section beginning with the paragraph that starts “The locusts come upon the earth.”
A. In this paragraph, what is different and what is similar to the plagues of Egypt?
B. In the paragraph that begins “The limits of the powers…” – why won’t believers experience confusion and madness of mind?
C. In the paragraph that beings “Next comes a detailed description” –what support does Dr. Campbell give for this being a literal army?
D. What do you think of G. K. Beales’ interpretation that these are demonic spirits inhabiting false teachers?
E. Read up to THE SIXTH TRUMPET and share anything else that stands out to you.
Wednesday: The Sixth Trumpet
9. Read Revelation 9:12-21
A. What were these demonic angels allowed to do according to verse 15?
B. Dr. Campbell says the river Euphrates “is a biblical code” for the spiritual (not literal or geographic) place from which demonic forces come. (It is also true that the literal area of the Euphrates, as Michael Wilcox points out, was the scene of much evil for Israel.) How does this passage say they will they kill people?
C. Though it seems the rest of mankind could still repent, they will not according to this passage. What is their basic sin and why would this cause them not to repent do you think?
10. Read Dr. Campbell’s whole section under the sixth trumpet and share what stands out to you.
Thursday/Friday Sermon Choice
Here is a link to a contemporary sermon from Scot Sherman at Redeemer in New York that is a bit easier to listen to than Edwards, yet has the same truths. You’ll need to buy it, however, for 2.50. https://gospelinlife.com/downloads/the-seven-trumpets-6267/
Here is a link to Edward’s sermon, which you can also find online in print if you prefer to read it. Or there are other narrators if you don’t like the Scottish accent. I like, however, his introduction.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2S6rtaERmw
11. Share your comments or notes.
Saturday:
12. What is your take-a-way and why?
129 comments
Oh , Dee! I was struck by your personal example of denial. My husband is so like Steve in many ways except that he does not laugh as much, perhaps because his asthma will be triggered. But when he laughs, it is a joy to behold. Maybe because I am a nurse and often watched him like a hawk lol when it comes to his health. He suffers quietly but lately have been more attentive to his health. Which I am thankful for. although the topic this week is sort of scary, I would l Ike to persevere and study. I would like to feel the urgency of the times, not to be fearful but to be bold in sharing the gospel without which so many will be destined to hell. I know is gracious and merciful but I cannot deny His holiness and justice. Lord, give us the courage to enter doors of opportunity to share Jesus with others.
I think I’d like your husband. No wonder you watch him like a hawk.
I am so late ….it is already Sunday… and we are on Lesson 16. These are comments on last week. I hope it is okay that I am posting it now. The last part is relevant to this week too.
I loved what you wrote, Mary. Thank you. My comments are very random on last week. I did all the lessons, but it was a bit of a circus here.
The story of Euna Lee and the film the both journalists reuniting with their families was heart wrenching. God is so faithful to those who love and trust in Him. How we need that kind of faith right now. So many things are happening on the West Coast that I seem to be praying constantly. The Lord is protecting us, but so many feel very vulnerable. I am praying for the people of our nation to have perception and discernment. There is so much happening behind the scenes. I am praying for a hedge of protection around all of our families.
I love these questions for us to contemplate. We will know one day what all the details are. I loved the video presentation. It was amazing that God protected the part of the wall that held Rahab’s home.
It is amazing that here in the Pacific Northwest, so many of us, especially Christian friends, can feel a great increase of the darkness of this area. It is sunny and hot, but your comments really echo my feeling right now: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.
I totally trust God and I know that He is moving. I loved the sermon from Westside Church. There was so much in it. I especially love : How do we fold the judgment of God and the sovereignty of God together? Increased persecution, but God still walks His people through.
Sermon points:
1.) God Hears you. When He is silent, He is focusing on the cries of His sons and daughters.
2.) God Acts. Our prayers are for ultimate justice. Come Lord Jesus. I am coming soon: This thought bookends Rev 1:7, 8 I am the Alpha and the Omega, who is and who was and is to come and: Rev 22: 7, I am coming quickly; 12: Behold I am coming quickly. and 20: Yes, I am coming quickly.
3.)God is Holy: Holy is more than moral purity; more than being perfect; it makes God Other than anything we know. God’s holiness and love both intersected in the Life, Death and Resurrection of Jesus. Written on all of our hearts is a long for the Holiness of God. God’s justice is perfect because He is Holy.
4.) God is Gracious: He wants to give us as many chances as possible so all will repent. God is judging and sounding a warning that is getting louder and louder. God is just and God is gracious. Time is nothing to God as He is trying to get our attention.
I thought this was interesting too: Between 2001-2010 natural disasters have increased by 80%. Interesting. There is a plague of huge grasshoppers all over Oregon and Montana due to the drought. Wild fires are raging all over western Canada, Washington, Oregon and California. Thankfully, we finally have had some rain the past two days. God is good always!
Patti, loved your sermon notes! Especially about the holiness of God being completely Other than us. Also, the continued graciousness of God and it’s tie to time meaning nothing to Him.
Thank you, Mary. I so enjoy reading all you write!
It’s a good idea to put your comments from last week here as people are more apt to see them.
Yes, I think we are, I know I am, like the frog in the kettle. Yet still, I sense increasing heat and darkness.
What stands out to you from the above and why?
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom came to mind.
I have shared before that it was a sermon at my old church where the pastor borrowed heavily from Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God that first brought me face to face with how awful my sin was and what I had been spared from- it was a watershed moment in my spiritual life. It still affects me to remember the day.
I don’t want to be a spiritual baby, unable to digest the parts that are difficult.
I am sorry to have vanished for a couple of weeks, we went on vacation with family, I had imagined having time to myself on the trip- that was silly of me. Then when I came home, I felt unwell and going back to work was hard. I feel like I could easily slide into a very low spot right now. I am trying to get back to all the disciplines that I know I need, including this study.
I’m so sorry you got sick on vacation — that is doubly disappointing.
Lord, please keep Chris from going into a low spot, despite the fact that we are right in the middle of your judgments. Thank You for rescuing her through the pastor’s use of Edward’s sermon — what a timely story for us.
Lord, praying for Chris and for you to meet her at any point of her life. Encourage her heart today as you only can.
Praying for you to feel better Chris….physically, emotionally, and spiritually, too!
Thank you for your prayers, I had been offered the office manager job at work, I work in a dental office. I declined, I was an office manager previously and do not want to be the one who puts out all the fires anymore. They hired someone who was not working out, she was in way over her head. It had been very stressful working with her. The doctor let her go over the weekend, it has been a huge relief. I guess I didn’t allow myself to know just how stressful the situation was until she was gone.
Tomorrow will be 11 years since we took Daniel off of life support. I am grateful for all of you- your support over the years has been a lifeline to me. ❤️
Chris, I always pray for you, especially during this time of year. Love to “see” you here.
This is always a difficult part to think about and I understand how we all can feel a bit low when studying it. I am praying prayers of praise and reading the praise Psalms. The time is getting short and the need to know and trust our Savior, Jesus Christ, is important. Salvation is about trusting God; about our faith; about knowing Jesus; we do not need proof, scripture is sufficient. A lack of belief and trust can turn to rebellion. How I pray for my heart and mind to always turn to Jesus and to trust only Him. As our pastor said this morning: Our eternal destination is so much more important that our earthy distractions.
Chris, I pray that your heart will be at peace and filled with the joy of the Lord. I am praying for this group, my family, my friends from work, blogs, and church groups, that we can be strong in the Lord. We have His promise that He is with us. He is our eternal destiny. I believe this is a time for growing close to Him and knowing that He is able.
I see so much of the world flaunting sin as something wonderful. I need to pray to stand grounded in the Lord.
This is good news: We have had many coming to the Lord in this very liberal part of the country. Sean Feucht (Fote as in vote) has had several Praise concerts here this past week and so many people are hungry for the Lord. He is going into some very unchurched parts of the city and and state….hundreds of people are coming to his Christian concerts. And hundreds are accepting Jesus! Praise God! God has us in His hand!
I feel like the apostles in Acts saying, (my paraphrase), you mean God can use even this?!?
I know…me too, Mary!
A great idea to balance this with praise psalms and music. I will add that to next week!
Patti-love this-“… we do not need proof, scripture is sufficient.” We are walking through the Psalms at our church since August of 2020. The sermons have been like a balm to my spirit. I need to re-read my notes. Appreciate you sharing about Sean Feucht.
I just listened to Sean, Patti. I love this one-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNsfrTwvn4o
I love that song, Bing. Jesus is the King and the Center of it all! Thank you for sharing! Yes, Sean and his group really speak to this generation. So thankful for young people who love our Lord and share His Word.
1. I’m going to try hard this week to stay with you all! What stood out in the introduction? Denial is dangerous. Yes! Especially denial about our own sin, even as believers. Today I was reading in 1 Samuel 15, where Saul disobeyed God. He said he obeyed, but it was only the part he agreed with. I realized I have been doing that for a really long time. And it is not obedience at all. This is why I got placed on a shelf as far as ministry goes, and why I’ve stayed there all these years. This is why, even on my best days, I know there is a distance between me and God. It wasn’t a specific command I disobeyed; it has been my heart attitude. As I repented, I am content to never have a ministry, if only I can have a restoration of His presence fully, with the joy that comes from Him. Even in these years, He has dealt with me with a great deal of mercy, continually holding Himself out to me. I am so, so grateful! I now resonate even more with what you said, Dee, about the holiness and patience of God, and the urgency to live wholly for Him.
It bothers me a lot to go to funerals, especially conducted by people who should know better, and they are not truthful. It isn’t that they have to say the person went to hell, but they could point out the reality of hell. I knew a pastor, who when asked for assurance of where their loved one was now and he didn’t know, would answer, God will do what is right.
