merodim: Do yall agree with acts 2:38?
Scripture: Acts 2:38 - King James Version (KJV)<38> Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Daniel: merodim our church agrees with the whole Bible
merodim: Then what is the evidence of the holy spirit according to scripture?
Daniel: what do you mean the evidence?
merodim: What is the evidence that a person has the holy spirit in them, acording to scripture?
Daniel: they will say and do as Scripture says i
merodim: Thats obedience, that and faith is what is necessary to recieve the holy spirit
merodim: Acts 5:32
Scripture: Acts 5:32 - King James Version (KJV)<32> And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
merodim: Acts 10:44-46
Scripture: Acts 10:44-46 - King James Version (KJV)<44> While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. <45> And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. <46> For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
merodim: Speaking in other tongues
Daniel: speaking in tongues is not a requirement
merodim: The bible shows otherwise, it is the evidence
Daniel: "A True Church - Statement of Faith, VII. Spiritual Gifts."
Daniel:
The gifts of the Holy Spirit were (and still are) given by God for the building up of the body of Christ (Romans 12:6; ii 1 Corinthians 12:7, iii 11 iv). Some gifts in the past (during the days of the apostles) were of the nature of signs and wonders (Acts 2:1-43 v) and some were (are) focused upon the mutual edification of the church (Romans 12:6-8 vi).
The purpose of the signs and wonders gifts were to confirm the word of the apostles and those in the church (during those first years of the church) that the things proclaimed about Christ were true. God, via the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the miraculous signs of the apostles, was bearing testimony to the proclamation of His Word about Christ (Mark 16:17-20; vii Acts 14:3 viii). As it is written,
how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will? (Hebrews 2:3-4)
Daniel:
Scripture gives no specific time for when these signs and wonders ceased existing. 1 Corinthians 13:8 ix does say "tongues will cease," but it does not say when tongues will cease. Yet, we see in the Scriptures a diminishing and ceasing role of these signs and wonders via the examples of Paul and James.
Paul had the God-given ability to do signs and wonders (Acts 19:12; x Romans 15:19; xi 2 Corinthians 12:12 xii) and to be able to heal people (Acts 28:8-9 xiii). Yet, near the end of his life, he did not heal Timothy of his stomach ailments and frequent infirmities. Instead of instructing him to get healed, he told him to drink a little wine (1 Timothy 5:23 xiv). Also, Paul left Trophimus sick in Miletus (2 Timothy 4:20 xv). Furthermore, when James writes to the "twelve tribes which are scattered abroad," he does not tell them to call the one with the gift of healing to heal the sick. Instead, he says,
Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick. (James 5:14-15).
Daniel:
We believe God may still do the miraculous (Jeremiah 32:27 xvi). But, we do not believe He is still "confirming the word through the accompanying signs" (Mark 16:20 xvii) and "bearing witness both by signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit" (Hebrews 2:4 xviii).
There are many today who claim He is "confirming the Word through the accompanying signs, by signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit," but their claim is idle. When one honestly compares this claim with the infallible Word, there is no comparison (see the four gospels and Acts). The signs and wonders of Christ and the apostles were undeniable works of God (miraculous), and evident to all (i.e., recognized to be true miracles by the masses). Even their enemies could not deny their miraculous nature (e.g. Luke 23:35; xix John 11:47; xx Acts 4:16 xxi). But, such is not the case with those today who claim to be doing the same work.
Even if this was the case, in other words, even if they did perform "miracles" that were evident to all, we (believers) living in the last days (2 Timothy 3 xxii and 4 xxiii) should beware. Christ warned us in Matthew 7:22-23 xxiv that there would be many who will say,
Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?
Daniel:
These are false teachers who will be damned, because they are those "who practice lawlessness" (i.e., they are evil, similar to Matthew 23:27-28 xxv). He, likewise, warned that after the abomination of desolation is set up (Matthew 24:15 xxvi), "false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, the elect" (Matthew 24:24 xxvii).
Actually, if a man (or men) claims to be doing something great (miraculous like what Christ and the apostles were doing), from the warning above, such a claim and/or such an act should actually put the true believer on guard, like in Deuteronomy 13:1-4. xxviii
In any case, the message (i.e. doctrine) is to be tested according to the Word (1 Thessalonians 5:21 xxix). If their prophecy errs, we know on this alone they are false (Deuteronomy 18:20-22 xxx).
