Babylon, O Destroying Mountain Constellation: “Vanity Fair” & The False Prophet

By admin On March 22nd, 2013

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Click on credit links below each pic, for licensing names/details/tags/etc.. Most pics cropped/reduced in size

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Babylon, O Destroying Mountain Constellation:

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“VANITY FAIR” AND THE FALSE PROPHET

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PARADISE LOST

Cole_Thomas_Expulsion_from_the_Garden_of_Eden_1828 Boston Museum & Wikipedia US public domain.

When God created this world, it was to be a wonderful garden in which Humanity could enjoy the beauty of nature, and rich and joyful communion with their Creator.

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But God, for His own eternal purpose, allowed “that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan”, to tempt Mankind into sin and rebellion. At that point, Mankind had traded God away for a new Master…“the god of this world“, the Devil. Now at that moment, the Earth and all its inhabitants had been taken captive by this master deceiver.

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Cole Thomas – Expulsion from the Garden of_Eden – 1828 – Boston Museum – Wikipedia – US-public-domain1.jpg

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http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pilgrim%27s_Progress_2.JPGDOOR OF MERCY STILL AJAR

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But in spite of Man’s rebellion, God had left open the door of mercy. Mankind still had the ability to return back to God.

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But Lucifer, in his jealous hatred, was not content to allow Mankind such an easy access back to God. 

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And so, Lucifer went to work to create his new kingdom, turning it into a place in which fallen Mankind could not and would not find their way back into the door of God’s sheepfold. And through his own “Workers of Iniquity”,  Lucifer worked tirelessly to create his kingdom, the mighty Babylon. The kingdom of sin and selfishness. 

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Pilgrim’s Progress Enters The Wicket Gate – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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But before we proceed further,

let’s introduce the host for this article…

“Babylon, O Destroying Mountain Constellation”

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THE THIRD MOUNTAIN…CHOICE ‘C’…

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“Behold, I am against thee, O destroying mountain, saith the LORD, which destroyest all the earth: and I will stretch out mine hand upon thee, and roll thee down from the rocks, and will make thee a burnt mountain.” Jeremiah 51:25   

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These three mountains are called “The Valley of Decision Constellation Group”. The first two mountains on the left in this sketch are known are the Mounts of Blessing and Cursing, as found in Deuteronomy 27:11-26 & Chapter 28.

Valley of Decision + O Destroying Mountain Constellation Group

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The valley between these two mountains is called the Valley of Decision, as is written… “Multitudes, multitudes in the Valley of Decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the Valley of Decision.” Joel 3:14.

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The Valley of Decision is not a physical place, but a spiritual valley in which each person of the world will make up his or her mind, as to just whom they will serve: God or Satan; God’s kingdom or this world (Satan’s kingdom). 

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From the Mount of Blessing are heard all the blessings which result from serving God. From the Mount of Cursing are heard all the curses which result from disobedience to God’s will. And those in the valley will listen to both sides, and make up their minds, just who will they serve. 

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A very simple choice, right?

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Wrong!

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COUNTERFEIT KINGDOM

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Now that this basic concept of the first two mountains with two easy-to-understand concepts (Blessings & Cursing) has been presented, it is time to take note of this third mountain; a counterfeit mountain.

Valley of Decision w/names

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Oh yes, such a simple choice of life or death is just far too easy for the Dragon (Satan) to accept. No, Satan’s main deception in this world is to create counterfeit “look-alike” alternatives; attractive choices. Satan really knows how to complicate and confuse the simplicity of the Gospel. Hence the name, Babylon, which means “City of Confusion” (Isaiah 24:10). A perfect and fitting name for Satan’s kingdom!

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In Jeremiah 51:25, Babylon is referred to as “O Destroying Mountain”. It is the name of this counterfeit mountain. It is Satan’s kingdom, made up of all Satan’s followers, both humans and evil angels. Satan’s kingdom also includes this fallen world, with all its governments and ideologies. It is that great city…Babylon the Great! The world! Satan’s prison-house!

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SATAN: KING OF BABYLON

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Martin,_John_-_Satan_presiding_at_the_Infernal_Council_-_1824.JPGAlso, in Isaiah, the King of Babylon is referred to as Satan… “That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon… the golden city ceased! How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!…” Isaiah 14:4, 12.

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So here it says that Lucifer, the fallen angel is called the King of Babylon. And this King of Babylon, Lucifer, is called, in 2nd Corinthians, “the god of this world”. So the world itself is Lucifer’s kingdom, Babylon.