I love what I’ve learned here about the mark of either the beast or the Spirit as being on our forehead – what we believe, and on our hand – how we act.
Looking forward to trying Edwards’ sermon!
Great example of how Saul denied his own sin, Mary.
thank you, Patti, that was an amazing sermon with excellent 4 points.
I am trying to do the lessons but it’s a busy time. Yes, I say, Come, Lord Jesus.
Amen, Shirley. Come Lord Jesus!
2. Revelation 8:13. What do you see and what does it mean?
An eagle in flight saying ‘woe’ three times in regards to the next three trumpet blasts. I’d say it is some kind of additional warning.
3. A. What is the significance of an eagle flying overhead? Campbell says it is a foreboding of disaster.
B. How are the 5th and 6th trumpets different than the first four?
The first four are environmental and only affected parts of the earth at a time, but these are worldwide and affect the bodies of unbelievers.
4. Are you finding these passages hard to study? If so, why are you persisting? Yes, but I am persisting because while I continue to have a lot of questions and might never agree, I do want to understand this view. I sure don’t always see what he says he sees in the verses.
5. Revelation 9:1-2. What do you see and what does it mean? A star that had fallen from heaven was given the key to the abyss, which when opened releases much evil that had previously been blocked from impacting the world. This star obviously is being allowed by God to do this; no other power is at work.
6. A. Who is the angel who fell and what do you learn about him? I had always read this as being Satan, but Campbell only says it might be. Campbell says the fact that God is clearly in control is meant to encourage believers as they stand against the culture, no matter what.
B. What cost might you have to pay, or have you had to pay, for refusing to compromise with the culture? To this point, it has been the scorn of people. But it could soon be financial or legal action against me.
C. What does smoke signify? Campbell says it shows judgement. But in 8:4, smoke also rises from the incense of our prayers. I’m not sure how he can so surely differentiate between smoke that means judgement and that which doesn’t, except through context, which to me says that it is the context rather than just the smoke that is significant. While I’ve heard this view as not needing to be ‘de-coded’, I certainly see a lot of de-coding going on. I’m not convinced that even the original readers would have instantly understood all this as it’s being interpreted.
D. How has sin been it’s own punishment in your life? The worst punishment I can think of is separation from God, and my sin sure does that. That it often brings other suffering serves as the red light on the dashboard alerting me to my distance from God. They aren’t the disease, only the symptom. And if I only go after relief from the symptom, the disease of sin threatens to kill me.
Mary, it is great you have been willing to do this study despite your different view. Always hope when people are willing to listen to a different view.
That is confusing about smoke representing both prayers of saints and judgment — I also see smoke coming up from bottomless pit in chapter 8, so that is judgment certainly. But I understand how this is confusing.
I found that idea of smoke a bit confusing too, Mary. After so many forest fires in this area and the terrible smoke from them, it helped me to see a great difference in that smoke and the lovely scent of a candle I lit to get a “fish cooking” smell out of my kitchen. A bit of a crazy comparison; I am not crazy about the smell of incense, but perhaps the kind they used in temple was a gentle and lovely scent like my candle. 🙂
Mary, I found your notes on incense interesting and have not given it much thought until now. So I google “incense” and found several comments from other parts of the world. Words such as musk, woody, lemony, cedar-teak smell with musk, etc. were used to describe it.
Then some commenters gave examples of “old church incense” such as men perfume made by Gucci ,James Heely, Armani and Noir! One comment that struck me was this ” Once you smell it, it is unmistakeable (speaking of incense). and the mere mention of a certain incense product, you’ll smell it out of thin air, it becomes so instantly engrained. It’s also one of those smells, once you’ve smelled the genuine thing, you can easily and immediately spot imitations.”
I am smiling as I type here as I thought that perhaps, the smoke from the incense of the prayers of the saints is distinctive and since john did not say anything about its character, that it was pleasing to his sense of smell? And the smoke that is equated with judgment has more of sulfuric, pit-like smell? Just a thought and did not mean to go on a rabbit trail here or go off tangent.
Your comments made me think and that is a good thing for me.
Oh, I love this rabbit trail, Bing! Great and interesting information. I think the “Holy” aroma of that incense must be very special.
Monday: Woe, Woe, Woe
2. Read Revelation 8:13. What do you see and what does it mean?
He saw an eagle announcing loudly of the intense suffering that is about to come upon the earth.
3. Read Dr. Campbell’s Introduction to the Last Three Trumpets
A. What is the significance, often, of eagles flying overhead?
They signify a foreboding of disaster, an announcement of coming destruction.
B. How are the 5th and 6th trumpets different in their attack than the first four?
They have universal impact, they target unbelievers specifically and they involve demons.
C. Has God spoken to you through the tremendous pain of bereavement? Share, if you choose.He has, when the pain became so intense that no earthly thing could provide a moments relief or even a distraction, I focused on God in a way I never had before. It is why I began here.
I thought of this song, I like the tone of it, it speaks to me of having resolve after striving:
https://youtu.be/sv5Cm1wF2oU
4. Are you finding these passages difficult to study? If so, why do you persist?
I missed last week so I cannot comment on those passages, but the study this week is not light material but I feel like I need the sobering truth of what we are studying to make me be serious about what matters.I was convicted while on vacation that I had spent more time worrying about how I looked in our photos than I had praying for the people who I was with. I say that they matter most to me, and they do…but I am weak and often really foolish, prone to focus on nonsense instead of believing that the spiritual battle is real.
I must tell you how much I’m grateful you are here, Chris. Your suffering has refined you and you bring so much. That was a great song with the videos. Being much older than you, the song I kept singing was “I need Thee every hour…” so similar in thought.
I smiled at your authenticity about being more concerned how you looked in photos than praying for the people. 🙂
Chris, thanks so much for the song! Yes, we need Him. I need Him.
Dear Chris! How I love your honesty~ you are a beautiful person. I think we all can relate to your answer to question 4. We are all on this journey!
As I watched the video you shared and listened to the song, I felt that I have worried about such petty things. Thank you so much for sharing that. Through this study, I have been so convicted to pray more for those who need and want to know Jesus, as well as the many martyrs around the world. Seeing the beautiful faces of the people of Romania reminded me of how blessed to live in this country. How grateful I am to my great grandparents who came to this country, so that I may be here today.
Chris, I love the song, Indeed, there is no other name by which I am saved.
Thank you for the song, Chris, as well as your honesty. How much we need to look at ourselves as we are. I am weak.too and often really foolish. And we are in a spiritual battle.
Thank you for this beautiful song, Chris! It brought tears to my eyes. He is my source and I need to be His hands and feet…oh how this world needs Him!
Sunday
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Thank you for giving us a glimpse into a painful time of your life. The few stories Jim has told me, Steve was a wonderful man and both of you ministered so much to his family. Your thoughts on the locust were very interesting. I just have to share that when we had locust plagues (very mild) in Africa, the Africans would gather them up and eat them. We learned they were quite tasty fried up in butter (after wings and legs came off). We’d eat them like popcorn! I don’t think these locusts described in Revelation are quite the same.😜
Sharon, eating locusts like popcorn! There are a few insects that Filipinos eat that I never learned to eat-not sure why. I get the shivers just thinking of locusts.
Bing, your response made me smile. The other thing we fried up in butter was flying ants or termites…tasted like bacon and eggs!! I’m curious as to what insects they ate in the Philippines?
When first married my husband always asked if there were any bugs in the dish I’d made😀
LOL, Sharon about your husband asking that question. My husband teases me every time he smells sardines in the kitchen. I had to look things up but the websites and found a list of several insects and exotic eats: June beetle, grasshopper, ant, mole cricket, water beetle, katydid, locust and larva of the dragonfly, snakes, iguanas. I have never eaten them and i have never seen my parents eat them or talk about them-weird. I do eat balut (without eating the soft body parts of an 18 day old fertilized duck egg-Eewww….)
This piece of conversation thread should lighten up the mood here (wink, wink), I hope, although some of you ladies, might be grossed out at the mere mention of these insects.
Sharon and Bing, You both have had the most interesting experiences! Wow! This is good survivor information 🙂 and it is good to bring sweet smiles in the midst of so much heavy study material. My favorite Filipino dish is Lumpia. OOOH yummy….
Patti! you like lumpia, too? So many of my American friends will kill for it! JK. Yum-they are good and I like making them. Should we all meet up this side of Heaven, I volunteer to make them for us! I know great food awaits us in heaven but there might be a corner for me to shout out, “lumpia lovers, over here!”
Oh, Bing! That sounds wonderful! It would be lovely to meet you all this side of heaven! I will definitely hear your call “Lumpia Lovers over here!” You are so much fun!
I’ll bring the fried locusts and termites! 😜
Hahaha, Sharon! I don’t think you will have a crowd rushing to your corner! On the other hand, food in Heaven will be great so fried locusts and termites might be as yummy as lumpia.
7. Revelation 9:3-11. The fifth trumpet and first woe release locusts who inflict scorpion like pain for five months on unbelievers, who will long to die but can’t.
8. A. How is this similar or different from Exodus?
In both cases, the plague is sent by God. In Exodus the locusts harmed vegetation, while in Revelation they are specifically kept from doing that and can only harm those without the seal of God on them. The other similarity is that in both books, there comes a time when a line is drawn between believers and unbelievers and how the suffering can or cannot affect them. In Exodus, God specifically says it is so unbelievers will see that it is Him doing the judgement.
B. The locusts are not allowed to kill, and only given a short time frame in which to act. Believers are protected from confusion and ‘madness’ because of the seal, which I believe is the Holy Spirit within and on a person.
C. In both Joel and Jeremiah, enemy armies are described as locusts, even though they were human. John’s vision adds a demonic dimension to it.
