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This is interesting. This verse might also lead us to believe that we can lose our Salvation. God does not want us to presumptuously fall into carelessness regarding our Salvation. Hence the Bible is filled with warnings and threats regarding disobedience and presumptuousness.

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CROWN OF GLORY

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“In that day shall the LORD of hosts be for a CROWN OF GLORY, and for a DIADEM OF BEAUTY, unto the residue of His people,” Isaiah 28:5. This verse compares our Lord to a crown. Of course, the Church being the “body” of Christ completes this whole idea. So with us being his body and Christ is the crown, then we have this crown with 12+1 stars, seen in the night-heavens. Oh yes, we New Testament Believers are adopted into the 12 tribes.

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Listen… “For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree…that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.” Romans 11:24, 25.

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So Romans 12 proclaims that we gentiles have been grafted into the olive tree, which is Israel.

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ABOVE PICTURE – summer constellations – Revelation 12 woman (aka Ursa Major, including The Big Dipper) & The Ark (aka Sagittarius)

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ISRAEL AFTER THE FLESH

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Paul speaks of Israel after the flesh. Listen… “Behold Israel after the flesh:” 1st Corinthians 10:18.

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So Paul here is making a distinction between literal Israel and New Testament Israel. No Paul does not use the term, “spiritual Israel”. But by using the term, “Israel after the flesh”, the implication is that there are two Israels: Israel “after the flesh” and the “Israel of God”, New Testament Believers, made up of both Jews and Gentiles.

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Listen to Paul once again… “For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.” Romans 2:28, 29.

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Paul the Apostle-Artist-Valentin de Boulogne or Nicolas Tournier- circa 1500s – Wikipedia – public domain

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CROWN SYMBOLIC OF GOD’S PEOPLE

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“I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels…You shall also be A CROWN OF GLORY in the hand of the LORD, and a ROYAL DIADEM in the hand of thy God.” Isaiah 61:10 & 62:3.

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This passage says that God’s people are that royal crown in the hand of our God.

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ABOVE PICTURE – summer constellations – Revelation 12 woman (aka Ursa Major, including The Big Dipper) & The Ark (aka Sagittarius)

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ARCTURUS AND HIS SONS

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“Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion? Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season? or canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons? Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven?” Job 38:31-33 

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So as the Book of Job states… “Can you guide Arcturus with his sons?”

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This verse is making reference to that bright star, Arcturus, and his sons are symbolized by this Glorious Crown (but His sons symbolized also by the 7  Stars, commonly known as the Big Dipper) So these two constellations (the 7 Stars & the Glorious Crown) give us a picture of God’s people, as they follow Jesus on the spiritual pilgrimage that Jesus bids each and every member of the human family… “Come follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19 & Mark 1:17.

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Now this Revelation 12 Woman also represents God’s people. And that is why this 7 Stars Constellation is part of this Revelation 12 Woman. They represent the same concept: God’s people. The 7 Stars represent the 7 churches of Asia, found in Revelation Chapters 2 & 3.

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SUMMER CONSTELLATIONS WITH WOMAN AND TURTLEDOVES: The above sketch are the Summer Constellations as they appear when in the western half of the night sky. The box-like constellation is the Two Turtledoves Constellation (AKA Sagittarius) is in the south. To the right is both the Flower of the Field Constellation(AKA Scorpius) and the The Cross/Scepter Constellation. Further to the north is the Crown of Revelation Twelve (AKA  Corona Borealis Constellation) and the star, Arcturus. Farthest to the north is the Woman of Revelation (Woman in Travail) (AKA Ursa Major )

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KINGS AND PRIESTS

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“And (Christ) hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” Revelation 5:10

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God has chosen for Himself a nation of kings and priests. Yes, every true worshiper of God has been elected to be a king and a royal priest for God and the Lamb.

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And this starry crown in the heavens reminds us of our calling and of our obligation to fulfill our most high and holy calling!

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JOSEPH’S DREAM REALLY ABOUT FOLLOWING JESUS

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JOSEPH’S DREAM… “And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me.” Genesis 37:9. 

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When Joseph dreamed his dream back in Genesis 37, it was not really about Joseph. God was doing what God does so often in Scripture: He was using a human to represent Christ. And in this story, God was presenting a picture of God’s Church, the family of God. And Joseph’s family was that representation of God’s family, the Church. 

