Jewish feasts and holidays 2023

Jewish festivals are important celebrations to keep Jewish history alive in the memory of the people and preserve the remarkable events that are part of it.

The year 2023 corresponds to the years 5783 and 5784 of the Jewish calendar.

Until September 15, 2023 is the year 5783, which started on September 26, 2022.

As of sunset September 15, 2023 is the year 5784, which ends on October 2, 2024.

In 2023, the main Jewish holidays take place on the following dates:

Purim (Feast of Salvation): from sunset on March 6 to sunset on March 7.

Pesach (Jewish Passover): from sunset on April 5 to sunset on April 13.

Shavuot (Feast of the 10 Commandments): from sunset on May 25 to sunset on May 27.

Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year): Sunset September 15 to sunset September 17 to celebrate the year 5784.

Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement): from sunset on September 24 to sunset on September 25.

Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles): from sunset September 29 to sunset October 6.

Shemini Atsêret & Simchat Torah (The Eighth Day of Sukkot and The Joy of Torah): From sunset October 6th to sunset October 8th.

Chanukah (Festival of Lights): from sunset on December 7th to sunset on December 15th.

It is permissible to work on Chanukah, but it is not permissible to work on the other holidays listed above.

purim

The feast that celebrates the salvation from the extermination of the Jews in ancient Persia, where they were in exile, mediated by Queen Esther, is celebrated on the 14th day of the month of Adar.

According to the related story, King Ahasuerus' adviser named Haman persuaded the majesty to eliminate all Jews. His motivation was the conflict he had with one of the people, Mordechai. The 13th of Adar was the date chosen for the genocide in the Persian Empire.

Esther, the king's wife, had Jewish ancestry, but until then kept her origin a secret, so she interceded for the Jews. Due to the risk that the queen was taking in facing the king and trying to reverse the decision, all the people gathered for a fast of three days and three nights.

Upon learning that the queen was Jewish and the manipulation of Haman, King Ahasuerus had him executed and granted the Jews the right to worship their god.

The festival of Purim, which means luck, is a joyful moment of thanksgiving to God for divine mercy.

Passover

The Jewish Passover lasts seven or eight days and takes place from sunset on the 14th day of the month of Nissan/Abib, the first month of the Jewish calendar, between the months of March and April in the Gregorian calendar. It is also known as spring break.

This celebration recalls the liberation of the Hebrews from Egypt after many years of slavery. Pesach means to pass over and refers to the plagues sent to the Egyptians to afflict them and which did not reach the Jews.

Under the leadership of Moses, the Jews carried out the exodus from the Egyptian lands towards the promised land.

This story is remembered in a traditional dinner of a religious ceremony, the Seder, with some elements that recall the history of the people, such as lamb, matzot (unleavened bread) and marór (bitter herb). On this day it is forbidden to eat chametz (fermented food).

According to the holy scriptures, in chapter 23 and verse 15 of the book of Exodus God says:

“You shall keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread: seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, as I commanded you, at the time appointed in the month of Abib, because in it you came out of Egypt.”

Also read about the difference between Jewish Easter and Christian Easter.

Shavuot

The giving of the Ten Commandments by G‑d to Moses and the Israelites on Mount Sinai, seven weeks after leaving Egypt, is celebrated on the feast of Shavuot, a Hebrew word meaning weeks.

After about seven weeks, that is, 49 days after the Jewish Passover (Pesach), the Jews go through a period of purification to receive the sacred laws. The sacred laws were transmitted and taught to the Jews during the 40 years of the Sinai desert.

The Laws are important scriptures of Judaism. The festival, also called the Feast of Weeks, takes place between the sixth and seventh of Sivan, and is one of the commemorations that recall the story of the Exodus of the Jews.

Some of the events in the history of the Hebrew people, remembered during the commemoration, are:

protection through the 10 plagues sent on the Egyptians;

the parting of the Red Sea for the Jews to pass through;

the pilgrimage in the desert, which culminated in a divine revelation and guide to spiritual transformation.

The traditions of the date are the reading of the 10 Commandments and the book of Ruth, in addition to the consumption of dairy products, because during the departure from Egypt the God of the Jews promised to guide them to a land flowing with law and honey.

Rosh Hashanah

The Jewish New Year is marked by the celebration of the 1st day of the month of Tishrei, which is the seventh month of the calendar, and usually occurs between September and October.

Translated from Hebrew as the head of the year, Rosh Hashanah celebrates a new cycle and also recalls the creation of Adam and Eve. Therefore, the sense of celebration reflects the creation of the world and humanity, in addition to the creator's connection with the creature.

The commemoration of the first Jewish festival lasts two days for spiritual renewal, as judgment day and remembrance day are also celebrated. The traditional greeting during the festival is Shana Tova, which means good year.

The festival is based on the passage written in chapter 23 and verses 23 to 25 of the book of Leviticus:

“In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, shall be a solemn rest for you, a commemoration proclaimed with the blowing of the shofar (a trumpet made of ram's horns), a holy convocation.”

Traditionally, the shofar, a wind instrument made from a ram's horn, is played to attract blessings and protection.

Yom Kippur

The day of forgiveness, also called the day of atonement or the day of repentance, is celebrated on the 10th day after Rosh Hashanah.

This time interval between the two festivities is called Yamim Noraim (fearful days or 10 days of repentance) and the Jews use it as a time to reflect on their actions.

Yom Kippur is the holiest day. From the day before, and for about a day, there is a fast from food, drink and physical pleasures. The date is marked by going to the synagogue and praying for forgiveness for sins.

The celebration makes reference to chapter 16 of the book of Leviticus, which portrays the golden calf made by the Israelites in the Sinai desert, and the prayer of Moses, who asked God for forgiveness for the sin committed by the people.

“And this shall be for you a perpetual ordinance: In the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict your souls, and shall not do any work, neither the native nor the foreigner who sojourns among you.

For on that day atonement will be made for you, to purify you; and you will be cleansed from all your sins before the Lord.” (Leviticus 16:29-30)

Learn more about Yom Kippur.

Sukkot

The Feast of Tabernacles, or Feast of Booths, begins on the 15th day of the month of Tishrei.

The commemoration recalls the pilgrimage that the Jewish people made towards the Temple of Jerusalem to remember the journey of 40 years in the desert, carried out by their ancestors in the exodus from Egypt.

This is one of the three festivals that commemorate the Exodus. The other two are Pesach and Shavuot, which together form “Shloshet ha Regalim”. The festive period also coincides with the harvest season in Israel, which is why this is another meaning attributed to the celebration.