D. I reread it several times and still didn’t see Beale mentioned here. Is that in a different edition?
E. How can he say so much of this is symbolic or figurative but then switch over and say the mass deaths are literal? I don’t get it.
People surely do dig in their heels when confronted with the fact that they are wrong. We see it in interpersonal relationships, and some people are more stubborn than others. It makes sense that we see it also in response to God and His judgements.
I found G. K. Beale’s comment so helpful, Mary — and maybe it will help you. The usual dictum is to interpret Scripture literally unless we are forced not to — as under the shadow of your wings. But with apocalyptic literature it is turned on it’s head. Interpret symbolically unless you are forced not to, as in Revelation 12 when though the dragon is symbolic, and the woman is symbolic, the child who rules the nations is obviously Jesus. Perhaps that will be helpful — or perhaps not. : ( But so glad you are staying with us.
Dee, it is helpful. Thank you.
So glad — and when I quote G. K. Beale it is from the longer commentary he did with Campbell. Didn’t give you that as I realize I’ve already given you all so much — but sometimes it is helpful.
2. Read Revelation 8:13. What do you see and what does it mean? The words “Woe, woe, woe, refer to the last three trumpets and the three final plagues; (Bible footnote the seven bowl judgments of chapters 15-16 apparently constitute the third woe. The woes fall upon the unbelieving world- “those who dwell on earth” refers to the wicked…Rev 6:10 not the righteous…Rev 9:4)
3. Read Dr. Campbell’s Introduction to the Last Three Trumpets: A. What is the significance, often, of eagles flying overhead? The eagle flying directly overhead is a foreboding of disaster. Creatures flying directly overhead in Revelation anticipate the coming of judgment. Eagles often signal coming destruction in the Old Testament.
B. How are the 5th and 6th trumpets different in their attack than the first four? The fifth and sixth trumpets differ from the first four in that they have a universal impact, strike directly at unbelievers (rather than just the environment) and have the explicit involvement of demons.
C. Has God spoken to you through the tremendous pain of bereavement? Share, if you choose. Yes. A few weeks after my dad died, I had a dream about him. He came to me and he had someone with him that was a very kind presence, but not clear. I asked him what it was like in heaven and he said it was wonderful, so wonderful, but he just came because he needed to remind me~ he wanted our son to have his ring. I told him that I gave it to our son ( I thought I had). He said he did not think I did and that he had to go and he loved me. I woke up with a start …and chills. I called our son the next day and said ” I gave you Grandpa’s ring didn’t I?” He said “no”……I found the ring in things I had brought home from my parents’ home in Minnesota~ I quickly got it to him. I had a totally different, but comforting experience when my mom died. Both were totally unexpected and totally different, but I knew that they came from God.
4. Are you finding these passages difficult to study? If so, why do you persist? Some are a bit unsettling, but I am learning so much and I find that seeking the truth and meaning of God’s word comforting. When things happen that seem “unworldly” it helps me to see that it is God allowing things for His end purpose. He is sifting and refining our hearts and souls. I trust Him. He promises to protect us spiritually. It is helping me to see so many that seem blind to His word, even some in churches. I am so thankful for all you are doing, Dee. This study is encouraging me to seek a closer relationship with the Lord daily. Things of earth start to pale, in the Light of His Word.
5. Read Revelation 9:1-2. What do you see and what does it mean? A fallen angel or divine being who is given charge of the key to the bottomless pit. The smoke coming out is not like the incense that carries prayers to God, but dark smoke, as from a fire (or furnace) which darkens the sun and the air. It is divine judgment of the wicked.
6. Read the first two paragraphs under the fifth trumpet (in kindle end with the sentence “sin is its own punishment.”
A. Who is the angel who fell like lightning what do you learn about him? Satan. Jesus uses similar words to describe Satan’s fall from heaven. Luke 10:18. I love the references in Campbell’s book, linking so much in Revelation to OT and New Testament scriptures.
B. What cost have you or might you pay for refusing to compromise with the culture? So many of our friends who are Christians feel we have to be careful of the conversations we have with non believers: family and friends.
C. What does smoke signify? The smoke signifies the spiritual deception of unbelievers. Darkness in the New Testament symbolizes the spiritual blindness which causes people to reject God and Christ.
D. How has sin been its own punishment in your life? Sin has brought me the pain of regret and of not being able to take back things I have said or done. It is difficult to teach that concept to our children. Watch your thoughts first…..when you think something sinful and it comes out in words or actions, you cannot put the toothpaste back in the tube. We need to filter our thoughts through the lens of Jesus, before we speak or act. I know this is a quote from another source, but a good thing to remember: Is is true, is it kind, is it necessary? And one of my favorite verses: Matthew 15:18 But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile man. There are so many words I have said in my life that I wish I could erase.
Fascinating dream! How like God to care about these things.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? What Sally said, and I don’t know why it stood out-but it made me instantly focus on the here and now and what I am seeing in both my family and the world. It shouldn’t surprise me. I thought it might be God sifting us, and it might-but the point is that we who are His are protected by His seal via the Holy Spirit in us and those who don’t know Him will continue in their folly being seduced by the evil one more and more.
Yes — I do feel life is hard. In one of Andrew Peterson’s songs — I think Remember Me — in his younger years he wrote “Life is short but it’s fun.” He changed that to “Life is short but it’s hard.”
2. Read Revelation 8:13. What do you see and what does it mean?
That people on the earth are soon going to experience God’s wrath in full. The worst thing ever!
3. Read Dr. Campbell’s Introduction to the Last Three Trumpets
A. What is the significance, often, of eagles flying overhead?
A foreboding of disaster.
B. How are the 5th and 6th trumpets different in their attack than the first four?
They have a universal impact striking directly at unbelievers.
C. Has God spoken to you through the tremendous pain of bereavement? Share, if you choose.
4. Are you finding these passages difficult to study? If so, why do you persist?
Yes. I am persisting because I’ve been taught and believe pre-trib, but get to finally hear this view laid out the way David Campbell has and be open to what God wants me to know and be comforted by. What is so sweet is that the worse the world gets and the more I see others compromise, the more my heart breaks for God, and the more I realize the reason I haven’t, though with tremendous pressure i might add, is because of Him sealing me! I can’t take one ounce of credit. It is also good to be warned it will get worse.
5. Read Revelation 9:1-2. What do you see and what does it mean?
That the fifth trumpet will bring locusts-but more powerful and unique than regular locusts tormenting unbelievers for 5 months but not those of us who are sealed-believers.
Monday: Woe, Woe, Woe
1. Read Revelation 8:13. What do you see and what does it mean?
An eagle pronouncing woe to the inhabitants of the earth and what is about to happen.
3. Read Dr. Campbell’s Introduction to the Last Three Trumpets
A. What is the significance, often, of eagles flying overhead?
A foreboding of judgment.
B. How are the 5th and 6th trumpets different in their attack than the first four?
It has a universal impact, a strike directly to unbelievers and have the explicit involvement of demons.
C. Has God spoken to you through the tremendous pain of bereavement? Share, if you choose.
When my sister passed away ( I came back to the US 2 weeks before her death) and suffered greatly from cancer, my tears couldn’t stop. What will happen to her three children? How will her husband cope? How will my Mom take it? These days, and whenever I think of my brother-in-law and the three children, I still weep. I know our times are in God’s hands and though I weep, God’s comfort is always available and sufficient.
4. Are you finding these passages difficult to study? If so, why do you persist?
Yes, but I am persisting because I want to know my part in bringing others to Christ and be saved from hell. I want to know how to pray. And I want to understand Revelation more, always thankful that whatever view I take later will not change the fact that I have been sealed.
5. Read Revelation 9:1-2. What do you see and what does it mean?
A star fell from heaven to the earth and he was given the key to the shaft of the bottomless pit.
6. Read the first two paragraphs under the fifth trumpet (in kindle end with the sentence “sin is its own punishment.”
A. Who is the angel who fell like lightning what do you learn about him?
Satan, and he is the angel of the bottomless pit.
B. What cost have you or might you pay for refusing to compromise with the culture?
Marginalization, accused of being a bigot, close-minded, judgmental, unloving. It may cost me my job, reputation.
C. What does smoke signify?
Smoke signifies judgment and it, along with darkness, refers to the spiritual deception of unbelievers.
D. How has sin been its own punishment in your life?
Sin has brought about restlessness of my soul until true confession. It hounded me and separated me from God and from those I love. It blinded me to the truth and my joy was lost.
You are such a compassionate soul, Bing.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
I also just finished all of last week’s lesson, including the sermon. So now on to “Hell Unleashed”. I have to admit I find it a bit hard to read, ponder, and think about. I was thinking as I drove to work this morning, that last night, as I sat outside on the porch until late, watching the setting sun, watching and hearing the last of the day’s birds, the sounds of the crickets and cicadas (which I absolutely love to hear!), feeling the last warmth of the day’s heat, listening to the sounds of people over at my neighbor’s in the swimming pool having fun….it seems like a pretty nice world to be in, so far as my little slice of it. But then I thought about and prayed for all the people who’ve been so terribly affected by CoVid – those who have died, their loved ones who still grieve and mourn for them. the weary and exhausted health care workers caring for the severely ill, those who have been economically laid low by the pandemic, those who are sick right now and in the hospital with CoVid. I thought about all of the more-holy-than-me believers who have been diligently praying for the pandemic to end, and their prayers seemingly going unanswered. I offered up mine, too. It can be easy to slide into denial about what is really happening all around us when our lives are relatively pain-free.
2. Read Revelation 8:13. What do you see and what does it mean?
A symbolic messenger….an eagle….flying through the air and crying “Terror, terror, terror to all who belong to this world because of what will happen when the last three angels blow their trumpets.” I take this to be a dire warning to those who “belong to this world”, meaning to those who do NOT belong to God.