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THE VALLEY OF DECISION CONSTELLATION GROUP. They appear in mid-summer in the eastern skies in pre-dawn hours. These are made of Cassiopeia (mount on left), and various stars from the Andromeda Constellation (valley) Pegasus (Mount of Cursing (middle mount) & Destroying Mount (right)), and Pisces (Broad Way to Hell). The galaxy which appears to be climbing the Mountain of Blessing is the Andromeda Galaxy

Valley of Decision & O Destroying Mtn. Constellations

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This chart shows this amazing constellation group as it appears in fall, just prior to the winter constellation group. Actually, these Valley of Decision Constellations appear in mid-summer after midnight. The mountain to the left (AKA Cassiopeia) is the Mount of Blessing (Grace). The middle mountain is the Mount of Cursing (the Law). And the third mountain to the far right is the Destroying Mountain (Babylon). The straight line from the Destroying Mountain to the Dragon is called the Broad Highway to Hell.

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Martin_John_-_Satan_presiding_at_the_Infernal_Council_-_1824wikipedia-public-domain.jpg

ABOVE STAR-CHART – Fall Constellations – Valley of Decision & O Destroying Mtn. Constellations – signsofheaven.org – Not for commercial profit use!

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A QUICK LOOK AT HISTORY

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Now in order to rightly understand just how Satan has worked in modern times, it greatly helps to underhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Jan_Hus_at_the_Stake.jpgstand a little about history. This is because Satan wasted no time after Christ’s ascension, in waging war against God’s Church.

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Listen… “For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only He who now lets will let, until He be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming:” 2nd Thessalonians 2:7, 8.

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So let’s take a very short look at the history of the Church, and see just how this “mystery of iniquity” has been working through history. And maybe this will reveal that “Wicked”, spoken of in the above passage, whom the Lord “shall destroy by the brightness of His Coming”…

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Jan Hus at the Stake – wikipedia – US public domain

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THE 1st BEAST RISES

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Constantine's_conversion.jpg.

“And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.” Revelation 13:1

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Now after Christ’s ascension, persecution against Christians began. The Roman government, as well as the unbelieving Jews, both began to make life difficult and sometimes even bloody for Christians.

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But around 320 A.D., the emperor of Rome, Constantine, had a change of heart, and began to embrace Christianity. And while peace is nice, this embracing of Christianity by the Romans had its deleterious and devasting effects in the form of worldly compromises. False doctrines were gradually introduced into the Church, causing the Church to eventually become corrupt and desolate of God’s Spirit. Rules and ceremonies replaced a faith-filled communion with God.

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Constantine’s conversion – by Rubens – wikipedia – US public domain

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“FLEE TO THE MOUNTAINS”

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http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Burgkmair_whore_babylon_color.jpgAnd as those early centuries progressed, the apostate European churches eventually became the persecutors of Christians.

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This beast power was prophesied of in Revelation 13… “And I…saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns….and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months….And it was given unto him to make war with the saints” Revelation 13:1, 5, 7 [condensed].

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This passage speaks of the 1st Beast of Revelation 13, which arose out of the sea (the “sea” of nations, Revelation 17:15), having been given power to make war with the saints of God for a period of 42 prophetic months. But using the day for a year principle found in Ezekiel, 4:6, this adds up to almost 1300 years, in which the saints were persecuted in Europe.

http://www.gutenberg.org/files/18503/18503-h/18503-h.htm

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And so began a long 1300 year tribulation in which the apostate churches of Europe made life difficult, and sometimes even bloody for God’s people. At first, many Christians simply kept quiet about their love for the Bible. But as the centuries passed, many Christians had to flee to the mountains in the European Alps, and begin life anew in the safety of those mountain strongholds.

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And then, in the 1300’s, began the great Christian Reformation. God raised up men like Wycliffe, Huss, Jerome, Tyndale, Luther, and many more, who would fearlessly stand up to the priests and prelates of the apostate Church. Of course, Satan, the ruler of those apostate churches, likewise began his retaliatory attacks against the Reformation; and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Luther95theses.jpgthis went on for centuries. Oh yes, at various times there was peace for the Christians. God mercifully allowed them such intervals of rest. But after some time, the blood of martyrs once again was spilled.

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And also, the Bible was a much hated book by the apostate churches, and copies were burned, and that Book of books was outlawed. Satan tried relentlessly to obliterate the Bible out of existence.