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This is the reason why this Glorious Crown in the heavens has 13, instead of 12 stars. The star in the middle represents Jesus.  So now we have a picture of the 12 tribes of Israel with the 13th star, representing Jesus.  

Josephs_Dream by Holman. – Wikipedia & www.thebiblerevival.com – public domain  Click here for link.

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CROWN: NEW TESTAMENT BELIEVERS

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But this Crown in the heavens not only represents the 12 Tribes of Israel, but also represents Christ and His 12 Apostles (including Paul). So both the Church of the Old Testament and the Church of the New Testament are seen in this heavenly Crown.

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But just why does it matter what these 12 stars represent? It’s all the same concept: Christ and His True Worshippers. Contrary to the opinions of some, God’s Church will be one Church, someday. When this earthly conflict is over, then all those who truly loved Jesus throughout time (Old Testament Believers too) will become one. And though we gentile Believers are merely grafted into the olive tree (i.e., Israel), we nevertheless will all be part of the “Bride of Christ” in that day.

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“COME FOLLOW ME”…

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The bright and beautiful star known as Arcturus leads a heavenly entourage westward (and northward) each night through the heavens  with his sons (and daughters). And this Glorious Crown is perhaps, the chief symbol of following Jesus. And that brilliant star, Arcturus reminds us of that star in the east, which guided the wise men of old. And just like Jesus, who guided His faithful Disciples…so too, Arcturus seems to be a representation of Jesus.

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Thus, “can you guide Arcturus with his sons” seems really to be speaking of Christ. That is, Arcturus leads his nightly procession of constellations through the skies, giving a heavenly parable of how our Lord, not only led His Disciples through the Holy Land, but likewise leads His Followers today…

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Jesus Discourses with His Disciples James Tissot by Brooklyn Museum by wikipedia public domain

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INCREDIBLE PROPHECY FULFILLMENT:

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THE GLORIOUS CROWN & THE 7 STARS

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“And the LORD their God shall save them in that day as the flock of His people: for they shall be as the stones of a crown (Corona Borealis?), lifted up as an ensign (7 Stars? Pictured on right.) upon His land (Kingdom of Heaven?).” Zechariah 9:16

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This verse in particular seems to be dramatically speaking of the two constellations, “Crown of Revelation 12” (Corona Borealis), and the “7 Stars” (Big Dipper)) This is not the spiritual fulfillment of Zechariah 9:16. But it is a sign in the heavens, it seems. Obviously, the spiritual fulfillment points to God’s Elect. God’s people are the real stones in that glorious crown. And God’s people are the real ensign lifted up.

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Nevertheless, these two constellations are a beautiful heavenly picture of God’s people, showing us the promise of God that we will “shine as the brightness of the firmament” Daniel 12.

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And so now is presented a wider concept of “following Jesus”. Now we have the 7 Stars Constellation (AKA The Big Dipper) also following Jesus. But we don’t want to explore this concept right now. But if you wish to explore the 7 Stars, just click here…  “The 7 Stars Constellation”. 

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WHY DO SOME STARS SHINE BRIGHTER?

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ANSWER: THE CHRISTIAN RACE

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SOME STARS HARD TO SEE…   One comment that needs to be made. Some of the ancients pictured this constellation as a broken crown.

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But others have seen it as a full circle. You must be away from city lights in order to see all 12 stars (plus 13th in middle). And if you have the desire to see this crown with all 13 stars…a good guess is…you will. But if you insist there are only 7 stars…and that also works. Seven is a very Biblical number.

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Photo of constellation by Perseus astronomy software.

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THE WOMAN GRASPS FOR THIS CROWN

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“And there appeared a great wonder (sign) in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.”  Revelation 12:1, 2 

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The above passage from Revelation 12, is about “a great wonder (sign) in Heaven”. It speaks of a woman with child. Notice it says she has a crown of 12 stars upon her head. But though this constellation is of a woman who is with child, the crown however is not yet upon her head. But this Revelation 12 Woman Constellation (a.k.a. Ursa Major ) appears to reach out her hand southward to grasp this Crown of 12 Stars (13 counting a star in the center). This reminds us of that well-known passage in Philippians which states…

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“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Phil.3:13, 14. So here we have the concept that the Christian is to run the race to achieve this crown.