3. Read Dr. Campbell’s introduction to The Last Three Trumpets.
A. What is the significance, often, of eagles flying overhead?
Eagles flying directly overhead often signaled coming destruction in the OT.
B. How are the 5th and 6th trumpets different in their attack than the first four?
They differ in that they have a universal impact, strike directly at unbelievers. and involve demons.
C. Has God spoken to you through the tremendous pain of bereavement? Share, if you choose.
God did help me through the terrible tragedy of the loss of my young nephew twelve years ago. The “lifeline” God threw to me was Dee’s blog study of her book, The God of All Comfort. The pain of his death woke me up from my spiritual coasting. There were a couple of specific instances when God impressed things on my heart through the Psalms and through Job.
4. Are you finding these passages difficult to study? If so, why do you persist?
Yes, they often are confusing; I get lost in a lot of the numbers, and sometimes the passages are disconcerting and depressing. But I have never studied all the way through Revelation and I don’t want to quit. I like to learn about God and I like to be challenged. I also like learning it here with all of you, and with Dee as our teacher.
5. Read Revelation 9:1-2. What do you see and what does it mean?
A “star” falls to earth when the fifth angel blows his trumpet and I take this to represent some kind of spiritual being, though maybe an evil one. He has a key to open the “bottomless pit”, and when he opens it, smoke pours out as from a huge furnace, darkening the sunlight and air. This is some sort of judgment. Maybe the unleashing of demonic spirits?
6. Read the first two paragraphs under the fifth trumpet.
A. Who is the angel who fell like lightning and what do you learn about him?
Jesus mentioned Satan’s fall from heaven when He said, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” Campbell writes that the angel may be the angel of the bottomless pit. Is this Satan himself, then? He represents people on earth and shares in their judgment. He is an evil angel.
B. What cost have you or might you pay for refusing to compromise with the culture?
It most often comes in loss of approval or affirmation, or even in rejection from others. It can come in the form of teasing or mocking me. People can become mad at me for “preaching at them”.
C. What does smoke signify?
Smoke signifies divine judgment. Smoke and darkness represent the spiritual blindness of unbelievers, too.
D. How has sin been its own punishment in your life?
Where there’s sin, there’s also the weight of guilt and shame. The weight of carrying a sense of shame is significant. I also feel as Mary wrote, that the worst feeling is the feeling of being separated from God, that things are not right between God and me. There are a couple of sins in my life that I have a very hard time really believing that God has forgiven me. I “know” it in my head, but at times, I don’t feel forgiven, especially because they are things that I cannot change the outcome of what happened. I think David wrote about it eloquently in many of his psalms. The feeling of “groaning” inwardly, of lying awake at night, the loss of the joy, feeling physically unwell, emotional turmoil.
My friend Linda Strom is here now, Susan, of prison ministry, and talks about the struggles women have in prison to feel forgiven. She gave me a song I’ll post next week that is so wonderful — so watch for it.
Monday
2. Read Revelation 8:13. What do you see and what does it mean?
A single flying eagle crying loudly, Woe, woe woe. The worse is yet to come.
3. Read Dr. Campbell’s Introduction to the Last Three Trumpets
A. What is the significance, often, of eagles flying overhead? Foreboding disaster.
B. How are the 5th and 6th trumpets different in their attack than the first four? Have a universal impact, strike directly at unbelievers (rather than just the environment) and have explicit involvement of demons.
C. Has God spoken to you through the tremendous pain of bereavement? Share, if you choose. I may of shared this before here but after my Dad’s graveyard service, I lingered behind not wanting to let him go, not wanting to say goodbye and then felt a hand on my shoulder and whispering in my ear saying, “I’m ok and I love you.” I really believe that was a gift of comfort from the Lord.
4. Are you finding these passages difficult to study? I find them challenging. If so, why do you persist? I persist because I really want to understand this view of Revelation and I love studying the Word.
5. Read Revelation 9:1-2. What do you see and what does it mean? A star fallen to earth from the sky. He (so the star is a person) was given the key to the shaft of the bottomless pit. He opened the shaft, smoke poured out as though from a huge furnace and the sunlight and air turned dark from the smoke. This person was “given” the key, maybe a demonic being. I feel that the smoke smells like sulfur, coming from hell turning the sunlight and air dark.
6. Read the first two paragraphs under the fifth trumpet (in kindle end with the sentence “sin is its own punishment.”
A. Who is the angel who fell like lightning what do you learn about him? Likely an evil angel, Satan, who represents people on earth and shares in their judgement. He is given which is “divine passive” which means Christ, who holds the keys to death and hades gave it to him. Satan has to have permission to unleash his fury on earth by Christ.
B. What cost have you or might you pay for refusing to compromise with the culture? Lost relationships, financial ruin…
C. What does smoke signify? Divine judgement and with the darkness refers to spiritual deception of unbelievers.
D. How has sin been its own punishment in your life? Living my own way which caused separation from God and misery.
“I’m okay and I love you.”
Wow.
What stands out? We can be so thankful that we have a God who is just and merciful and that we are sealed.
These questions are sothought provoking. Are thesepassages hard to study and wby doyou persist?
Yes.
However They are important to ponder and to compare each one ‘s viewpoint. We have responsibility towitness to others. My friend and neighbor studies withme.
That is great about your friend and neighbor!
5. Read Revelation 9:1-2. What do you see and what does it mean?
Scary, but it is an age blowing the trumpet, so it is under God’s control.
A star falls to the earth from the sky. An angel opens “the long shaft of the Abyss” and smoke pours out.
The star falling brought to mind Satans fall.
6. Read the first two paragraphs under the fifth trumpet (in kindle end with the sentence “sin is its own punishment.”
A. Who is the angel who fell like lightning what do you learn about him?Satan was the angel who fell like lightning- I promise I hadn’t read ahead :)The angle may be the angel of the bottomless pit, the keys are given yo him, God is in control.
B. What cost have you or might you pay for refusing to compromise with the culture?
Right now I might be judged as narrow or rigid. I imagine much harder things are coming soon. My husband and I were talking last night about a cross dressing teen who has started coming to some youth gatherings at our church. Our discussion ended with what needs to be first in our minds is our own heart and our own life changed by the gospel rather than a desire to set someone else straight. But if I befriend someone and love them, then the desire to see them in submission to the Lord is a natural progression of my care for them…how to flesh this out is hard.
C. What does smoke signify?
Divine judgement and spiritual deception.
D. How has sin been its own punishment in your life?
My first thought was my tendency to seek refuge and comfort in food instead of the Lord. When I choose this it it isolates me, I want to be alone with my treat. It promises escape but leads me into slavery to seeking more and more. Instead of enjoying the good gifts of food with a thankful heart, I am greedy and want more and better. This leaves me depressed, physically unwell, and lonely.
This desire to escape via food still tempts me, but praise God I am no longer a slave to it.
No longer a slave!
Tuesday: The Fifth Trumpet
7. Read Revelation 9:3-11 and describe what will happen with the fifth trumpet (and first woe.)
Locusts that sting like a scorpion are sent to torment those who do not belong to God for 5 months, the people will long for and seek death, but will not die.
The bit about the locusts having the faces of people has always felt profoundly terrifying to me.The angel of the Abyss is their king.
8. Under the fifth trumpet in Mystery Explained, read the rest of the section beginning with the paragraph that starts “The locusts come upon the earth.”
In this paragraph, what is different and what is similar to the plagues of Egypt?
Both were/will be under God’s control, both have locusts, both have aspects in which God exempts his people.
B. In the paragraph that begins “The limits of the powers…” – why won’t believers experience confusion and madness of mind?
Because our security is found in Christ, we will be sovereignly protected.
C. In the paragraph that beings “Next comes a detailed description” –what support does Dr. Campbell give for this being a literal army?The OT references to locusts were referring to literal armies used by God to judge disobedience – gosh I would like to jettison the mental picture of insects with human faces!
D. What do you think of G. K. Beales’ interpretation that these are demonic spirits inhabiting false teachers?
I don’t really know… it is interesting.
E. Read up to THE SIXTH TRUMPET and share anything else that stands out to you.
One thing that stood out was that Satan uses people for his purposes and then destroys them. The question about sin being its own punishment- I feel the truth of how our enemy deceives us. I am thankful for grace that is greater than my sin.
2. Read Revelation 8:13. What do you see and what does it mean?
There is an eagle flying and screeching, “Terror, terror, terror” to all the people of the earth who must suffer when the time comes. It is a warning.
3. Read Dr. Campbell’s Introduction to the Last Three Trumpets
A. What is the significance, often, of eagles flying overhead?
Disaster and destruction.
B. How are the 5th and 6th trumpets different in their attack than the first four?
These are attacks are universal, strike at unbelievers, and involve demons.
C. Has God spoken to you through the tremendous pain of bereavement? Share, if you choose.
When my dad died. He told me that He would always be my father. I still miss my mom, but I don’t think He has spoken to me. I have not lost too many people in my life at this point.
4. Are you finding these passages difficult to study? If so, why do you persist?
I’m finding the amount of questions and studying to be difficult to handle. I’m caught up in the dream part of the study; it seems surreal and unbelievable, really. The content is strange, and the fact that you have to interpret every detail is a bit exhausting. Not sure I understand much of it 🤷🏻♀️ other than I better clean up my act before the end comes! JK. I know in my heart that I am His, however sometimes my head makes me think I am not as good as I should be to enter heaven. I do things that are not of Him. I persist because I need to know and I can’t just give up on something I started.
You do persist and I love you for it.
Laura, your perseverance is contagious. I so appreciate your honesty and I thank the Lord for you.
I thank the Lord for you too, Laura! Some of these verses are really confusing and I read them a few times….and back track to see what my previous notes said! 🙂 So thankful you are here! I always love to read your wonderful thoughts! Some things are symbolic and some are not…it is confusing at times. Love learning it though! Hope I remember it all! haha!