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Whore – Babylon – Burgkmair – 1523 AD – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

ABOVE PICTURE: WALDENSES HUNTED BY THE ARMIES OF ROME courtesy gutenberg.org public domain

Martin Luther – 95 Theses – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

book burning Santo_Domingo_y_los_albigenses-detalle wikipedia public domain

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BIBLE WAS THAT SWORD

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This Protestant reformation continued on, combating these religious and civil authorities, who were torturing, imprisoning, banishing ahttp://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Avvakum_by_Myasoyedov.jpegnd even killing God’s people, off and on through the Dark Ages.

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But when the prophetic time-clock ran out, this first Beast finally received the deadly wound by God’s glittering sword, the Bible. “In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea.” Isaiah 27:1.

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Yes, God’s glittering sword, the Bible, finally delivered a deadly wound to the Dragon, Satan. When the printing press was invented, an underground movement began to publish and distribute as many Bibles as http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Caxton_Showing_the_First_Specimen_of_His_Printing_to_King_Edward_IV_at_the_Almonry,_Westminster.jpgpossible. Soon, many printing presses were producing Bibles in mass numbers. At this point, the apostate European churches could no longer suppress God’s Word: the Word they attempted to obliterate from existence was at last going out into all of Europe.

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For those who have a thirst for reading, The History of Protestantism by James Wylie. Another much shorter history might be found in Foxe’s Book of Martyrs.

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Burning at the Stake – Wikipedia – Public Domain

Caxton Showing the First Specimen of His Printing to King Edward IV at the Almonry, Westminster – Wikipedia – US public domain

 

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SECOND BEAST

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“And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke as a dragon. And he exercises all the power of the first beast before him, and causes the earth and them which dwell https://theheavensdeclare.net/flood-waters-of-satan/therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.” Revelation 13:11, 12

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At this point, Satan had to employ a new strategem against Heaven. And Satan had a radically different plan this time. And so came the hour for the second Beast to make his appearance on the world-stage.

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The first Beast had received the deadly wound by the sword: God’s Sword, His Word, the Bible!

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But this deadly wound by a sword would be healed, as is written… “And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.” Revelation 13:3.

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At the same time that the first Beast was seemingly dying, this second Beast was arising out of the Earth. This second Beast took over for the badly wounded 1st Beast.

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ABOVE PICTURE: Satan, The False Prophet who offers a world-loving gospel – www.signsofheaven.org

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https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:John_Paul_II_Brazil_1997_3.jpg

HOW WAS HIS DEADLY WOUND HEALED?

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Well, perhaps the Reader is wondering, “Just how could a deadly wound be healed?”

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Simply put, this tyrannical 1st Beast, was given a second life, to become “a kinder, gentler beast-power”.

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His throne continued, even though the Papacy lost most of its power and authority over Europe.

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John Paul II Brazil 1997 – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Brazil license.

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PUBLIC SCHOOL HISTORY CLASS CENSORSHIP

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3A120310censorship.jpg.

And another way in which the beast’s deadly wound was healed, was because the public school-systems have neglected to properly teach much of history, the great masses have been thrust into ignorance concerning the great bloody history of the Dark Ages. People today have little or no idea of the details of Satan’s war against true Christians, nor of the blessed Protestant Reformation! The public school-system simply kept us in darkness concerning true history whenever it concerns Satan’s warfare against Christianity through the past centuries.

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https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3A120310censorship.jpgAnd such ignorance has given the Papacy time and ability to slowly regain power through the following centuries, “and by peace shall destroy many” Daniel 8:25.

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Yes, this new kinder-and-gentler 1st beast, by many “good” works and “good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” Romans 16:18

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Government Censorship – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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WHY THE SECOND BEAST?

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Now why dhttps://theheavensdeclare.net/flood-waters-of-satan/id God even speak of a second Beast? Why did He not just speak of this first Beast?

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Well, the answer to this question is quite simple! You see, after his ruthless first Beast received its deadly wound by God’s glittering Sword, Satan knew he had to put an entirely “new face” on his hellish war-machine. The 1st Beast was so ruthless, and had such a horrible and bloody reputation, it was virtually impossible for this beast to have any more favor with society. Not to mention that the Bible was now being read by the great masses in Europe, which only exposed the totally unbiblical doctrines of that church. So an entirely new and different strategy had to be implemented. This new Beast was a kinder and gentler beast.

