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

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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THIS ARTICLE WILL PROBABLY ONLY MAKE SENSE IF THE READER HAS ALREADY FINISHED PART 1.

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TO READ PART 1 OF THIS ARTICLE, CLICK HERE… Moon Into Blood Trilogy: 2nd Face: The Evil-Eyed Pharisee Scorner

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OFT-TIMES, BAD GUYS WEAR WHITE!

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“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” 2nd Corinthians 11:13-15

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The above passage from 2nd Corinthians reveals an incredible truth, namely this: Satan transforms many unconverted people of the world (and worldly Christians) into upstanding and moral individuals! And though this passage speaks specifically of ministers, it must be remembered that we all are ministers: we all are walking advertisements, so to speak, for good or for evil: for Heaven or for this world! Nobody is neutral!

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But listen to this next verse… “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:” Ephesians 5:2. 

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So from this passage, it becomes evident, that the people of the world (and worldly-minded Christians) are subject to “the prince of the power of the air” who is a spirit which works in them. And this Moon-Beast Pharisee doesn’t realize that his so-called “good work-ethics” and meticulous ways, are actually empowered by the spirit of Antichrist, “which now worketh in the children of disobedience”, of which he is one.

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PS Krøyer – Hip hip hurra! – Kunstnerfest på Skagen – 1888 – Wikimedia – Public Domain

Moon – Public Domain – 2nd face Pharisee Scorner – by Cezar Popescu for Wikimedia – Universal Public Domain – cropped, highlighted & rotated photo

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HEART OF A BEAST

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And just like King Nebuchadnezzar, this Pharisee Moon-Beast, in his foolish pride, has been given the heart of a beast: the Antichrist Beast!

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Listen… “Let his heart be changed from man’s, and let a beast’s heart be given unto him:” Daniel 4:16. Here is a veiled portrait of the Mark of the Beast.

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Listen… “An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.” Proverbs 21:4. Doesn’t this verse describe our Pharisee Moon-Beast friend “to a T”? A high look, and a proud heart and good work-ethics: but sadly, it’s all sin, sin, sin!

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William Blake – Nebuchadnezzar – Wikipedia – public domain

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PURIFY YOUR HEARTS, YE DOUBLE-MINDED

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The true great commission of Christianity, is that every Christian goes to work to purify his or her own heart.

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Listen…“And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” 1st John 3:3.

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Unfortunately, Satan, working behind the unsanctified pulpit, assures this unregenerate Moon-Pharisee that because he’s said the “sinner’s prayer” and because he attends church regularly, and because he gives financial support to the church, that he doesn’t need to worry about his standing with God. “You have peace and safety in Jesus”, his pastor promises him. Each week, his minister addresses the congregation as though they are saved. Thus many lost souls sit in the pews each week, constantly assured that they are heaven-bound, when just the opposite is true: they are on the road to eternal destruction, because they have never truly been “born again” in Jesus.

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ABOVE PICTURE – Moon – 2nd Face – Pharisee Scorner

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MANY SURPRISES ON JUDGMENT DAY!

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Jesus spoke of this class of church goers… “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:21-23.

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As this passage points out, there will be a large number, within the Church who have looked upon our morality and good works as evidence of our Salvation. But on Judgment Day, we will find out that we were living a lie. And we will hear these words of Jesus: words we often recited to others, now only to realize that this well-known verse was for us… “I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.”

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ABOVE PICTURE – Moon – 2nd Face – Pharisee Scorner

Judgment-of-Sheep-Goats-Fra-Angelico-Wikipedia-Public-Domain.jpg

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1 EVIL SPIRIT VS. 7 EVIL SPIRITS

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This next parable explains the inward workings of Phariseeism. Jesus spoke this parable to the Pharisees… “When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.” Matt. 12:43-45.

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As already mentioned, this parable was spoken by Jesus to the Pharisees. And while this is a great prophecy concerning the future of the world, it is also a revelation into the inner-heart of this Pharisee Moon-Beast. This parable explains what happens when this non-Christian decides to begin attending church, and yet there is no change of heart. This parable makes the point that the “before-condition” of that individual, symbolized by one evil spirit, becomes far worse in the “after-condition”, after cleaning up, symbolized by seven more evil spirits. And as Jesus spoke to these Pharisees, they did not understand that Jesus was speaking of them.

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Brooklyn Museum – The Pharisees Question Jesus – James Tissot – US Public Domain – Wikimedia

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DRUNKARD ONLY HAS 1 EVIL SPIRIT

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For example, a mere drunkard, lying in the gutter, is like a man with an unclean spirit. But when that drunkard decides to clean up his life and begins to attend church, but has no true inward conversion, that same unclean spirit returns and finds that man’s heart void of the Holy Spirit.

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And so he gets seven more evil spirits (symbolizing the counterfeit holy spirit). The number “seven” represents Jesus and His Church. So now this drunkard has cleaned up his life. Now he has been transformed into a respected member of the church. Now he has become a productive contributor to the community. But inwardly, he is motivated by the seven “religious devils”,and is void of the Holy Spirit. But these Pharisees, in all their pride and arrogance, were symbolized by seven religious spirits, more evil than the first unclean spirit.

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Highbrow_drunkard – cropped image – Wikimedia – share-alike-license.jpg

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DRUNKARD BETTER OFF

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THAN UNSAVED CHURCH-GOER

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So what is Jesus saying?

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He is saying that it would be better to be a wretched drunkard laying in a gutter, than to be a proud moralistic church-goer. As Jesus said… “the last state of that man is worse than the first.” 

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Paul’s letter to the Corinthians reveals the inner-workings of Satan.

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Just listen…“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” 2nd Corinthians 11:13-15.

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Here God plainly declares that Satan’s ministers are within the Church, behaving as moral leaders, but actually deceiving the flock.

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Highbrow_drunkard – cropped image – Wikimedia – share-alike-license.jpg
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A FORM OF GODLINESS

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“For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, etc….Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2nd Timothy 3:2, 5

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Now this Moon-Beast Pharisee can be a friendly fellow when he wishes. He has many friends and admirers. He applauds and even supports some charitable organizations. He’s patriotic and presents the appearance of favoring justice. He constantly speaks of “doing the right thing”.

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But as the above passage from 2nd Timothy declares, the people of this world have what the Bible refers to as “a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away”.

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And so it becomes very difficult to ascribe demonic forces as the motivating force behind this Pharisee Moon-Beast. He blends in, very well in both, societal-circles, and Christian-circles alike.  

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ABOVE PICTURE – Moon – 2nd Face – Pharisee Scorner

ABOVE PICTURE: 1st Face in moon at eagle ridge

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“THAT SPIRIT OF ANTICHRIST”

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“And you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins: Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:” Ephesians 2:1, 2 

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This story of 7+1 evil spirits, which Jesus told the Pharisees is one of the greatest (and saddest) truths of the Bible.

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And this above passage from Ephesians only further substantiates what Jesus explained about the Pharisees having 7+1 evil spirits. This above passage declares that the people of the world are not merely empty vessels. No, by no means are they empty vessels!

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You are either filled with God’s Spirit or you are filled with the spirit of Antichrist.

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Just listen to John’s Epistles which further confirms this truth… “And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that [spirit] of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world…They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.” 1st John 4:3-5.

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Castle of Disney – Wikipedia – Public dom

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WORLDLINESS IS ANTICHRIST

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Here is a declaration by John, that it is worldly people who are filled with the spirit of Antichrist.

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Antichrist is not merely some evil-genius-sinister-businessman, as is so often portrayed. Antichrist is merely the spirit within every human who has not been “born again” into the image of Christ. No matter whether this Moon-Beast was a fireman, school teacher, doctor, banker, bus-boy, construction worker, store clerk, or whatever other profession you can think of.

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It matters not what walk of life he is in: this Moon-Beast has the spirit of “The World” within: “and this that spirit of Antichrist”.

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Mark of the beast – pub. dom. – Wikipedia

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SATAN’S FOLLOWERS OFTEN CONSIDERED “THE GOOD GUYS”

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The big problem with this Pharisee Moon-Beast is that he just doesn’t understand that Satan can be a very moral Devil when he wishes to be. But Satan has greatly deceived society into believing that only drunkards or witches or druggies or murderers are possessed by Satan.

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This proud Pharisee cannot understand that it is the moral people of the world who are most often filled the spirit of Antichrist… “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” 2nd Corinthians 11:14, 15.

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So most people have an incorrect understanding of Satan. Satan can make a person very correct and moral in behavior. He can make someone very prosperous and hard-working. He can make a person very talented and inspired. He can even make someone appear very holy, as this above passage reveals. Satan is the “god of this world”. He is the “Prince of the Power of the Air”. Satan is the “Prince of this world”. He is the master & commander of this lost world! He is that “spirit which now worketh in the children of disobedience”.

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And this Pharisee Moon-Beast unknowingly worships Satan’s attributes. He even confuses him with Jesus quite often. And so this Pharisee-Scorner Moon-Beast goes through life, scorning all those who don’t measure up to his standard, not realizing that he is not just filled with one evil spirit, but with seven+one evil spirits. 

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Brooklyn Museum – The Pharisees Question Jesus – James Tissot – US Public Domain – Wikimedia

Moon – Public Domain – 2nd face Pharisee Scorner – by Cezar Popescu for Wikimedia – Universal Public Domain – cropped, highlighted & rotated photo

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DIVIDED MOON SHOWS

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THE 3 DIVISIONS IN THE CHURCH…

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“Benjamin shall ravine as a wolf: in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil.” Genesis 49:47

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This above verse from Genesis seems to dovetail nicely with this next passage from 1st Corinthians… “For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.” 1st Corinthians 11:18, 19 

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Those “ravening wolves” within the Church are busy gathering to themselves, those who are willing to follow heresy. But the true sheep need not fear. For just as this next states, the sheep of God will not follow those wolves in sheep’s clothing… “And a stranger will they (God’s sheep) not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.” John 10:5  .

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Yes, the tribe of Benjamin describes this Wolf-Beast…

“Benjamin shall ravine as a wolf: in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil.” Genesis 49:47

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Every time he spreads malicious gossip; whenever he rejects new light from the Bible, just because it’s an unpleasant truth; whenever he begins to look down his nose on others, in his own self-righteousness; or when he takes credit for his supposed righteousness.

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Listen to Scripture from Paul’s epistle… “But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.” Galatians 5:15  This verse gives the sense of ravenous wolves within the Galatian Church. Obviously there was no literal biting and devouring.

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Gray Wolf. Courtesy U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service by Scott Flaherty

ABOVE PICTURE – Moon – 2nd Face – Pharisee Scorner

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FALSE PROPHETS

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“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?  Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.” Matthew 7:15-17 

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Jesus warned that false prophets would enter the Church, comparing them to wolves in sheep’s clothing, as the above verse states. Paul also warned in much the same way, that false prophets would waste no time, creeping into the Church… “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” Acts 20:29, 30. So Paul says that grievous wolves would begin to enter directly after Paul’s departure.

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Audience hands – cropped & altered – Wikimedia – Universal Public Domain

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FALSE DOCTRINES INTRODUCED BY GRIEVOUS WOLVES

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And so the Night-Watchmen (the 1st Moon-Face) must always be on guard against false doctrines in the Church, brought in by these Wolf-Beasts. And such false doctrines may not just be new doctrines. You see, this wolf-in-sheep’s-clothing has been around for a very long time. This proud Pharisee, in centuries past has been guilty of bringing in doctrines some of which have been accepted by the entire Church-world.

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Dehodencq, Alfred 1822-1882. Ernst, Rudolph

ABOVE PICTURE – Moon – 2nd Face – Pharisee Scorner

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ETERNAL TORMENT

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One such doctrine is that “lost sinners will be tormented in flames of fire for all eternity”. Such unbiblical doctrines come about when these unconsecrated wolves neglect to study prayerfully, everything on a subject, and instead, cling to one or two parables, such as the Rich Man & Lazarus, and make that parable the sum and entirety of what Hell is. And then they bend every other related Scripture so that they agree with the Rich Man & Lazarus. But God warns Christians that “Scripture cannot be broken”. Spiritual things must be compared with spiritual (see 1st Corinthians 2:13). And a Believer can’t let those wolves in sheep’s clothing turn God into some ruthless tyrant, by insisting that truth can be arrived at based on just SOME verses, and not ALL verses of the Bible.