5. Read Revelation 9:1-2. What do you see and what does it mean?
There is an angel that is given a key to hell. He opens the lock and smoke comes out. It seems to be a fiery furnace.
6. Read the first two paragraphs under the fifth trumpet (in kindle end with the sentence “sin is its own punishment.”
A. Who is the angel who fell like lightning what do you learn about him?
The angel is and evil one of the bottomless pit.
B. What cost have you or might you pay for refusing to compromise with the culture?
Maybe being shunned (I am at school). I hope not death 🤷🏻♀️.
C. What does smoke signify?
It is the divine judgment.
D. How has sin been its own punishment in your life?
Oh the pain of my sin….
6. Read the first two paragraphs under the fifth trumpet (in kindle end with the sentence “sin is its own punishment.”
A. Who is the angel who fell like lightning what do you learn about him?
An evil angel representing people on earth though he could be satan. He is sharing their judgment. Jesus gives him the key to unlock the bottomless pit where satan will unleash his fury on earth. Unbelievers will be spiritually blinded and reject Christ. He has no power for Jesus is sovereign and in control of the bottomless pit so when it’s unleashed it will be when Jesus wants it to be. satan has no control over it.
B. What cost have you or might you pay for refusing to compromise with the culture?
I could lose relationships with unbelievers that I love including close ones I thought knew Jesus. As they compromise, they mostly want me to be happy for them and accept what they are doing or believing. I’ve found those who are steeped in it tend to distance themselves from me.
C. What does smoke signify?
Divine judgment
D. How has sin been its own punishment in your life?
Usually it is when I am discontent and think I need something or someone to fill only what Jesus can in that moment. I end up annoying that person with worry regarding my discontent, or getting something i don’t need whether it be chocolate or a new car. The money spent and the weight I gain are the consequences. The money could have been given to someone in need and the weight I gain holds me back from being healthy.
Good illustrations.
9. Revelation 9:12-21. A. What are the demons allowed to do in verse 15?They were allowed to kill a third of mankind.
B. How does this passage say they will kill people?
By fire, smoke and sulfur. This time when I read it, I looked at how these demons were clothed. In fiery red, sulfur yellow, and dark blue. Could the blue be smoke, so that they are clothed in the means they use to kill? These were the same things used against Sodom and Gomorrah.
C. What was the basic sin unbelievers were doing?, and why did it cause them to not repent?
The basic sin was worshiping something other than God; idolatry. Idolatry is extremely seductive, addictive and hidden from the minds of people. Even many believers don’t recognize that idolatry is possible in their lives, so why would unbelievers recognize what is really happening? I don’t mean that therefore they are blameless. They will be/are confronted with the truth of God’s existence and His claim on them, but they choose not to pay attention to it. Always some other explanation for things, someone else to blame, something else to distract them. God continues to sow gospel seed, and Satan keeps snatching it away as they don’t choose to grasp what is offered to them.
Interesting parallel with Sodom and Gomorrah! I don’t know!
That is really interesting about the smoke & Sodom & Gomorrah, Mary!
Your description of idolatry is so true. I know I sometimes realize that I have an idol~ and I don’t really look at it as an idol…but it is!! If it blocks our thinking about God, His importance in our daily life, and his purpose for us, it is an idol. And the gospel seed that Satan snatches away…another reason to be discerning. Satan also snatches time away from us…with distractions. Discernment is so important. Thank you for your thoughts, Mary.
I am doing the study this week, but lots of interruptions…of my own doing I think…
Tuesday: The Fifth Trumpet
7. Read Revelation 9:3-11 and describe what will happen with the fifth trumpet (and first woe.) Locusts will come and they were given power like the scorpions of the earth
8. Under the fifth trumpet in Mystery Explained, read the rest of the section beginning with the paragraph that starts “The locusts come upon the earth.”
A. In this paragraph, what is different and what is similar to the plagues of Egypt?
Similarity: It is God who sends the locust.
Difference: In Exodus, the locusts harmed the vegetation but in Revelation, the locusts are not to harm the grass but only the unsealed people.
B. In the paragraph that begins “The limits of the powers…” – why won’t believers experience confusion and madness of mind?
They have spiritual protection from God and are sealed. The unbelievers will have a 5 month (symbolic) period of torment (spiritual and psychological), they would want death but will not die. On the other hand, God is sovereignly protecting Christians.
C. In the paragraph that beings “Next comes a detailed description” –what support does Dr. Campbell give for this being a literal army?
He uses Joel 2 to interpret those locusts represented enemy armies to judge disobedient Israel Joel 1: 6 “A nation has come up against my land…its teeth are like lion’s teeth.
Jeremiah speaking of an enemy army of horses and compares them to serpents and adders that bite and later “horses are like bristling locusts” and also initiated by the blowing of trumpets 51:27
John’s army is spiritual and demonic in nature, bringing judgment on unbelievers through confusion and despair.
D. What do you think of G. K. Beales’ interpretation that these are demonic spirits inhabiting false teachers?
?????
E. Read up to THE SIXTH TRUMPET and share anything else that stands out to you.
The first 5 trumpet judgments refer to events occurring throughout the church age. Are we seeing them now as we see escalating numbers of natural disasters, plagues (from AIDS, to SARS, to Covid), mental health issues, suicides while sins are being flaunted and God is being mocked?
Today, I have gathered that a male friend’s partner/husband ( they have been together for 30 years and married maybe for 5?), passed away. My heart and stomach lurched thinking/fearing that he died without knowing Jesus. Both are well-known in our community and the deceased was known for his generosity. I struggled with how to respond-where is he now? Why was my heart quick to judge? Did he die because of the effects of a homosexual lifestyle? If I see this friend again, what would I say? Lord, help me. Our study here continues to give me a sense of the urgency of the times when I hear of such incidents.
Tuesday
7. Read Revelation 9:3-11 and describe what will happen with the fifth trumpet (and first woe.)
Locusts will come from the smoke and descend on the earth.
Locusts given power to string like scorpions, which was in their tails.
Locusts told not to harm grass, plants or trees.
Locusts could harm people without the seal of God on their foreheads.
Locusts told not to kill but tortured and tormented for 5 months with pain like that of a scorpion sting. People will seek death, won’t find it, long to die, but it won’t flee from them.
Locusts looked like horses prepared for battle, had what looked liked gold crowns on their heads, faces like human faces, hair like women’s hair and teeth like a lion.
Locusts wore iron armor and wings roared like a army of chariots rushing into battle.
Locusts had a king, the angel from the bottomless pit, name in Hebrew – Abaddon and in Greek – Apollyon which means destroyer.
8. Under the fifth trumpet in Mystery Explained, read the rest of the section beginning with the paragraph that starts “The locusts come upon the earth.”
A. In this paragraph, what is different and what is similar to the plagues of Egypt?
Similar: they’re both enabled by God. The Egyptians were harmed but not the Israelites.
Difference: In Exodus the locusts harmed the vegetation. In Revelation the locusts are instructed not to harm the grass but only unsealed people.
B. In the paragraph that begins “The limits of the powers…” – why won’t believers experience confusion and madness of mind?
The locusts are only to harm the people without the seal, unbelievers. Because of believers being sealed they won’t be subject to the same kind of suffering, for they have found their security in Christ.
C. In the paragraph that beings “Next comes a detailed description” –what support does Dr. Campbell give for this being a literal army?
He says John is seeing something similar “like” what Joel saw when he described the plague of locusts attacking Israel. In Joel the locusts represented enemy armies. John compares certain characteristics of the locust in the same way Joel did for example, teeth like lions teeth and the noise of their wings like chariots rushing into battle. Also, in Joel their appearance was like horses. He also uses Jeremiah speaking of an enemy army of horses devouring the land in judgement. Compare tails and stingers serpents and adders that bite. Also the judgement of Jeremiah comes on idolatrous just as does John’s judgement. And significantly, the judgement of Jeremiah is initiated by trumpets. Joel’s army is literal, John’s army is spiritual and demonic in nature. In either case neither are actual locusts.
D. What do you think of G. K. Beales’ interpretation that these are demonic spirits inhabiting false teachers?
I believe Satan can use false teachers and I know of some that I do believe are inhabited by demonic spirits just in what they preach and what kind of worship they lead.
”The devil doesn’t mind ceremonies (worship services) in themselves, he is more interested in corrupting true religion than eliminating it.” ~ David Guzik
E. Read up to THE SIXTH TRUMPET and share anything else that stands out to you.
Satan’s kingdom is built on fear and destruction using people for his wicked ends and then destroys them. In contrast, God’s purposes for us is always constructive and edifying. Refining those faithful to Him, bringing good purposes out of it for them.
The first 5 trumpet judgements occur throughout the church age. The events wouldn’t be exhausted at the time John received the vision.
That was quite a quote from Guzik! True, I believe.
I learned this week of a college student in our community who was a Christian but led astray by a cult at the Christian College/internship she participated in. She has been missing now for over a year. The enemy is using our trust in Christian institutions, etc., to deceive young people. Her parents are sick about not responding to the red flags ignored because they relied upon the college to be the safety net for their daughter. Beware of false teachers in unexpected places!!
Yes! I so agree with this after our youngest went to a “Christian” high school and came out a bonified believer in sin. So sad 😢.
Wednesday
9. Read Revelation 9:12-21
A. What were these demonic angels allowed to do according to verse 15?
Kill 1/3rd of all the people on earth.
B. Dr. Campbell says the river Euphrates “is a biblical code” for the spiritual (not literal or geographic) place from which demonic forces come. (It is also true that the literal area of the Euphrates, as Michael Wilcox points out, was the scene of much evil for Israel.) How does this passage say they will they kill people?
They will kill people with fire, smoke and burning sulfur.