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After all, false prophets have to be nice, to a certain extent. And this was prophesied of in Daniel… “and by peace shall (he) destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.” Daniel 8:25

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“BY PEACE (HE) SHALL DESTROY MANY”

Daniel 8:25

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Yes, these two beasts had a vastly different modus-operandi from each other! They had two entirely different http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Burgkmair_whore_babylon_color.jpgstrategies to wage their war against Heaven: the first by blood and torture and https://theheavensdeclare.net/flood-waters-of-satan/famine and war. But the second Beast would employ just the opposite: the 1st Beast came out of the sea” (the sea of nations), which the 2nd Beast arose “out of the earth” (the industrial revolution which brought great prosperity!)

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The pendulum was about to swing the opposite direction. And Satan was going to make sure it would swing much too far in the opposite direction! Wealth, pleasures, peace and safety, and time-consuming diversions, false miracles in world-loving churches, were just some of the weapons of war which this 2nd Beast, the False Prophet, would employ against God’s people in these last days.

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ABOVE PICTURE: Satan, The False Prophet who offers a world-loving gospel – www.signsofheaven.org

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FROM FAMINE TO FEASTING

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“Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny Thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.” Proverbs 30:8, 9

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mall_culture_jakarta75.jpg

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This above verse lays down an important principle, that neither extreme is healthy, poverty nor riches. But this passage seems to be a hidden prophecy concerning the two periods of the New Testament history.

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This 2nd Beast was a new and improved beast. No longer did Satan need to kill, torture and banish Christians. Nor did he need to confiscate and burn Bibles.

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No, this new and improved Beast would simply flood the Christian nations with every possible pleasure and pursuit, and material prosperity!

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Truly, this beast arose out of the Earth: because earthly Mammon, lust, and excess was, and is what this 2nd Beast was all about!

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Mall Market culture – Jakarta – Wikimedia – share-alike-lic.

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LOOK-ALIKE IDEOLOGIES

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And in addition to the age of materialism, lust, and excess, Satan turned his efforts to persecute God’s people by means of http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sigmund_Freud_LIFE.jpgfalse ideologies and Biblical counterfeits. He flooded the world with every pleasure, pursuit, ideology, and false gospel conceivable. He no longer needed to imprison and torture Christians in man-made dungeons.

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He would simply flood the world with all the, “lusts of the flesh, lusts of the eyes and pride of life”! And by so-doing, he would cause Christians to become so preoccupied with worldly Mammon and watered-down prosperity-driven churches, that they had little time and little inclination to devote themselves to God’s work: ceaseless prayer, and Bible study and contemplation of God’s Word, and to the purification of the heart.

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Sigmund Freud LIFE wikipedia US public domain

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https://theheavensdeclare.net/flood-waters-of-satan/So now that this brief explanation has been given, as to just what are the general principles governing Satan’s assault on humanity, this next section will make brief mention of some of the ways in which this second Beast is assaulting the world and the Church.

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Oh, and by the way, in addition to the Valley of Decision Constellation Group, there is one more host for this article, yet to be introduced: John Bunyan. So a moment should be spent in introducing Mr. Bunyan

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ABOVE PICTURE: Satan, The False Prophet who offers a world-loving gospel – www.signsofheaven.org

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JOHN BUNYAN & VANITY FAIR

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http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:John_Bunyan_by_Thomas_Sadler_1684.jpgIn the book, Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan speaks of an ancient town called Vanity Fair. This town was an allegorical town; a symbolic picture of the attractions of this sinful world. The hero of this story was named Christian.

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Listen to a quick synopsis by “Cliff Notes”… “Emerging from the wilderness, Christian and Faithful see before them a town they must enter because the Holy Way passes through it.

.http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Pilgrim's_Progress_frontispiece_and_title_page_third_edition_1679.jpg

“It is an ancient town named Vanity Fair, where, all year round, such merchandise is bought and sold “as houses, lands, trades, places, honors, preferments, titles, countries, kingdoms, lusts, pleasures, and delights of all sorts, as whores, bawds, wives, husbands, children, masters, servants, lives, blood, bodies, souls, silver, gold, pearls, precious stones, and what not.

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“At all times, one can see “jugglings, cheats, games, plays, fools, apes, knaves, rogues, and that of all sorts,” as well as, “and that for nothing, thefts, murders, adulteries, false-swearers, and that of a blood-red color.” (For a more thorough synopsis, just click here…Vanity Fair.) 

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John Bunyan by Thomas Sadler – 1684 – Wikimedia – Public Domain

Pilgrims Progress – wikipedia – public-domain.jpg

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FALSE PROPHET EXISTED LONG AGO

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http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Pilgrim's_Progress_by_Byam_Shaw09.jpgReading this account of this town of Vanity Fair, it becomes clear that Satan and his “workers of iniquity” have always been hard at work, making his kingdom attractive to the lost souls in this world. Vanity Fair was heavily laden with attractions and oddities, and amusements and attainments.