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SKETCH WITH JOSHUA TREES…The above sketch are the Summer Constellations .as they appear when in the western half of the night sky. The box-like constellation is the The Ark of the Covenant (AKA Sagittarius Constellation) is in the south. To the right is both the Flower of the Field Constellation and above the flower is The Cross/Scepter Constellation. Further to the north is the Crown of Revelation Twelve (AKA  Corona Borealis ) and the star, Arcturus . Farthest to the north is the  Woman of Revelation 12 part one (Woman in Travail) (AKA Ursa Major). Of course, in this sketch is the desert with several Joshua Tress and some mesas, and a few other plants.

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THE CHRISTIAN RACE

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SOME FOLLOWERS SHINE BRIGHTLY…  This photo appears to have perhaps all 13 stars. But some of them are very faint in the photo. But this is also in harmony with Scripture. There are 12 apostles of God (This includes the Apostle Paul, but not Judas (who betrayed Jesus)). Of those twelve, there were 7 apostles who shone brighter than the other 5…James, Philip, John, Peter, Matthew, Andrew, and…Paul. The others, Barthelemew, Judas (not Iscariat), Simon Zealotus, Thomas, and the other James were just not as shiny in their ministries.

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And so it is with the Church of God. Some are, by the grace of God more apt to shine brightly while others of us are caught up in earthly commitments, and are not quite so easily seen. So this 7 star+1 star Victor’s Wreath seems to be very fitting for those who really dedicate themselves to running that Christian Race.

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ABOVE STAR-CHART – Summer constellation – Five Wise Virgins Stars & The Glorious Crown – Corona Borealis – signsofheaven.org – Not for profit uses!

Photo of constellation by Perseus astronomy software.

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PAUL, AN EXAMPLE OF HOW TO WIN A RACE

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Paul, of course, was the epitome of someone who ran the Christian Race. Paul didn’t let any earthly consideration slow him down. And Paul is our role-model. God raised him up to be an encouragement to the Church of how we should “lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;” Hebrews 12:1, 2

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PAUL’S CROWN… “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receives the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible (everlasting).” 1st Corinthians 9:25.

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So Paul was constantly encouraging us to go forward. And this concept of the Christian Race was just one way which God encourages Christians. 

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“Henceforth there is laid up for me a CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.” 2nd Timothy 4:8.

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Paul ran the race in order to win the crown which is laid up for him. Paul suffered the loss of all things that he might win Christ. He counted NOT himself to have “already attained, neither already made perfect”. (please read Philippians ch. 3)

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Paul Shipwrecked Acts 27:41-44- www.lavistachurchofchrist.org –public domain

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SALVATION IS A GIFT,  & YET WE MUST WIN IT

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“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13, 14

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This above verse is a giant statement! It reveals a great paradox in Scripture. And it also reveals to us the secret of Paul’s dedication to his mission on Earth: to win the crown held out before him.

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But also listen to Peter’s statement… “And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive A CROWN that fades not away.”  1st Peter 5:4.

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Even though Salvation is a gift, God nevertheless presents the Christian life as a race to run, and a prize to win.

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Now listen once again to Paul… “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14.

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Paul was not a bit complacent about his Salvation. He took the attitude that he was in a contest to win that prize. He wanted to be more and more like Christ. He looked at every moment of his day as an opportunity to improve his life. He took the stance that he had yet to attain.

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Just listen…

“Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” 

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Today’s Christian is rarely presented with such a concept as this. We are often told just the opposite! We are told that this kind of thinking is fanatical and is “Salvation by works”. Yet Paul thought this way.

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“Not as though I had already attained…I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” 

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Repeat: Paul did not take the attitude that he had already arrived. Contrariwise, he looked at his Salvation as if it had yet to be won. So let’s not be deceived concerning this issue. “O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.” Isaiah 3:12.

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We just cannot depend on others to tell us what to believe, or we’ll be in serious trouble. Quite often, the Devil has his own people in leadership positions, and we need to know for ourselves what the Bible says, instead of letting others do our homework  and our thinking for us!

