The 7 Stars Constellation
By admin On November 25th, 2010.
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THE 7 STARS CONSTELLATION
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“Seek Him that maketh the Seven Stars and Orion,
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and turns the shadow of death into the morning,
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and makes the day dark with night…
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The LORD is His name”
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Amos 5:8
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ABOVE PICTURE – 7 Stars Constellation as the Cross (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses
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When very young, the children on the playground pointed out this constellation, one summer’s evening. It wasn’t very hard to find. And yes, it did look like a big dipper.
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But they didn’t mention that this amazing constellation actually does appear to pour out its contents, as it rotates and turns in the sky.
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Big dipper from the kalalau lookout at the kokee state park in Hawaii – Wikipedia – public domain
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LOCATING THIS CONSTELLATION
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In these two sketches, you can see the 7 Stars (commonly known as The Big Dipper). There are seven primary stars which comprise this constellation.
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This constellation is in the north, which requires those in the southernmost regions of the globe to rely on Internet or books to view. This constellation is the easiest of all constellations to locate because of its brightness.
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It rotates in an oval pattern through the year, making it appear to tip itself out, as though it were a bowl, pouring out its contents upon the earth during the winter months.
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ABOVE CHARTS: 7 Stars (aka Big Dipper) – summer (left) & winter (right) – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial use
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7 CANDLESTICKS = 7 CHURCHES
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7 Stars = 7 ANGELS of the 7 CHURCHES
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“The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which you saw are the seven churches.” Revelation 1:20.
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The above verse is from the opening chapter of Revelation, and makes mention of this constellation. But notice that this verse relates this constellation to God’s people…
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“The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which you saw are the seven churches.” Revelation 1:20.
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And though this passage seems to have been from a vision which John saw concerning God’s HEAVENLY sanctuary, nevertheless, the EARTHLY sanctuary was a type and symbol of the heavenly, in which this 7-Flame Candlestick enlightened the earthly sanctuary (shown in this above picture of the sanctuary).
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The Holy of Holies- www.thebiblerevival.com -public domain
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CANDLESTICKS = CHURCHES
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But as Jesus spoke this prophecy, He revealed the true meaning of the earthly sanctuary, and how it actually pointed to the Church of God.
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Listen once again… “and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.” Revelation 1:20.
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Incredible! So God here is revealing an amazing revelation: that the 7-flame candlestick in the Old Testament Sanctuary Service was actually symbolizing the New Testament Church!
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Menorah – Wikipedia. – Public domain
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APOCALYPSE NOW!…
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This sketch is of the Summer Constellations, when they are in the western skies. Sagittarius is in the south, and the 7 Stars (Big Dipper) is in the north.
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The purpose of this particular article is to establish what the Bible is speaking about, concerning the Seven Stars Constellation. It is the intent of this article to show that this amazing constellation represents the angels, i.e., God’s people in Seven Churches of Asia found in Revelation Chapters 2 & 3. It is also the purpose of this article to show that this constellation is pointing us also to the Seven Angels with the Seven Bowls of God’s wrath (Revelation, Chapters 15 & 16).
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And also, these 7 stars represents the Seven Angels With The Seven Trumpets (Revelation 8:2, etc.).
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And it is just now that all these symbols will be fulfilled, as the world is being prepared for the Great Day of Judgment.
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ABOVE STAR-CHART – Summer Constellations – w/Ark & 7 Stars – www.theheavensdeclare.net
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APOCALYPSE HISTORICAL
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It has been God’s purpose to write the Book of Revelation in such a way, as to make each generation of Christians be watchful and vigilant. God has written the entire Bible to have an air of urgency about it.
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Listen… “Woe to them that are at ease in Zion…Ye that put far away the evil day, and cause the seat of violence to come near” Amos 6:1, 3.
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This verse was given to alert those Old Testament followers of Christ not to begin thinking that the Day of the Lord was far off.
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ABOVE CHART: 7 Stars (aka Big Dipper) – summer – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial use
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IT’S ALWAYS BEEN JUDGMENT DAY!
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But in a very real sense, it has always been Judgment Day… “What is man…that Thou shouldest visit him every morning, and try him every moment?” Job 7:17, 18.