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It had all divers sorts of delusions, to confuse, detract, and deter sinners from seeking after God. It even had counterfeit Christian gospels within its gates.

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The_Pilgrim’s_Progress_by_Byam_Shaw – wikimedia – public domain

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PURPOSE OF THIS ARTICLE

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But Vanity Fair still exists today. Make no mistake about that, O Pilgrim! Satan and his followers are busy, busy, busy, making this present day world more attractive and alluring than it has ever before been!

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And so it is the purpose of this article to discuss our modern-day world, and take a quick look at a few of the crafty and cunning ways this False Prophet, this King of Babylon, has worked his deceptive arts to entangle, confuse, captivate and destroy the souls of the unsuspecting people of the world!

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And even the Church has been deceived to a great extent, as they too, follow after this “Pied Piper” from Hell, called the Dragon, the Devil, and Satan.

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:New_york_times_square-terabass.jpgVANITY FAIR TODAY

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Vanity Fair still exists today! But today, Satan has really turned the lights on! Vanity Fair has become electrified! This Mardi Gras, this gigantic Carnival called The World, is getting a grand make-over, as his Satanic Majesty (“the god of this world“) prepares for the great showdown of that Last Day, called, Armageddon, The Day of the Lord, Judgment Day, The Time of Jacob’s Trouble, and even The Valley of Decision.

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God will lay out His Salvation plan, as He never before has, since Christ walked the Earth. But the Devil will put forth incredible strength, in attempt to thwart God’s efforts.

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New-york-times-square – terabass – wikipedia – share-alike-license.jpg

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DRESSING UP FOR FINAL SHOWDOWN

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Satan is just now putting up lights, and colored banners, firing up his high-tech devices, and fixing up his slums, and numerous other endeavors, all in effort to make this world as attractive and alluring like it never has been before. And he has amassed great weapons of war to assault anyone who dares trumpet the truth of God. But these weapons are much more than literal weapons: these weapons will be high-tech ones, using fiery verbal assaults, as though they are deadly bullets. And with high-tech abilities, Satan can make life impossible for Christians, once he pulls off his mask, declaring open-season on True-Worshipers.

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Hong Kong Skyline Restitch Photo by DAVID ILIFF. License CC-BY-SA 3.0

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TELEVISION: SATAN’S ADVERTISER-IN-CHIEF

https://theheavensdeclare.net/television-the-image-that-speaks/.

Satan has invented television to become a world-wide advertiser-in-chief for his kingdom of darkness. While television may be a great comfort to the lonely and infirm, yet its grand purpose is to project this world of sin and suffering, in such a way as to make this sad world appear to be beautiful, funny, exciting, intriguing, and inviting! This incredible invention is a great part of what the Bible speaks of as the “image (of the Beast) that speaks” Revelation 13:15. (see the article “Television and The Image That Speaks”)

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By adding some beautiful music, charismatic characters, some visual enhancements, and a sympathetic story-line, Satan can make even the most hideous and sinful aspects of this world appear attractive and even good!  

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ABOVE PICTURE: Television, the image that speaks – TV – www.theheavensdeclare.net – for non-profit use only – commercial use by permission only – copyrighted by signsofheaven.org

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O PILGRIM, GUARD WELL YOUR SOUL!

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The Bible clearly declares… “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1st Corinthians 15:33.

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The heart of Man is defiled by all the ungodliness which a man or woman or child beholds. The sounds and images which are allowed to enter into the Eye-Gates, or the Ear-Gates, all become like destructive graffiti upon the walls of the human heart. And like graffiti, it is very difficult to get it cleaned off, once it enters the heart and mind.

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Satan, the great False Prophet, uses television to indoctrinate young and old alike, ultimately making unsuspecting people into loyal citizens of spiritual Babylon, the great city and kingdom of Satan.

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Martin,_John_-_Satan_presiding_at_the_Infernal_Council_-_1824.JPGTHE WHOLE WORLD LIES IN WICKEDNESS

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Now this is as good a place as any to present the following concept. And this concept is plainly spoken of in 1st John… “And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.” 1st John 5:19.

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Yes that’s right! “The whole world lies in wickedness”. This is a tough concept to accept. “The whole world lies in wickedness”. Not just some of the world lies in wickedness. But the Bible clearly states that, “the WHOLE world lies in wickedness”. And yes, there are many Christians both in liberal and conservative churches alike, who deny this truth. But if one accepts the Bible as the infallible Word of truth, then one can only conclude, that, “the WHOLE world lies in wickedness”.

