How should Revelation 9:18 influence our urgency in sharing the Gospel today? Revelation 9:18—A Sobering Snapshot “A third of mankind was killed by the three plagues of fire, smoke, and sulfur that proceeded from their mouths.” (Revelation 9:18) Why This Verse Accelerates Our Mission • Literal, coming judgment: one-third of earth’s population wiped out in a single wave of wrath. • God’s patience has a limit; the clock is ticking (2 Peter 3:9-10). • People we know and love could face this devastation if they remain unreconciled to Christ. Four Urgent Motivations for Sharing the Gospel 1. Imminent peril – Revelation 9:18 shows judgment is not symbolic; it’s deadly and global. – “Knowing, then, the fear of the Lord, we persuade men” (2 Corinthians 5:11). 2. Christ’s clear command – “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). – Obedience is time-sensitive because judgment is time-certain. 3. Compassion for souls – God “desires all men to be saved” (1 Timothy 2:4). – Our love must mirror His heart before calamity strikes. 4. Stewardship of the moment – “Make the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16). – Each conversation could be someone’s last before Revelation 9:18 becomes reality. Connecting Passages That Intensify Our Resolve • Luke 19:10—Jesus came “to seek and to save the lost.” His mission becomes ours. • Romans 10:14-15—People cannot believe without a preacher; we are the sent ones. • 1 Thessalonians 1:10—Believers “wait for His Son… who rescues us from the coming wrath.” Share the rescue plan. Practical Steps to Redeem the Time • Pray daily for five specific unbelievers by name and look for openings. • Keep a brief, clear gospel outline ready (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). • Use everyday conversations—current events, crises, questions—to bridge to hope in Christ. • Partner with your local church’s outreach; multiply impact through community. • Support and engage missions—if Revelation 9:18 is global, our reach must be global. Confidence While We Act • Authority: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me” (Matthew 28:18). • Presence: “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). • Power: The Holy Spirit convicts of sin and judgment (John 16:8); we are never alone in witness. Closing Challenge—Live and Speak with Urgency Revelation 9:18 is not a distant myth; it is a scheduled event on God’s calendar. Let its stark warning ignite courage, compassion, and consistency in proclaiming the only message that rescues people from the wrath to come. |
    |