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If the reader wishes to explore this false doctrine, just click here… “The Doctrine of Eternal Torment”

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Hell’s Torment and Tormentor – Wikipedia – Public Domain (2)

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“THE LITTLE FOXES”

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“Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.” Song of Solomon 2:15

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Exploring this Lunar Beast, as he also has a fox-like appearance, the Bible touches on this subject of foxes. Even Jesus spoke of a fox, comparing King Herod to one… “The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee. And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.” Luke 13:31.

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Since Christians are to live by EVERY word of God, it must be assumed that Jesus calling Rome-appointed King Herod a fox, has something to do with doctrine and with Salvation. But what could this possibly mean?

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Here is a very revealing verse… “O Israel, thy prophets are like the foxes in the desert. Ye have not gone up into the gaps, neither made up the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the battle in the day of the LORD. They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them” Ezekiel 13:4-6. So now it is seen that foxes are symbolic of false prophets amongst God’s people.

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Moon – Public Domain – 2nd face Pharisee Scorner – by Cezar Popescu for Wikimedia – Universal Public Domain – cropped, highlighted & rotated photo

Pirosmani  A Fox  in a Moon Night-State Art Museum of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia wikipedia public domain

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FOXES, THAT SPOIL THE VINES

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The opening verse of this paragraph on foxes says… “Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.” Song of Solomon 2:15. This idea of foxes representing small beasts is also mentioned in Nehemiah 4:3

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So this theme of foxes seems to lead in the direction of the “little foxes”, which could mean the little false prophets among god’s people. This would no doubt be the false teachers within the various local congregations. Of course, this doesn’t explain why Jesus called Herod a fox. But Herod probably represents all false prophets in leadership roles in the Church. 

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Well, whatever the precise meaning to this is, two things are for sure: God has inscribed this fox-like image as one of the faces of the Moon; and a fox in Scripture represents false prophets among God’s people.  

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ABOVE PICTURES:

Fox reading  – Wikimedia Commons – public domain

ABOVE PICTURE – Moon – 2nd Face – Pharisee Scorner

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3 DIVISIONS IN TODAY’S CHURCH

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“And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell:” Revelation 16:19 

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Many of the cities of the great nations of the world are beginning to crumble morally, financially, and structurally. And in this great decline, there is emerging a division between Conservatives and Liberals. And likewise, the onlooking world is just now witnessing this same split within Christendom. In the day of Jesus’ time on Earth, these two groups were called the Pharisees and the Sadducees. Today they are called Conservatives and Liberals. And just as the Pharisees and Sadducees were constantly at odds with each other, so too, these current two groups are at odds with each other today. Now a Pharisee can be either a liberal or a conservative. And likewise, a Sadducee can be a conservative or liberal. As a matter of fact, both Phariseeism and Sadduceeism exists within each of our hearts. So this issue is a very complex issue, indeed.

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But this verse speaks of 3 divisions. So what is the 3rd division? God’s people were the 3rd group in Israel, at the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry. And so it is today. There are many today, who have genuine faith. And even within these first two groups (Sadducees & Pharisees), there may be God’s people within one of those groups. The drawing to the left is of the 1st Moon-Face (The Night-Watchman). And if you have read Moon Into Blood Part 1, then you are familiar with how the Moon shows the 1st face which reflects God’s True Worshippers. And if you will continue on to read, “Moon Into Blood Part 3”, you will learn how the 3rd Face corresponds to the Sadducees.

ABOVE PICTURE – Moon – 2nd Face – Pharisee Scorner

3rd Face in Moon – Sadducee Seeker – www.signsofheaven.org

ABOVE PICTURE: 1st Face in moon at eagle ridge

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GOD’S JUDGMENT ON THESE THREE DIVISIONS

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But listen to God’s Judgment concerning the three divisions within the Church-world… “And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on My name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is My people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.” Zechariah 13:8, 9.

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So this above verse now begins to make sense, once this concept is understood concerning the three divisions in the Church. It says here that two parts of God’s people will be “cut off”. But the third part will God refine and purify, and call them His people.

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Moon – Public Domain – 2nd face Pharisee Scorner – by Cezar Popescu for Wikimedia – Universal Public Domain – cropped, highlighted & rotated photo

3rd Face in Moon – Sadducee Seeker – www.signsofheaven.org

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“A NEW HEART”

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“There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: Jesus…said unto him…Ye must be born again…The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.” John 3:1, 3, 8

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Now what is the remedy for all this? A new heart. 

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This Pharisee Moon-Beast needs a new heart. He must begin pleading with God to take away his stony heart and give him a new heart of flesh.

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The above passage tells of Nicodemus, one of the chief Pharisees. You see, Nicodemus was also like this Moon-Beast Pharisee at one time. And as a ruler of the Jews, Nicodemus was no doubt a very moral person. But Nicodemus had not yet become Born into the Spirit of God. His morality was a product of the pseudo-religious spirits, which inhabit those who attempt to live the Christian life, and yet are void of God’s Spirit.

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Now in midst of their discourse, Jesus told him, in a very loving manner… “Ye must be born again”. Nicodemus had risen to the position of a ruler of his people, and yet, he had never truly become a child of God.

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Listen to Ezekiel 36:26… “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.”

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And though Nicodemus was an unsaved individual, yet in the end, God gave Nicodemus a new heart, and he became Born Again. 

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And so this little account of Nicodemus, and how God took away his Phariseeism should give us hope too, that God can likewise, take away every trace of Phariseeism out of your heart, and out of my heart too!

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ABOVE PICTURE: Nicodemus – Wikimedia – Public Domain

Moon – Public Domain – 2nd face Pharisee Scorner – by Cezar Popescu for Wikimedia – Universal Public Domain – cropped, highlighted & rotated photo

ABOVE PICTURE – Moon – 2nd Face – Pharisee Scorner

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THE HOLY PLACE OF THE HEART

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The Pharisee Moon-Beast has been attending church for years, and yet he still possesses a stony heart. He may even be the pastor or elder. But he has never fully surrendered his entire life to Jesus. He loved the things of this life too much! And his cleanliness and orderliness have been sufficient to get by and fool most people.

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But God knows the wretchedness of this Moon-Beast’s soul. This Pharisee-Beast has spent countless hours cleaning the outward things of his life, but the inward things of his heart are still left filthy! He needs to be like the man in this drawing. This Believer has a heart which has become the Holy Place of his soul-temple.

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This True Worshipper has spent his Christian life purifying his heart, just as it says in 1st John… “And every man that hath this hope in Him (the hope of His return), purifieth himself, even as He (Christ) is pure.” 1st John 3:3.

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ABOVE PICTURE – Moon – 2nd Face – Pharisee Scorner

ABOVE PICTURE: Most Holy Place in the Heart – Signs Of Heaven

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THE TRUE GREAT COMMISSION

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The purification of the heart is the greatest commission which God has devolved upon the Believer.

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Listen to Paul… “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;“ 2nd Cor. 10:5. Incredible! We are to bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ!

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But how is such a high and holy calling as this, possible? Well listen again to Paul… “Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the Power that worketh in us,” Ephesians 3:20. This wonderful promise gives us full assurance that God is fully capable to cleanse us “from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord.” Philippians 4:7

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For a deeper look into this subject of the Most Holy Place in the heart, just read… “Ark of the Covenant Constellation, Pt. 2: How To Enter The Most Holy Place”

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ABOVE PICTURE: Most Holy Place in the Heart – Signs Of Heaven

the holy of holies-www.thebiblerevival.com-public domain

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BACKING OUT OF GOD’S REST…

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“For He spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all His works. And in this place again, If they shall enter into My rest…There remains therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into His rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from His.” Hebrews 4:4, 5, 9, 10 

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After God had created man and beast on the 6th day God rested on the 7th day. Mankind and beast were both created on the same day…the 6th day. But on the 7th day, Mankind was invited to enter into spiritual rest with God on the 7th day. But when Adam and Eve fell, they gave up that close communion with God. In a sense, they left that 7th Day Rest, and reverted back to the beasts of the Earth, who were also created on the 6th day, along with Man.

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Benjamin West The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise – Wikipedia – public domain

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NO REST FOR THE SONS OF ADAM!

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So too, Mankind has lost what Jesus offers… “There is no peace (or “rest”), says my God, to the wicked.” Isaiah 57:21.  Mankind no longer enjoys that “peace which passes all understanding“, because that ‘rest’ and that ‘peace’ was given up in the ‘Garden of Eden’.  Could this be what the MARK OF THE BEAST is all about?… 

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“…and THEY HAVE NO REST, day nor night who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receives the mark or the number of his name…” Revelation 14.

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Here in this passage we have the “Mark of the Beast” announcement. The word “rest” here is the very same Greek word found in the next passage… “Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you REST. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find REST unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30

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Shoppers in Toronto – Wikimedia – share-alike license

ABOVE PICTURE – Moon – 2nd Face – Pharisee Scorner

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GOD INVITES US BACK INTO THAT REST

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“Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you REST. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find REST unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30.

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 So it is seen here in the above verse, that God offers “rest unto your souls”. But what do the unsaved have as far as “rest”? Nothing actually. At least, not in the spiritual sense. And there begins to be an understanding that the “Mark of the Beast” is speaking of those who have never entered God’s spiritual “Rest”. Listen to Isaiah…

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“There is no peace (or “rest”), says my God, to the wicked.” Isaiah 57:21.  This verse shows the difference between the true worshippers and the unsaved. Those who claim to be saved but are not true worshippers will have no true spiritual rest, as the previous two verses point out.

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While the unsaved may be having a good time in this world of sin, they nevertheless do not enjoy the deep joy and peace which only comes through an abiding rest that goes down deep into our souls.  “…and ye shall find REST unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:30
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To explore this concept of spiritual rest, just click here… “PART 2–FINDING ‘REST UNTO YOUR SOUL’ (FINDING PERFECT PEACE)…” 

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ABOVE PICTURE – winter – Orion the Good Shepherd – www.signsofheaven.org

Moon – Public Domain – 2nd face Pharisee Scorner – by Cezar Popescu for Wikimedia – Universal Public Domain – cropped, highlighted & rotated photo

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PEACE THAT SURPASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING…

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“And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7.

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God offers joy and peace to anyone willing to keep the mind on His Word and on His ways. This next verse is much like the previous verse…“Thou (God) will keep him in PERFECT PEACE, whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusts in Thee.” Isaiah 26:3.

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These two passages point out the PERFECT PEACE that is available for any and every one who calls on the name of the Lord in these last moments of Earth’s history.

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Elakala Waterfalls Swirling Pool Mossy Rocks – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

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GOD CURSED MANKIND

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“And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;  Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;  In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread.” Genesis 3:17-19.

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Here, God pronounced a curse upon Mankind after the fall. Man lost that peace and rest of God, once man rebelled. Ever since that day, Mankind has been in a turmoil. Wars and fightings, and robberies and selfishness abound. Crime increasing, and cities becoming a hotbed of vice and corruption. Man has been pressed down under the burden of his vanities and vexation of spirit, trying under his own strength, to live without God.

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But this Moon-Beast believes that his “morality” places him in good standing with God, and doesn’t realize that his pride and selfishness are the deep-seated undercurrent of his entire life pursuits. But the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, this Beast does not know. His mind is absorbed with all those things that he loves to pursue of the world. “There is no peace (or “rest”), says my God, to the wicked.” Isaiah 57:21. Try as he will, this Pharisee-Scorner has yet to enter into this Rest. His heart is filled with turmoil. 

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ABOVE PICTURE – Moon – 2nd Face – Pharisee Scorner

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AFTER MAN’S FALL, A NEW REST WAS OFFERED

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“Again, he limits a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, ‘To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts’. For if Jesus had given them REST, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. There remains therefore a rest (or Sabbath keeping) to the people of God. For he that is entered into his REST, he also has ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that REST, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.”  Hebrews 4:7-11.