The Torah reading, begun on other festivals, has its annual reading concluded on Sukkot. According to the scriptures, Moses was instructed to celebrate this day.

“And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, Speak to the children of Israel, saying, On the fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the Feast of Tabernacles to the Lord for seven days.” (Leviticus 23:33-34).

Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah

Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah is celebrated immediately after Sukkot, starting at sunset on the last day of Sukkot.

On the first day, Shemini Atzeret, known as The Eighth Day of Sukkot, Yizkor is recited. The Yizkor is a prayer to the deceased, which is only recited at four times of the year.

On the second day, Simchat Torah, known as The Joy of Torah, ends and begins a new annual Torah reading cycle. In this celebration, a traditional dance is performed.

During Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah, candles are lit in the evening, before the festive dinner, and work is not allowed.

Chanukah

The festival of lights, also called Chanukah or Hanukkah, takes place on the 25th day of the month of Kislev.

Chanukah celebrates the reconquest and reopening of the Holy Temple of Jerusalem in the period that the Israelites resisted against the Hellenic domination and cultural imposition of the Assyrian king Antiochus 4th.

The main tradition during the festivity is to light the branches of the chanukiya or chanukiah. Each day of the festival, which lasts eight days, a branch of the candlestick is lit at dusk.

The lights at the festival are lit from right to left. A chanukiya has eight branches of the same height and a central and taller candle called a shamash, which is used to light the others.

SOURCE:

Jewish feasts and holidays 2023

Jewish festivals are important celebrations to keep Jewish history alive in the memory of the people and preserve the remarkable events that are part of it.

The year 2023 corresponds to the years 5783 and 5784 of the Jewish calendar.

Until September 15, 2023 is the year 5783, which started on September 26, 2022.

As of sunset September 15, 2023 is the year 5784, which ends on October 2, 2024.

In 2023, the main Jewish holidays take place on the following dates:

Purim (Feast of Salvation): from sunset on March 6 to sunset on March 7.

Pesach (Jewish Passover): from sunset on April 5 to sunset on April 13.

Shavuot (Feast of the 10 Commandments): from sunset on May 25 to sunset on May 27.

Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year): Sunset September 15 to sunset September 17 to celebrate the year 5784.

Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement): from sunset on September 24 to sunset on September 25.

Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles): from sunset September 29 to sunset October 6.

Shemini Atsêret & Simchat Torah (The Eighth Day of Sukkot and The Joy of Torah): From sunset October 6th to sunset October 8th.

Chanukah (Festival of Lights): from sunset on December 7th to sunset on December 15th.

It is permissible to work on Chanukah, but it is not permissible to work on the other holidays listed above.

purim

The feast that celebrates the salvation from the extermination of the Jews in ancient Persia, where they were in exile, mediated by Queen Esther, is celebrated on the 14th day of the month of Adar.

According to the related story, King Ahasuerus' adviser named Haman persuaded the majesty to eliminate all Jews. His motivation was the conflict he had with one of the people, Mordechai. The 13th of Adar was the date chosen for the genocide in the Persian Empire.

Esther, the king's wife, had Jewish ancestry, but until then kept her origin a secret, so she interceded for the Jews. Due to the risk that the queen was taking in facing the king and trying to reverse the decision, all the people gathered for a fast of three days and three nights.

Upon learning that the queen was Jewish and the manipulation of Haman, King Ahasuerus had him executed and granted the Jews the right to worship their god.

The festival of Purim, which means luck, is a joyful moment of thanksgiving to God for divine mercy.

Passover

The Jewish Passover lasts seven or eight days and takes place from sunset on the 14th day of the month of Nissan/Abib, the first month of the Jewish calendar, between the months of March and April in the Gregorian calendar. It is also known as spring break.

This celebration recalls the liberation of the Hebrews from Egypt after many years of slavery. Pesach means to pass over and refers to the plagues sent to the Egyptians to afflict them and which did not reach the Jews.

Under the leadership of Moses, the Jews carried out the exodus from the Egyptian lands towards the promised land.

This story is remembered in a traditional dinner of a religious ceremony, the Seder, with some elements that recall the history of the people, such as lamb, matzot (unleavened bread) and marór (bitter herb). On this day it is forbidden to eat chametz (fermented food).

According to the holy scriptures, in chapter 23 and verse 15 of the book of Exodus God says:

“You shall keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread: seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, as I commanded you, at the time appointed in the month of Abib, because in it you came out of Egypt.”

Also read about the difference between Jewish Easter and Christian Easter.

Shavuot

The giving of the Ten Commandments by G‑d to Moses and the Israelites on Mount Sinai, seven weeks after leaving Egypt, is celebrated on the feast of Shavuot, a Hebrew word meaning weeks.

After about seven weeks, that is, 49 days after the Jewish Passover (Pesach), the Jews go through a period of purification to receive the sacred laws. The sacred laws were transmitted and taught to the Jews during the 40 years of the Sinai desert.

The Laws are important scriptures of Judaism. The festival, also called the Feast of Weeks, takes place between the sixth and seventh of Sivan, and is one of the commemorations that recall the story of the Exodus of the Jews.

Some of the events in the history of the Hebrew people, remembered during the commemoration, are:

protection through the 10 plagues sent on the Egyptians;

the parting of the Red Sea for the Jews to pass through;

the pilgrimage in the desert, which culminated in a divine revelation and guide to spiritual transformation.

The traditions of the date are the reading of the 10 Commandments and the book of Ruth, in addition to the consumption of dairy products, because during the departure from Egypt the God of the Jews promised to guide them to a land flowing with law and honey.

Rosh Hashanah

The Jewish New Year is marked by the celebration of the 1st day of the month of Tishrei, which is the seventh month of the calendar, and usually occurs between September and October.

Translated from Hebrew as the head of the year, Rosh Hashanah celebrates a new cycle and also recalls the creation of Adam and Eve. Therefore, the sense of celebration reflects the creation of the world and humanity, in addition to the creator's connection with the creature.

The commemoration of the first Jewish festival lasts two days for spiritual renewal, as judgment day and remembrance day are also celebrated. The traditional greeting during the festival is Shana Tova, which means good year.

The festival is based on the passage written in chapter 23 and verses 23 to 25 of the book of Leviticus:

In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, there will be a solemn rest for you, a commemoration proclaimed with the blowing of the shofar (a trumpet made of ram's horns), a holy convocation.”

Traditionally, the shofar, a wind instrument made from a ram's horn, is played to attract blessings and protection.