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But this shouldn’t be a surprise. After all, the Bible proclaims that Lucifer is called, in 2nd Corinthians 4:4, “the god of this world”. So the world itself is Lucifer’s kingdom, Babylon.

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Martin, John – Satan presiding at the Infernal Council – wikipedia – public-domain.jpg

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LUCIFER: A TRUE BRIDGE-BUILDER

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One great principle that must be remembered, now that we are in the time of the False Prophet, is that he has adorned this evil world with many things which have the appearance of goodness. Innocenthttp://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Foggs.jpg amusements. High-paying careers. Interesting hobbies. Intriguing sciences. And it gives his Satanic Majesty no greater pleasure than to see Christians walking across the bridge into the world!

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And so, the-god-of-this-world has constructed a bridge to the world: a bridge which has been built with a lot of seemingly “good, even innocent things”! There are clubs to join, resorts to relax at, restaurants and coffee houses to frequent, sports games to play (or watch), insurance schemes to invest in, dramas to see and hear, stock-markets to invest in, unions to pledge allegiance to, operas, concerts and plays and musicals to dress up for, newspapers to relax and read or TV news to watch, holidays to plan for and celebrate, school events to attend!

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And before long, as Christians join hands, so to speak, with the world, it becomes increasingly difficult to distinguish the Christian from the world-ling.

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bridge to nowhere – creative commons license – cropped image – wikimedia

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SEPARATION FROM THE WORLD

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https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:US_Navy_100326-N-4774B-066_Chaplain_Lt._Jason_Gregory_reads_bible_verses_on_the_weather_deck_aboard_the_guided-missile_cruiser_USS_Bunker_Hill_(CG_52).jpgBut the Bible warns… Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” 2nd Corinthians 6:-18

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Notice that this passage says that separation from the world is a prerequisite to Him being our Father! If for no other reason than to maintain a distinction between the Believer and the world, we need to keep a separation from the many seemingly nice things, which the False Prophet has built his bridge with… 

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US Navy – Chaplain Lt. Jason Gregory reads Bible on weather deck – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD!

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“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light:” 1st Peter 2:9.

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Now such a verse as this, calling Christians a royal priesthood, a peculiar people, is an absolutely preposterous idea to many. And let’s face it, most of us don’t like rejection. It is human nature to want to be accepted. And so, many Christians try very hard to blend in. And truthfully, there’s nothing wrong with trying to blend in. The problem comes in when a Christian begins to adorn his or her self with ungodly adornments: un-Christlike conversation, dementing associations, corrupting amusements and compromising places of amusement.

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And no, we are not to begin wearing uniforms, grow a beard, or speak in “Thee’s” and “Thou’s”. But we need to guard our heart with all diligence, against becoming one in spirit with the world! 

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“DO YA GOT WHAT IT TAKES?”

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Now in this Vanity Fair world, television has an undercurrent to it, that is an unspoken challenge to everyone watching it: “Can you do it? Do you really have what it takes?” This unspoken challenge is seen in many comedies, dramas, and even in advertisements.

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Just think how an advertisement for, perhaps, an automobile, can inspire envy in the audience. A very glamorous lady, or a successful young business man gets into a shiny new car and zooms off into the sunset.

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Television purposely incorporates such envy and covetousness. This is the pride of life in all its insidious evil, presented to the unsuspecting viewers in the form of “pleasant pictures”. Isaiah 2:16

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Rolls Royce 200EX ‘Ghost’ – Flickr – The Car Spy – cropped image – Wikimedia Share-alike license.

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PRIDE-of-LIFE EVERYWHERE

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http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Shoppers_on_Dundas,_near_Yonge.jpgOf course, it’s not just advertisements. Pride is a selling-point for all sorts of programming. If a viewer should place a mark on a piece of paper, every time, “the pride of life” was used on various TV shows, that viewer would probably be amazed by how many marks they would end up with after just one evening!

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But the “pride of life” is just one great sin. There are actually three great sins in the world: “The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life”. 1st John 2:16. 

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So let these three sins be discussed for a moment…

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Shoppers in Toronto – cropped image – Wikimedia – share-alike license

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THE 3 GREAT SINS

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“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” 1st John 2:15-17

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3 SINS IN THE GARDEN

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When the serpent beguiled the woman in the Garden, it was over these three great sins: “The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (see Genesis 3:6).