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This amazing statement by Job gives us insight into the workings of God. He tries our hearts “every moment“! And if this Judgment was true in Job’s day, then it is certainly true in our day as well, and even more so, as we approach the very end.
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Here is another verse, confirming this same idea… “The LORD is in His holy temple, the LORD’S throne is in Heaven: His eyes behold, His eyelids try, the children of men.” Psalm 11:4.
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This verse establishes that God is in His throne, and is already judging the Children of Men.
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Job – Wikipedia – US public-domain
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REVELATION FOR ENTIRE CHURCH ERA
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And likewise, the Book of Revelation is not only for these last moments of time. The Book of Revelation was for all Christians at all times during the last 2,000 years.
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Listen… “And he saith unto me, Seal NOT the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.” Revelation 22:10.
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This verse was written in about 100 AD. So this says, “the time is at hand” even back in 100 AD. And it also says to “seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book”. So this entire book is unsealed, all 22 chapters!
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So this verse, and four other similar verses from Revelation show that the Book of Revelation was for any time during the era of the New Testament Church (click on any of these verses to read them: Revelation 1:1, Revelation 1:3, Revelation 1:19, Revelation 22:6, Revelation 22:10)
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And so, upon examining these above five links, there should be no excuse for thinking that the last 19 chapters of the Book of Revelation are not for the Church. “The time is at hand”, is spoken, both in the first and last chapters of Revelation.
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And also, these above links reveal that the events of Revelation are said to be, “things which must shortly come to pass”, this statement also found in both the first and last chapters of Revelation.
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And so, there should be no confusion about when the last 19 chapters begin to take place!
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ABOVE CHART: 7 Stars (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial use
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GREAT TRIBULATION
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Of course, there could be no greater tribulation than that which took place for a nearly 1300 year period during the Dark Ages.
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And rightly named the Dark Ages, was this period when the apostate churches in Europe became a tyrannical oppressive power, turning the Christian world into a veritable blood bath, at various times, through those long centuries. Dungeons were constructed. Christians were tortured, burned at the stake, and persecuted until the True-Worshippers literally had to flee to the mountains where Christian communities hid for centuries from the apostate Church! Bibles were burned, in attempt to obliterate that truth which condemned the practices and doctrines of that apostate church.
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Now these atrocities came and went at various times, through the centuries. After all, God is very merciful and gave the Church times of rest.
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And it would do well, for any Christian to spend a few weeks or even a month or two, searching out any possible reading material on that subject, so as to gain a basic understanding of what our Christian forefathers endured through those centuries.
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book burning – Santo Domingo_y_los_albigenses-detalle – Wikipedia – Public domain
Burning at the Stake – Wikipedia – Public Domain
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SOLDIERS OF THE CROSS, ARMOR UP…
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THE TIME IS AT HAND
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And now we are at the closing of the Gospel. Now we are at the threshold of “Judgment Day”. “The Day of The Lord”. “Armageddon”. The “Valley of Decision”. The great tribulation has come to its climactic finale. Satan has, for the last several centuries, flooded this world with materialism, and diversions, in his role as the 2nd Beast, the False Prophet. (For further insight, please go to the article, Floodwaters of the False Prophet: “Atheism & Psychology”)
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Now is the time for God to make a short work and “finish the work…in righteousness” (Romans 9:28).
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And so this constellation of seven stars has a special meaning for us today. It is time for God’s people to lift up the Cross for all the world to behold.
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And this article will show that this amazing constellation presents the beautiful picture of the last Church (us today), as we will have the privilege of lifting up the Cross for the entire world to see!
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So please read this article, and learn the very awesome message that God has for you and for me!
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STARS = GOD’S PEOPLE?
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Someone might ask at this point, “Are Christians ever referred to as stars in Scripture?”
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The Bible often refers to God’s people as stars. This began way back in Genesis when God spoke to Abraham… “And He brought him (Abram) forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and He said unto him, So shall thy seed be.” Genesis 15:5
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Daniel also declared this prophecy… “And they that be wise shall shine AS THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE FIRMAMENT; and they that turn many to righteousness AS THE STARS FOR EVER AND EVER.” Daniel 12:3.
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Schnorr_von_Carolsfeld – 1860 – Abram counts stars – Wikipedia – Public Domain
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“ANGELS” = PEOPLE?