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Decapitación of Paul – by Simonet – 1887 – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

Paul the Apostle-Artist-Valentin de Boulogne or Nicolas Tournier- circa 1500s

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THE CROWN SHINES DIMLY IN OUR MINDS

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It also must be mentioned that all the stars in this “Glorious Crown” Constellation are not nearly as bright as the other Summer Bible constellations, especially the 7 Stars Constellation (a.k.a. “The Big Dipper“). This makes total Biblical sense, because it represents a concept that is somewhat faint in the minds of Christians. That is, the crown which is promised to every Believer who overcomes, is yet to be realized. We must win that crown.

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“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receives the prize? So run, that ye may obtain… Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.” 1st Corinthians 9:24, 25.

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So we have a promise. A promised “Crown” to all those who will run that race which has been marked out before us. But unfortunately, we Christians today, don’t respond so well to something that seems far off. As the crude saying goes, this crown, more often than not, seems to most of us like it is, “A Pie in the Sky in The Sweet By & By”.

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Most Christians don’t look at our Salvation as a race to be run. And likewise, most of us don’t look at this Glorious Crown as a prize to be won!  So God has created this Glorious Crown Constellation to be an encouragement to us, who are living in this fearful hour. He wants us to know that He knows our hearts…that we are just like those Sleeping Virgins found in Matthew 25:1-13. And also we are just like those three sleepy disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane.

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Now this great painting depicts the 5 Wise Virgins.

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These five sleepy girls don’t much look like they’re running a race, do they? Well, these are not the Foolish Virgins: these are the Wise! And they represent us!

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In this affluent society, where life and luxuries so often come rather easy, compared to centuries past, it is very easy to become lethargic. As the Pilgrim (John Bunyan) so aptly said, “we are on enchanted ground”

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Brooklyn Museum – The Wise Virgins James Tissot – Wikimedia – public domain

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911 WAS A GIANT ‘WAKE-UP’ CALL

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“In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats; To go into the clefts of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of His majesty, when He ariseth to shake terribly the earth.” Isaiah 2:20, 21 

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This above passage from Isaiah is speaking about this very time in history. What could possibly shake up God’s people in such a way, so as to cause us to cast away our “idols of silver, and…gold”  (i.e., our love of the things of the world)? And just how is the Lord going to “shake terribly the earth” ? 

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Do you remember how all the churches filled up, after 911? For a while, that is. That event seemed to be a dramatic fulfillment of Isaiah 30, where it speaking of the “And there shall be upon every high mountain, and upon every high hill, rivers and streams of waters in the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall.” Isaiah 30:25. 

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So in light of this dramatic warning, let’s begin to run that race to the finish line. Let’s be like Paul. God gave Paul for an example of what He wants every Believer to be…

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” I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,” Philippians 3:8.    

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px-September_11_Photo_Montage by UpsateNYer & Wikipedia – cropped image – share-alike lic.

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LET’S FINISH THE RACE & ENTER IN

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Matthew Chapter 25, is perhaps the most striking illustration of the Virtuous & the Adulterous Women to be found in Scripture. Once a person hears this story, it is never forgotten. As the above passage says, there were five wise and five foolish virgins. But the foolish had no oil in their vessels (their hearts).

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Here is a dramatic picture of the two classes of Christians. The Church-Faithful, and the Church-Unfaithful. Just like these foolish virgins, the unfaithful may enjoy hearing about the Bible while at church. Unfortunately, when they leave, they leave Jesus back at church, so to speak. And once out the door, they return to their worldly ways, and cares/pleasures-seeking.

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But alas, alas, that Great Day comes, and only those Five Wise Virgins had hidden God’s Word in their hearts, and had attempted to purify their hearts during the peaceful years. But now that loud cry comes. The Church is startled awake!

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Now that great day of judgment has come. Oh yes, the wise also fell asleep as did the foolish. But still, they did hide God’s “precious promises” in their hearts, so that they might become “partakers of the divine nature” (2nd Peter 1:4). They tried to purify themselves as best they could in their sleepiness. But now comes that fearful hour of trial for the Church. The Foolish find the oil in their lamps (their Bibles) are gone out, and they have no oil of Grace in their hearts, and are counseled to go to them that sell, and buy more oil.