Also, the Lord has let us know who will come in the future (in truth) and of what kind of miracles they will perform (see Revelation 11 xxxi).
Some time passes...
merodim: Alrighty, i decided to challenge the false assertions regarding dismissal of tongues.
- the signs are for believers and non believers, they are still in effect today, scripture never gives any indication that they ceased. The ceasing of tongues comes when we all speak a pure language zephaniah 3:9. And prophecy and so on because of the fulfillment of it. In the end its comparing it to Love however, which will abide eternal because God is love. Sickness is still healed through prayer and laying on of hands, paul was giving pratical advise for things. Do you want medicine to exist no more? On that logic it sounds like it.
- paul said that the gospel is of no effect without signs and wonders 1 corinthians 2:4-7 and just because you dont hear about it or deny it out of suspecion sake doesnt mean its happening, this is arrogant denial of scripture and reality.
- he also told us that we will know them by their fruits, not everyone doing wonders is false prophet. Matthew 7:16-20.
Scripture: Zephaniah 3:9 - King James Version (KJV)
<9> For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve him with one consent.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:4-7 - King James Version (KJV)
<4> And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: <5> That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. <6> Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: <7> But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
Scripture: Matthew 7:16-20 - King James Version (KJV)
<16> Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? <17> Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. <18> A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. <19> Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. <20> Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Daniel:
Sickness is still healed through prayer and laying on of hands
Why then aren't the masses lined up at what whatever church is healing this way?
Do you want medicine to exist no more?
What need would there be for medicine if there exists a way to miraculously cure everything?
just because you dont hear about it
The example in Scripture says everyone heard about it. Unbelievers couldn't deny that miracles were taking place.
he also told us that we will know them by their fruits
Fruits are the things we do and say.
Daniel: Matthew 7:21-25
Scripture: Matthew 7:21-25 - New King James Version (NKJV)<21> "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. <22> Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' <23> And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'<24> "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: <25> and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock
merodim: Yeah, you arent getting it, even denying common sense for your beliefs, and taking scripture out of context. God made medicine so people can be healed if they dont have faith and there are people who line up for healings. God aint a sugar daddy though, he heals when he sees fit. You arent even part of the church if you dont have the holy ghost and the evidence of the holy ghost is speaking with other tongues. And no, its not the same as the gift of tongues because the holy ghost gives that gift.
merodim: When you want to be part of the real church, recieve the holy spirit
Daniel: Who wouldn't have faith if there was actual miraculous healing going on? xxxii Who would spitefully stay sick to avoid believing?
Daniel: When the apostles spoke in tongues, it was a marvelous thing. Unbelievers marveled that they heard their own language spoken. (Acts 2:6)
Scripture: Acts 2:6 - New King James Version (NKJV)<6> And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language.
Daniel: This is not what goes on in the false churches that today claim to speak in tongues
Daniel: When Christ was healing people, He was famous for it! (Matthew 4:24)
Scripture: Matthew 4:24 - New King James Version (NKJV)<24> Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them.
Daniel: Great multitudes showed up to be healed. (Matthew 15:30)
Scripture: Matthew 15:30 - New King James Version (NKJV)<30> Then great multitudes came to Him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others; and they laid them down at Jesus' feet, and He healed them.
Daniel: He told His followers not to tell anyone about it, but it could not be contained. (Luke 5:15)
Scripture: Luke 5:15 - New King James Version (NKJV)<15> However, the report went around concerning Him all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities.
Daniel: When the apostles healed, people were greatly amazed. (Acts 3:11)
Scripture: Acts 3:11 - New King James Version (NKJV)<11> Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon's, greatly amazed.
Daniel: They could say nothing against it. (Acts 4:14)
Scripture: Acts 4:14 - New King James Version (NKJV)<14> And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.
Daniel: Multitudes came to be healed by the apostles. (Acts 5:16)
Scripture: Acts 5:16 - New King James Version (NKJV)<16> Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.
Daniel: Everyone on an island came to be healed. (Acts 28:9)
Scripture: Acts 28:9 - New King James Version (NKJV)<9> So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed.