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SAME 3 SINS WITH JESUS

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http://thebiblerevival.com/When the Devil tempted Jesus, it was also over these same three sins: “The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (see Matthew 4:1-11).

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And the Apostle John listed these same three sins as the basis of Satan’s kingdom, the world…. “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” 1st John 2:16

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Eve – Tizian – Wikipedia – pub-dom

Christ battles satan www.thebiblerevival.com-public domain

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3 SINS OF THAT “MOTHER OF HARLOTS”…

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http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Burgkmair_whore_babylon_color.jpgAnd if one cares to think about it, it is the same three sins which exude from the allegory which God has given, in the portrait of that infamous harlot, “Mystery Babylon, The Mother of Harlots”. These three sins are seen in the mere description of her.

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The Book of Revelation, Chapter 18, describes her as a beautiful harlot, who sits as a queen, adorned with purple and scarlet clothes, and decked with precious jewels. So here again, portrayed in this harlot, are those same three sins: “The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life”.

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whore-babylon-color-Burgkmair-wikimedia-US-public-domain.jpg

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TV: THE MERCHANT OF SIN

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And Satan uses these three great sins constantly on television, as a selling-point of his kingdom, The World, Babylon, and as Bunyan called it, Vanity Fair.

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So again, if someone would just sit down for an evening  and just note on a piece of paper, each time one of these three sins are seen or heard on television.

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Then he or she might understand why this website declares that television is Satan’s Advertiser-In-Chief.

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CAREERS

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“It is an ancient town named Vanity Fair, where, all year round, such merchandise is bought and sold “as houses, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Pilgrim's_Progress_frontispiece_and_title_page_third_edition_1679.jpglands, trades, places, honors, preferments, titles, countries, kingdoms, lusts, pleasures, and delights of all sorts, as whores, bawds, wives, husbands, children, masters, servants, lives, blood, bodies, souls, silver, gold, pearls, precious stones, and what not.”

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Notice in the above passage from Pilgrim’s Progress, that Vanity Fair is a place of 

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Pilgrim's_Progress_frontispiece_and_title_page_third_edition_1679.jpg

“honors, preferments, titles and TRADES”. Now why would trades be mentioned? Is a job an evil thing? Of course not! But Satan uses all these things for his own evil purposes. And people can make anything into an idol or lesser god. And one can get so attached to his job and the things that a pay-check will buy, that even these good things can and often do become objects of worship.

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Like never before in history, Satan is creating “careers”. These are not just minimum-wage jobs. These are high-paying jobs only for those with special qualifications. These are coveted professions for those who are seeking after the higher attainments of life.

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These careers often are accompanied with “honors, preferments, and even titles”, as John Bunyan declared in the above passage from Pilgrim’s Progress.

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And of course, the high salaries which many careers pay, affords these “professionals” with many of the other finer accouterments of life: nicer houses, luxurious cars, finer apparel, 5-star resorts, upscale restaurants, etc…

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The Pilgrim’s Progress – title page third edition – 1679 – wikimedia commons – public domain

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CHRISTIANS ENTANGLED

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Now for the people of the world, a demanding career is just fine. This advice is not for them. They are of the world.

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But there are great problems for the Christian who desires to seek after such a career. Quite often, careers can be so demanding and draining upon the body, mind, and soul of the Christian, that the more important duties in that Christian’s life, God, Bible meditation, prayer and family relationships, quite often take a back seat to his or her career!

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Whereas, if that Christian would only take a less-demanding job, such as a night-watchman, self-employed tradesman, clerk or factory worker, etc., they might be able to devote much more time and energy to the spouse, children and the study of the Bible & prayer.

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Listen… “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” 2nd Timothy 2:4.

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God has chosen the Christian to be a soldier in His army. And as this above verse points out, he or she is not to get entangled with the affairs of this life. Neither are they to seek after the riches and earthly Mammon which ensnare the soul. They are to become Christ-like in every way. And as already stated, if the people of the world wish to entangle themselves in an all-consuming career, that’s their privilege to do so.

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Palmer carpenter – wikipedia – public domain

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THE DREAM-MAKER of BABYLON

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Satan, now coming as The False Prophet, the 2nd beast of Revelation 13, has been very busy giving this world a make-over, turning it into a place where dreams are bought and sold.

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Yes, Satan is the merchant-seller of dreams. And he churns out dreams for just about anyone and everyone! Some people dream about having an important position in life. Others want that big house and nice car, and expensive vacations, which high-paying careers afford. Still others dream about owning a cottage by a stream of water.