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The bottom line to this parable is found in these words of Jesus… “And while they (the foolish) went to buy (oil), the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other (foolish) virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, ‘Verily I say unto you, I know you not’. (Then Jesus said) ‘Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh’.” Matthew 25:10-13

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five wise virgins – Matt 25 – www.thebiblerevival.com – public domain

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REVELATION 12 WOMAN RUNS RACE IN THE HEAVENS

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When summer turns to fall, and fall turns to winter, this Revelation 12 Woman gradually flips around and begins to appear as a fleeing woman. This incredible optical illusion presents this idea of the Church running the race to obtain that Glorious Crown. And this should be an encouragement and warning to each of us to get into the race. Time is short. We have just a little time to reach the mountain top.

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But if we begin now, we will be guaranteed victory. Because it is Christ who will carry us over the finish line, to victory.

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Just listen… “Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb: And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.” Isaiah 46:3,4. This is a great encouragement to the Church today.

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Above sketch is a concept drawing. These constellations are out-of-place in order to present this concept of fleeing to the mountains. All other sketches are accurate as to the placement of each constellation.

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“HAVE MERCY UPON ME, O LORD, FOR I AM WEAK”

Psalm 6:2

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“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25 

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Now, having said all this about running the Christian Race, let it also be said: never be overwhelmed by the “Christian Race”. Never be overwhelmed by the amount of the thousands of miles that the great race-runner, Paul, trod. God is probably not calling most to do that, at this point. The “Good Fight” can be won as a Christian walks, perhaps under the canopy of the starry night sky… praying for his or her self as well as others. The “Christian Race” can be run, even as a Christian lay in bed, making a complete surrender to Jesus in heart. To simply hide under the shelter of God’s wings, trusting in His grace, and feeling totally helpless, is perhaps the greatest victory that a person can win!

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“commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD….I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for Thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:4, 5, 8.

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Munch Det Syke Barn 1896 – Wikipedia – US public domain

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MARTHA & MARY

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“And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41, 42

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God has not given every one the same energy level. Some Christians may be “busy Martha’s”, always abounding in the work of the Lord. But there are also others, like Mary Magdalene, who can only sit at the feet of Jesus, and hear his Word. To hear God’s Word is the best work. So that Christian who perhaps, can only lay in bed and pray, or listen to an audio Bible, may win the Christian race, before those who are veritable-dynamo-Apostle-Paul’s!

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For more on Mary & Martha, please click here… Martha, the “Doer” & Mary, the “Hearer”

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Woman with Bible – Braet von Überfeldt – 1866 – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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THE PALSIED MAN

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Remember that story in Mark, Chapter 2, in which a palsied man who had to be let down by his four friends into the house, to receive healing from Jesus? That man couldn’t even walk!

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And yet Jesus gave him victory right then and there, prior to him receiving healing. And if I am spiritually palsied; not able to do the slightest Christian duties, I too, may feel like the weakest of all saints. But like that palsied man, we can still get the victory, though we cannot seem to walk or fight, or run, spiritually. For the real victory is won when a person truly “forsakes this world” in his heart, and begins to follow Jesus with all his heart, as one of His Disciples.

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Nevertheless, unceasing prayer for great grace and healing should be offered, that we may be strengthened, just as that palsied man, who got up and began to walk.

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Thus may be said to us… “I will run the way of Thy commandments, when Thou shalt enlarge my heart.” Psalm 119:32

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Palsied Man Let Down through the Roof -James Tissot Brooklyn_Museum – Wikipedia – public.dom.

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THE END

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NEXT ARTICLE SUGGESTION:

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THE “CHRISTIAN RACE” PART 1: PAUL/JOHN, OUR ROLE MODELS…

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Speaking of winning crowns, God has given us some role models in Scripture, who also won crowns. The two men were champion runners. And these two men are worthy of emulation. Of course, Jesus is our supreme role-model. But read this article about Paul and John too!

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Paul the Apostle – cropped & brightened photo – Artist – Valentin de Boulogne or Nicolas Tournier – circa 1500s – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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“CHRISTIAN RACE” PART 2: EFFECTS OF SENSUAL MUSIC…

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This article discusses how we might win that Christian Race which is set before us. It uses sensual music as its theme.