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This is “the REST unto your souls” that Jesus bids Mankind to find. If this Moon-Beast will only return to God, he may not immediately find that REST. But here God, through Paul, says here to “labor” to enter into that REST. The Moon-Beast’s sins and unbelief are keeping him from that perfect “Rest”.  He must “labor” to enter into that spiritual “rest unto your soul”, that Jesus offers, if he is to escape the “Mark of the Beast”. He must get rid of the “Pharisee” within! Within the heart, does this Beast exist. But he must become pure and holy… “not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing.” Ephesians 5:27.

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This is the work which every true worshipper of God desires in his or her life. “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” 1st John 3:3. Oh yes, Salvation is a gift. But those who have truly been given that gift will begin the purification process, spoken of in 1st John 3:3. Yes, every man woman and child who has the hope of Christ’s appearing and “our gathering unto Him”, will engage in the self-purification process…. “This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest” Isaiah 28:12  

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Harvest moon – Wikipedia & Roadcrusher – share-alike license

ABOVE PICTURE – Moon – 2nd Face – Pharisee Scorner

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“WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN AM I STRONG”

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“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2nd Corinthians 12:10

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Those of us who are low-energy type individuals, or are in a bed-fast condition, or in confinement, often look with envy at those who are industrious. But as that popular saying goes, “Careful what you wish for!” Quite often, those who are considered high-energy people, have little time nor inclination for sitting at the feet of Jesus, and hearing His Word. They are frequently, so busy with the affairs of life, that it is all but impossible for them to spend quiet-time with Jesus. Listen to God’s assessment…

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“He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: He taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man. The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear Him, in those that hope in His mercy.” Psalm 147:10, 11.

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So such verses as this reveal to us, that God is not all that impressed by good works.

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Just listen to this next passage… “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not…done many wonderful works?’ And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you…” Matt. 7:22, 23

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Munch Det Syke Barn – 1896 – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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“BE STILL…”

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On the other hand, we who have little strength, may use such a “handicap” to our advantage. In the quiet hours of our infirmity we can fulfill God’s desire for us… 

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“Be still, and know that I am God:” Psalm 46:10.

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We can sit at Jesus feet, and spend quiet time in His Word, using our disability or confinement to good account. And so, in that sense, our low-energy and our disability can actually become our greatest advantage to our spiritual pilgrimage, as we fill up our heart with the words of life. 

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Listen… “Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.” Psalm 4:4

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However pressing his duties STM2-c James Lee Frazer always finds time to read a few chapters from his Bible each day. I – NARA – 520675 – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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THE END

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NEXT ARTICLE:

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“THIRD BEAST… ‘SADDUCEE’…’SEEKER'” – click here

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But there is another beast, which God has in the Moon. And this little varmint exists within Man’s heart also. It is known as the “Seeker”. It is the spirit of “Sadducee-ism”. It is the spirit of “unbelief”. And it exists in this Seeker. And if he is to escape the “Mark of the Beast”, He must get rid of his unbelief and his continual seeking out of his heart and life. And “The Moon Into Blood” Part 3 deals with this.

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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 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 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 – 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 – 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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Those who are interested in using photos on this page may click on provided link below each photo, to get to Wikimedia Commons for various licensing details & tags, and all other necessary information on any particular photo.

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This is a continuation of “Moon Into Blood” Pt. 1 (click here)  &  “Moon Into Blood” Pt. 2 (click here)

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“It (God’s Covenant) shall be established…

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for ever as the Moon…

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and as a faithful witness

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in heaven. Selah.”

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Psalm 89:37.

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Moon – 3rd Face – cropped & highlighted photo – Sadducee Seeker – Before Eclipse – Wikimedia – Imported from 500px – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license

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PART 3: THE SEEKER (THE SADDUCEE)

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LOCATING THIS 3RD FACE

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The 3rd face of the Moon is a bit more difficult to locate, because it is mostly upside down. But this photo and this sketch (below right) are how this face would appear if it was turned right side up. (In the southern hemisphere, however, this is how the full Moon actually appears.)

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The 3rd face is the most difficult to see in the northern hemisphere, but once you do, it then becomes easy. This face is like a furry creature of the field. Maybe a rabbit. Maybe a squirrel. Perhaps a chipmunk. Probably a mouse. All “seekers”; all foragers and scavengers.

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And while this picture shows this little “beast of the field” right side up, this 3rd face is always pretty much in an upside-down position.

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The other two faces appear right-side-up, and are easier to locate. This photo and this sketch are both turned around to help you see this 3rd face easily. This enhanced sketch to the above right is merely to help you to see this face more easily. (As already stated, this 3rd face appears right side up in the southern hemisphere.)

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Moon – 3rd Face – cropped & highlighted photo – Sadducee Seeker – Before Eclipse – Wikimedia – Imported from 500px – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license

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LOCATING 3rd FACE AT BEGINNING OF NIGHT

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But this sketch here to the right is how this 3rd face actually appears when the Full Moon is in the east, at the beginning of night, in the northern hemisphere. But all you can readily see is this 1st face. 

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What you must do to see the 3rd face is to tilt your head to the right, 90 degrees.

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Do you see it? (You may find it easier if you just turn your screen on its left side, if you are using a laptop. But please don’t do anything to put your computer in jeopardy!)

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The easiest time of the month to actually see this face is when the Full Moon is in the east, just after dark. It then can be seen by tilting your head 90 degrees to the right.  But as night progresses, the Moon rotates clockwise, until this face is completely upside down, as the Moon works its way to the west.

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SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE

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For those living in the Southern Hemisphere, while they have all three faces of the Moon, the 3rd face, the Seeker Face is the upright face when the Moon is Full. This somewhat changes the story for those southerners. But the basic concept is still the same: one face of the Night Watchman, another of the Predator-Pharisee, and the third of the Seeker-Sadducee. But this is how the full Moon appears to all those who are down under.

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BUT WHY A FORAGER?

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“So I went in (into God’s temple), and saw; and behold every form of creeping things, and abominable beasts, and all the idols of the house of Israel, portrayed upon the wall round about.” Ezekiel 8:10

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The above verse is speaking of all sorts of unclean creatures, big and small, sinfully portrayed on the temple wall. And these creatures were being worshipped by God’s people, as this verse indicates.

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The photo below is a replica of the Ishtar Gate to ancient Babylon, which also had unclean beasts portrayed upon its wall. So, was God, in the above passage saying to us, that His Temple had become like Babylon?

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Photo of Squirrel – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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WHY A BEAST OF THE FIELD?

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And of all the ferocious beasts that exist in this world, why would God choose such a furry little critter to represent the Mark of the Beast? And why would the Lord inscribe this face in the Moon’s surface? Obviously, He does nothing indiscriminately! So what then can be the purpose for this 3rd face?

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Well, one thing is for sure! Unbelief is a quality that exists in the hearts of Men. 

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And, well, maybe this little beast of the field can give some biblical information about the subject of faithlessness. And maybe after an exploration of this furry forest creature, it will be discovered that this little varmint was exactly the correct beast for God to inscribe on the Moon’s surface!

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And by reading onward, this all may begin to make much more sense! And it may even start to gnaw away at our own self-righteousness, as we begin to realize that Sadducee-ism exists in our very own heart!

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Ishtar Gate at Berlin Museum by Rictor Norton & Wikipedia share-alike lic. 3.0

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FAITHLESSNESS OF SADDUCEES

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“The same day came the Sadducees to Him (Jesus), which say that there is no resurrection” Matthew 22:23

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And so, this article will attempt to show that this little creature represents the Sadducee. And this article will try to illustrate that he also represents the faithlessness which exists in the human heart. In our human heart!

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Yes, the above verse really says it all! The “Sadducees…say there is no resurrection”. And obviously, the Sadducees didn’t believe in living the Resurrected Life either. They still maintained a worldly outlook on life.

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You see, the Sadducees were those in the Jewish culture who were the “Deists” of that day. Perhaps many of them believed that God existed, but merely thought of God as though He just sits somewhere way out in space, looking down at this Earth through some gigantic telescope! They didn’t believe that God has much to do with this world, but to simply monitor the comings-and-goings of Mankind.

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Perhaps that is why this 3rd face is always upside down as if he’s staring up into space. He’s probably looking for God; looking for a god far out there in space somewhere, who has very little to do with this world.

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“THY WILL BE DONE IN EARTH”

Matthew 6:10

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But the true God of the Bible has very much to do with the goings on in this world!

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Listen… “…and He [God] does according to His will in the army of Heaven, and among the inhabitants of the Earth: and none can stay His hand, or say unto Him, ‘What doest Thou’?” Daniel 4:35

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This above passage, plus many others in Scripture, presents a God who is extremely active in the world, and orchestrates, “all things after the counsel of His own will:” Ephesians 1:11

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Elisha & Chariots of Fire www.visualbiblealive.com

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THE SADDUCEE’S FAVORITE “BIBLE” VERSE

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The Seeker-Sadducee’s very favorite Bible verse is, no doubt, this one, “God helps those who help themselves” and his very favorite Bible prayer is probably, “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference.”

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Of course, neither one of these statements actually comes from the Bible! And furthermore, just the opposite is true! This little creature does not grasp the Bible concept that Paul presented to the Philippians… “I can do ALL THINGS through Christ which strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13.

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Sadly, he doesn’t believe this verse. And so he goes on through life, feeling rather helpless. What he needs is faith: saving faith in God’s Word! 

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Yes, this Sadducee goes through life with a spirit of unbelief! Thomas, for instance, was an otherwise well-behaved disciple of Jesus. But his faithlessness was a great detriment to his spiritual growth. Nevertheless, the faithlessness that exists in a Sadducee is far greater than that of Thomas! And Thomas ultimately repented of his faithlessness.

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Moon – 3rd Face – cropped & highlighted photo – Sadducee Seeker – Before Eclipse – Wikimedia – Imported from 500px – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license

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ALWAYS MINDING EARTHLY THINGS

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“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 3:18, 19 

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This photo here (above left), shows this face more correctly. It would require turning one’s computer screen upside down to see this 3rd face. When looking at the Moon, the 3rd face is mostly upside-down, appearing as if he is looking up into space. But he’s not! He’s actually always looking down at the earth. He’s a forager! Always seeking! Always nibbling! His total focus in life is obtaining the things of earth! He has very little concern for heavenly things. Oh, he “talks a good game”, as the saying goes.

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Oh yes, you can engage this forager in a heavenly conversation, for a short while. But he’ll soon be scurrying off to engage in more seeking.

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This little furry creature is mostly concerned about the world, and his wants and needs. Oh yes, he believes that he’s saved. And he’s very confident of his Salvation! His friendliness, or his morality, or his wealth, or his church attendance, or tithe-paying, or his many other nice qualities gives this little Sadducee scamper a great assurance of his rightful place in Heaven! He’s just far too good a person, for God to ever think of rejecting him!

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Moon – 3rd Face – cropped & highlighted photo – Sadducee Seeker – Before Eclipse – Wikimedia – Imported from 500px – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license

PS Krøyer – Hip hip hurra! Kunstnerfest på Skagen 1888 – Wikimedia – public domain

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THE THINGS OF THE WORLD

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Unlike the 2nd-face Beast (Man/Dog/Wolf/fox) who was driven by pride and a judgmental eye, this 3rd-face Beast is motivated by an eye for the things of the world. Oh yes, he talks of faith. He has a collection of stock Bible verses, enough to get him through most situations. And he does usually appear to be looking up into Heaven, or staring off into space. But he’s just pretending to be looking for Jesus to come! But in reality, his heart is 100% on the things of this present world!

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Eastern Grey Squirrel – black – GNU Free Documentation License, – Wikipedia

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“THEY COULD NOT ENTER (GOD’S REST)…

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“BECAUSE OF UNBELIEF” 

Hebrews 3:19… 

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You see, this little unclean beast is steeped in “unbelief”! He doesn’t believe that God’s Rest is good enough! He thinks he needs more. He thinks he needs the things of the world to be fulfilled.  

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You might recognize this creature in the Old Testament. He was the one who was always complaining and murmuring against Moses in the wilderness. He was the one who longed for the “fleshpots of Egypt”. He was the one who wanted to turn back to Egypt because he didn’t believe God could supply the water and food he desired.