Yom Kippur

The day of forgiveness, also called the day of atonement or the day of repentance, is celebrated on the 10th day after Rosh Hashanah.

This time interval between the two festivities is called Yamim Noraim (fearful days or 10 days of repentance) and the Jews use it as a time to reflect on their actions.

Yom Kippur is the holiest day. From the day before, and for about a day, there is a fast from food, drink and physical pleasures. The date is marked by going to the synagogue and praying for forgiveness for sins.

The celebration makes reference to chapter 16 of the book of Leviticus, which portrays the golden calf made by the Israelites in the Sinai desert, and the prayer of Moses, who asked God for forgiveness for the sin committed by the people.

“And this shall be for you a perpetual ordinance: In the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict your souls, and shall not do any work, neither the native nor the foreigner who sojourns among you.

For on that day atonement will be made for you, to purify you; and you will be cleansed from all your sins before the Lord.” (Leviticus 16:29-30)

Learn more about Yom Kippur.

Sukkot

The Feast of Tabernacles, or Feast of Booths, begins on the 15th day of the month of Tishrei.

The commemoration recalls the pilgrimage that the Jewish people made towards the Temple of Jerusalem to remember the journey of 40 years in the desert, carried out by their ancestors in the exodus from Egypt.

This is one of the three festivals that commemorate the Exodus. The other two are Pesach and Shavuot, which together form “Shloshet ha Regalim”. The festive period also coincides with the harvest season in Israel, which is why this is another meaning attributed to the celebration.

The Torah reading, begun on other festivals, has its annual reading concluded on Sukkot. According to the scriptures, Moses was instructed to celebrate this day.

“And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, Speak to the children of Israel, saying, On the fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the Feast of Tabernacles to the Lord for seven days.” (Leviticus 23:33-34).

Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah

Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah is celebrated immediately after Sukkot, starting at sunset on the last day of Sukkot.

On the first day, Shemini Atzeret, known as The Eighth Day of Sukkot, Yizkor is recited. The Yizkor is a prayer to the deceased, which is only recited at four times of the year.

On the second day, Simchat Torah, known as The Joy of Torah, ends and begins a new annual Torah reading cycle. In this celebration, a traditional dance is performed.

During Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah, candles are lit in the evening, before the festive dinner, and work is not allowed.

Chanukah

The festival of lights, also called Chanukah or Hanukkah, takes place on the 25th day of the month of Kislev.

Chanukah celebrates the reconquest and reopening of the Holy Temple of Jerusalem in the period that the Israelites resisted against the Hellenic domination and cultural imposition of the Assyrian king Antiochus 4th.

The main tradition during the festivity is to light the branches of the chanukiya or chanukiah. Each day of the festival, which lasts eight days, a branch of the candlestick is lit at dusk.

The lights at the festival are lit from right to left. A chanukiya has eight branches of the same height and a central and taller candle called a shamash, which is used to light the others.

SOURCE: https://www.calendarr.com/brasil/festas-judaicas/

 

We all go through times of sadness but God is with us to comfort us. Many things can cause sadness but sadness doesn't last forever. God will restore joy.

Even in times of sadness, we can praise God. He gives us strength to carry on when we are sad. God is in control at all times and we can trust him to change the situation. God's joy is more powerful than all the sadness we go through!

Give me back the joy of your salvation

and sustain me

with a spirit ready to obey.

Psalm 51:12

Those who sow with tears,

with songs of joy they will reap. The one who comes out crying

as he sows the seed,

will return with songs of joy,

bringing his sheaves.

Psalms 126:5-6

I'm exhausted from moaning.

From crying so much at night

my bed;

with tears I soak my bed. My eyes are consumed with sadness;

weaken because of everyone

my opponents. get away from me

all you who do evil,

because the Lord heard my cry. The Lord heard my supplication;

the Lord accepted my prayer.

Psalms 6:6-9

The Lord is my strength and my shield;

in him my heart trusts, and from him I receive help.

My heart rejoices with joy,

and with my song I will give him thanks.

Psalm 28:7

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.

John 14:1

This is my consolation in my suffering:

Your promise gives me life.

Psalms 119:50

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord,

it's over me,

because the Lord anointed me

to bring good news to the poor.

He has sent me to care for those who are

with a broken heart,

announce freedom to the captives

and deliverance from darkness to the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor

and the day of vengeance of our God;

to comfort all who mourn and give to all who mourn in Zion

a beautiful crown instead of ashes,

the oil of joy instead of mourning

and a mantle of praise

instead of depressed spirit.

they will be called

oaks of justice,

planting of the Lord,

for the manifestation of his glory.

Isaiah 61:1-3

For I will pour water on the thirsty land,

and torrents on dry land;

I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring

and my blessing on his descendants.

Isaiah 44:3

In this you rejoice, though now, for a little while, you must be grieved by all kinds of trials. This is to prove that your faith, much more valuable than gold that perishes even if refined by fire, is genuine and will result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Even though you haven't seen him, you love him; and though they do not see him now, they believe in him and rejoice with joy unspeakable and glorious, because you are obtaining the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

1 Peter 1:6-9

Is there anyone among you who is suffering? Let him pray. Is there anyone who feels happy? Let him sing praises.

James 5:13

In the fight against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your own blood. You have forgotten the word of encouragement that he addresses to you as to his children:

"My son, do not despise

the discipline of the Lord

don't even get hurt

with his rebuke, for the Lord disciplines

whom he loves,

and punishes everyone

whom he accepts as a son." Endure difficulties, receiving them as discipline; God treats you as children. Now, what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined, and discipline is for all children , then you are not legitimate children, but illegitimate.

Hebrews 12:4-8

For his anger lasts but a moment,

but his favor lasts a lifetime;

crying can persist one night,

but in the morning joy breaks out.

Psalm 30:5

My soul is consumed with sadness;

strengthen me according to your promise.

Psalm 119:28

The ropes of death encircled me,

the pangs of Sheol have come upon me;

affliction and sadness overcame me. So I called on the name of the Lord:

Deliver me, Lord! The Lord is merciful and just;

our God is compassionate. The Lord protects the simple;

when I was already without strength, he saved me.

Psalms 116:3-6

To share

To send

tweet

Email

Why are you so sad,

oh my soul

why are you so upset

inside of me?

Put your hope in God!

For I will yet praise him;

he is my Savior and my God.

Psalm 43:5

PLEASE SHARE THIS MESSAGE WITH EVERYONE YOU KNOW. THANKS.