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There seems to be many places in which God refers to His people as stars.
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But one place that speaks directly to the 7 Stars Constellation is found in Revelation.
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Listen… “The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in My right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The SEVEN STARS ARE THE SEVEN ANGELS of the seven churches:” Revelation 1:20.
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Now this verse refers to the 7 Stars as 7 Angels. But these 7 Angels have good qualities…but also some bad qualities, and yet they are God’s messengers.
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So it can’t be referring to literal angels. It must be speaking of people. Angels of God do not have even one bad quality. So it must be speaking of people.
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John on Patmos – Wikigallery – public domain
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7 CHURCHES OF ASIA
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“John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before His throne.” Revelation 1:4
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As the above verse shows, the Book of Revelation was written to the 7 Churches of Asia. But these 7 Churches had to be symbolic of all the churches throughout time.
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The reason for this is because of the following verse… “The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in My right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.” Revelation 1:20.
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So now we begin to understand that the Old Testament Temple Service was really all about the Church of God. After all, it says in the above verse, that the 7-Flame Candlestick represented the 7 Churches. And the 7-Flame Candlestick was an integral part of the tabernacle. As the above picture shows, the seven candlesticks were in the temple!
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The Holy of Holies- www.thebiblerevival.com -public domain
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REVELATION IS ABOUT THE CHURCH
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Another clue is that while Christ is speaking to 7 literal churches in Asia, He ominously warns us all, “He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches;” Rev. 2:7.
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So Christ is giving these messages to anyone who has “ears to hear”. These messages in Revelation Ch’s 2 & 3 are for all Christians in all ages! Not only Chapters 2 & 3, but much of the Book of Revelation takes place in the heavenly Sanctuary. And since this 7-Flame Candlestick , representing the 7 churches, burns constantly and ever-enlightens that heavenly Sanctuary, then we can conclude that the 7 Churches are an integral part of the entire Book of Revelation.
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Also, the Churches are represented by the Bride of Christ, as she is mentioned in Revelation 12 and other places in Revelation. So in that sense also, the Church of God is well represented in all chapters of the Book of Revelation.
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And if all this is not proof enough, that Revelation concerns the Church of God, this little book ends with this statement… “I Jesus have sent Mine angel to testify unto you these things IN THE CHURCHES.” Revelation 22:16.
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So it is revealed here that God sent His angel to testify of these things IN the churches. So those who attempt to limit this Book of Revelation as only speaking about “Israel after the flesh” (see 1st Corinthians 10:18), really need to reconsider these things.
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Menorah – Wikipedia. – Public domain
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7 STARS CONSTELLATION & 7 STARS OF REVELATION
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“The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in My right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The SEVEN STARS ARE THE SEVEN ANGELS of the seven churches:” Revelation 1:20.
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The Bible speaks of a 7 Stars Constellation. “Seek Him that makes the Seven Stars and Orion,” Amos 5:8.
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Here is a reference to the constellation commonly known as the Big Dipper.
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It is the only 7 star constellation which is, beside Orion, the most prominent constellation in the sky. And in this verse from Amos, the Lord is speaking of Orion and the 7 Stars.
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Listen… “Seek Him that makes the Seven Stars and Orion,” Amos 5:8.
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Orion and the 7 Stars are the two most prominent constellations in the sky. And as this web site points out, Orion represents Christ, and the 7 Stars represents the Church. For a deeper understanding of Orion, just click here… “The Orion Phenomena”
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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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WHY PLEIADES IS NOT THE 7 STARS
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Now some Bible versions translate this passage concerning the 7 Stars as “the Pleiades”, and not the 7 Stars (Big Dipper). So how is this reconciled?
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If you look at the Pleiades (see photo), there are an indiscriminate number of stars. Besides the five or six brighter stars, there are a large number of lesser stars, and even small stars. So that puts Pleiades out of the running as being a constellation of 7 stars, spoken of in Revelation. The King James Version seems to be the trustworthy version once again.
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Now while Pleiades is not the 7 Stars, this constellation is nevertheless, a very important part of Signs Of Heaven. And so, to read more about the Pleiades, just click here… “The Pleiades: The Captive Angel & Mystery Harlot Constellation”
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Photo of Pleiades courtesy of Robert Gendler. Click for link.
