Revelation 8:1-12
Today the seventh seal is opened and we move into the first four trumpet judgments. No part of the earth escapes these judgments. They're horrible, and deliver destruction and death like we've never seen or experienced before. What a clear demonstration of God being in control and His complete and unmatched power. And then, just when we're thinking it can't get any worse, these chilling words let us know that there's more to come... "Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth" (vs. 13).
The goings on in Revelation 8 gave me a jolt. I don't want anyone to have to experience the horrific things we read about here. So what does this passage tell us about the importance of knowing, following and belonging to Christ? Who do you know that doesn't yet know Jesus? What can you do to change that? Tami W.
This passage shows the horror of the end time and makes it more urgent for all to be saved. At this time we remember our unsaved friends and we pray specially for them and appeal to them to become christians. We cannot tell the time for the judgement day nor our own death so now is the acceptable time of the Lord. We would not want our friends to suffer, "woe woe to the inhabitants of the earth". We want them to be singing praise and glory and wisdom and thanks to the the Lamb.
My first thought was about people who wonder why God allows unjustice on the earth. The fact is that God will bring judgement on the earth to those who truly deserve it. He giving everyone every chance to turn their life around. Reading this has also made me more aware of my lack of sharing my faith. I think we have to do it appropriately, but I can take opportunity to share at the appropriate times. I have been praying more for family and friends. I don't want them to go through this terrible time. I pray that they will give their lives to God.
Tami, it is very important that we know what could happen to us so that we can avoid eternal damnation just because we have not listened and trusted God as we should. God is Awesome, Almighty and Magnificent. He is our Heavenly Father who truly loves His children which He molded and made with His own hands. It is He that has made us and not we ourselves. We live as if we had anything to do with our being on this earth. Without God, we are nothing and it is time we acknowledge this fact and give Him thanks and praise Him all day - (for all who do not know the honour of meeting Him). We are a truly blessed people and if we all believe and trust Him, then we all can have eternal life because He says so. I hope that all who do not know Him come to their senses and chose Him. If we know of anyone who does not, then we must tell them about Jesus and if we cannot get through to them let us lead them to Back to the Bible or any other excellent God-based Ministry. They may not want to discuss this with us and would prefer discussing this with someone else. The fact that they do not want to hear it from us is quite OK because this is so wonderful that we should be happy that they want to hear it anyhow.
Tami, as you have said you would not like anyone you know to experience the horrific things that are mentioned in Revelation 8. So we must take the time to share with family, friends and anyone with whom we come into contact. Try to start up a conversation about God's grace, mercy, compassion and forgiveness and His unconditional love - "The vilest offender who truly believes, that moment from Jesus a pardon receives". (From the hymn "To God be the Glory"). Let us continue to pray that God will lead and guide us as new persons come into our lives so we can share His Word.
TAMI
THE STRANGEST THING CAME TO MY THOUGHTS THE OTHER DAY AND THIS IS DESPITE THE PREDICTIONS IN THE BIBLE GENERALLY BUT REVELATION IN PARTICULARLY. I FELT THAT GOD IS SO MUCH THE ESSENCE OF LOVE THAT EVEN SATAN IS BEING GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY DESPITE ALL THE EVIL THAT HE HAS PERPETUATED, TO REPENT AND ASK GOD FOR FORGIVENESS.
I BELIEVE THAT ALL CHRISTIANS NEED TO PRAY FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO DO NOT APPEAR TO KNOW CHRIST YET, SHARE THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST AND LET THE HOLY SPIRIT DO THE REST, THAT IS WE PLANT THE WORD (SEED) IN PEOPLE, WATER THE WORD (SEED) BY GUIDING AND ENCOURAGING AND GOD WILL LET THE WORD (SEED) THAT WE PLANTED GROW AS HE SEES FIT.
REGARDS IN CHRIST
CECIL
This passage reminds us that God cannot lie. He will keep His promises, and His plan (or, program, as Dr. Kroll has called it), is sovereign and will go forward.
We must pray, pray, pray...then, try to witness (with our lips, AND with our day to day walk)! Then, after we've tried to plant a seed, pray some more, then trust the Holy Spirit to draw and to convict.
Yes, as Mary said, it is always good to point those who are not familiar with Scripture (and who may be unwilling to attend church, or, simply not understanding of HOW TO CHOOSE A CHURCH) to a BIBLE-BASED MINISTRY, such as BACK TO THE BIBLE. For many reasons, a person, might be willing to turn on the radio in the privacy of the home; and there's no stopping the Holy Spirit if that person is hungry for Jesus!
There are other ministries, yes, that are Bible-based and doctrinally sound; but folks should be very cautious about those allowed to teach them. (Personally, I'm beginning to think the time's coming when Susie will be a "person of one book", for fear of trusting what some people have written)!
If we prove everything by the Word of God, then we will come out on top! Whether it be a ministry, preacher, teacher, or church, just test everything by God's Word, and STAY IN IT! That's what I'm trying to do, and I know it's the safest way to win the prize.
Reading this it struck me that when the trumpets are blown we are going to know it. And there is going to be some terrible things happening to those who do not repent and believe. I pray for all people everywhere, that Christ will, will be done in their lifes. That those who know Him will continue to share his word and truth that all might come to know him and live in His will.
Thank you for all your insights. We must all know someone who does not want to talk about GOD. My family is gathered together this week. I fear for their salvation and want to speak up but they are bitter and angry about many things. They don't want to hear it. I need prayer for courage and boldness to speak up and remind them of the wonderful things about His love Grace mercy and forgiveness and coming judgement.I've been told so many times by "Christians" to "just love them", but that isn't enough it only shows how spoiled they are, unfortunately they have little respect. We must tell them with God's own Words. Please pray for my JOY in the LORD to be evident and for fearlessness,and most of all my memory, or pray that someone else will step in and tell them. Grandmothers should have an influence ...I teach Sunday school to little children, so it is heart wrenching that my own flesh and blood do not want to hear it. God help me when I am weak. I know YOU are strong...I will not be weary or lose hope. YOU are my God! Awesome in POWER. Take my life and let it be used all only for YOU.
Mary, we'd be glad to pray along with you for your family--that you would have boldness and love in your approach to share with them. Tami W.