 "EXHORTATION TO VIGILANCE"

Jesus said, As it was in the days of

Noah, so shall also the coming of the Son be

of the man. For just as in the days before the flood they were eating, drinking,

married and were given in marriage, until

the day that Noah and his family entered

in the ark, and knew not until he came

the flood, and destroyed them all. Like this

will also be the coming of the Son of man.

Matthew, 24:37-39

We all need to be corrected sometimes and I believe that God prefers to talk to us and correct us himself, rather than using situations or people to do it. Correction is one of the hardest things to receive (especially when it comes through others), but we must be humble and recognize our faults, because only then will we be transformed and walk in obedience to God.

When God shows that something is wrong in his life, don't kick the bucket or leave the boat. Simply agree with Him and repent. Tell God you can't change unless He helps you, and thank Him, because if God shows you something wrong, it's because He wants to make changes for the better.

To tidy up a closet, you have to mess everything up first, don't you? In the same way, God wants to teach you step by step how to put everything in its place. Maybe you would like to be living a happier phase of life, healthier, richer or less lonely, but don't cry about it. Use your faith and start from "zero" if you have to. There is no age to start over, so believe that God is doing a beautiful work in your life and soon you will start to see the results, if you simply obey Him!

SOURCE: PASTOR ANTONIO JUNIOR

We need to be careful with pride. Pride makes us think we are better than other people. The proud do not submit to God because they think their own way is better. But in the end he will find that God's way is perfect and he will be humbled.

Our pride must be in God. It is God who helps us succeed; it is God who gives us talents and wisdom. When we understand that everything comes from God, we will have a balanced view of our successes, without excessive pride.

Man's pride humbles him,

but the humble in spirit obtains honor.

Proverbs 29:23

Pride goes before destruction;

the haughty spirit, before the fall.

Proverbs 16:18

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and everyone who humbles himself will be exalted.

Matthew 23:12

For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, thefts, murders, adulteries, covetousness, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, arrogance and foolishness. All these evils come from within and make man impure."

Mark 7:21-23

But he grants us greater grace. Therefore the Scripture says:

"God opposes the proud,

but he grants grace

to the humble".

James 4:6

Likewise, young people, be subject to your elders. Everyone be humble towards one another, because

"God opposes the proud,

but he grants grace

to the humble." Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.

1 Peter 5:5-6

Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Matthew 18:4

Make no mistake. If any of you think he is wise by the standards of this age, he must become "mad" in order for him to become wise.

1 Corinthians 3:18

If I must be proud, let it be in the things that show my weakness.

2 Corinthians 11:30

Have the same attitude towards each other. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of lesser standing. Do not be wise in your own eyes.

Romans 12:16

I have great confidence in you, and I am very proud of you. I feel quite encouraged; my joy overflows in all tribulations.

2 Corinthians 7:4

We, however, will not boast beyond the proper limit, but will limit our pride to the sphere of action that God has entrusted to us, which reaches you included.

2 Corinthians 10:13

If anyone considers himself something, being nothing, he deceives himself. Each one examines his own actions, and then he will be able to be proud of himself, without comparing himself with anyone, for each one will have to carry his own load.

Galatians 6:3-5

Thus says the Lord:

"Do not the wise man glory in his wisdom

nor the strong in his strength

nor the rich in his wealth, but whoever boasts, let him boast in this:

to understand and know me,

for I am the Lord

and act with loyalty,

with justice and righteousness on earth,

because it is these things that I like",

declares the Lord.

Jeremiah 9:23-24

"Son of man, say to the ruler of Tyre: This is what the Sovereign Lord says:

"In the pride of your heart

you say, 'I am a god;

I sit on the throne of a god

in the heart of the seas'.

But you are a man, not a god,

although he considers himself so wise

how much God.

Ezekiel 28:2

"Speak not so proudly,

nor let such arrogance come out of his mouth,

for the Lord is a wise God;

it is he who judges the acts of men.

1 Samuel 2:3

To fear the Lord is to hate evil;

I hate pride and arrogance,

the bad behavior

and perverse speech.

Proverbs 8:13

The end of things is better than

its beginning,

and the patient is better than the proud.

Ecclesiastes 7:8

The arrogance of your heart has you

mistaken,

you who live in the hollows of the rocks

and builds his abode on top of the mountains;

who say to yourself, 'Who can

to tear down?'

Obadiah 1:3

For all that is in the world - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of goods - does not come from the Father, but from the world.

1 John 2:16

If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree with the sound doctrine of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the teaching that is according to godliness, he is proud and understands nothing. This one shows an unhealthy interest in controversies and strife over words, which result in envy, quarrels, slander, evil suspicions.

1 Timothy 6:3-4

The vain and arrogant

he is called a mocker;

he acts with extreme pride.

Proverbs 21:24

When pride comes,

misfortune comes,

but wisdom is with the humble.

Proverbs 11:2

Pride only breeds arguments,

but wisdom is

with those who take counsel.

Proverbs 13:10

The Lord of hosts planned it

to bring down all pride and vanity

and humiliate all who are famous in the earth.

Isaiah 23:9

The sinful life of the wicked

you can see it in the proud look

and in the arrogant heart.

Proverbs 21:4

PLEASE SHARE THIS MESSAGE WITH EVERYONE YOU KNOW. THANKS.

 

I know that in practice it is not easy to rejoice in trials, but this is the guideline!

James 1 - NTLH New Translation in Today's Language

1 I, James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, send greetings to all God's people throughout the whole world.

2 My brothers, be happy when you experience all kinds of afflictions.

3 For you know that when your faith overcomes these trials, it produces perseverance.

4 May this perseverance be perfect so that you are mature and correct, failing at nothing!

5 But if anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask God, and he will give it, because he is generous and gives kindly to all.

6 But ask in faith and do not doubt at all, for those who doubt are like the waves of the sea, which the wind blows from side to side.

7 Whoever is like that, do not think that he will receive anything from the Lord,

8 for he has no firmness and never knows what he should do.

9 A brother who is poor should be happy when God makes him better off;

10 and who is rich must feel the same when God makes him worse off. For he who is rich will disappear like the flower of the grass of the field.

11 When the sun shines brightly, and its heat burns the plant, then the flower falls, and its beauty is destroyed. Likewise, he who is rich will be destroyed in the midst of his affairs.

12 Happy is he who remains faithful in afflictions! Because, after being approved of these afflictions, he will receive as a prize the life that God promises to those who love him.

13 When someone is tempted, do not say, “This temptation is from God. ” For God cannot be tempted by evil and he himself does not tempt anyone.