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Betty Boop – WIKIPEDIA – Public domain

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A HEAVENLY HOBBY

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“Lift up your eyes on high, and behold Who hath created these things; that brings out their host by number: He calls them all by names by the greatness of His might, for that He is strong in power; not one faileth.” Isaiah 40:26

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ABOVE PICTURE – Starry Night at La Silla – cropped  and altered image – Wikimedia – Share-Alike license

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The above verse is a plea from God to look up at the Heavens and behold Who has created these things.

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In this busy work-a-day world, there are many very interesting things which can occupy one’s time and energy: hobbies, and careers, and entertainments and worries, and habits, to name just a few.

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But as the child of God devotes his or her life to God, there should be a jealous guarding of one’s own heart… “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23.

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The Christian wants nothing to get in the way of running that Christian Race.

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New York Times Square – terabass – cropped image – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

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

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“AND WHEN YE SEE THESE THINGS…

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LOOK UP, LIFT UP YOUR HEAD”

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But having said this, there is one hobby which every ‘Noble Berean’ may take up, which only compliments the pursuit of the heavenly Prize.

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Yes, Signs Of Heaven becomes a wonderfully rewarding hobby which, unlike many less meaningful hobbies, pays off with rich, heavenly rewards. Everlasting rewards!

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And unlike the person in this photo with equipment, all you need is fairly good vision, and a dark, starry night.

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And once a person really gets to know these heavenly messengers, it will become very apparent that the message connected with these signs is truly a message to be heeded.

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Thus will the Christian be able to share this message with others. And there are perhaps many nuances and hidden biblical truths to these signs which have yet to be discovered.

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Astronomy Amateur – cropped image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

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“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;” Luke 21:25

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ABOVE CHART: Summer Constellations with Doves (Sagittarius) & Woman (Ursa Major)

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FIRST FIND ORION & 7 STARS

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The very first step in finding these many constellations, should be to find the two main constellations: Orion, and the 7 Stars (aka, The Big Dipper).

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These two constellations represent Christ (Orion), and His Church (7 Stars).

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And just as these are the easiest constellations to find, so too, the first place to begin studying the Bible is the Four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John).

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These four books present Christ and His Church, when He walked the earth, just as Orion and the 7 Stars represent Christ and His Church, as seen up in the heavens.

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Then, once you are comfortable finding these two constellations, you can begin to locate the next closest constellations, and so on.

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ABOVE PICTURE: Orion the Soldier and the Revelation 12 Dragon (Hyades & Pleiades, etc.) – winter constellations – www.signsofheaven.org – not for commercial use

ABOVE PICTURE – 7 Stars Constellation as the Cross (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses

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ANOTHER HEAVENLY HOBBY: PRAYER-WALKS

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Now if you’re fortunate enough to be able to go on nightly walks, and you live in an area where you can safely view the stars, here is another Heavenly Hobby which Signs Of Heaven endorses…

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Why not combine star-watching with prayer, as you walk? What a great way to draw closer to God!

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It cannot be over-stressed, just how wonderful it is to walk under the dark canopy of Heaven, while lifting up one’s heart to our Heavenly Father! There is a closeness to God that cannot be described with words!

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(And even if you cannot safely do this, you can always do such prayer-walks in the daytime, in a safe place, such as a mall, which is every bit as effective, prayer-wise.

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And for those who are in confinement, one can view these starry signs on the Internet, or simply listen to Scripture on audio.

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Either way, all such may enjoy God’s richest blessings at this very time in which God is pouring out all Heaven’s treasures upon anyone willing to forsake all, and follow Jesus!)

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Starry Night at La Silla – cropped and altered image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

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THRICE-DAILY PRAYERS

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Now of course, the Bible commands us to, “pray without ceasing“. The Christian is to constantly talk with our Heavenly Father throughout the day.

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But the Bible also holds up the godly life of Daniel, who, when captive in Babylon, still set aside three times daily, in which he knelt for special prayer.

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And furthermore the Bible also says… “Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and He shall hear my voice.” Psalm 55:17.

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Even those who are bed-fast or in a prison cell can begin to imitate Daniel in this way. And if one is fortunate to be able to walk, then this thrice-daily prayer regimen can be combined with three walks daily and even nightly.

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Marines at Prayer by Alex Raymond – Wikimedia – public domain

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