C. Though it seems the rest of mankind could still repent, they will not according to this passage. What is their basic sin and why would this cause them not to repent do you think?
Idolatry. Idolatry begins with an “I”…they are so steeped within themselves that they can’t see the trees for the forest, whether knowingly or not. This is a very sobering!
10. Read Dr. Campbell’s whole section under the sixth trumpet and share what stands out to you.
The 6th trumpet involves mass death and points to a time just before the final judgement. The 3 plagues have little redemptive effect, demonstrate the utter reality and sovereignty of God and serve only to harden unbelievers in their deception and rebellion. The idolator becomes as foolish and blind as the idol he worships. Refusal to worship the creator leads to worship the creation instead (I just want to share that this is the state of my sister, who is Buddhist…oh how I pray that God would open her eyes to Him, the creator!). Satan himself is the real power behind the idolatry. The pursuit of anything other than God Himself is idolatrous, no matter how it manifests itself.
Father, I lift up Sharon’s sister, who seems like my sister Bonnie. Though this state seems so discouraging, I know you hear our prayers and nothing is impossible with You. We do plead for your mercy for them.
Thank you Dee…Amen!
Will keep Bonnie in my prayers❤️
Wednesday: The Sixth Trumpet
9. Read Revelation 9:12-21
A. What were these demonic angels allowed to do according to verse 15?
To kill a third of mankind
B. Dr. Campbell says the river Euphrates “is a biblical code” for the spiritual (not literal or geographic) place from which demonic forces come. (It is also true that the literal area of the Euphrates, as Michael Wilcox points out, was the scene of much evil for Israel.) How does this passage say they will they kill people?
Three plagues of fire, smoke, and sulfur.
I was interested in knowing more about the Euphrates River. So I went online and one website mentioned Babylon (symbolic of all that is evil). “One of the ancient world’s most important cities, Babylon, was built along the Euphrates. It was referred to as the Tower of Babel in the bible.” Man wanted to be his own lord. This seems to be in line with what Wilcox said that the river was the scene of much evil for Israel.
Interestingly, “Water use in the Euphrates Basin in Iraq, Syria, and Turkey focuses on irrigation, hydropower, and drinking water supply, with agriculture consuming the largest share of water – more than 70%.” Euphrates was also part of the “Silk road”, a famous trade route.
It seems like affluence has turned man away from God. America needs to pay attention-our comfortable life can lead us to our spiritual demise. The enemy has blinded our eyes so we worship the creatures rather than the Creator.
C. Though it seems the rest of mankind could still repent, they will not according to this passage. What is their basic sin and why would this cause them not to repent do you think?
Idolatry. They have hardened their hearts. When the “I” as in “prIde” or “Idolatry” sits at the throne of our hearts, God is pushed aside and we start living for ourselves.
“For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles. Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts…” Romans 1:21-24b
Interesting Bing. Keller says Christianity moves away from wealth.
Wednesday: The Sixth Trumpet
9. Read Revelation 9:12-21
A. What were these demonic angels allowed to do according to verse 15?
To destroy 1/3 of mankind
B. Dr. Campbell says the river Euphrates “is a biblical code” for the spiritual (not literal or geographic) place from which demonic forces come. (It is also true that the literal area of the Euphrates, as Michael Wilcox points out, was the scene of much evil for Israel.) How does this passage say they will they kill people?By the fire, smoke and sulphur that pours out of the mouths of the horses
C. Though it seems the rest of mankind could still repent, they will not according to this passage. What is their basic sin and why would this cause them not to repent do you think?They refuse to acknowledge God, they worship created things choosing their own way, trusting in the wrong things. This is hard – the election /choice dimension of struggling with these questions.I know reading it makes me not want to choose my own rebellious way.
10. Read Dr. Campbell’s whole section under the sixth trumpet and share what stands out to you.I appreciated the words that were given to establish that the horses and serpents are figurative, that was helpful.
It’s been so helpful for me to understand Apocalyptic literature is primary signs and symbols!
7. Read Revelation 9:3-11 and describe what will happen with the fifth trumpet (and first woe.)
The unbelievers will be tormented by the Locusts for 5 months and will want to die but will be unable to. These aren’t just our usual Locusts, they are fierce!
8. Under the fifth trumpet in Mystery Explained, read the rest of the section beginning with the paragraph that starts “The locusts come upon the earth.”
A. In this paragraph, what is different and what is similar to the plagues of Egypt?
God is the one in play-sending the locusts as He was in Exodus. Also this harmed the unbelievers, not the believers like in Exodus it harmed the Egyptians and not the Israelites.
The difference is that the Locusts in Exodus harmed vegetation but here they didn’t.
B. In the paragraph that begins “The limits of the powers…” – why won’t believers experience confusion and madness of mind?
Because we are God’s. He owns us-we are sealed. God is bringing a spiritual famine onto unbelievers.
C. In the paragraph that beings “Next comes a detailed description” –what support does Dr. Campbell give for this being a literal army?
Joel 1:6- comes from a description of the Locust army in Joel 2:4-5
D. What do you think of G. K. Beales’ interpretation that these are demonic spirits inhabiting false teachers?
I think that is happening now and yes I think G.K. Beales is correct.
7. Read Revelation 9:3-11 and describe what will happen with the fifth trumpet (and first woe).
After reading the entire passage, I am thinking that the locusts described are not actually insects, but a symbol for something awful, because John wrote that these locusts “looked like horses”, wore gold crowns on their heads, had hair like a woman, teeth like a lion, and stingers like a scorpion. Whatever or whoever they are, they were given the authority to torture everyone not bearing the seal of God, for a period of five months. During this time, people will want to die, but be unable to do so.
8. Under the fifth trumpet in Mystery Explained, read the rest of the section beginning with the paragraph that starts “The locusts come upon the earth”.
A. In this paragraph, what is different and what is similar to the plagues of Egypt?
Similar: It is God who sends the locusts both in Exodus and in Revelation. In both, God’s people were protected from the plague.
Different: In Exodus, the locusts harmed the vegetation while in Revelation, they harm the unsealed people.
B. In the paragraph that begins “The limits of the powers…” why won’t believers experience confusion and madness of mind?
Because believers have placed their security in Christ and will rest secure in the knowledge of God’s protection.
C. In the paragraph that begins “Next comes a detailed description…” what support does Dr. Campbell give for this being a literal army?
Campbell writes that John is borrowing language used by the prophet Joel, when Joel had a vision of a plague of locusts attacking Israel, initiated by the blowing of a trumpet. For Joel, locusts represented enemy armies. John is also drawing a picture of an army. Joel’s army is a literal army that God used to judge Israel. John also draws on language used in Jeremiah, as he compared armies with creatures that bite. Campbell says we let Scripture interpret Scripture. This is not a weird, futuristic vision saying that there will be war helicopters or strange creatures. Rather, John’s “locust army” is spiritual in nature and demonic, bringing confusion and despair upon unbelievers.
D. What do you think of G.K. Beales’ interpretation that these are demonic spirits inhabiting false teachers?
Campbell also writes that unbelievers will begin to understand that their idolatrous worship of things other than the true God is now bringing the judgment of God upon them. I am not sure just what a demonic, spiritual army is, exactly, or how it is used to torment the minds of people, leading them to despair of life. However, saying that these are demonic spirits inhabiting false teachers seems to put them into a box, so to speak. So I’m not sure about this interpretation.
E. Read up to THE SIXTH TRUMPET and share anything else that stands out to you.
The identification of this angel as being “king” over the others may indicate that this is referring to Satan himself. Apollyon in Green means “Destroyer”. This is similar to Jesus’ description of Satan when He used words like “murderer” and one who comes to steal, kill, and destroy.
7. Read Revelation 9:3-11 and describe what will happen with the fifth trumpet (and first woe.)
Icky locusts are released. They can sting with the might of a scorpion. They are told to seek the humans with no seal of God on their forehead and sting and torture (not kill) for 5 months. The locusts had human features; hair like a woman, a crown of gold. They had teeth like a lion. Their leader is the “destroyer.”
8. Under the fifth trumpet in Mystery Explained, read the rest of the section beginning with the paragraph that starts “The locusts come upon the earth.”
A. In this paragraph, what is different and what is similar to the plagues of Egypt?
A difference is that the locusts are free to harm the people here. In Exodus they harm the vegetation. A similarity is that those who are under the seal of God are protected in both Exodus and here in Revelation. God sends the locusts in both books.
B. In the paragraph that begins “The limits of the powers…” – why won’t believers experience confusion and madness of mind?
Believers have found their security in Christ. They may remain secure in knowing that God will protect them. He is sovereign.
C. In the paragraph that beings “Next comes a detailed description” –what support does Dr. Campbell give for this being a literal army?
He says it is backed up by the OT scriptures of Joel and Jeremiah where locusts were used to represent armies that would harm the Israelites. John uses the word “like” over and over again, as he is trying to describe using prior knowledge. Joel sees a plague of locusts released on the Israelites with the sound of a trumpet. In Joel, the locusts are an army of people. The description of the army comes from Joel, however the tails description comes from Jeremiah. In Jeremiah, the horses are equipped to “devour the land in judgment” with serpents and adders that sting and bite. This was to be done to idolators in both Jeremiah and in John’s vision. Not sure I am convinced by his argument, though 🤷🏻♀️.
D. What do you think of G. K. Beales’ interpretation that these are demonic spirits inhabiting false teachers?
I could believe it.
E. Read up to THE SIXTH TRUMPET and share anything else that stands out to you.
I guess I am finally understanding that the vision ends and the not the “woe.” Slow learner!
P.S. The devil has really brought me down these past weeks. For some reason I am not able to get online (easily) at our house. This wave of evil has been lurking for weeks now. A strange death in our family, family/friends struggles with differing viewpoints, and now strangeness with internet issues.