Darwin: Great Scriptures on the massive and undeniable true miracles of Christ and the Apostles.
- Luke 6:
46 “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say? 47 Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: 48 He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. 49 But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.”
- Romans 12:
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith;
- 1 Corinthians 12:
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:
- 1 Corinthians 12:
11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
- Acts 2:
1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
5 And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. 6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. 7 Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” 12 So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?”
13 Others mocking said, “They are full of new wine.”
14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. 15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God,
That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh;
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
Your young men shall see visions,
Your old men shall dream dreams.
18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days;
And they shall prophesy.
19 I will show wonders in heaven above
And signs in the earth beneath:
Blood and fire and vapor of smoke.
20 The sun shall be turned into darkness,
And the moon into blood,
Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.
21 And it shall come to pass
That whoever calls on the name of the Lord
Shall be saved.’22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know— 23 Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; 24 whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it. 25 For David says concerning Him:
‘I foresaw the Lord always before my face,
For He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken.
26 Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad;
Moreover my flesh also will rest in hope.
27 For You will not leave my soul in Hades,
Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.
28 You have made known to me the ways of life;
You will make me full of joy in Your presence.’29 “Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, 31 he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. 32 This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. 33 Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.
34 “For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself:
‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at My right hand,
35 Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” ’36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”
40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.
- Romans 12:
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
- Mark 16:
17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
19 So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. 20 And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.
- Acts 14:
3 Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
- 1 Corinthians 13:
8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.
- Acts 19:
12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.
- Romans 15:
19 in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
- 2 Corinthians 12:
12 Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds.
- Acts 28:
8 And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him. 9 So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed.
- 1 Timothy 5:
23 No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.
- 2 Timothy 4:
20 Erastus stayed in Corinth, but Trophimus I have left in Miletus sick.
- Jeremiah 32:
27 “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?
- Mark 16:
20 And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.
- Hebrews 2:
4 God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?
- Luke 23:
35 And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.”
- John 11:
47 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, “What shall we do? For this Man works many signs.
- Acts 4:
16 saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.
- 2 Timothy 3:
1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; 9 but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.
10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, 11 persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
- 2 Timothy 4:
1 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
9 Be diligent to come to me quickly; 10 for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica—Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry. 12 And Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. 13 Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books, especially the parchments.
14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works. 15 You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words.
16 At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them.
17 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!
19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus stayed in Corinth, but Trophimus I have left in Miletus sick.
21 Do your utmost to come before winter.
Eubulus greets you, as well as Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brethren.
22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.
- Matthew 7:
22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’
- Matthew 23:
27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. 28 Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.
- Matthew 24:
15 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand),
- Matthew 24:
24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
- Deuteronomy 13:
“If there arises among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams, and he gives you a sign or a wonder, 2 and the sign or the wonder comes to pass, of which he spoke to you, saying, ‘Let us go after other gods’—which you have not known—‘and let us serve them,’ 3 you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams, for the Lord your God is testing you to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice; you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:
21 Test all things; hold fast what is good.
- Deuteronomy 18:
20 But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.’ 21 And if you say in your heart, ‘How shall we know the word which the Lord has not spoken?’— 22 when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him.
- Revelation 11:
1 Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood, saying, “Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. 2 But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months. 3 And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.”
4 These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth. 5 And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. And if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this manner. 6 These have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire.
7 When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them. 8 And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. 9 Then those from the peoples, tribes, tongues, and nations will see their dead bodies three-and-a-half days, and not allow their dead bodies to be put into graves. 10 And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.
11 Now after the three-and-a-half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them. 12 And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” And they ascended to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies saw them. 13 In the same hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. In the earthquake seven thousand people were killed, and the rest were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven.
14 The second woe is past. Behold, the third woe is coming quickly.
15 Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” 16 And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17 saying:
“We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty,
The One who is and who was and who is to come,
Because You have taken Your great power and reigned.
18 The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come,
And the time of the dead, that they should be judged,
And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints,
And those who fear Your name, small and great,
And should destroy those who destroy the earth.”19 Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple. And there were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail.
Darwin: The Pharisees (Matthew 23), whole cities (Matthew 11:21), God's chosen people (the Jews):
"But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him" (John 12:37).