They were burned by the blazing heat, and they spoke curses against the name of God, who had power over these plagues. But they refused to turn away from their sins and admit that God was right.
Huge hailstones weighing about 100 pounds each fell from the sky and crushed anyone they hit. People spoke curses against God because the plague of hail was so terrible.
At that same time there was a powerful earthquake, and a tenth of the city collapsed. In the earthquake, 7,000 people were killed. Those who lived through it were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.
In a loud voice he said, “Show respect for God and give him glory, because the time has come for him to judge. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and the springs of water.”
The people who weren’t killed by these plagues still didn’t stop what they’d been doing. They didn’t stop worshiping demons and idols made out of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood. Those idols can’t see or hear or walk.
I’m afraid that when I come my God will humble me before you. I’ll be grieved about many who have sinned earlier and who haven’t turned away from the impurity, sexual sin, and wild living that they’ve gotten involved in.