Dear Lord,
I lift up Laura to You, the events taking place that are frustrating to her. It makes us question where You are, do You care, do You hear our cries…have You forsaken us? I ask Lord that you place Your hand on her internet connection and repair that issue, give answers and comfort for the strange death that’s taken place, and resolve these differing viewpoints. You are the great I Am, faithful and sovereign and may Laura feel Your loving and healing arms wrapped around her.
In Your precious name, the name of Jesus we pray, Amen
Thank you Sharon. So kind. I finally got on via data instead of wi-fi. I am currently envisioning locusts (ick!) and Dee’s mention of the Australian mouse issue. Hahaha! I’m not addicted to the internet or anything, but AM addicted to Dee and learning about the Bible and God! It’s disappointing when it gets thwarted. I suppose I could just read my Bible though….
❤️😊
Love the picture of you!
Laura — love your new picture! And your persistence. And share your mouse phobia.
😊❤️
Yes,love your new picture!!
There isn’t really any lucid reason for the mouse phobia….I just don’t like things that are unpredictable; mice, snakes, flying cockroaches (one reason I won’t move back to Florida!).
I was bored yesterday and thought I would change the old picture and make it more recent. That was taken last fall. I’m holding an acorn “vacuum!” I never knew there was such a thing! I don’t usually take good pictures (I’m not photogenic) but this one turned out ok! Thanks for the encouragement ♥️
Love, love, love the picture! For some reason(s), I still can’t post a picture of me! I will try again.
I empathize with what you are saying about “wave of evil lurking”. I believe as we know more of God and get closer to Him, the more the enemy lurks around. big things (strange death) and small things alike (internet issues) can be the “rattling of his cage” by our enemy. That is why I appreciate being here where truth is proclaimed and where Jesus prevails.
Interesting thoughts Bing. Go to Dee’s excellent instructions on how to use Gravatar to set your picture. It’s not hard 😉.
4. Are you finding these passages difficult to study? I’ve been having difficulty finding time to type all of the answers, but I have been doing the study and reading the comments. For me the difficulty lies in the symbolism of everything. The explanations make sense and we are comparing scripture to scripture, but I often wonder if we’ll find out that no one got it right.
If so, why do you persist? 2 Timothy :16-17 “16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
I especially like to read the comments of my sisters. I feel connected to all of you, I pray often for all of you while I’m reading the comments and throughout the day.
Dawn, I laughed out loud when I read where you said we may find out no one got it right! That is pretty much where I’m at. All the educated people in Jesus’s time thought they knew scripture and how the messiah would come, but it wasn’t like they imagined. So much so that they rejected Jesus. So while I’m not sorry I stayed in for this study, I’m not stuck on any view or even individual interpretation. So, so grateful we can trust God to do all things well. No matter how that looks or affects us personally.
I am with you Dawn & Mary, I am being edified by the study, truly, but feeling like anyone has this book ‘nailed down’ feels naive to me. It is good to study to realize that opinions differ and end with trusting God.
I do agree that this is mysterious. And I do agree no one gets it all right. There are some great themes that are ringing true in my soul, and I think the evidence is strong that we are in the tribulation now and that it at least seems to be accelerating. Also to see both the holiness and justice of God is good for my soul, and also His mercy in the sealing and cutting days short. I also think much is symbolic and not literal. But it is important to approach this with humility. I don’t think God would have given it to us if there were not a blessing for studying it, even though we see through a glass darkly.
I have to agree. Following along silently this week. I am encouraged by the same things Dee mentions. Also, I have never seen Revelation as a book I could apply to me today, but I do now! I love that it ties in so much with the rest of scripture. I love that the Lord uses a bit of mystery so that we must trust Him and no one can claim to have all the answers. He does make us think!
Yes, I do agree. It is very humbling to accept that no one gets it all right. And it is the way it should be. ” I don’t think God would have given it to us if there were not a blessing for studying it, even though we see through a glass darkly.”
Love this, Dawn. We feel connected to you too.
Yes, I agree with your statements, Dawn! Also love that scripture from II Timothy. Yes all scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching,….
9. Read Revelation 9:12-21
A. What were these demonic angels allowed to do according to verse 15?
To kill a third of mankind.
B. Dr. Campbell says the river Euphrates “is a biblical code” for the spiritual (not literal or geographic) place from which demonic forces come. (It is also true that the literal area of the Euphrates, as Michael Wilcox points out, was the scene of much evil for Israel.) How does this passage say they will they kill people?
three plagues of fire, smoke and sulfur that came out of their mouths.
C. Though it seems the rest of mankind could still repent, they will not according to this passage. What is their basic sin and why would this cause them not to repent do you think? Idol worship in so many ways. I think the reason they hold onto idols is pride. Pride makes man not want to repent. They are their own god and beneath that is pride.
10. Read Dr. Campbell’s whole section under the sixth trumpet and share what stands out to you.
Well he definitely clarified that it is idol worship beneath the sin of unbeliever’s unrepentance. I also liked his further insight-that satan is the power behind idol worship, and the root cause is that the person becomes as foolish and blind as the idols he worships.
My stomach started to turn and my heart ached reading this because a few I love so dearly are going down that road.
Yes — it certainly makes us aware of the perils of idolatry, and not to take it lightly.
Thursday and Friday:
Jonathan Edwards sermon was sobering as he talked about the inevitability of God’s judgment on unbelievers. What was new to me was the thought that sinners are experiencing hell now though they are still alive! Is this what Dr. Campbell meant when he said, “Sin is its own punishment”?
The fact that we do not have any guarantee of a moment more on this earth should wake us up from our slumber especially if we are not really sold out to or fully convinced of the efficacy of Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross. I shudder at the thought of being present during his sermon in 1741!
How do we balance God’s compassion with His wrath over sin? Why don’t we talk more about hell in our churches? (and I ask this of myself). There is a reckoning and for Edwards it was their “now”. And for us, it is also our “now”. Lord, help me step into the doors of opportunity to witness, not circumventing the truth that we are all sinners, in need of a Savior, and that Heaven and Hell are realities.
I think that is in part what Campbell means. I know Paige Benton Brown keeps saying “Sin is getting what you want.” And indeed, people who don’t want a relationship with God get that when they get hell. So it isn’t just this life.
Paige’s words are powerful. And I do not want any of it! Lord, help me stay close to you. My prayer for all of us: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14
11. Jonathan Edwards’ sermon. I’ve heard it referred to so many times, but had never heard or read it before. The thing that most made an impression on me is that the people he was addressing for the most part believed in heaven and hell. When he kept urging them not to delay coming to Jesus by telling them vividly about the torment of hell, they were probably not sitting there thinking they didn’t believe him. But the majority of people today don’t think the same way at all. Even a lot who would call themselves Christians don’t think there is a literal hell. Some don’t even believe in heaven. I doubt an audience today would respond in contrition and repentance, as I’ve heard people did who heard him. I agree we don’t talk enough about hell, but it would need to be from a different angle, I fear, or people would dismiss it as a scare tactic, ‘brimstone and fire’, something to be made fun of. It makes me really sad. Some days I run short of believing that people can change at all. The introduction reminded me of Ray Comfort, who emphasizes that people can’t understand the good news of Jesus until they understand how completely lost in sin they are. And maybe the accent helped with that, though Ray Comfort is from Australia. It was so good, what Edwards had to say about how God’s grace is what is keeping people going. ‘Who are we to think we can stand on our own?’ The devil is eagerly waiting for permission to take over and devour those without Jesus. It is self flattery to think we can avoid hell on our own. God is under no obligation to keep people safe. These things are true, regardless of whether you believe them or not. Psalm 1 says that God has called and called and held out His mercy, but sinners didn’t want it. So will come a time, too late, when in infinite torment, they will call out to God and He will not answer them. Since you don’t know the moment of your death, turn now, while you still can.
That’s an interesting thought, Mary. Yet because we know God’s Word won’t return void, though heaven and hell may be greatly suppressed, they may still be awakened. The image of unbelievers skating on thin ice over hell stayed with me.
I hear he preached it in a calm voice, which may have been very effective.
9. Read Revelation 9:12-21
A. What were these demonic angels allowed to do according to verse 15?
They were allowed to kill people.
Love your new picture, Laura!
Thanks Dawn! Just a bit newer 😉
Thursday/Friday
11. Share your comments or notes.
Sinners in the hands of an angry God, preached by Jonathan Edwards on 7-8-1714. More than 500 people came to Christ through this sermon. Deuteronomy 32:35. “I will take revenge: I will pay them back. In due time their feet will slip. Their day of disaster will arrive, and their destiny will overtake them.” NLT
The context of this passage is God speaking to the wicked unbelieving Israelites. Despite experiencing the grace of God they remained wicked and the fruit they were bearing was poisonous and bitter.
He talks about the slippery slope that unbelievers are on and evidently have always been exposed to. Psalm 73:18, “Truly You set them in slippery places; You make them fall to ruin.” It’s God’s appointed time as to when they’ll fall. It’s God’s mere pleasure, suffering pleasure, His will that keeps them from hell. Sinners deserve to be cast into hell and Divine justice won’t stand in the way. He speaks of how those listening may be at ease and comfortable with themselves and their good works, yet they’re without Christ…the wrath of God burns against them. Their damnation doesn’t slumber, the pits prepared and the devil is ready to seize them if God permits.
Man cannot escape hell no matter how wise he is. If we were to go hell and speak to anyone there they would say they never intended to go there. They now realize how foolish and arrogant they were. No matter what promises they may of heard that they thought were intended by God, what plan they took or prayers they may of made, until he believes in Christ, God is under no obligation to keep him for a moment from eternal destruction. Those not in Christ are held in the hand of God over the pit of hell and deserve the fiery pit. They have no interest in any Mediator! The only thing between them and hell is thin air and their sin is heavy, as heavy as lead which pulls them towards hell and if God let them go, they’d immediately sink. Wisdom and good works would have no more influence to uphold them and keep them from hell than a spiders web would have to stop a falling rock.