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Moon – 3rd Face – cropped & highlighted photo – Blue Moon – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

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“TAKE NO THOUGHT FOR YOUR LIFE”…

So this faithless little varmint continually seeks after those things in the world, because he’s convinced that God’s promises fail to provide for total peace and fulfillment, and all his physical and social needs. He doesn’t understand that verse, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not lack any thing” Psalm 23:1 (even though this is his favorite Psalm!). No, his wants are plenty! And he seeks them day and night!

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He pretends to be looking for the return of his Lord and Savior, but he’s really thinking about meat and drink! Thinking about his cares and pleasures! Too much concern about how he can enjoy life! Too much attention paid on how to get and how to keep all of life’s attainments…. “Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?” Ecclesiastes  3:21. Yes, like all the beasts of the Earth, his thoughts also go downward to the Earth!

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Moon – 3rd Face – cropped & highlighted photo – Sadducee Seeker – Before Eclipse – Wikimedia – Imported from 500px – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license

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“WHAT SHALL WE EAT & DRINK?”

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But the Bible commands… “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knows that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”  Matthew 6:31-34.

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Oh yes, this Seeker-Sadducee will say amen whenever this verse is quoted. But he really doesn’t believe it. Not really!

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This little creature rarely experiences the joy and peace that comes from Bible study, from prayer, from meditation upon God’s Word…and from such precious promises like the above passage proclaims (“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you”).

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Oh it’s true, this little critter will be seen on committees, helping out. But these humanitarian efforts are only furthering this critter’s self-interest. Because such “good works” only keep the delusion going, that he’s on the road to Heaven. But he’s not!

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Common_Squirrel – Wikimedia – share-alike license

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NO HEART FOR HEAVENLY THINGS

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“He giveth to the beast His food.” Psalms 147:9

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Oh yes, he goes to church once a week. But as soon as his “Sabbath Rest” is over…it’s back to his foraging! And he might even do his morning devotionals on the weekdays. But once he shuts his Bible, that’s the last time of the day he thinks about it! And of course, such good works are somewhat tedious to this earthly-minded critter.

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It’s because this furry little beast does not understand such Bible verses as… “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law (Word) does he meditate DAY AND NIGHT.” Psalm 1:2, 3.

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If you told this varmint that God wants him to meditate DAY AND NIGHT on God’s Word…he would pause for a moment…look at you…tilt his head at you sideways, as if puzzled at your curious statement…and then turn and quickly scurry off…to resume his seeking after more earthly nourishment. He had absolutely no idea what you just tried to tell him!

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Marmot – Wikipedia – GNU License

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“ESAU…A MAN (BEAST) OF THE FIELD”

Genesis 25:27

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“But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law (Word) does he meditate DAY AND NIGHT.” Psalm 1:2, 3

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Such verses as this one above, about meditating night & day on God’s Word, are foolishness to this beast of the field. He only wants to get back into the field to resume his hunting. He would gladly trade his birthright for a bowl of food, as did Esau… “who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.” Hebrews 12:16. 

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You see, Genesis Ch. 25 tells the story of two twin brothers, Jacob and Esau. And though they were twins, they were very, very, different in character. “Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents.” Genesis 25:27. While Jacob was interested in spiritual things, Esau only sought after the things of the world. Esau had no heart for spiritual things! 

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Well, to make a long story short, Esau traded his spiritual inheritance to his brother Jacob: the blessing from his God-fearing father, Isaac, for a bowl of Jacob’s stew!

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So this story is a picture of this Sadducee, who, like Esau, cares little for spiritual things! But there are those like Jacob who highly value those spiritual riches!

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Esau & Jacob – James Tissot – Wikipedia – US public domain

Marmot – Wikipedia – GNU License

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SPIRITUAL THINGS, FOOLISHNESS!

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This furry little Esau has no heart for spiritual things.

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Listen… “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.” 1st Corinthians 2:14

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As this above verse reveals, this natural (carnal) hearted beast cannot see the “hidden manna” in Scripture, because it is locked up in allegories and proverbs. And so, in order to prevent others from receiving the hidden manna, some of these carnally-minded Sadducee-Seekers got together and invented a totally unbiblical hermeneutic (rule of interpretation), which states that Scripture must be interpreted literally, as far as possible. In other words, this unbiblical rule of interpretation prevents Bible students from trying to see the spiritual meaning of the many parabolic stories and testimonies of the Bible!

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But those who have been given eyes to see, receive the Holy Ghost’s interpretation of all the many allegorical types and symbols which are so often found in the various stories of the Bible!

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Listen… “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” 1st Corinthians 2:13

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Marmot – Wikipedia – GNU License

Holy Bible – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Lic.

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ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD

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In Psalm 73, the Psalmist complains to God how nicely the UN-believers are doing!

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Listen… “For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.” Psalm 73:3-5.

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This Psalm has spoken to every generation of Believers since its writing. Satan has always found great success in turning people’s hearts away from God, by making them jealous at how well unbelievers do in the world.

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PS Krøyer – Hip hip hurra! – Kunstnerfest på Skagen – 1888 – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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“THROUGH MUCH TRIBULATION

ACTS 14:22

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God’s people must go through many tribulations, as God chastens them in hopes of purifying them into the likeness of Christ.

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This old painting to the left shows the “Five Wise Virgins” waiting patiently in prayer, in Bible study and in tribulation. These Five Wise Virgins know very well just what is tribulation and what is God’s chastening process.

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Listen as this Psalm 73 continues… “For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.” Psalm 73:14. Yes, God chastens His children, as any good father would do!

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Francken Hieronymus the Younger – Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins – c 1616 – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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SATAN EXALTS SECULAR SOCIETY

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So Satan makes sure that unbelievers, to a certain extent, are his best advertisements. And then Satan comes to God’s chastened people, and points them to the people of the world, showing Believers how well they might be doing, if only they would leave the family of God, and join Satan’s secular ranks!

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Just look at this photo to the right! Don’t these people look like they’re having a great time, having coffee at a beautiful café, in an exotic city!?!

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And so Satan has created this world (his “Destroying Mountain” of Babylon) to be exciting, and fresh, and intriguing, and even enlightening!

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(For more on this subject, just click here… “The False Prophet & His “Vanity Fair” Today”)

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And so this furry little Church-goer becomes more and more discouraged with Christianity! This forest-creature begins to notice all the hypocrisy within the church! And in the process of time he becomes more and more discouraged with God: “Why is God such a big meanie in the sky? Why doesn’t God answer my prayers? Why does God create Humanity, only to destroy them?”

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And so this discouraged, faithless, furry creature begins to withdraw from the fellowship of Christ. Or perhaps he finds a liberal church which allows just about any kind of behavior. Or maybe he just becomes secular.

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Café de Flore-coffee-house – Wikipedia – public-domain

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NO REAL 3rd ALTERNATIVE

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The problem is, there is no true 3rd alternative lifestyle. You are either in Christ’s sheepfold, or you are the Devil’s son or daughter. But the Devil has deceived you into believing that you are neutral, neither for nor against Christ.

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But Jesus plainly states… “He that is not with Me is against Me; and he that gathereth not with Me scattereth abroad.” Matt. 12:30.

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As this and other similar verses make clear, there is no neutral ground in this world: you are either used by God, or you are being used by Satan!

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Now, this concept of Satan’s alternate kingdom is being presented by the Valley of Decision Constellation group. For more on this subject, just click here… “The ‘Valley of Decision’ Constellation” or you can also read… “Babylon…O Destroying Mountain” which tells about Satan’s “alternative mountain” (his so-called alternate lifestyles).

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THIS LITTLE ESAU & THOSE BIBLE THUMPERS

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And so, this little forager is much like Esau. He cares little for spiritual things! And because his desire is for the things of Earth, he despises all those “religious fanatics down at church who always have their ‘noses in the Bible.'”

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So to defend his own negligence concerning his spiritual life (or lack thereof), he will often be heard quoting his favorite non-biblical proverb, concerning those “Bible-thumpers”… “He’s so heavenly-minded”, says this furry critter, “that he’s no earthly good!”

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But little does this furry Esau consider, that the reverse is true of him! You could say about this little Esau… ‘He’s so EARTHLY-MINDED he’s no heavenly good’! Yes, this little Sadducee is so earthly-minded that he’s no heavenly good!  

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Esau & Jacob – James Tissot – Wikipedia – US public domain

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ONE LOOKS UP WHILE THE OTHER LOOKS DOWN

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As already discussed, this verse from Ecclesiastes really applies to these last two beast-like faces in the Moon…“Who knows the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?” Ecclesiastes  3:21 (these two faces shown in sketches below left and below right).

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The first face in the Moon (The Night-Watchman, sketch to the right), of course, has his eyes fixed on the Sun of Righteousness which rises in the east. This was discussed in Part 1 of “Moon into Blood Trilogy”. Of this first face, it may be said that his spirit “goeth upward”. But the other two faces in the Moon (beast-like faces) have a spirit that goes downward… Paul once again, says it correctly, with this next verse…

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 Eastern Grey Squirrel in St James’s Park, London_-_Nov_2006_- Wikipedia – share-alike license

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THEIR gODS ARE THE THINGS OF EARTH!

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 “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. For our conversation is in Heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ…”  Philippians 3:18-20.

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So this verse and the previous verse above, from Ecclesiastes 3:21 (“downward & upward”), both parallel each other. The enemies of the Cross have their affections on the things of the Earth. They are “earthly-minded”, as Paul puts it.

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But Paul also says that the true worshippers have their conversation (lifestyle) in Heaven. What a contrast Paul makes between the earthly-minded, and the heavenly-minded!

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THE MOUSE…

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But this 3rd face in the Moon not only looks like a forager, but also looks like a scavenger. Let’s explore this concept for a moment.

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As for the mouse, there is a very interesting passage relating the mouse in regards to Judgment Day. Listen to the following passage…

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“For by fire and by his sword will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many. They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one [tree] in the midst, eating swine’s flesh, and the abomination, AND THE MOUSE, shall be consumed together, saith the LORD.” Isaiah 66:16.

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Now why would God pick out this little creature, the mouse, to speak of the destruction of the wicked in the Last Day? Such odd language! 

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UNCLEAN BEASTS… A mouse in the Bible was considered an “unclean” thing. Unclean creatures  were compared to the unsaved in the New Testament. When Peter had his vision of unclean animals, and was commanded to eat them, this symbolized the sharing of the Gospel with all the unsaved Gentiles of the world.

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Listen to Peter as he confesses that Mankind is no longer considered “unclean”…  “but God has showed me that I should not call any man common or UNCLEAN.” Acts 10:28.  Even though Mankind is lost in sin and unbelief, yet as potential candidates for Salvation, all Mankind are no longer considered “unclean”, in respect to evangelizing. That is, we all are just as eligible for Salvation as are the Jews. We are all on equal ground with the Lord. 

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Mouse – Wikipedia 

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THE SANCTIFICATION PROCESS

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You see, the day this Moon creature first came into the Church, like others, he too began the ongoing process of separating himself from sin; as we know, this is the “purification process” ( “And every man that hath this hope in Him (Christ’s return), purifies himself, even as He (Christ) is pure.” 1st John 3:3). 

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And for a while he went along with this purification. He joyfully attended weekly Bible studies and prayer meetings. But by and by this little creature became disenchanted with all that “giving things up”! He began to miss his old habits and hobbies; he even missed his old buddies too! And so he gradually turned back. He even found some passages which allowed him to have a glass or two of wine with dinner. And once again, he dusted off his trusty old TV; “but I’m only gonna watch just the good shows and movies”, he told his family. And gradually, this little varmint slowly backtracked, until he eventually fell back into his old lifestyle, to a great degree!

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SECULAR FRIENDSHIPS

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And lo and behold, he ran into his old buddies around town. Unfortunately this lunar creature just doesn’t comprehend the following passage… “For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor UNCLEAN PERSON, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” Ephesians 5:5.

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So this is one of those paradoxical concepts in the Bible that can be confusing. In respect to candidacy for Salvation, we are all “clean”. But in respect to being in church, but still having an unconverted world-seeking heart, such a person would then be considered to be “unclean”. “God is no respecter of persons” Acts 10:34. Just because he goes to church doesn’t magically make him clean in the eyes of God. “God is no respecter of persons”.

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PS Krøyer – Hip hip hurra! Kunstnerfest på Skagen 1888 – Wikimedia – public domain

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WHO CONVERTS WHO?