14 But people are tempted when they are enticed and deceived by their own evil desires.

15 Then these desires give birth to sin, and sin, when it is ripe, brings forth death.

16 Make no mistake, my dear brothers.

17 Everything good that we receive and everything that is perfect comes from heaven, comes from God, the Creator of the lights of heaven. He does not change or vary his position, which would cause darkness.

18 By his own will he caused us to be born, through the word of truth, in order to occupy the first place among all his creatures.

19 Remember this, my dear brothers: everyone be ready to listen, but slow to speak and get angry.

20 Because human anger does not produce what God approves.

21 Therefore, leave all immoral custom and all bad conduct. Humbly accept the message that God plants in your hearts that can save you.

22 Make no mistake; don't just be hearers of this message, but put it into practice.

23 For he who hears the message and does not put it into practice is like a person who looks in a mirror and sees himself.

24 he Takes a good look, then walks away, and soon forgets what he looks like.

25 The gospel is the perfect law that gives freedom to people. If someone examines this law well and does not forget it, but puts it into practice, God will bless everything that person does.

26 Is anyone thinking they are religious? If he doesn't know how to control his tongue, his religion is worthless, and he is deceiving himself.

27 For God the Father, religion is pure and true: to help orphans and widows in their affliction and not to be stained with the evil things of this world.

PLEASE SHARE THIS MESSAGE WITH EVERYONE YOU KNOW. THANKS.

 

How to deal with anxiety in difficult times

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7).

The apostle Peter wrote this letter to Christians throughout the Roman Empire who were suffering persecution from unbelieving Jews and Gentiles. In this passage, Peter shows how they should face the anxiety they are feeling in this situation: they should cast that anxiety on God. By doing so, they would recognize that they are helpless and weak, and that God is able to care for them.

"All your anxiety" is a reference Peter makes to the anguish Christians felt due to hostility and persecution from pagans, such as fear of death, fear of suffering, concern for family and friends, and other similar fears. The word "anxiety" comes from a Greek word meaning part, piece or division, which accurately describes an anxious heart: it is divided, pulled in all directions and in constant distress.

Christians must "cast on him" all these anxieties; that is, they must place all their cares and fears in God's mighty hands, and rest their troubled hearts. This is done, in practice, through prayer and petition, in which we confess our weaknesses to God, tell Him our troubles and needs, plead for His favor and grace, and rest confident that He has heard us. It is implied, though unspoken, that dwelling on these anxieties would be a form of elation and pride.

"Worry is a form of pride because when believers are filled with anxiety, they are convinced that they must solve all the problems of their lives in their own strength. The only god they trust is themselves. When believers cast their concerns about God, express their trust in His mighty hand, acknowledging that He is Lord and Sovereign over all life" (T. Schreiner).

They are encouraged by Peter to do this "because he cares for you", says the apostle. Even if it didn't seem like it, God was taking care of them in the midst of suffering, not necessarily releasing them from pain, but not allowing it to exceed their limits and giving them grace to endure and remain faithful. God was not insensitive to their suffering. God's care for them could also be a reference to what He prepared for them at the coming of Christ, as Peter had already said at the beginning of the letter (1 Peter 1:3-7).

This exhortation of Peter reflects the teaching of many Psalms that encourage the faithful to cast their burdens upon God (Ps 22:10; 37:5; 55:22), as well as the teachings of the Lord Jesus against anxiety (Matthew 6:25 -34).

In this way, Christians are encouraged to trust God and rest in Him in the midst of the most terrible sufferings, confident that Almighty God is caring for them, even if that care is not always noticeable.

SOURCE: AUGUSTUS NICODEMUS LOPES

CHARACTER CHANGE IS THE GREATEST SIGN OF THE NEW BIRTH...

 

In Ephesians 4:22-32 it is written:

"As for the old way of life, you were taught to put off the old man, which is corrupted by deceitful desires, to be renewed in the way of thinking and to put on the new man, created to be like God in righteousness and in holiness from the truth. Therefore, each of you must put off falsehood and speak the truth to his neighbor, for we are all members of the same body. "When you are angry, do not sin." the sun goes down, and do not give way to the devil. He who stole, do not steal anymore, but work, doing something useful with your hands, so that you may have something to share with those in need. Let no filthy word come out of your mouths , but only what is useful for building others up, according to their need, that it may give grace to those who hear it. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, indignation, and wrath, clamor, and slander, and all malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you."

SOURCE: PASTOR ANTÔNIO JUNIOR

DESTINY OF THE WICKED...

 IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

“On the day you appear, you will make them a fiery furnace. In his anger the Lord will devour them, fire will consume them” (cf. Psalm 21:9)

“When the storm has passed, the wicked is no more, but the righteous remains steadfast forever” (cf. Proverbs 10:25)

“Those whom the Lord blesses shall inherit the earth, but those he curses shall be cut off” (cf. Psalm 37:22)

“For the wicked will be cut off, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the earth” (cf. Psalm 37:9)

“A little while, and the wicked will be no more; however much you look for them, they will not be found” (cf. Psalm 37:10)

“But all rebels will be destroyed, there will never be a future for the wicked” (cf. Psalm 37:38)

“Disaster will kill the wicked, those who hate the righteous will be condemned” (cf. Psalm 34:21)

“But the wicked shall perish, the enemies of the Lord shall wither like the beauty of the fields, they shall vanish like smoke” (cf. Psalm 37:20)

“How long will you plot evil against a man? You will be slain, all of you, you will be like a crooked wall and a hedge ready to fall” (cf. Psalm 62:3)

“And he will bring his own iniquity upon them; and he will destroy them in his own malice; the Lord our God will destroy them” (cf. Psalm 94:23)

“Let the sinners of the earth be wiped out, and the wicked cease to exist” (cf. Psalm 104:35)

“The Lord preserves all those who love him; but all the wicked shall be destroyed” (cf. Psalm 145:20)

“But those who despise him he will repay with destruction; he is not slow to repay those who despise him” (cf. Deuteronomy 7:10)

“For the Lord will plead his cause in judgment, and he will kill those who rob them” (cf. Proverbs 22:23)

“The man who is often rebuked hardens his neck, suddenly he will be destroyed without remedy” (cf. Proverbs 1:29)

“Of those who justify the wicked for a bribe, and deny justice to the righteous! Therefore, as the tongue of fire consumes chaff, and the stubble perishes in the flame, so will its root be like rottenness, and its flower will vanish like dust; because they have rejected the law of the Lord of hosts, and have despised the word of the Holy One of Israel” (cf. Isaiah 5:23,24)

