In the month of July, it is not at all unusual for there to be heatwaves in America and elsewhere. Scorching summer heat from the sun, burning hot pavement, and stinging sweat are normal for July. In July 2006, heat temperatures climbed above average levels compared to the previous six years, and stayed around for several days. A heat wave settled over most of the country, with air temperatures soaring past 100 degrees, and at least 126 people died from the heat wave. But, as with all heat waves, the heat wave of 2006 eventually disappeared.
“Words from Above” in the Bible tell us that there is a place where the temperature never subsides, because they are fueled by continually burning fires. According to Matthew 25:41, this place was created by God for the devil and his angels, who would more accurately called demons. In the Book of Revelation, the apostle John tells us in Revelation 20:1 that he saw an angel of God come down from heaven with the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. John says that the angel bound the devil and cast him in the bottomless pit for a thousand years, shutting him up there and putting a seal over it.
John also says that the devil will be released for a little while after the thousand years expire, and he will deceive the people of the earth. He will then recruit people to go into battle against God, the angels of heaven, and the saints of God. He will surround the saints and the beloved city of Jeru-salem, but fire from God will come down out of heaven to devour the forces of evil. The devil will then be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet were already imprisoned. John says that there he will be tormented day and night forever and ever, and that all who die in their sins will be cast into the lake of fire with them.
In Luke 16, Jesus tells about a rich man a beggar named Lazarus who both died. The rich man ended up in hell, where he experienced torment from the flames of fire, and wished for the beggar to dip his finger in water in order to come and cool his tongue. The rich man was told that this was not possible, and then he asked that his five brothers still living on earth be warned about the place called hell. He did not want them to be tormented in a permanent heatwave, and neither should we want this for anyone. So let’s warn as many as possible.
Larry R. Steffee is pastor of the Center Hill Brethren In Christ Church on Miller Road in Smithville. Everyone is welcome to attend. For informa-tion, you may email lrsteffeetn@yahoo.com.