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Yes, this little Sadducee found his old buddies once again. But this varmint excused himself, saying that he’s just being a good witness to those unbelievers. But actually, he just enjoys engaging in all that camaraderie and ungodly conversation. Yes, in reality, he just missed all the joking and laughing and even cussing a little, with the good ol’ boys! 

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PS Krøyer – Hip hip hurra! Kunstnerfest på Skagen 1888  – Wikimedia – public domain

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“COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM”

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One problem is, this Moon-Beast attends a church in which the pastor encourages his flock to make secular friendships, in order to win souls. But what his pastor does not understand, is when we unnecessarily form relationships with unbelievers, we violate God’s commandment…

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

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And so, this Sadducee Moon-Beast follows his pastor’s unbiblical advice, and breezes right past this warning from God, found in 2nd Corinthians; and he rejoins his old buddies down at the coffee shop. And guess what? Instead of converting them to Christ, he’s back to cussing, engrossed with worldly issues, politics; and all this mingled with jokes!

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So just who evangelized who? This Moon-Beast got evangelized by his worldly friends! And as far as his pastor who urged him to do this, maybe he (his pastor) doesn’t mind so much, having a worldly-minded congregation full of these Moon-Beasts!

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Lunch Break  – Wikimedia Commons – share-alike

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THROUGH THE SPIRIT of HOLINESS

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And really, you can’t blame this little earth-clinger for returning back to the things of the Earth, which his heart secretly longed for! After all, self-denial is probably the worst thing a person can do, without God’s abiding Spirit! To live an austere life would only be misery when one is void of God’s Spirit!

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On the other hand, to become like self-denying Jesus only becomes a joy when one is filled with the Spirit of Holiness! Then and only then, self-sacrifice becomes a joy! Then and only then, becoming one with Jesus becomes a delight and a dream-come-true!

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This faithless one could never comprehend the following statement by Paul… “Yea doubtless, and 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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Paul’s greatest desire was to become Christ-like in every way! And Paul wanted nothing from this world to drag him back down. But to this earth-hugging forager, Paul’s statement would be the kiss-of-death!

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Moon – 3rd Face – cropped & highlighted photo – Sadducee Seeker – Before Eclipse – Wikimedia – Imported from 500px – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license

Transfiguration – Bloch – Wikimedia Commons – US Public-Domain 

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“5  BLIND MICE”: PICTURE OF THE APOSTATE CHURCH

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In 1st Samuel, Ch. 6, there is a very odd story about a time when the Ark of God came into the possession of the wicked Philistines. And as a result, there broke out a plague in that land of the Philistines. Scripture says in this story that this plague was an outbreak of hemorrhoids on the people, plus a pestilence of mice which devastated the land. And of course the mice were eating the grain in both fields and probably the grain stores also (as mice often do).

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FIVE LORDS OF THE PHILISTINES… The five lords over the Philistines were counseled to make five golden images of hemorrhoids and five golden mice images, and send these images along with the Ark back into Israel, from where the Philistines had stolen the Ark in the first place. The five golden mice were according to the number of the five lords of the Philistines. This trespass offering of their unclean hemorrhoids and unclean mice was made to God in hopes that, “By some chance He (God) will lighten His hand from off you, and from off your gods, and from off your land.” 1st Samuel 6:5

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Lightmatter lab mice By Aaron Logan – Wikipedia – share-alike license.

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Now there is a definite parallel to this story of the “Five Lords of the Philistines” and the story of Cain’s unacceptable offering to God.

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CAIN’S UNACCEPTABLE OFFERING =

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THE APOSTATE CHURCH OFFERING

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So the five lords of the Philistines sent back the Ark along with the unacceptable offering of five golden mice images and five golden hemorrhoid images.

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The five-plus-five gold UNCLEAN images given by the Philistine lords represented an unclean offering. Mice are unclean beasts. And hemorrhoids is a diseased condition. This would seem to represent False Brethren only wishing to offer God their unconverted lives. Totally unacceptable to a holy God!

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Just as the offering of Cain, spoken of in Genesis, Chapter 4, was unacceptable to God, so also are the offerings of all those who will not submit to God’s purification process…

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The plague of mice & hemorrhoids of Ashdod – 1630 – Wikipedia – public domain

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GREATEST COMMISSION: TO TRANSFORM OUR MIND!

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This next passage really puts an exclamation mark on just what the Christian must be fully engaged in, on a daily basis… “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”  Romans 12:1, 2.

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Such verses as this are applauded by this Esau, when in Church. But inwardly, he wants nothing to do with any such self-sacrificing concepts. Yes, this Esau Moon-Beast is like Cain. You see, Cain only offered to God, the things which the world produces, while his brother Abel offered a lamb, representing Christ-crucified. And that’s all that this Esau Moon-Beast can offer: the things of the Earth. Yes, this Esau Moon-Beast is so much more like Cain, than he would ever care to believe!

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – public domain

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UNTRANSFORMED CHRISTIANS

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So, the five golden mice and the five golden hemorrhoids represent the unclean offerings of this furry scavenger who remains unconverted, and yet professes to serve god.

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On the other hand, God’s True Worshippers will accept trials and tribulation with the great hope of being eventually transformed into the image of Christ! But this furry little Esau in the Church, is in reality, still in the image of the beasts of the Earth! And just like those five golden mice representing those five uncircumcised Philistine lords, so too, this unconverted church-goer today is hoping that God will accept him as he is; still just a scampering-little-faithless-earth-clinging-Seeker!

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rodent – Sinaistachelmaus – Wikimedia Commons – share-alike license

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TURNING BACK TO EGYPT

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When these little forest beastlings come in contact with God’s Church, they begin the spiritual sojourn heaven-ward. But in a little while, trials and tribulation are sure to come! The True Worshipper of God will endure such trials. And the true worshippers will begin to chasten themselves before God, as a result of such trials.

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Now just the opposite is true of this little Esau. When trials come the way of such False-Brethren-Esau’s, they eventually become offended. The chief desire of all such Earth-Huggers, is to have a nice time and retain earthly possessions. All such, mostly just wish to go to church for social or self-fulfillment purposes. To fill a void in their heart, by merely paying homage to God once a week.

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These Seekers are like the five lords of the Philistines.“By some chance He (God) will lighten His hand from off you, and FROM OFF YOUR GODS, and from off your land.” 

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They were willing to sell their souls for the gods of this world, along with its cares and pleasures, just as Esau sold his birthright for that pottage-stew. These five Philistine lords didn’t want the tribulation which comes with Christianity!

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And of course, Esau’s pottage-stew symbolized earthly “Mammon”. And Jesus spoke of Mammon.

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Listen… “Ye cannot serve God and mammon (materialism).” Matthew 6:25.

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And so these five lords returned the Ark, wanting nothing more to do with the Ark and all it stood for! So the story of Esau, and the story of these five Philistine lords found in 1st Samuel, Ch. 6, are very parallel stories. And the story of Cain, too! And the story of the Church-Apostate, as well! These all go together!

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Rat siamese – Wikimedia Commons – share-alike license

New york times square – terabass – Wikipedia – share-alike license

Beef Stew! – Kurt Nordstrom & Wikipedia – share-alike license

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5 LORDS OF PHILISTINES  = 5 FOOLISH VIRGINS  = APOSTATE CHURCH…

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Yes, this story seems to be an all-too-familiar picture of the Apostate portion of God’s Church! The five lords of the Philistines also being a picture of the “Five Foolish Virgins” in Matthew Ch.25. The Five Foolish Virgins likewise represented those in the Church who have no oil in their vessels, meaning they have not the Holy Spirit in their lives. Oh, they have enough oil (grace) to attend church each weekend. But when it comes to the rest of the week, they quickly forget any lesson learned and resume their worldly lifestyle during the weekdays!

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These five lords of the Philistines came into possession of the Ark, which only brought tribulation to the land of the Philistines. You see, these five pagan lords, have much in common with the Five Foolish Virgins. And taking possession of the Ark can translate into trying to have a relationship with the Lord. But they just didn’t want the tribulation which goes hand-in-hand with the Christian life!

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Lightmatter lab mice – By Aaron Logan – Wikipedia – share-alike license

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“IN THIS WORLD YE SHALL HAVE TRIBULATION”

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And this 3rd Moon-Beast began attending church, only to find that tribulation began to plague his life. But isn’t that what Jesus promised?

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Listen… “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1:2-4.

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Yes, tribulation comes to every professing Christian. But this Sadducee is merely a “make-believer” in the Church, and will not put up with “such nonsense”! After all, he came to church to be blessed, not cursed! But what he doesn’t realize is, that tribulation is a blessing: a blessing in disguise! Yes, tribulation is an integral part of the purifying process, which God engages in, with each and every true worshipper! It is the chastening process, that every true child of God must willingly receive!

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Moon – 3rd Face – cropped & highlighted photo – Blue Moon – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

Job rebuked by his friends – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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THIS ARTICLE IS CONTINUED BY CLICKING HERE… “Moon Into Blood Trilogy: The 3rd Face: Sadducee Seeker, Continued”

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Moon – 3rd Face – cropped & highlighted photo – Blue Moon – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

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This is a continuation of the “Moon Into Blood Part 1″ or you may go to “Moon Into Blood Part 3”

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“For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, AN EVIL EYE, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” Mark 7:18-23 

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Moon – Public Domain – 2nd face Pharisee Scorner – by Cezar Popescu for Wikimedia – Universal Public Domain – cropped, highlighted & rotated photo

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“It (God’s Covenant) shall be established…

for ever as the Moon…

and as a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.”

Psalm 89:37.

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GOSPEL INSCRIBED ON THE MOON

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The Bible states… “It (God’s Covenant) shall be established for ever as the Moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven (sky). Selah.” Psalm 89:37

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God’s Covenant (The Gospel) has been inscribed in the sky. In the night sky, predominantly. It has been established “as the Moon, and as a faithful witness…”.

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There will be,  “signs in the Sun… moon, and…stars” (Luke 21:25) just before the end, was a promise made by God.

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But we didn’t know exactly what those signs would be (although many thought they knew).

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Nor did we realize that these signs would be pointing us to present Bible truths!

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Lunar_Eclipse_by_Jiyang_Chen & Wikipedia share-alike license. Click for link.

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“THE SCORNER (THE PHARISEE)”

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Listen to the following revelation concerning the evil which exists within the hearts of men…“For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, AN EVIL EYE, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” Mark 7:18-23 

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Please tilt your head to the left. Do you see a man with a very long pointed nose. (Obviously, the sketch to the right is just an exaggeration in order to help you find the face in the photo to the left.)

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Do you see an angry look? His right eye-brow is raised as if he is judging.

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This second face in the Moon appears to be that of a combination of a man as well as a fox. Or maybe a wolf. Doesn’t he have a long narrow nose like a wolf or fox? Maybe even a dog. Nevertheless, the expression on his face, as he appears to look down upon the Earth, is that of scorn. Unlike the  first Moon-man’s sad shock and awe; this ‘man/fox/wolf/dog’ appears to be that of anger and scorn. As if he is disgusted at the sinful planet below.

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He is very moral, you see!

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Moon – Public Domain – 2nd face Pharisee Scorner – by Cezar Popescu for Wikimedia – Universal Public Domain – cropped, highlighted & rotated photo

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THIS BEAST WITHIN

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Well, the Bible has much to say about Pharisees. And the Bible has much to say about wolves, and foxes, and dogs. And this wolf-face inscribed in the Moon has much to tell us about ourselves!

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So if you are a truth-seeker, then this article will be an eye-opener, as we explore just what the Bible has to say about these things. And the fact is, this Pharisee Moon-Beast is in the heart of each and every human.

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And so, if you (or I) find that this wolf-man has some things in common, please don’t despair! For God is giving us these signs, while there still is time. While there still is hope!

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THE PHARISEES…

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Now listen to this verse concerning proud scorners…“Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.” Proverbs 21:24

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Yes this wolf-like beast-face in the Moon, is what the Bible calls a proud Pharisee. They were the morality crowd! They were the finger pointers! They were the scorners! They had an evil eye against others! They didn’t realize that their own pride was even more reprehensible to God than the drunkenness, immorality, or sexual perversions of the unsaved world!