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7 ANGELS WITH 7 BOWLS
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7 STARS SEEN ALL YEAR LONG…
Arcturus (see below sketch) moves to the northwest, and all these constellations follow it. The Ark, the Scepter/Cross (see sketch below), and the Glorious Crown all eventually disappear below the western horizon sometime in the night.
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But as summer turns to winter, this 7 Star Constellation actually slowly appears to tip, as though it were a bowl, until it looks upside down, as if it is pouring out its contents upon the earth. (in this above sketch to the left). And this “tipping out” begins in the winter: and winter, of course, is when the warfare constellations appear.
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So winter represents the battle between Heaven and Hell; between Christ and Satan.
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This ‘pouring out of their contents’, reminds us of Revelation, in the following verse…
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“And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.” Revelation 16:1.
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ABOVE PICTURE: 7 Stars pouring out bowls of wrath
ABOVE CHART: Summer Constellations – with Ark & 7 Stars
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7 BOWLS OF WRATH…
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“And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.” Revelation 16:1.
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Notice in the above verse, it says to the 7 angels… “Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, “Go, pour out the seven bowls of God’s wrath on the earth.” (NIV). This seems to be speaking of this very constellation we are discussing. Of course there will also be a literal fulfillment of this verse. There will be an actual judgment upon the apostate, symbolized by the seven bowls of God’s wrath.
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But this constellation seems to be a heavenly depiction of that very concept of these 7 Stars appearing to be pouring out its contents upon the Earth. Oh yes, Revelation speaks of “seven” vials (or bowls) of God’s wrath. And the 7 Stars constellation is only a picture of “one” bowl. But after all, it is a 7 star constellation, so the number “seven” represents all those seven angels who each pour out a bowl upon the Earth.
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ABOVE PICTURE: 7 Stars pouring out bowls of wrath
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7TH VIAL= CHURCH UPLIFTS CROSS
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“Let the people praise Thee, O God; let all the people praise Thee. Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us. God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear Him.” Psalm 67:5-7
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So it begins to be seen, the relationship between the “seven angels having the seven vials of wrath”, and the Seven Stars seeming to pour out its contents upon the Earth.
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But here is something very marvelous! When the Seven Stars are about to pour out their contents, this constellation begins to appear as a giant Cross. No, there is not an actual Cross in the sky. But if one exercises his or her faith and imagination, they can actually envision a giant 3-dimensional Cross on a hill (see above picture to the left).
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And so it begins to become apparent, just what the seven vials of wrath are…God’s faithful ones, lifting up the Cross for all the world to see.
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ABOVE PICTURE RIGHT: 7 Stars pouring out bowls of wrath
ABOVE PICTURE LEFT: 7 Stars Constellation as The Cross
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AN ENSIGN LIFTED UP
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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, lifted up as an ensign upon His land.” Zechariah 9:16.
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This constellation seems to glorify and illuminate this Bible verse. Like diamonds in the sky, glittering for all the world to behold! A diamond studded Cross! A marvelous sign…lifted up on high! And just as this marvelous constellation lifts itself up to pour out its contents, and then at the same time, appears as a giant Cross, so too, God’s people are the 7th bowl of God’s wrath.
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In other words, when God’s people finally overcome the world, they will lift up the Cross of Christ for all the world to see. This is the fulfillment of God’s wrath. At that time, the kingdoms of the world will fall to their knees and confess that God loves His people (Revelation 3:9). The Earth will then tremble and shake, just as those walls of Jericho. The waves of the sea will roar, and the heavens will ignite as though they were tinder in the fire.
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Listen…… “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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If you wish to explore this wonderful idea of imitating Christ, just click the following link… “The 7 Stars Imitate the Cross of Orion “
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ABOVE PICTURE: 7 Stars Constellation as The Cross
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7 ANGELS, 7 TRUMPETS
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“And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.” Revelation 8:2.
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This theme of seven angels is repeated here again in Revelation. These references to God’s people have been a comfort and admonition for God’s Church throughout the past two thousand years. The Church has gone through much trouble and persecution in the previous centuries.
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These verses pointed God’s people to search the Scriptures to gain a deeper insight into the meaning behind such verses as this one.
