But in your case, dear friends, even though we speak like this, we are convinced of better things relating to salvation.

May grace and peace be lavished on you as you grow in the rich knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord!

Indeed, as long as I am in this tabernacle, I consider it right to stir you up by way of a reminder,

If we say we do not bear the guilt of sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.

“To the angel of the church in Pergamum write the following: “This is the solemn pronouncement of the one who has the sharp double-edged sword:

Then war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back.

The blood of the saints and prophets was found in her, along with the blood of all those who had been killed on the earth.”

Then I saw an angel descending from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the abyss and a huge chain.

If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, that person was thrown into the lake of fire.

At that time Baruch went into the temple of the Lord. He stood in the entrance of the room of Gemariah the son of Shaphan who had been the royal secretary. That room was in the upper court near the entrance of the New Gate. There, where all the people could hear him, he read from the scroll what Jeremiah had said.

There is a man in your kingdom who has within him a spirit of the holy gods. In the days of your father, he proved to have insight, discernment, and wisdom like that of the gods. King Nebuchadnezzar your father appointed him chief of the magicians, astrologers, wise men, and diviners.

In three more days Pharaoh will reinstate you and restore you to your office. You will put Pharaoh’s cup in his hand, just as you did before when you were cupbearer.

In the west, people respect the Lord’s reputation; in the east they recognize his splendor. For he comes like a rushing stream driven on by wind sent from the Lord.

So he called the manager in and said to him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Turn in the account of your administration, because you can no longer be my manager.’

The Lord passed by before him and proclaimed: “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, and abounding in loyal love and faithfulness,

which the Lord commanded Moses on Mount Sinai on the day he commanded the Israelites to present their offerings to the Lord in the wilderness of Sinai.

Surely he loves the people; all your holy ones are in your power. And they sit at your feet, each receiving your words.

In the same way that I valued your life this day, may the Lord value my life and deliver me from all danger.”

When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and fasted. He slept in sackcloth and walked around dejected.

He ordered the people living in Jerusalem to contribute the portion prescribed for the priests and Levites so they might be obedient to the law of the Lord.