“But he shall judge the poor with righteousness, and the meek of the earth shall he rebuke with equity; and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked” (cf. Isaiah 11:4)

“For as you drank on my holy mountain, so shall all the Gentiles drink continually; they will drink and quaff, and they will be as if they had never been” (cf. Obadiah 1:16)

“For, behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven; all the proud, and all who work wickedness, will be stubble; and the day that is coming will scorch them, says the Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch” (cf. Malachi 4:1)

“And ye shall tread down the wicked, for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet, in that day which I am preparing, saith the Lord of hosts” (cf. Malachi 4:3)

“Those who oppose the Lord will be torn to pieces. He will thunder against them from heaven; the Lord will judge to the ends of the earth. He will give power to his king and exalt the strength of his anointed” (cf. 1 Samuel 2:10)

“All darkness is reserved for his treasures; an unblown fire will consume him, and he will devour what is left in his tent. His house rents will go; in the day of God's wrath they will all be poured out. This, on God's part, is the portion of the wicked; this is the inheritance that God reserves for you” (cf. Job 20:26-29)

“By the breath of God they are destroyed, by the wind of his anger they perish” (cf. Job 4:9)

“Not the case with the wicked! They are like the straw that the wind carries away. Therefore, they will not stand in the judgment, nor will sinners in the community of the righteous. For the Lord approves the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction!” (cf. Psalms 1:4-6)

“Return the wicked to the dust, all nations that forget God!” (cf. Psalms 9:17)

“But the wicked shall perish; the enemies of the Lord will wither like the beauty of the fields; they will vanish like smoke” (cf. Psalm 37:20)

“The wicked will be swept away before their pots feel the heat of the wood, true or dry. The righteous will rejoice when they are avenged, when they bathe their feet in the blood of the wicked. Then men will comment: Indeed the righteous have their reward, indeed there is a righteous God on earth ′′ (cf. Psalms 58:9-11)

“As the wind drives away smoke, as wax melts in the presence of fire, so the wicked perish in the presence of God” (cf. Psalm 68:2)

“Until I entered the sanctuary of God, and then I understood the fate of the wicked. Surely you put them on slippery ground and cause them to fall to ruin. How suddenly they are destroyed, completely seized with terror! They are like a dream that is gone when we wake up, when you rise, Lord, you will make them disappear” (cf. Psalm 73:17-20)

“The wicked who forsake you shall surely perish; you destroy all the infidels” (cf. Psalm 73:27)

“The fool does not understand, the fool does not see that, although the wicked sprout like grass and all evildoers flourish, they will be destroyed forever” (cf. Psalm 92:6,7)

“God will bring their misdeeds upon them, and destroy them because of their sins; the Lord our God will destroy them!” (cf. Psalm 94:23)

“Let sinners be wiped out of the earth, and let the wicked cease to exist” (cf. Psalm 104:35)

“For the ransom of a life is priceless. There is no payment that frees him so that he may live forever and not suffer decay” (cf. Psalms 49:8,9)

“The Lord cares for all those who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy” (cf. Psalm 145:20)

“He who obeys the commandments preserves his life, but whoever despises his ways will die” (cf. Proverbs 19:16)

“For there is no future for the wicked, and the lamp of the wicked will go out” (cf. Proverbs 24:20)

“Fear the Lord and the king, my son, and do not associate with dissenters, for they will have sudden destruction, and who can imagine the ruin that the Lord and the king can cause?” (cf. Proverbs 24:21,22)

“But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the unfaithful shall be torn from it” (cf. Proverbs 2:22)

“He who abides in righteousness will live, but whoever seeks out evil runs to death” (cf. Proverbs 11:19)

“There is a severe lesson for those who forsake their way; whoever despises reproof will die” (cf. Proverbs 15:10)

“Zion will be redeemed with righteousness, with righteousness to those who repent. But rebels and sinners will be destroyed, and those who forsake the Lord will perish” (cf. Isaiah 1:28)

“Therefore, as chaff is consumed by fire, and stubble is devoured by flames, so their roots will rot, and their blossoms, like dust, will be carried away by the wind: because they have rejected the law of the Lord of hosts, they despised the word of the Holy One of Israel” (cf. Isaiah 5:24)

“The oppressor will come to an end, the destruction will end, and the aggressor will disappear from the earth. Then love will be established on a throne; in faithfulness a man will sit in the tent of David, a judge who seeks justice and hastens to defend what is righteous” (cf. Isaiah 16:4,5)

“Your hand is raised, but they do not see it! Let them see your zeal for your people, and be ashamed; let the fire reserved for your adversaries consume them” (cf. Isaiah 26:11)

“But your many enemies will become like fine dust, the cruel hordes like straw blown away by the wind. Suddenly, in an instant, the Lord of hosts will come with thunder and an earthquake and a loud noise, like a storm and a whirlwind and the flames of a devouring fire” (cf. Isaiah 29:5,6)

“In that day the deaf will hear the words of the book, and no more in darkness and gloom will the eyes of the blind see again. Once again the humble will rejoice in the Lord, the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. It will be the end of the cruel, the mocker will disappear, and all those with eyes inclined to evil will be eliminated” (cf. Isaiah 29:18-20)

“Woe to you, destroyer, who is not yet destroyed! Woe to you, traitor, who was not betrayed! When you finish destroying, you will be destroyed” (cf. Isaiah 33:1)

“All those who hate him will certainly be humiliated and embarrassed; those who oppose you will be like nothingness and will perish. Even if you look for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who fight against you will be brought to nothing” (cf. Isaiah 41:11,12)

“No doubt they are like stubble; fire will consume them” (cf. Isaiah 47:14)

“You will leave your name as a curse to my chosen ones; the Sovereign Lord will kill you, but he will give his servants another name” (cf. Isaiah 65:15)

“For like fire and sword the Lord will execute judgment on all men, and many will be the slain by the hand of the Lord” (cf. Isaiah 66:16)

“Those who consecrate themselves to enter the gardens, going after the priest who is in the middle, eat pork, mice and other disgusting things, they will all perish, declares the Lord” (cf. Isaiah 66:17)

“You, however, know me, Lord; you see me and prove my attitude towards you. Pluck out the wicked like sheep destined for the slaughter! Reserve them for the day of slaughter!” (cf. Jeremiah 12:3)

“But if a wicked man turns from all the sins he has committed and keeps all my decrees and does what is just and right, he will surely live, he will not die” (cf. Ezekiel 18:21)

“Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked? Word of the Sovereign Lord. On the contrary, do I not like to see him deviate from his ways and live? But if a righteous person turns away from his righteousness and commits sins and the same detestable practices as the wicked, should he live? None of his righteous acts will be remembered! Because of his unfaithfulness of which he is guilty and because of the sins he has committed, he will die” (cf. Ezekiel 18:23,24)

“If a righteous person turns away from his righteousness and commits sin, he will die because of it, because of the sin he has committed he will die. But if a wicked man turns from his wickedness and does what is just and right, he will save his life. By considering all the offenses he has committed and turning from them, he will surely live, not die” (cf. Ezekiel 18:16,28)

“Therefore, they will be like the morning mist, like the dew that evaporates early in the morning, like chaff that vanishes from a threshing floor in a whirlwind, like smoke from a chimney” (cf. Hosea 13:3)

“Although they are intertwined like thorns and drenched in drink like drunks, they will be consumed like the driest straw” (cf. Nahum 1:10)

“Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord. In the fire of his zeal the whole world will be consumed, for he will bring a sudden end to all who live on the earth” (cf. Zephaniah 1:18)

IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

“Whoever falls on this stone will be dashed to pieces, and whoever falls on it will be crushed to dust” (cf. Matthew 21:44)

“You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its flavor, how to restore it? It will be good for nothing, except to be thrown out and trodden under foot by men” (cf. Matthew 5:13)

“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (cf. Matthew 10:28)

“He still lacked one to send: his beloved son. Finally he sent him, saying: They will respect my son. But the husbandmen said to one another: ‘This is the heir. Come, let's kill him, and the inheritance will be ours '. So they grabbed him, killed him and threw him out of the vineyard. What will the owner of the vineyard do then? He will come and exterminate those husbandmen and give the vineyard to others” (cf. Mark 12:5-9)

“They were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and consumed them all. As it also happened in the days of Lot: They were eating, they were drinking, they were buying, they were selling, they were planting, they were building; But on the day that Lot went out of Sodom, fire and brimstone rained from heaven and consumed them all” (cf. Luke 17:27-29)

“But he said to them, Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered these things? They weren't, I tell you; if, however, you do not repent, you will all likewise perish” (cf. Luke 13:2,3)

“Or do you think that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them were more guilty than all the other inhabitants of Jerusalem? No, I tell you; rather, if you do not repent, you will all likewise perish” (cf. Luke 13:4,5)

“But his fellow citizens hated him and sent an embassy after him, saying, We do not want this man to reign over us. But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and execute them in my presence” (cf. Luke 19:14,27)

“Jesus looked intently at them and asked: So what is the meaning of what is written? 'The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone'. Anyone who falls on this stone will be dashed to pieces, and anyone on whom it falls will be crushed to dust” (cf. Luke 20:17,18)

“For whoever wants to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for my sake, he will save it” (cf. Luke 9:24)

“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and lose or destroy himself?” (cf. Luke 9:25)

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (cf. John 3:16)

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me has eternal life. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me has eternal life. Your fathers ate manna in the desert and died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that anyone who eats of it will not perish. I am the living bread that came down from heaven; if anyone eats of it, he will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh” (cf. John 6:47-51)

“I told you that you will die in your sins. If you do not believe that I am, you will indeed die in your sins” (cf. John 8:24)

“Jesus said to them, I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, even if he dies, he will live; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die” (cf. John 11:28)

“He who loves his life will lose it; whereas he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life” (cf. John 12:25)

“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; no one can pluck them out of my hand” (cf. John 10:28)

“For David did not ascend into heaven, but he himself declared: The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet” (cf. Acts 2:34,35)

“It will come to pass that every soul that does not listen to that prophet will be cut off from among the people” (cf. Acts 3:23)

“Take care that what the prophets said does not happen to you: Look, you scoffers, marvel, and perish; for in your days I will do something that you would never believe if someone told you!” (cf. Acts 13:40,41)

“Although they know the righteous decree of God, that people who practice such things deserve death, they not only continue to practice them, but also approve of those who practice them” (cf. Romans 1:32)

“Whoever sins without the Law will also perish without the Law, and whoever sins under the Law will be judged by the Law” (cf. Romans 2:12)

“Do you not know that when you offer yourself to someone to obey him as a slave, you become slaves of the one you obey: slaves of the sin that leads to death” (cf. Romans 6:16)

“What fruit did you reap then from the things you are now ashamed of? Their end is death!” (cf. Romans 6:21)

“What if God, wanting to show his wrath and make his power known, endured with great patience the vessels of his wrath, prepared for destruction?” (cf. Romans 9:22)

“For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live” (cf. Romans 8:13)

“What fruit did you reap then from the things of which you are now ashamed? Their end is death!” (cf. Romans 6:21)

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (cf. Romans 6:23)

“For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are saved it is the power of God” (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:18)

“However, we speak of wisdom among those who are already mature, but not of the wisdom of this age or of the mighty of this age, who are being brought to nothing” (cf. 1 Corinthians 2:6)

“Do you not know that you are God's temple and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's sanctuary, God will destroy him; for the sanctuary of God, which you are, is holy” (cf. 1st Corinthians 3:16,17)

“For we are to God the odor of Christ in those who are saved and in those who are perishing. For these we are the smell of death; to those, the fragrance of life” (cf. 2 Corinthians 2:15,16)

“He has enabled us to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life” (cf. 2 Corinthians 3:6)

“If a veil remains over our Gospel, the veil is on those who are perishing” (cf. 2 Corinthians 4:3)

“Godly sorrow does not produce remorse, but repentance that leads to salvation, and worldly sorrow produces death” (cf. 2 Corinthians 7:10)

“He who sows to his flesh will from the flesh reap destruction; but whoever sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life” (cf. Galatians 6:8)

“Without in any way allowing yourself to be intimidated by those who oppose you. For them this is a sign of destruction, but for you, of salvation, and that from God” (cf. Philippians 1:28)

“As for these, their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and they are proud of what is shameful; they only think about earthly things” (cf. Philippians 3:19)

“He will punish those who do not know God and those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the penalty of eternal destruction, separation from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power” (cf. 1st Thessalonians 1:8,9)

“For when they say, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction will come upon them, like the birth pangs of a pregnant woman, and they will not escape” (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:3)

“And with signs and with lying wonders and with all the deceitfulness of unrighteousness for those who are perishing, because they did not receive the love of the truth, in order to be saved” (cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:10)

“Therefore, let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and move forward without laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death” (cf. Hebrews 6:1)

“We, however, are not those who shrink back to destruction; we are, however, of faith, for the preservation of the soul ′′ (cf. Hebrews 10:39)