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Tissot The Seven Trumpets of Jericho – Wikipedia – US Public Domain
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7 TRUMPETS ABOUT CONQUERING THIS WORLD OF SIN
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And so now it becomes seen that these Seven Angels with Seven Trumpets are a picture of how God deals with Satan’s kingdom, the world, and how it was represented by Jericho.
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Listen… “And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams’ horns…And it came to pass at the seventh time, when the (seven) priests blew with the (seven) trumpets, Joshua said unto the people, Shout; for the LORD hath given you the city (Jericho).” Joshua 6:4, 16.
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And the conquering of Jericho was a picture of God’s people finally overcoming the world. And so the history of the Church is a fulfillment of Revelation and how God has been working over the past 2,000 years to accomplish His great purpose on this Earth: to finally crush Satan and his kingdom of this world of sin.
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ABOVE PICTURE – 7 Stars Constellation as the Cross (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses
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CHURCH NOT REMOVED
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And this is a real argument against the idea that God’s people will be snatched away prior to this grand finale, which the world will be experiencing very soon. The Church has not yet been victorious. And before God takes us out, we must make those walls of Jericho fall. And this will not happen until God’s people finally topple the walls of Jericho (and topple our love for this world of sin) in our very own hearts!
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So the conquering of Jericho ultimately represents the overthrow of sin, and the overthrow of this world of sin, and the overthrow of our love for this sinful world.
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New York Times Square – terabass – Wikipedia – Share-alike License
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CHURCH TAKEN OUT
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But this caveat must be added. Those who teach that the Church will be taken out of the world, before the great tribulation are correct in their thinking, to a certain extent. That is, the Church, God’s Elect, will enter into the Most Holy Place with Christ, in heart! And though our mortal bodies will still be on earth, yet our hearts will be hidden with Christ in heavenly places. But this won’t happen until God’s people grow weary of embracing all the glittering tinsel-like treasures and trinkets of this world! We must finally forsake the faithless ways of this Babylonian world!
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ABOVE PICTURE: Most Holy Place – Signs Of Heaven
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STAR OUT OF PLACE
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HANDS ON THE THRESHOLD… The very last star in this constellation seems not to be a part of the Cross, but perhaps part of the hill. You know! The Hill called Calvary.
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But others see this out-of-place star as the shadow of the Cross. Just look at the sketch. It does look like shadow! And the Old Testament was referred to as a shadow.
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Listen… “For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.” Hebrews 10:1.
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So this constellation, seemingly having a shadow, could very well represent the Cross of Calvary with the shadow of the Law. But whether it represents a hill, or a shadow, the fact is, it probably represents both.
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But besides representing a hill and a shadow, could there be another explanation for this out-of-place star?
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ABOVE PICTURE: 7 Stars Constellation as The Cross
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THE LEVITE & HIS CONCUBINE
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PARALLEL STORY TO DESTRUCTION OF THE CITY OF SODOM
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“And when he was come into his house, he took a knife, and laid hold on his concubine, and divided her, together with her bones, into twelve pieces, and sent her into all the coasts of Israel. And it was so, that all that saw it said, There was no such deed done nor seen from the day that the children of Israel came
up out of the land of Egypt unto this day: consider of it, take advice, and speak your minds.” Judges 19:29, 30
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But besides representing a hill and a shadow, could there be another explanation for this out-of-place star? Perhaps this last star represents the last of the 7 churches: the Church of Laodicea.
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THE LEVITE & HIS CONCUBINE
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“And when he was come into his house, he took a knife, and laid hold on his concubine, and divided her, together with her bones, into twelve pieces, and sent her into all the coasts of Israel. And it was so, that all that saw it said, There was no such deed done nor seen from the day that the children of Israel came up out of the land of Egypt unto this day: consider of it, take advice, and speak your minds.” Judges 19:29, 30
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The above passage from Judges 19 speaks of the horrible ending to a very bizarre Bible story. Do you remember the cryptic story in Judges 19, of The Levite and His Concubine? How she played the illicit woman, running off to her father’s house, and the Levite had to go get her? And do you remember how the girl’s father kept pressing the Levite to stay just “one more day” to eat drink and cheer and “comfort thine heart”?
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This eating and drinking went on until the 5th day. But finally on the 5th day, the Levite refused any more of the father’s pleadings to stay just another night. And so the Levite and his concubine left for home, but had to spend the night in the region of the Benjaminites, instead of making it all the way home.
