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We
are not sure, but it appears the altar is the altar of incense (Ex. 30:1-38). Throughout scripture, incense
and the prayers of the saints are associated (Psalm 141:2; Luke 1:10-11; Rev. 5:8). Both the incense and the
prayers of the saints will mingle together on the altar as a sweet aroma to God. What a wonderful thought:
our prayers are pleasing to God! He likes them . . .
Then the angel takes the golden censer, fills it with fire, and throws it to the earth. In
reaction there will be “peals of thunder, sounds, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake” will occur. The disaster
will be beyond anyone’s greatest fears. It will be horrible. This seems to be God’s answer to the prayers of
the saints that the wickedness and horror on the earth be stopped. God will answer their prayers. Some day God will put an
end to the evil that is growing year by year. That day is coming.
First
Trumpet. When
the first angel blows his trumpet, hail, fire, and blood will come down out of
heaven upon the earth, just as the golden censer was thrown down.
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And
the first sounded, and there came hail and fire, mixed with
blood, and they were thrown to the earth; and a third of
the earth was burned up, and a third of the trees were burned
up, and all the green grass was burned up. (NASB) Rev. 8:7 |
One third of the world’s trees and every green plant will be destroyed. Since plants convert carbon dioxide
into oxygen, this will have a significant impact on the health of all living things in the world. By destroying
all green plants, God will also temporarily destroy the vegetation which the land animals and humans eat. This
will cause death, illness, and poor health until the vegetation sufficiently re-grows. God will show His power
and superiority over the world’s preoccupation with health. I do not mean to imply that exercise, a good
diet, or visiting your doctor is wrong, but when these things are more important than loving God and honoring
Him - something is wrong.
Second Trumpet. When
the second trumpet sounds, something like a great mountain falls to the earth.
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And
the second angel sounded, and something like a great mountain
burning with fire was thrown into the sea; and a third of
the sea became blood; and a third of the creatures, which
were in the sea and had life, died; and a third of the ships
were destroyed. (NASB) Rev. 8:8 |
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