“If we deliberately continue to sin after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice left for sins, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and intense fire that will devour the rebels” (cf. Hebrews 10:26,27 )

“But when this priest had finished offering one sacrifice for sins forever, he sat down at the right hand of God. From then on, he is waiting until his enemies are placed as a footstool for his feet” (cf. Hebrews 10:12,13)

“There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who can save and destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?” (cf. James 4:12)

“Know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins” (cf. James 5:20)

“He who practices sin is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. For this the Son of God was manifested: to destroy the works of the devil” (cf. 1st John 3:8)

“If anyone sees his brother committing a sin that does not lead to death, let him pray, and God will give him life. I am referring to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I am not saying that one should pray for this one” (cf. 1st John 5:16)

“In the past false prophets have arisen among the people, just as false teachers will also arise among you. These will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Sovereign who redeemed them, bringing sudden destruction upon themselves” (cf. 2 Peter 2:1)

“In their greed, such masters will exploit you with stories they have invented. Their condemnation has hung over them for a long time, and their destruction is not long in coming” (cf. 2 Peter 2:3)

“But they slander what they don't know and are like irrational creatures, guided by instinct, born to be captured and destroyed; they will be corrupted by corruption itself. They will receive retribution for the injustice they caused” (cf. 2 Peter 2:12,13)

“Now the heavens that are now and the earth, by the same word, have been stored up for fire, being reserved for the Day of Judgment and destruction of ungodly men” (cf. 2 Peter 3:7)

“The Lord is not slow in fulfilling his promise, as some people think. On the contrary, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but for everyone to come to repentance” (cf. 2 Peter 3:9)

“He also condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, reducing them to ashes, making them an example of what will happen to the wicked” (cf. 2 Peter 2: 6)

“Then death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone's name was not found in the book of life, he was cast into the lake of fire” (cf. Revelation 20:14,15)

“And they went up over the breadth of the earth, and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city; and fire came down from God out of heaven and consumed them” (cf. Revelation 20:9)

“The nations were enraged; and your wrath has come. The time has come for you to judge the dead and to reward your servants, the prophets, your saints and those who fear your name, both small and great, and to destroy those who destroy the earth” (cf. Revelation 11:18)

Conclusion – With all the arsenal that the Bible uses portraying the final destiny of the wicked, even a blind man is able to notice all the evidence: that the wicked will be eliminated (cf. Pv.2:22; Ps.37:9; Ps. 37:22; Ps.104:35; Is.29:18-20), destroyed (cf. 2Pe.2:3; 2Pe.2:12,13; Jas.4:12; Mt.10:28; 2Pe.3:7; Deut.7:10; Phil.1:28; Rom.9:22; Ps.145:20; Gal.6:8; 1Co.3:16,17; 1Th.5:3; 2Pe.2:1; Ps.145:20; Ps.94:23; Pr.1:29; 1Th.5:3; Job 4:9; Ps.1:4-6; Ps.73:17-20 92:6,7; 94:23; PROV.24:21,22; ISA.1:28; ISA.16:4,5; ISA.33:1; LK.9:25; Gal. 6:8; 1Th.1:8,9), plucked up (cf. PROV.2:22), dead (cf. Jn.8:24; Jn.11:28; Jn.6:47-51; Is. 65:15; ROM.6:23; ISA.11:4; PROV.11:19; PSA.34:21; ROMAN.8:13; PSA.62:3; PROV.15:10; JAM.1 :15; ROM.8:13; PROV.19:16; ISA.66:16; JER.12:3; ROM.1:32; EZK.18:21; EZK.18:23,24; EZK.18 :16,28; 2Co.7:10; Rom.6:16; 2Co.3:6; Heb.6:1), exterminated (cf. Ps.37:9; Mk.12:5-9; At. 3:23), executed (cf. Lk.19:14,27), devoured (cf. Rev.20:9; Job 20:26-29; Is.29:5,6; Ps.21:9), they will turn to ashes (cf. 2Pe.2:6; Is.5:23,24; Ml.4:3), they will have no future (cf. Ps.37:38; 24:20), they will lose their lives (cf. Lk.9:24), they will be consumed (cf. Zep.1:18; Lk.17:27-29; Is.47:14; Ps.21:9 ; Job 20:26-29; Rev.20:9; Is.26:11; Nahum 1:10; Ps.21:9; Lk.17:27-29), they will perish (cf. Jn.10:28; Jn.3:16; Ps.37:20; Job 4:9; Is.66:17; Ps.37:20; Ps.68:2; Ps.73:27; Acts13:40,41; Is. 1:28; Isa.41:11,12; 1Co.1:18; Rom.2:12; 2Co.4:3; 2Co.2:15,16; Lk.13:2,3; Lk.13 :4,5; 2Th.2:10), they will be broken to pieces (cf.Lk.20:17,18; Mt.21:44; 1Sm.2:10), they will become a footstool for the feet of the righteous (cf.At. 2:34,35), will disappear like smoke (cf. Ps.37:20; Ps.68:2; Is.5:24), will have a sudden end (cf. Sph.1:18; Pv.24:21 ,22; Is.29:5,6; 1Th.5:3; 29:18-20; 2Pe.2:1), they will be like chaff that the wind drives away (cf. Ps.1:4-6 ; Isa.5:24; Isa.29:5,6), they will be like straw to be trodden down by those who conquer (cf. MAL.1:1,3; Mt.5:13; Hb.10:12,13 ), they will be reduced to dust (cf. Ps.9:17; Is.5:24; Is.29:5,6; Lk.20:17,18; Mt.21:44; 2Pe.2:6), they will disappear (cf. Ps.73:17-20; Is.16:4,5; Is.29:18-20), they will cease to exist (cf. Ps.104:35), they will be erased (cf. Prov.24:20), they will be reduced to nothing (cf. Is.41:11,12; 1Co.2:6), they will be as if they had never existed (cf. Ob.1:16), they will evaporate (cf. Hos.13:3), their lives will be taken away (cf. Prov.22:23; Jo.12:25), and they will be no more (cf. Ps.104:35; Prov.10:25).

In the face of all this, only someone who is very misunderstood or ill-intentioned will think that God condemns people to have their bodies (which, unlike the righteous, will not be incorruptible – cf. Gal.6:8; Rom.2:7) burning in an eternal torment that never ends, in an eternal and inconclusive process of destruction. The Bible paints a clear picture of total consumption by fire, not eternal torment.

PLEASE SHARE THIS MESSAGE WITH EVERYONE YOU KNOW. THANKS.