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Levite and his concubine – Wikipedia – US Public Domain
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DESTRUCTION OF THE CITY OF DESTRUCTION REPEATED…
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And what transpired that night paralleled what happened to Lot on his last night in that infamous and notoriously wicked city. Just like the men of that wicked city on the last night in the city of that infamous city, the Benjaminites too, wanted to have forbidden relations with the Levite! But this story ended with the Levite giving his concubine to the Benjaminites to abuse all night long. But here’s the part that seems to explain that bent angle on the 7 star cross.
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“Then came the woman in the dawning of the day, and fell down at the door of the man’s house where her lord was, till it was light. And her lord rose up in the morning, and opened the doors of the house, and went out to go his way: and, behold, the woman his concubine was fallen down at the door of the house, AND HER HANDS WERE UPON THE THRESHOLD.” Judges 19:26, 27.
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So this passage tells us that the concubine fell down dead, but with her hands upon the threshold of the door.
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But what does this have to do with the 7 Stars and with God’s people? Of course, all the Old Testament stories are concerning the Gospel; and this one is no exception! The language here seems to suggest this story is concerning the Church represented by this woman.
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Now, this story has certainly turned out really ugly, as we read of these horrible actions of the Levite.
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As a matter of fact, this story only begins to make real sense when we decipher the underlying spiritual meaning behind this historical account.
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So please read on and see how this story actually paints a wonderful spiritual picture of how Christ purifies with His Church.
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LAODICEA US…
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“And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write…So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” Revelation 3:14-17
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It seems that this story of the Levite & His Concubine has a striking parallel to the Church of Laodicea. The above passage is Christ’s rebuke to a church caught up and ensnared by the many cares and pleasures of the world.
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Brooklyn Museum – The Foolish Virgins – James Tissot – US Public Domain
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TODAY’S APOSTATE CHURCHES
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Is it not true that the 20th Century Church became so caught up in eating and drinking and enjoying all the good things this affluent society had to offer; so we too have tarried too long at the broken cisterns of this world? Just like the concubine’s father, Satan (with help from the apostate Church), had enticed God’s people to participate in all the cares and pleasures of this decadent society. When instead we should have been “running the race set before us”?
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It is a fearful prospect that we are caught like fish in an evil net, when that fearful Day comes upon us unawares. “And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with consuming, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.” Luke 21:34, 35
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ABOVE PICTURE – 7 Stars Constellation as the Cross (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses
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LUKEWARM US
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THRESHOLD = FOOT OF CROSS… So the concubine seems to typify the Lukewarm Church. And the threshold that she fell down at, appears to typify the foot of the Cross.
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Then we could conclude that this constellation may well be a picture of the Laodicean Church (us), just barely making it to the foot of the Cross, and dying (to self) at the, “dawning of the day” (the dawning of the “Day of the Lord” )
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(“and, behold, the woman his concubine was fallen down at the door of the house, and her hands were upon the threshold.” Judges 19:26, 27).
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And Scripture repeatedly speaks of God’s people as a woman. So it’s not hard to make the connection of this concubine representing the Church.
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Five Wise Virgins – Matt 25 – www.thebiblerevival.com – Public Domain
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“HARVEST IS PAST & WE ARE NOT SAVED!”
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The important thing here is that the concubine did finally grasp the threshold to the door (“I am the door, says Jesus by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” John 10:9) This is very good news for Laodicea!
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On the other hand, there will be a class of professing Christians who may not make it, if the following verse is fulfilled, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” Jeremiah 8:20. God forbid that this verse will apply to any of us! But it does seem to apply to the apostate Church, as a whole.
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Now there are many pastors who would say, “Only believe, then you are saved, and need not worry.” And it would seem that these pastors are correct in making such a statement: that is, they are correct if they are speaking to someone who is truly saved.
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By G. Dore – The Levite & his Concubine – Wikipedia – US public domain
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THE FATAL DECEPTION
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The big problem is, there are many in the Church who have never truly become saved. That is, there are many who came into Christianity, having been deceived by a worldly-minded, compromising gospel, which falls short of forsaking all and dying-to-self.
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They have been duped by the many voices in the Church, which deceived so many Christians into believing that they could go after all the pleasures, pursuits, and proud-attainments of the world and still be saved.