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PHARISEES & SADDUCEES

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There were two major groups spoken of during the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry: The Pharisees and the Sadducees. While the Pharisees were very big on law and justice, the Sadducees were steeped in unbelief.

But that discussion of the Sadducees should be saved for the next section, “Moon Into Blood Part 3”. 

But for now, this examination of this 2nd face in the Moon should continue.

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Robert Salmon – Moonlight Coastal Scene – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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WHICH WAY THE FINGER IS POINTING

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It is true religion that says, “I am chief of sinners.” 1st Timothy 1:15. These are the words of Paul. Paul saw himself for what he really was: a dirty rotten sinner in need of a Savior!

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It is false religion that says, “God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.” Luke 18:11.

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These are the words of this proud Pharisee in the parable of the Publican & the Pharisee (see Luke 18:9-14).

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It is true religion that points the accusing finger at ‘myself’. It is false religion that points at the other guy. True religion understands that Satan is the “god of this world” (2nd Corinthians 4:4). But this Pharisee has lost sight of that fact. True Christianity desires to lead others to forsake this world and begin to live for Heaven. False religion wants to clean this world up, not realizing that sin is literally everywhere: because it’s the Devil’s world.

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This scorner forgets what 1st John proclaims… “…and the whole world lieth in wickedness.” 1st John 5:19

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Tissot The Pharisee and publican Brooklyn Museum & Wikimedia US public domain

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PHARISEE SITS ON JUDGMENT-THRONE

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But this Pharisee-Scorner enjoys sitting on his judgment throne and pointing the accusing finger down at others. But what this pseudo-Christian does not realize is, that it is impossible to be Christian, while at the same time, judging others.

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Just listen… “Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. There is one Lawgiver, Who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?” James 4:11, 12.

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So this passage proclaims that whoever judges others, is trying to be God! Because only God is capable of judging a man’s heart. Of course, this Pharisee excuses himself, by saying that he’s only doing a public service by exposing the sins of others.

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Tissot The Pharisee and publican Brooklyn Museum & Wikimedia US public domain

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“THE HEART IS DECEITFUL…WHO CAN KNOW IT?”

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Just listen to the following passage…“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?  I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” Jeremiah 17:9, 10.

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So as this passage proclaims, “the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, who can know it?” But then it goes on to tell us, that God Himself searches the hearts of men (and women). God is the righteous Judge. And God will render back to us, according to our ways.

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PS Krøyer – Hip hip hurra! Kunstnerfest på Skagen 1888 wikimedia public domain

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THE PHARISEE & THE PUBLICAN

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Listen to this story of the proud Pharisee and the humble Publican…“The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.” Luke 18:11-13

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That well-known story of the Pharisee and the Publican presents a basic concept between a correct spirit and an incorrect one. In this story, God presents these two characters, which seem to be polar opposites: the proud Pharisee and the self-abasing Publican. The first, the Pharisee, saw himself as self-righteous, while the Publican realized just what a great sinner he was! Pride is quite often hard to detect. But the Publicans were a scorned class of persons. They knew they were sinners!

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Tissot The Pharisee and publican Brooklyn Museum & Wikimedia US public domain

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PRIDE ESPECIALLY DISGUSTING TO GOD

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The point to this story is that God abhors human pride. But God contrariwise,  presents the proper attitude, by showing us the humility and shame-facedness of the Publican. 

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And this little parable ends with the following summation… “I tell you, this man (the publican) went down to his house justified rather than the other (the Pharisee): for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” Luke 18:14.

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Here is a great big, giant concept, which Jesus presented. God loves a humble and contrite heart; but God hates human pride. And because our hearts are so easily deceived, we must exercise constant vigilance against such sins as pride.

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Tissot The Pharisee and publican Brooklyn Museum & Wikimedia US public domain

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“DOGS HAVE COMPASSED ME”

Psalm 22:16

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Now listen to this rebuke by God against His professed people…“Then said the LORD unto me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, yet My mind could not be toward this people…And I will appoint over them four kinds, saith the LORD: the sword to slay, and the dogs to tear, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the earth, to devour and destroy.” Jeremiah 15:1, 3.

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So in this passage, God is using various metaphors to describe His punishment for a disobedient and world-loving people. And one of those metaphors is “dogs to tear”. 

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Not only could this Moon-beast be a wolf, but could very well could be a dog. This would  harmonize with Scripture… “For dogs have compassed Me: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed Me: they pierced My hands and My feet…Deliver My soul from the sword; My darling from the power of the dog. ” Psalm 22:16, 20.

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From this above passage, it looks like Jesus had to encounter those “dogs” when on the Cross, as He took our place! 

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Moon – Public Domain – 2nd face Pharisee Scorner – by Cezar Popescu for Wikimedia – Universal Public Domain – cropped, highlighted & rotated photo

Panhandler wikipedia public domain

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PROUD MOCKERS

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Every time this Moon-Beast mocks and scorns the drunkard, begging for a drink on the side of the road, imprisoned by his own addiction, this Moon-beast doesn’t realize how the Savior died for that drunken person too! In a very real sense, this scorner is mocking Jesus as He hung on the Cross for that drunkard!

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When this proud Pharisee mocks and scorns those fat people he sees at the shopping center, he doesn’t consider that Jesus died for them too! Is he not really mocking and scorning the very One who bled and died on behalf of those drunkards and those fat people who are sadly addicted to the over-abundant supplies of debilitating substances in this opulent and decadent society?  

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Photo above – Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.)

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MOCKING PEOPLE = MOCKING GOD

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This Pharisee has forgotten the warning that says… “Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceeds blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” James 3:9, 10.

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This Pharisee doesn’t understand that when he scorns people, he is also scorning God at the same time, the very One who created that man!

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Moon – Public Domain – 2nd face Pharisee Scorner – by Cezar Popescu for Wikimedia – Universal Public Domain – cropped, highlighted & rotated photo

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“EVIL COMMUNICATIONS CORRUPTS GOOD BEHAVIOR”

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Perhaps this Moon-Beast listens to too many hyper-critical shows on TV or radio, instead of engaging his mind in prayer and Bible meditation. Listen to this verse…

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“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1st Corinthians 15:33 

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This Moon-Beast voluntarily exposes himself to evil communications. However, the Bible says those evil communications have a corrupting influence on people; in an ever-so-imperceptible manner, that one may not be aware of. Without realizing it, as he listens to these hyper-critical talk shows, this Moon-Beast has become critical and scornful at all the injustice in the world.

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He has deceived himself, as this verse warns… “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1 Corinthians 15:33.

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Yes, with all the common talk and jesting that he listens to, this Moon-Beast takes no heed from this above verse that warns against the corrupting influence of such communications!

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And what about this next passage?…“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee an  evil mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.” Proverbs: 4:23,24.

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Incredible! This verse warns him that the heart, above all things, must be protected. 

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Wolf by Alfred_Wierusz-Kowalski 1849-1915 Wikimedia US public domain

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EVIL COMMUNICATIONS CORRUPT

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When this Moon-Beast, seeks after the companionship of television or radio, he slowly and imperceptibly becomes like the programs watched, or listened to, to a certain degree.

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If the program is constantly pointing the accusing finger at others, this will rub off on the listener.

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If the program displays murders being committed…the viewer becomes desensitized to violence and even murder.

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If the show has joking and jesting, then the viewer tends to become a jester.

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If it is sensual, his or her heart tends toward sensuality. If it is about atheistic and other faithless ideologies…it tends to inspire faithlessness within the viewer.

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If it is filled with common and worldly chatter, the listener will speak as the world, instead of as Jesus. And on and on it goes!

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Moon – Public Domain – 2nd face Pharisee Scorner – by Cezar Popescu for Wikimedia – Universal Public Domain – cropped, highlighted & rotated photo

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“THEY HAVE NO CHANGES”

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This Moon-Beast is a living fulfillment of that verse… “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1st Corinthians 15:33. In the simplest terms, this Moon-Beast becomes changed into the image of what he fills up his heart and mind with.  This, by the way, is the essence of what the Mark of the Beast is all about: whose image have I been filling up my heart with?

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And on Judgment Day, it says… “As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when Thou awakest, Thou shalt despise their image.” Psalm 73:20.

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Yes, we’ve all wondered if God has been asleep on the job. But that Day is coming! And God will not be slumbering on that Day!

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But this Moon-Beast neglected the change of heart, which God has commissioned all Believers to pursue.

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Listen… “Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God.” Psalm 55:19. 

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This Moon-Beast saw no great need to renew himself into the image of Christ. He has no true fear and trembling at God’s Word. His morality was good enough for him! Unfortunately, morality isn’t good enough for the Lord. And Judgment Day will separate the “morality crowd” from those who have devoted their lives to becoming changed into Christ’s glorious image.

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For more on the subject of television, please read… “Television & The Image That Speaks”.

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“GREEDY DOGS…LOVING TO SLUMBER”

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 “All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, yea, all ye beasts in the forest. His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all DUMB DOGS, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. Yea, they are GREEDY DOGS which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.” Isaiah 56:9-12. 

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God here, is not speaking of the people of the world. He is speaking of His own people! This Moon-Beast claims to be a child of God! He claims to be a shepherd, but he cannot understand! He is living in luxury and hoards up money, in a world where billions in other places would be happy if they could just eat the scraps that fall from his table! And this was one of the sins of the Pharisees. They loved money and the things it would buy.

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Listen… “And the Pharisees also, who were covetous…” Luke 16:14.

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Sleeping Dog, oil on panel painting by Gerrit Dou, wikipedia US public domain

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RICH MAN COULD LEARN FROM DOGS…

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Just listen to this passage from the parable of “The Rich Man & Lazarus”… “There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.” Luke 16:19-21.

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This Pharisee-Scorner could learn a lesson from these dogs in this passage! At least the dogs licked the sores of Lazarus. But the Pharisee does not. In his own greed, he’s more interested in scorning others, than helping others, or praying for them!

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Moon – Public Domain – 2nd face Pharisee Scorner – by Cezar Popescu for Wikimedia – Universal Public Domain – cropped, highlighted & rotated photo

Rich Man & Lazarus Wikigallery Public Domain

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“DELIVER MY DARLING…”

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“Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog.”  Psalm 22:20 

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In this above verse, God uses such strange language… “Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog.” Two questions need to be answered, and possibly three. First, it must be established that this most infamous Psalm is not only a Messianic Psalm, but actually the very Psalm 22, which revealed the inner thoughts of Christ as He hung on the Cross! So whatever conclusion we reach concerning this verse, it must be in context of Christ suffering on the Cross.

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The first statement, “Deliver My soul from the sword” What sword would Christ be worried about, while hanging on the Cross? Is He worried about the sword of Satan and his followers? It cannot be speaking of the sword, the Bible, can it? 

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tissot As seen from the cross wikipedia US public-domain

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WHAT DOES HENRY HAVE TO SAY?

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But leaving that question aside, the next statement, “My darling from the power of the dog”. Such strange language! What is Christ calling “My darling?” Matthew Henry has a wonderful commentary on this verse, and so allow him to speak… “

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“The Psalmist here calls his soul his darling, his only one (so the word is): “My soul is my only one. I have but one soul to take care of, and therefore the greater is my shame if I neglect it and the greater will the loss be if I let it perish. Being my only one, it ought to be my darling, for the eternal welfare of which I ought to be deeply concerned. I do not use my soul as my darling, unless I take care to preserve it from every thing that would hurt it and to provide all necessaries for it, and be entirely tender of its welfare.” (2.) Observe what the danger is from which he prays to be delivered, from the sword, the flaming sword of divine wrath, which turns every way.”

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This commentary by that highly regarded theologian from the past, Matthew Henry, makes a beautiful analogy concerning how precious is the soul of Man! And since it is the only soul a man, woman, or child will ever have, it must be cared for and treated as the most precious possession one will ever have! And so, once again, the King James version got it right, when most of the modern translations missed it.

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Matthew Henry Wikipedia Public Domain

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“BEWARE OF DOGS”

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But this Pharisee Moon-Beast cares little for his soul. On the contrary, when the Psalmist says “Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog.”, The Psalmist is referring to this Moon-Beast, who is in the image of a dog. Oh not really. But God has created this Moon-Beast to symbolize what the Psalmist was speaking of.