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Yes, Satan, the False Prophet has inspired jealous envy in the hearts of mankind to lust after that dream which he promises can be theirs to have and to own.

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But though one person’s dream may not be another person’s dream, nevertheless, the Master-Deceiver has an alluring picture tailor-made for each individual!

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Yes, Satan is a dream-spinner! And he has a dream just tailor-made for each one of Mankind! So to explore further into this Vanity Fair World, and see what other allurements there are in his Kingdom of Lies, which Bunyan called, Vanity Fair

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JOINING UNIONS & OTHER GROUPS

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“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?….Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” 2nd Corinthians 6:14, 17, 18

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But before leaving this topic of careers, it might be well to spend a moment on the subject of groups and unions. Because this subject has very much to do with Satan’s attempt to ensnare souls.

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Now for the people of the world, joining a union or other organizations is just fine. But Christians must beware of getting yoked together with unbelievers.

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One of the great problems with many trades and careers, is that it often requires the Christian to take a pledge on paper, or raise the right hand, and take an oath to support a union: a union which, frequently has been built on a foundation of sin: using un-Christian tactics, such as verbal, physical, or financial pressure to obtain more money.

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Listen… “And the soldiers likewise demanded of him (John the Baptist), saying, And what shall we do? And he (John) said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.” Luke 3:14.

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Is being content with one’s wages, what unions are all about?

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And so now, whether the union member knows it or not, they have become (by taking that oath) a partaker in the sins of that union, whatever they may be. And the Bible clearly says… “Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.” 1st Timothy 5:22.

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When a particular union exercises verbal, physical or even financial force to obtain higher wages, then its members are partakers of that union’s sin. Never should the Christian take an oath for the loyalty & support of any worldly organization.  

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Union Labor Strike – cropped and altered image – Wikimedia – share-alike license

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“EVIL COMMUNICATIONS CORRUPTS”

1st Corinthians 15:33

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“Anyone who walks with wise people grows wise. But a companion of foolish people suffers harm.” Proverbs 13:20

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http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lunch_Break_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1124457.jpgAnother big problem with joining groups and unions, is that quite often, the Christian becomes so closely aligned in camaraderie between fellow union or club members, that it becomes nearly impossible to escape the contagious and overwhelming worldliness and sin and social life in that little society.  He or she may eventually be swallowed up (spiritually) by that group or union, and then there will be very little difference between the Christian and the world! Much of one’s Christian peculiarity will be simply swallowed up! 

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Listen…“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?….Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” 2nd Corinthians 6:14, 17, 18

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God is not merely speaking idle words here. This passage is a strong warning. And if that Christian wants to be the son and daughter of the Lord, he needs to take heed to these words. Because this passage warns that, God being my Father, is conditional on my obedience to this passage.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Chicago_Tribune_1986_strikebreakers.jpg

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Listen again… “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” 

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Lunch Break – Wikimedia Commons – Share-alike License

Chicago Tribune 1986 strikebreakers wikipedia share-alike license

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DARE TO BE A DANIEL

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There is an old children’s’ song which goes… “Dare to be a Daniel, Dare to stand alone! Dare to have a purpose firm! Dare to make it known.”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Daniellion.jpg

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There are many times in which the Christian finds his or her self alone. There are many sacrifices which the Christian must make in order to win that heavenly crown. And choosing a lower-paying job, to stay away from corrupting influences may just be one of those sacrifices the Christian might have to make.

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Daniel and lions – wikipedia – US public domain – by Briton Riviere

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JEREMIAH SEPARATED HIMSELF

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https://www.wikiart.org/en/ilya-repin/cry-of-prophet-jeremiah-on-the-ruins-of-jerusalem-on-a-bible-subject-1870Listen to Jeremiah, as he proclaimed his separation from an apostate congregation…

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“I [Jeremiah] sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of Thy hand…And I [the LORD] will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible.” Jeremiah 15:17, 21.

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This testimony by Jeremiah, is reminiscent of a similar statement by David, found in Psalm 26… “I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers. I have hated the congregation of evildoers; and will not sit with the wicked.” Psalm 26:4, 5.

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Now those who insist that Hebrews 10:25 (“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”) takes precedent over these passages should go to the article… “Fleeing to the Mountains: The Abomination in the Church” 

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Cry of prophet Jeremiah on the Ruins of Jerusalem – Wikiart – US Public Domain

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TO CONTINUE READING, JUST CLICK HERE… “VANITY FAIR AND THE FALSE PROPHET, CONTINUED”

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