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To this class Jeremiah speaks, saying… “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” Jeremiah 8:20.
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By G. Dore 084 – The Levite & his Concubine – Wikipedia – US Public Domain
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CONCUBINE REPRESENTS DEATH OF THE CHURCHES
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But the really upsetting parts of the Levite/Concubine story is two-fold. 1. she was ravaged all night long by the Benjaminite men, and 2. the Levite ended up chopping her dead body into 12 pieces.
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Then, after all that, comes the ominous words… “consider of it, take advice, and speak your minds.” Judges 19:30.
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This story too, is a metaphor concerning these last days. The concubine, representing the last Church on Earth, and the destruction of the churches in the last days. (For discussion on this, click here… “The Abomination of Desolation in the Church” .
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By G. Dore – The Levite & his Concubine – Wikipedia – US public domain
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PAUL SALUTES CHURCH AS “THE ISRAEL OF GOD”
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And so, as the call goes out to God’s people to make an end-time Exodus from the apostate churches, it is the grand re-enactment of this wayward concubine being chopped into 12 pieces and sent to “all the coasts of Israel”.
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Now someone may say, “Well it mentions here that the 12 pieces of this concubine were sent to “all the coasts of Israel”. So how can this relate to the Church? Simple. Paul refers to the Church as the Israel of God.
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Listen… “And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.” Galatians 6:16. Paul here, is speaking to the Church, as the “Israel of God”.
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HER HANDS WERE UPON THE THRESHOLD
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Nevertheless, this story has a dual application, also representing God’s true sheep. Yes, it is also a picture of God’s people as we finally repent of our world-loving ways, and return to the foot of the Cross, in deep contrition and repentance, finally dying-to-self with our hands upon the threshold of the Kingdom of God.
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Yes, just like the concubine just barely made it to the threshold of her lord’s house, so also, we just barely make it to the threshold of our Lord’s house, the Kingdom of God! But we did finally make it!
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By G. Dore – The Levite & his Concubine – Wikipedia – US public domain
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THE CHRISTIAN RACE…
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Of course there is a spiritual application to this story. The Church today had been bombarded with all sorts of worldly amusements, diversions, materialism, and a host of distractions.
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Many of us had fallen into the snare that these distractions brought. And as a result, today’s Church had been ravaged by the apostate portion of the Church (symbolized by the Benjaminites) in the very time in which we should have been lifting up our heads, looking for Christ’s return, we had been caught looking down…looking down at this world, with all its worldly enticements.
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“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with consuming, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke 21:34, 35,36
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Café_de_Flore coffee house – Wikipedia – Public Domain
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PEACE & SAFETY
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“For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.” 1st Thessalonians 5:3
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The Church had been deceived by Satan. Satan has filled the world with all sorts of “nice things”, which have distracted Christians from the preparation necessary to stand in the evil day. The above verse warns, to not allow the things of the world to entangle the Christian, but also to watch and pray always…for grace to escape all these things that ensnare God’s people.
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Listen again… “For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke 21:35,36
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Shoppers in Toronto – Wikimedia – share-alike license.
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“LET HIM HEAR”
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“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” 1st John 5:4
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The Book of Revelation was given to the seven Churches of Asia, to warn them of things to come. Every allegory found in Revelation can be 
spiritually discerned by a careful reading of the other books of the Bible. But in the first chapters, the Lord gave the Apostle John individual letters of commendation, warnings, and condemnation to those individual churches.
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And at the end of each letter, was issued the warning… “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.” Revelation 2:11.
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And such ominous warnings as this one were given to each of the seven churches.
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Ear – Wikipedia – Share-alike lic.
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OVERCOMING NOT A CAUSE FOR SALVATION
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BUT A SIGN OF SALVATION
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Overcoming the world is one of the aspects of the Christian life, and is not an optional commandment. It is an absolute requirement for each and every child of God. “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son.” Revelation 2:7.
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But modern-day teachings had all but obscured this commandment. And while it’s true that Salvation is the gift of God, and not of works. Nevertheless, the distinction between true Believers and merely “make-believers” will be the overcoming of this world by the True Worshippers of God. This will be the sign and mark which will be seen among God’s professed people, which will distinguish those who serve God, and those who serve Him not…
“Brethren, be followers together of me, and MARK THEM which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)” Philippians 3:17-19.