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Oh yes, it was the Pharisees who were greatly responsible for putting Christ on the Cross.

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Listen… “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. ” Philippians 3:2.

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Oh yes, “the dogs”, that is, “the Circumcision” were the Pharisees. The Pharisees hated Christ with a passion. Like dogs, they wanted to tear Jesus to pieces. His total rejection of, not only them, but also His rejection of this world of sin, was more than they could bear! And this Pharisee Moon-Beast etched in the night-sky represents all Pharisees throughout time, including those who lived in Jesus’ day.

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GOD’S SWORD

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And as to just what sword Christ prayed to be delivered from, Henry believed it to be “the sword, the flaming sword of divine wrath, which turns every way.” And as we all know, Christ was suffering the Divine wrath of God as He hung on the Cross. So Matthew Henry makes good sense in his conclusion that the sword is speaking of the Divine wrath of God. And as we all know, God indeed eventually delivered Jesus from that sword, and also delivered Him from “the power of the dog”, that is, the Pharisees. 

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Coyote killing sheep wikipedia public domain

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“I AM RICH…INCREASED WITH GOODS”

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When God (or the Devil) brings riches and accomplishment and success, the tendency is for pride to set in. And pride begets judging. But pride, accomplishment, and success, also tend to give a false sense of security. These were the common-denominators of the Pharisee crowd. And this holds true for this Pharisee Moon-Beast as well! The Pharisees believed they had earned Heaven. It was impossible to convince them otherwise. Jesus had a number of confrontations with the Pharisees. And it was this group that Jesus spoke most harshly to. Well, as we know, it was chiefly the scribes, Pharisees and rulers who eventually had Him arrested and put to death. 

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Rich Man & Lazarus Wikigallery Public Domain

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GOD’S WATCHMEN ASLEEP?…

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Here again, we see that God compares even His watchmen of being like, “dumb dogs”…”His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all DUMB DOGS, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.”

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The above verse is an indictment against this Moon-Beast. He is just far too complacent and sluggish in the priestly duties of prayer and watchfulness.

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Listen… “If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; If you say, Behold, we knew it not; does not He that ponders the heart consider it? and He that keeps your soul, does not He know it? And shall not He render to every man according to his works?” Proverbs 24;11, 12.

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This passage lets it be known, that God is not going to excuse this second Moon-Face Beast for his ignorance about the things going on in other places, in this country and around the world. He has chosen His Elect to be watchmen. And if he doesn’t watch…well…as this passage below says…

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“All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, yea, all ye beasts in the forest. His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all DUMB DOGS, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. Yea, they are GREEDY DOGS which can never have enough.” Isaiah 56:9-11.

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This verse should make anyone tremble to think how he or she has not been watchful, as God has commanded Believers to be. And this should make this Beast tremble, too! But it doesn’t. He simply goes on in his complacency and disregard of the fearful judgment hour he lives in.

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And here is another very important verse about watching… “Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the Master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly He find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.” Mark 13:35-37.

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This Pharisee would do well to really take heed to the warning from Jesus in this passage! “And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.”  This warning by Jesus should make any Christian tremble! 

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Sleeping Dog, oil on panel painting by Gerrit Dou, wikipedia US public domain

Moon – Public Domain – 2nd face Pharisee Scorner – by Cezar Popescu for Wikimedia – Universal Public Domain – cropped, highlighted & rotated photo

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THE MARK OF CAIN…

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See that big black mark on his forehead? Doesn’t it remind you of the mark that God put on Cain’s forehead?

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“…We should love one another. Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother… Whosoever hates his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.”  1 John 3:11, 12, 15

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This Moon-Beast does not literally kill people. But he lacks the love of God. And just as the above verse points out, we are judged by God as a “murderer”, by simply hating our brother or sister…our neighbor… (“Whosoever hates his brother is a murderer”)

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Moon – Public Domain – 2nd face Pharisee Scorner – by Cezar Popescu for Wikimedia – Universal Public Domain – cropped, highlighted & rotated photo

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PRIDE BIGGER SIN THAN DRUNKENESS

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Oh yes, just like the first face, this second face is also appalled at the sin and degradation that is so prevalent in the world. But this Pharisee-Scorner doesn’t consider his own sins. And he doesn’t usually pray for those who are caught in the jaws of sin. He mostly just scorns them! He doesn’t normally weep before God’s throne on their behalf. He’s just disgusted that there are so many drunkards! So many immoral! So many beggars! So many…well… just plain ol’ bad people in the world! He doesn’t realize that his own sin of “Pharisee-Pride” is a far greater “stench” in God’s nostrils than any of those fleshly addictions of others!

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Cain and Abel Titian – 1542-1544 AD – wikipedia – public dom.

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THE PROUD ARE IN DANGER OF HELL-FIRE

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“But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.  Matthew 5:21-22.

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So this passage should forever dispel any notion in our minds that the sin of judging others is just a minor sin! Listen again to the last words from this passage… “but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.”

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This Pharisee Moon-Beast doesn’t realize that by scorning others, he is merely proving to his own self, that he’s standing on the brink of Heaven’s judgment and Hell’s fire! 
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Moon – Public Domain – 2nd face Pharisee Scorner – by Cezar Popescu for Wikimedia – Universal Public Domain – cropped, highlighted & rotated photo

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GOSSIP AND SLANDER

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“…speak evil of no man…” Titus 3:2

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Contrast this second face in the Moon with the first Moon-man. The first face (sketch to right) is sad and shocked at the condition of this planet. Tears seem to be running down his cheek. This 1st Moon-face sees a sad, sad, world down here. But he also sees that his own sins are just as great as everyone else’s sins! 

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But the second face (man/fox/wolf/dog) is just scornful. An evil eye is raised (notice his right eye-brow). He’s not weeping. He’s not praying for those who dwell on the Earth. He’s not mourning for his own sins, like the 1st Moon-face is mourning. He’s just criticizing. Listen to this next verse…

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“LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart. HE THAT BACKBITES NOT with his tongue, nor does evil to his neighbour, NOR TAKES UP A REPROACH against his neighbour.” Psalm 15:1-3  

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This verse tells us that this Pharisee-Scorner who mocks and slanders others behind their backs, will not be among the redeemed in God’s heavenly city. This 2nd Moon-Beast should be more like the 1st Moon-Face. For the 1st Moon-Face looks at this above passage and mourns, because he see that he falls far short of this lofty admonition, given by God Himself!

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SLANDER & GOSSIP = CANNIBALISM

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Just look at the beasts of the Earth! How often do you see a video of animals tearing one another apart. This Wolf-Beast does the same thing! Verbally! He might look in disgust at the cannibals in the heathen jungles. But so often, he too “cannibalizes” his own fellow church members around the dinner table as he “undresses” his victims with vicious gossip and exposing slanders. And just like the hungry wolf or coyote, many, many tear in pieces the prey, and swallow him down as they revel in their gossip.

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Listen to Scripture… “There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.” Prov. 30:14.

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Notice that this Bible verse speaks of the wicked unbelievers in terms of devouring the poor and needy. Yes, this Moon-Beast is a cannibal!

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Coyote killing sheep wikipedia public domain

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THE “BLAME GAME”

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“If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the (accusing) finger, and speaking vanity; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day…”  Isaiah 58:9, 10

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This above passage, from Isaiah Chapter 58, is part of a chapter-long recipe for how to cure a poor relationship with God. But one very prominent ingredient is found in the above verse which says… “If thou take away from the midst of thee…the putting forth of the (accusing) finger”.

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Until this Moon-Beast stops playing this game of blaming others, he will not enjoy the rich relationship that a Believer has with the Lord. And he will constantly be suffering the sins of the flesh.

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LABORING IN THE VERY FIRE

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“Behold, is it not of the LORD of hosts that the people shall labour in the very fire, and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity?” Habakkuk 2:13

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This second face, the Wolf Moon-Beast, gives ample evidence that his heart is not right with the Lord. He’s constantly pointing the accusing finger at others. This Beast is a master at playing “The Blame Game”. He does not realize that he is doing his finger-pointing, while standing in the very fires of Judgment Day! He does not perceive that the Lord’s fiery eyes of judgment are upon him only, judging him “every moment” (Job 7:18). And the Lord only sees his sins, and sees not the sins of any other! No, there won’t be any blame-games being played on that “great and terrible Day”. The only one doing any finger-pointing on that day, will be Almighty God! 

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“IF ANY OF YOU LACK WISDOM…”

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“A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not:” Proverbs 14:6

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This Pharisee-Scorner knows a lot of Bible verses. He can “hold his own” in most discussions of the Bible. You see, the Pharisees in the New Testament knew their Bible. They were the religious leaders of the people.

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But the Pharisees lacked the wisdom required for saving faith. The above verse applies to our Moon-Beast… “A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not:” Proverbs 14:6.

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And why can’t this Haughty Scorner find wisdom? Perhaps the Book of James says it best… “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” James 4:6

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When this 2nd face Moon-Pharisee reads his Bible, he doesn’t see that it points the accusing finger at his own self. On the other hand, the 1st-face Night-Watchman applies the rebukes and warnings and remedies found in Scripture to himself. Now this is a most important concept, and bears repeating: while this 2nd-face Pharisee applies the rebukes and warnings and remedies found in Scripture to others, the 1st-face the Night-Watchman applies them to himself.

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Brooklyn_Museum – The Pharisees Question Jesus (Les_pharisiens_questionnent_Jésus) – James_Tissot

Moon – Public Domain – 2nd face Pharisee Scorner – by Cezar Popescu for Wikimedia – Universal Public Domain – cropped, highlighted & rotated photo

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I AM CHIEF OF SINNERS

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In contrast to the 2nd-Face, Pharisee-Scorner, this 1st-Moon-Face, the Night-Watchman (sketch to the right) is very much aware of his own sins. Yes, this 1st-Moon-Face is painfully aware of his own sins.

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He can truly say along with Paul… “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I AM CHIEF.” 1st Timothy 1:15.

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Yes, an ongoing work is being accomplished in the Night-Watchman. A work of being purified in the fires of tribulation. You see, the Devil had long ago been granted permission by God to sift this Man in the Moon as wheat. And because of these trials, this 1st Moon-Face Night Watchman’s heart has become soft and meek, in the hands of his Heavenly Father, who ultimately has been in charge of the purification of this Watchman’s heart (see Malachi 3:2-4).   

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WE HAVE MET THIS MOON-BEAST,

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AND IT IS ME! 

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And so, this 1st-face Night-Watchman is losing his own Phariseeism. The more that God chastens the Watchman, the less this Man-in-the-Moon desires to scorn others. He now sees the Phariseeism in his own heart. He now sees the lust in his own heart. He now realizes how faithless he is. And his Heavenly Father has allowed him to read all about Jesus in the Bible: so he understands the true standard of righteousness. And so this Night-Watchman (the 1st face) is fully aware of his own dirty rotten sins! He knows who the chief of sinners is…HIM!

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Super Moon In Korea – cropped & brightness & position altered photo – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license.

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2nd MOON-BEAST: TYPE-A PERSONALITY

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This 2nd Moon-Beast prides himself as being a “Type-A personality”. And he is an admired member of the community. He is very prompt, and somewhat aggressive. He prides himself on his good work-ethics. He works hard and plays hard. He likewise runs a very tight ship, as they say. Very neat and clean and moral!

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But let’s analyze this 2nd-face Moon-Beast for a moment.

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GOOD WORK ETHICS, BUT WITH PRIDE, IS JUST ANOTHER SIN

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While it is very commendable to be neat and clean and moral and hard-working, these virtues must be accompanied by the other Christ-like virtues, as well! Otherwise, all we end up with is Phariseeism.

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Just listen… “An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.” Prov. 21:4. 

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This verse not only declares that a high look and a proud heart are sin. But also it declares that even “the plowing of the wicked is sin“. And why not? Well even the Devil is a very hard worker! And so are his followers! And this Moon-Beast is one of them!

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Moon – Public Domain – 2nd face Pharisee Scorner – by Cezar Popescu for Wikimedia – Universal Public Domain – cropped, highlighted & rotated photo

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PHARISEE REGARDS HIS LIFE

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AS THE STANDARD OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

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“For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts… AN EVIL EYE, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” Mark 7:18-23 

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Just look at this judgmental 2nd-face Moon-Beast with his raised right eye-brow. He’s judging! He’s judging everyone else who does not measure up to his own standards, in those areas where he excels.