The wrath of God is like great waters that are restrained for the present but they increase more and more and they rise higher and higher until an outlet is given and the longer the stream is stopped the more rapid and mighty is its course when once it is let lose. It God were to let go of the flood gates it would immediately open and His fury would come upon them.
Those who have not been born again are in the hands of an angry God and may not be convinced now but one day you will. It’s only because of His mercy that at this very moment you don’t drop down into hell. This is the wrath of God not man, but it would be so much better for the sinner if it was. Don’t be afraid of them that can kill the body but fear Him that has power to cast into hell.
Proverbs 1:24-32, “I called you so often, but you wouldn’t come. I reached out to you, but you paid no attention. You ignored my advice and rejected the correction I offered. So I will laugh when you are in trouble! I will mock you when disaster overtakes you – when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster engulfs you like a cyclone, and anguish and distress overwhelm you. When they cry for help, I will not answer. Though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me. For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the Lord. They rejected my advice and paid no attention when I corrected them. Therefore they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way, choking on their own schemes. For simpletons turn away from me – to death. Fools are destroyed by their own complacency.”
Isaiah 63:3, “ I have treading the wine press alone; no one was there to help me. In my anger I have trampled my enemies as if they were grapes. In my fury I have trampled my foes. Their blood has stained my clothes.” It is perhaps impossible to conceive of words that carry in them greater manifestation than these 3 things…namely contempt, hatred and fierceness of indignation.
Isaiah 33:12-14 is how it will be with the unconverted.
Hell is everlasting wrath and unbelievers must suffer it for all eternity. No end to the miserable suffering, there will be no deliverances, no litigations, any rest at all…millions and millions of ages. Hell will be infinite, all we can say about it gives a faint a feeble representation of it, inexpressible and inconceivable.
How dreadful is the state of those who are daily and hourly in danger of His great wrath and infinite misery. This is the dismal case of the soul that has not been born again, however moral, however strict, however sober, however religious…DO NOT LET THIS MOMENT PASS, whether young or old. If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior your case is extremely dangerous. Guilt and hardness of heart are extremely great.
The days are as in the days of John the Baptist, the axe is laid down at the root of the trees and every tree that does not bring forth good fruit will be chopped down and will be cast into the fire. The wrath of God is hanging over every unregenerate sinner. Flee out of Sodom, escape to the mountain.
WOW! Now I know why many “false” churches are trying to make hell…have a different meaning or non existent.
I had a conversation with a man in our church who said the reason we can’t bring in the younger generation is because we don’t talk enough about love and acceptance. To which I responded, I would agree with that to a certain extent but we don’t talk enough about the judgement of God and the consequences of sin either. To which he replied, but Jesus never talked about hell! After I picked my mouth up off the floor, I responded with, oh yes He did. I wish I had had my wit about me to gently inform him that Jesus talked about hell more than anyone else in the New Testament. God has impressed upon me to pray for this man.
In time of prayer with some women and the pastor from our church yesterday it amazed me of the urgency we all had for the salvation of our loved ones. God is waking me up and my prayers are increasing.
What amazing notes, Sharon! And I’m glad you said to that man, “Oh yes He did!”
Thank you, Sharon, for these notes and scriptures. I was trying to listen but it was hard to get all the words! You captured it well.
Laura, what a great picture! Thanks for the update.
Thanks Mary!
9. Read Revelation 9:12-21
A. What were these demonic angels allowed to do according to verse 15?
These angels were turned loose to kill one-third of all the people on the earth, leading an army of 200 million mounted troops.
B. Dr. Campbell says the river Euphrates is a “biblical code” for the spiritual (not literal or geographic) place from which demonic forces comes. How does this passage say they will kill people?
People are killed by three plagues – by fire, smoke, and burning sulfur coming from the mouth of the horses.
C. Though it seems the rest of mankind could still repent, they will not according to this passage. What is their basic sin and why would this cause them not to repent do you think?
Their basic sin is idolatry. The passage says that they refused to turn from their evil deeds, continued to worship demons, idols, and refused to repent of their murders and witchcraft and stealing. Perhaps they refuse to repent because they love their idols so much, that when their idols are threatened or destroyed, those idols that they are depending upon, instead of seeing the futility of their idols, they are angry and hateful towards God, blaming Him for taking them away.
10. Read Dr. Campbell’s whole section under the sixth trumpet and share what stands out to you.
Campbell did a great job at explaining the symbolism and meaning of this passage. The four angels here on horses are the same as in 7:1, which are the four winds of the earth that were being held back in chapter 7. Their mission will affect the whole earth. The number four expresses the idea of the whole earth. The naming of the Euphrates River is not to be taken as a literal location, but you need an understanding of the OT, specifically Jeremiah, to get it. Jeremiah spoke about an army coming from the Euphrates; this area was the location of the Babylonian and Assyrian empires. The description of the horses emphasizes their destructive power, and the fire, smoke, and sulfur is reminiscent of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Smoke symbolizes satanic deception. Fire and sulfur are used to describe the final judgment of the wicked. The people killed in this passage are spiritually dead unbelievers who are now physically killed. The “power of the horses is in their mouths” refers to the idea of deception. The horses are not literal, but represent satanic deception. Their serpent-like tails reinforce the link to Satan, the serpent himself, and Jesus also called the Pharisees serpents because they were like blind guides leading others astray. The sixth trumpet involves mass death, and thus points to a time just before the final judgment. These plagues do nothing to make people repent.
Campbell writes that the basic sin of the people here is idolatry, the refusal to worship the one, true God. Idolatry leads to other sins, and the idolater becomes as blind and foolish as his idols. When we worship anything other than God, Satan is revealed as the real power behind the idolatry. Idolatry is more than the worship of manmade idols; it is the pursuit of anything other than God Himself.
Great notes, Susan!
12. What is your take-a-way and why?
This week’s lesson is very sobering, especially the suggestion that deception and delusion are the plagues affecting mankind, because that is what is happening right now. It seems that the demonic angels of the fifth and sixth trumpets are among us right now. There is so much misinformation out there it is hard to know who or what to believe. Even the believers can be deceived. May God protect His own.
I feel sad when I do not have the time to read others comments here. However, I am still here and doing the lessons. I found this lesson particularly sobering and sad because the world is so filled with suffering, deception, anger and pessimism right now. I have always been a little cautious to believe that we are actually in the end of the “end times” but the readings this week seem to fit our times almost perfectly.
Diane, I agree. I relayed this to my husband yesterday. It does seem like the fifth and sixth trumpets are among us now.
Agree Diane, the terrible times in which we live…
Saturday:
12. What is your take-a-way and why?
This week’s study has been sobering to me, feeling the urgency of the times and the need to witness and to pray more. I have been made acutely aware of the people that I run across, praying (if I do nothing else) that each one know the Lord or will be saved. Jonathan Edwards sermon, though somber, was a reminder that the end times are near.
And even if one thinks that the Lord is tarrying, now is the time for salvation for somebody out there. For it might be too late-“The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” Matthew 3:10
For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. Habakkuk 2:3
This study has encouraged me as well to be in a posture of prayer throughout my waking hours. To be more alert to the promptings of the Holy Spirit trusting that God is sovereign, that I am kept safe from the onslaught of the enemy. And to stay dependent on Him and not on myself.
“Hell Unleashed” as the title is very sobering but to us and to others who are sealed, “Grace Unleashed” is very comforting to the spirit. The Christian life is all grace.
9 B. Dr. Campbell says the river Euphrates “is a biblical code” for the spiritual (not literal or geographic) place from which demonic forces come. (It is also true that the literal area of the Euphrates, as Michael Wilcox points out, was the scene of much evil for Israel.) How does this passage say they will they kill people?
They killed them through the fire, smoke and burning sulphur that came from their heads and tails. Their tails were equipped to injure them because they had heads like snakes.
C. Though it seems the rest of mankind could still repent, they will not according to this passage. What is their basic sin and why would this cause them not to repent do you think?
Their basic sin was idolatry. They worshipped demons and metal idols. They didn’t repent of the “…works of their hands…” They were into murder, witchcraft, sexual immorality and theft.
They had a false hope with these idols. They believed them to be authentic I guess? They were superstitious? Believing a way too strongly Nd not being able to see a different point of view? They were scared to give up their “normal” ways? It felt too good to give it up? I don’t know if I have enough information to answer this question.
10. Read Dr. Campbell’s whole section under the sixth trumpet and share what stands out to you.
Interesting that the only place in the OT where smoke and fire and sulphur are together are in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The smoke is satanic deception and is a divine judgment. The fire and sulphur are final judgment of the wicked.
The unbelievers here are spiritually dead already, but here they are physically killed.
Deception is real, even in the church. The sting of the serpent comes in the form of deception. “…Jesus calls the Pharisees serpents because they were blind guides leading others astray.” (Matt. 23:16, 33).
The horses are linked to Satan, as he is the serpent.
I find it interesting, that Campbell says that it is “probable that is not include those sealed. What?! Only probable?
This occurrence is just prior to the final judgment.
The plagues heeds are meant to harden hearts, just like in Egypt.
Idolatry is the true sin here. It leads to other bad behavior.
The worship of anything other than God is idolatrous behavior.
I agree with many of you who said this was a sobering week, as next week will be as well. But good for our souls.
Laura — in regard to idols, what I have found is that they fight back when you turn from them for I believe that is when Satan gets involved. He lies to you that you can’t be happy without them, or that it’s not a big deal, or whatever!
Hi~
I’m looking for a ladies bible study. I’m so hungry for connection and to grow stronger in the LORD especially during this chaotic time in our lives.