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CHRISTIANS, FALSE-BRETHREN BOTH MARKED
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Upon a careful reading of this passage, there begins to be seen the distinction between the True Worshippers of God, and mere Antichrists: the true are those who walk as Paul walked. The false are those whose minds are fixed upon the things of the world.
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Cross of Jesus Christ – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
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RAY OF HOPE
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But even though we had become like that proverbial fly caught in the web of the spider, there is hope! While there is no hope for that little fly in the spider web, we Christians have a very merciful God. And as unworthy as we are, the Lord nevertheless is willing to free us from that deadly spider, Satan. We must cry out to Him for help. And though He may not pluck us out right away, we have to keep crying and crying out to Him for mercy.
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And as you or I are struggling in vain to free ourselves, we need to spend that time reflecting on just how we are going to live out the rest of our time here on Earth.
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If God does free us, are we going to go back to our old TV and radio programs? Are we going to go back into our old amusements? Our time-consuming careers? Our hobbies and sports, and extravagant expenditures?
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Or are we going to cast aside our old “idols to moles and to the bats” and run that last mile to the foot of the Cross…to the “threshold of the door”.
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Spider_vdg – Wikipedia – Share-alike license
Web- Spider – Signs Of Heaven
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“TO MOLES & BATS”
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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 passage from Isaiah has a special application for today. In this age of materialism and hedonism, it has become a special test for God’s people to overcome the things of the world. The Christian community had been bombarded by a host of earthly entanglements: career-aspirations, various amusements, lusts, material goods, pride-filled attainments, political questions, and various ideologies.
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These are just some of the things which entangled and ensnared the Church, causing a Laodicean lukewarm-ness among God’s people. Now of course, God understands this, and has allowed the Church to experience, first hand, the folly and vanity of these things.
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Big-eared-townsend-fledermaus – Wikipedia – Public Domain
“Cast Idols to Moles”_mole by Michael David Hill, – Wikipedia – Share-alike license
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“IF THE SON SHALL MAKE YOU FREE”
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And so, it is just now high time for God’s people to break free from so many of the vain encumbrances of the world, which only diminish their relationship with Him. But woe to those who try to do this on their own. Those who are impulsive like many of us are, might try to run ahead of the Lord.
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No, the Christian must wait upon the Lord… “It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD. It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth. He sits alone and keeps silence, because He hath borne it upon him. He puts his mouth in the dust; if so be there may be hope. He giveth his cheek to Him that smites him: he is filled full with reproach. For the Lord will not cast off for ever:” Lamentations 3:26-31.
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Oh yes, it may seem that our world is collapsing all around us. But we must wait! Yet while a man waits for the Lord, he can do whatever he is able to do. Read the Bible. Pray. Meditate day and night on God’s Word. Give of one’s time and means.
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Dore – Death Of Samson – courtesy www.creationism.org – Public Domain
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FINALLY FREED!
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Then when the dawning of that Day is fully come, and the Lord frees us, we can effectively run 
that race to the foot of the Cross. Then we can see our way clearly to find the threshold of the Door.
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The wonderful thing about all this is, that even though we are considered the Lukewarm Church, we will get the privilege of being the very ones who finally lift up the Cross for all the world to see.
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We will finally exalt Jesus as He shines out through us to this sin-darkened and very sad world!
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We will be the Church that finally crumbles the pillars of Satan’s kingdom! (Judges 16:29, 30)
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We will shine as the Sun! (Isaiah 30: 25, 26).
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Transfiguration – Bloch – Wikimedia Commons – US Public Domain
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THE END
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ANOTHER ARTICLE ON THE 7 STARS
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7 STARS IMITATE THE CROSS OF ORION…
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Have you ever heard of a constellation doing an imitation of another constellation!? Well, for a very short time each year this 7 Stars Constellation does just that!
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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 – 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 – Wikipedia – Share-alike License
Shoppers in Toronto – 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 these people 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 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 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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us’ or ‘magnificent’) HORSE
y which the Universe operates? Did these laws just come out of nowhere? Or can we conclude that all these laws which govern, not only Man, but every single thing in the Universe as well, were given by some supreme Law-Giver?”