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You see, this 2nd Moon-Beast has set himself up as the standard of excellence, instead of Christ. He never judges others who have his own particular weaknesses. Oh no, no! But in the areas where he’s strong, these are the traits he judges the world by. After all, it’s no fun to scorn people who share “my” sins! It’s only fun to scorn the sins which are not so noticeable in “my” life!

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THE BIBLE IS THE TRUE STANDARD

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But if only this Pharisee would take his eye off others, and begin to look at his own self, in the mirror of the Bible, he might start to see that, in spite of his good qualities, he doesn’t measure up to the true standard, which is Jesus Christ. 

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This is because, along with that good work ethic, and so on, he has some other qualities which are not so Christ-like. Besides being a hard worker, and neat and moral, Jesus was also patient, non-aggressive, kind, slow-to-wrath, gentle, humble, sympathetic to the needs and even the desires of others; qualities which this 2nd-face Moon-Beast does not possess.

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Quite the contrary, this Moon-Pharisee is subject to foolish-pride, fits of anger, judgmental-finger-pointing, impatience, selfish-opportunism, greed, sarcasm, lacking-in-sympathy, rudeness, and a host of other qualities which are normally associated with Satan’s character, and never with Christ’s. Yes, these are the sins associated with pride! Pride is the root, and these sins are the branches!

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Holy Bible – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Lic.

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SOME SINS EASY TO SPOT

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Drunkenness, gluttony, laziness, and other of the lower passions are quite often, easy to spot in others. Cigarette smoke, or alcohol on the breath are a dead giveaway in discovering such addicts, who are given to those lower passions. A big belly speaks for itself, doesn’t it? An unmown lawn, or an unkempt house are the tell-tale signs, which this Pharisee Moon-Beast loves to shake his head at, as he looks down in scorn upon this less-than-moral world.

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But the sins of pride and greed are often applauded by society, and even looked upon as admirable traits. And so, the sins of foolish human pride, are quite often obscured to the general public because the Pharisees were usually, financially and socially successful people. Quite often, the Pharisees were the leaders of the community, and because of their success in society, they were often admired, and their impatience, judging, etc., were overlooked.

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ABOVE PICTURES:

Highbrow_drunkard- cropped image – wikimedia-share-alike-license.jpg

Moon – Public Domain – 2nd face Pharisee Scorner – by Cezar Popescu for Wikimedia – Universal Public Domain – cropped, highlighted & rotated photo

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CLEANLINESS IS QUITE OFTEN NEXT TO PHARISEEISM

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John Wesley is purported to have coined the phrase, “Cleanliness is indeed next to Godliness”, which was earlier found in various writings, howbeit in a somewhat different form.

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Well, John Wesley was a great man of God, to be sure. But he really should have used the phrase, “Cleanliness is quite often next to Phariseeism”.

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While outward cleanliness is very nice, unfortunately, this Pharisee Moon-Beast is more concerned about outward cleanliness than with his own inward filthiness! Instead of reading the Bible for the cleansing of his own soul-temple, he merely studies his Bible for the purposes of debate and strife and doctrines which have little practical everyday relevance.

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Listen to the words of Jesus, from Matt. 23:25-27, concerning the Pharisees… “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” 

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The Pharisees were great at washing, very often! Just listen to Mark Chapter 7… “For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.  And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.” Mark 7:3, 4.

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Hamilton Portrait of John Wesley-1703-1791

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FIRST CLEAN THE INSIDE

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No doubt, if you have a chance to visit this Pharisee Moon-Beast, you will find his house swept and clean and in good order. And he will scorn all those whose houses are not clean and neat like his! If you see him walking through the mall, he looks great! But God looketh upon the heart of Man. And Jesus proclaims what is in the heart of Pharisees…

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“And He (Jesus) saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him; Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats? And He said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, AN EVIL EYE, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” Mark 7:18-23 

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This Pharisee Moon-Beast has cleaned up himself outwardly. And yet, inwardly he remains in his sins. Unlike the 1st Moon-Face, this 2nd Moon-Face has little time or inclination to plead for God’s cleansing of his wretched heart. He’s satisfied to be outwardly correct. 

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“GET OFF MY LAWN!”

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Well, time passes quickly, and this Evil-Eyed Scorner Pharisee Moon-Beast finally grows old! But not gracefully! No, this scorner becomes what is commonly referred to as a “Grumpy Old Man”! Yes, all his self-righteous pride, only becomes even more pronounced, as he reaches his twilight years! And he becomes more outspoken, more judgmental, and more difficult to deal with! Most people who know this scorner, walk on eggshells around him, so as to not get “both barrels” pointed at them! And if someone even accidentally steps on his lawn, he’s out there yelling at them. 

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Solomon somewhat described this old Pharisee, by saying… “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them…when…the grasshopper shall be a burden,” Ecclesiastes 12:1, 5.

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Yes, this ungracefully aging Evil-Eyed Scorner finds even a tiny grasshopper jumping on his lawn to become a big problem!

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AMAZING (LACK OF) GRACE

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“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Matt. 7:22, 23 

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This Pharisee-Scorner Moon-Beast knows very well that Salvation is by grace. And yet he secretly looks to his good works as if they will bring him glory, laud, and honor in the courts of Heaven. After all, they bring him glory, laud, and honor down here in the courts of Man!

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And you can never convince him that his Pharisee pride will forever banish him from Heaven. He knows that Salvation is by grace. But what he doesn’t understand is, that he has never become “born again”. The great sin of this Pharisee is that he has never received a “new heart”. And so, it is not this sin or that sin which will send him to judgment. But it is because his outward morality has greatly disguised the fact that he has never become truly saved. You could say, that the orderly and successful life of this Pharisee-Scorner is his own worst enemy! Because it is this outward goodness which deceives him into thinking that he’s Heaven-bound, when in fact, this Pharisee Moon-Beast is on the Broad Way to destruction!

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If you wish to read more on this subject of the Broad Way, just click this link… “Woman of Revelation 12  & The Narrow Way Stars”

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ABOVE PICTURE:

Flickr…trials and errors The Roads to Heaven and Hell, religious tract, ca. 1896 share-alike lic.

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FIRST THINGS FIRST

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“Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.” Matt. 23:26

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As this above verse declares, fallen Mankind is more concerned with outward appearance than with the condition of the heart. And so often the Christian tries to clean up his or her outward appearance. But Heaven is totally concerned with the condition of the heart. And in the above verse, Jesus laid out the first duty of the Christian: to “first cleanse the inside of the cup.” And Jesus was speaking this commandment to the Pharisees, who were very clean and organized…outwardly. But Jesus is declaring what is truly the important work. Without Jesus, being neat and orderly is less than worthless!

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The church-goer needs to, as Paul put it… “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” 2nd Cor.  13:5.

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The church-goer needs to look into the mirror of the Bible, and do some honest self-evaluation of his or her life. And like Peter says,  we must,“give diligence to make your calling and election sure:” 2nd Peter 1:10.

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mirror wikipedia public domain

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“DECEITFUL WORKERS”

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This Pharisee Moon-Beast prides himself for his good work-ethics. Just like King Nebuchadnezzar, this Moon-Beast pats himself on the back, so to speak, for all his own accomplishments.

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Listen to this… “The king [Nebuchadnezzar] spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?” Daniel 4:30.

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Yes, this Moon-Beast, just like ol’ Nebuchadnezzar, takes full credit, and quite frankly, is quick to let others know that he is “no slacker!” Yes, he always seems to work this fact into his various conversations with others.

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But what he doesn’t realize is this: quite often, it is “the god of this world” who works within the unconverted of the world, giving them many counterfeit virtues! For one thing, being “the god of this world”, Satan, wants a well-run kingdom. He knows that his loyal citizenry must eat and live and even be happy, or he would soon have a rebellion on his hands!

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TO CONTINUE READING THIS ARTICLE, CLICK HERE… “MOON INTO BLOOD TRILOGY: 2ND BEAST (THE PHARISEE SCORNER)” CONTINUED 

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Those who are interested in using photos on this page may click on provided link below each photo, to get to Wikimedia Commons for various licensing details & tags, and all other necessary information on any particular photo.

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THIS ARTICLE WILL PROBABLY ONLY MAKE SENSE IF THE READER HAS ALREADY FINISHED PART 1.

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AND SO, THE READER OF THIS ARTICLE IS ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN WITH PART 1… “Moon into Blood Trilogy: 3rd Face: The Sadducee Seeker”

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1st FACE & 3rd FACE

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This is the big difference between the Night-Watchman (right) and the Sadducee-Seeker (left). The Night-Watchman is willing to take up that Cross of self-sacrifice, while the Sadducee-Seeker is not! The 1st Face Night-Watchman (picture on right) is willing to allow God to cut away all the little earthly tendrils (selfish pleasures and earthly attachments) from his life. But the Sadducee-Seeker (to left) will not let go of these!

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On the other hand, the Night-Watchman has well read Paul’s testimony… “Yea doubtless, and 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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And the 1st Face Watchman knows that becoming Christ-like requires everything, just like the following passage… “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My Disciple.” Luke 14:33.

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“THESE PEOPLE…HONOR ME WITH THEIR LIPS”

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Oh, this Sadducee-Seeker doesn’t mind venerating Jesus. He’ll even put Paul on a pedestal! But never, never, will he ever forsake all his selfish little ways, to become like these two men, Jesus and Paul! This furry-forager doesn’t realize that Paul was not given to be merely placed on a pedestal, but was raised up to be a role-model; and to be an earthly example of what we all are to become!

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And so, this little varmint simply goes to church, pays his tithes, and serves on a committee, and does a 15 minute Bible study each day, and lives a fairly moral, upstanding life in his community! And this furry little earth-hugger hopes that these duties will somehow make him right with Jesus! But they won’t! They just make him an Anti-Christ deceiver!

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Listen… “They (Anti-Christs) are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them” 1st John 4:5.

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Yes, and Antichrist is merely a worldly-minded person, as this above verse reveals.

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Statue of Saint Paul – London – Wikipedia – public-domain

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THE 1st FACE WATCHMAN

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But in contrast, the 1st-Face-Watchman, like Paul, suffers the loss of all things, as far as this world is concerned. Oh yes, he still retains his employment. He still has to provide a comfortable and happy life for his family to enjoy. But inwardly, his great longing is to lay down his life on the altar of self-sacrifice, so that he might run that Race, and win that Prize!

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In his heart, he has suffered the loss of all things, and counts them as dung, that he might win Christ. And that’s the big difference between the 1st and the 3rd faces, which God has inscribed in the Moon.

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

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THREE MARKS & WHAT THEY MEAN

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Notice that this 3rd beast also has been smitten on his cheek? But which side of his face? The “left side” in the Bible was the side of God’s disapproval… “Then shall he say also unto them on the LEFT HAND, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels…” Matthew 5:41 

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Notice that the 1st face, the night watchman, was smitten on the right cheek (photo bottom left)? But this 3rd creature was smitten on the left (photo, top left): the side of God’s DISAPPROVAL. 

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“But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Matthew 5:39.

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Notice it says here, “whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek”. This brings to mind the parable which Jesus told, of the sheep and goats, found in Matthew 25:32-46. The blessed sheep were to be on Jesus’ right side; but the cursed goats to His left, the side of His disapproval.

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It is interesting that all three faces have a mark. The 1st face on his right cheek (left photo). The 3rd on his left cheek (above left photo). And the 2nd beast, the Pharisee, on his forehead, like Cain did (photo, right). But only the 1st face has a mark in the place which represents God’s approval: on his right side (Photo left).

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Moon – 3rd Face – cropped & highlighted photo – Sadducee Seeker – Before Eclipse – Wikimedia – Imported from 500px – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license

Judgment of Sheep & Goats Fra Angelico Wikipedia Public Domain

Super Moon In Korea – cropped & brightness & position altered photo – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license.

Moon – 2nd face Pharisee Scorner – by Cezar Popescu for Wikimedia – Universal Public Domain – cropped, highlighted & rotated photo

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