Okay, so those in Berea were more noble, because they:
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1.“Received the Word with all readiness of mind.”
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2.“And searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”
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And so, the Bereans were ready to receive new teachings, which no doubt, conflicted with the supposed, “orthodox” teachings of that day.
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Thus, there was an open-mindedness which permeated their hearts, and a willingness to search the Scriptures daily, in hopes that these seemingly new teachings were indeed true!
And his little radio station eventually was broadcast on many radio stations around the world.
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And each weekday, one could listen to his half-hour Bible study, plus his 90-minute call-in Bible talk show.
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Harold Camping on phone – Courtesy of Family Radio.org
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“But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in His law doth he meditate day and night”
Psalm 1:2
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Well, one evening Camping responded to a caller’s question, “How many hours do you personally study the Bible each day?”
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Camping answered by saying something to the effect, “Well, probably between 4 and 6 hours per day.”
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And also, Mr. Camping used to make the comment that he always regarded Bible study as if he was studying for a college exam.
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Harold-Camping – courtesy Family Radio
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IN A DAY OF FAST-TALKING PREACHERS
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In this age of Internet videos, there is a push to talk fast.
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And many YouTube producers are actually very good at talking fast.
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And those who make political and social videos actually maybe should talk fast.
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Unfortunately, many preachers are also fast talkers.
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But when it comes to the Bible, fast-talking can be a real detriment for the congregation to retain anything but perhaps a few high-points of the sermon or Bible study.
In contrast to today’s fast-talking speakers, was Harold Camping’s approach to Bible study. Just the opposite.
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Camping made very sure to go slow enough for his listeners to absorb the Bible verses he was covering.
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And it was not uncommon for his daily 25-minute Bible study to only cover several verses each study.
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TODAY’S PREACHING MOSTLY COMMENTARIES
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Much of today’s preaching is made up of perhaps, 80-90% personal commentary, and very little actually dissecting of each Bible verse, hardly giving time for parishioners to look up those few verses offered by the preacher/teacher.
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Announcer with microphone – svg – Wikimedia – Public-Domain
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“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”
2nd Timothy 2:15
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On the other hand, Camping would methodically go through each verse, often comparing with other related verses elsewhere in Scripture. Always giving listeners enough time to look up each verse.
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Or he might also go into the Greek or Hebrew on particular words in effort to get the true meaning of the more difficult passages in Scripture, of which there are many such difficult Bible passages.
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And for decades, Camping partnered with a Greek/Hebrew scholar, one Gabriel Otero, and would work together to rightly dissect those extremely difficult passages in Scripture.
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2.5-Year Jeremiah Study
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And in conclusion, the Reader is highly encouraged to follow along the daily Bible study through Jeremiah, or whatever else is being presented in each day’s devotional.
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The two-and-one-half-year Jeremiah study cracks open the many difficult passages which have never before been understood.
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THE READER IS ENCOURAGED TO LISTEN TO THE 20+ MINUTE AUDIO BIBLE STUDY ON JEREMIAH AT THE BOTTOM OF EACH DAY’S PAGE OF YEAR-1 & YEAR-2 DEVOTIONALS.
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HAROLD CAMPING’S ABILITY TO SEARCH OUT COMPARABLE VERSES IS UNLIKE ANY OF TODAY’S BIBLE TEACHERS…
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The Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.com – Public Domain
ALL‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.
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THIS IS STUDY #287 PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING …
“And you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins…”
Ephesians 2:1, 2
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Well, we don’t have to wait for the apocalypse to see the walking-dead!
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This above passage from Ephesians reveals that the unsaved multitudes around the world are already “dead in trespasses and sins“. Ephesians 2:1
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Oh yes, they are physically alive, and yet according to God, they are spiritually dead: the living, walking-dead.
Zombies Night of the Living Dead – Wikipedia – Public-Dom.
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“Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron”
1st Timothy 4:2
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Satan and his vast army of unseen angels are hard at work to stamp his sinful, selfish character upon the consciences of each and every human heart (mind).
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But just what is this “hot iron” which Satan uses to deaden their consciences?
“And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast…”
Revelation 13:15 (Condensed)
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Well, in these last times, Satan has greatly turned this world into one giant mind-control machine: television, radio, Internet, schools, newspapers, magazines, novels, billboards, signage have all been transformed into this giant indoctrination machine.
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And day-by-day, from infants to the elderly and everyone in between, are having Satan’s character seared into their consciences.
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And via these modern-day devices, Satan can now stamp his fallen character so deeply upon the spiritually dead hearts and minds of humans, that only a miracle from Heaven can undo what Satan has so successfully done!
TV – The Image of the Beast – www.theheavensdeclare.net – Not for commercial uses
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SATAN’S CHARACTER STAMPED UPON MANKIND’S HEART
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Just listen to a short-list of Satan’s character, which he transfers to humans…
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“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
For men shall be lovers of their own selves,
covetous,
boasters,
proud,
blasphemers,
disobedient to parents,
unthankful,
unholy,
Without natural affection,
trucebreakers,
false accusers,
incontinent,
fierce,
despisers of those that are good,
Traitors,
heady,
high-minded,
lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof:
from such turn away”
2nd Timothy 3:1-5
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Oh yes, Satan fully realizes that he must add a “form of godliness” into Mankind’s character, to give some semblance of goodness to fallen man, yet without the true source of goodness, the Spirit of Christ!
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And so, Satan’s antichrist spirit includes “a form of godliness”, which is nothing more than a cheap and crude counterfeit of the Holy Spirit’s true goodness.
ABOVE PICTURE: TV indoctrination – www.signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses
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“And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name”
Revelation 13:17
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The etching of Satan’s character upon the human heart and mind is the essence of what the mark of the beast is all about (this composite beast comprised of kings and kingdoms is actually Satan’s antichrist world-system. See Revelation 17:9-12).
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ABOVE PICTURE: Mark of the beast – pub. dom. – Wikipedia
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MAY BE SOME TRUE WORSHIPPERS STILL IN THE WORLD
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Now, God has a people scattered throughout the world. And some of these may not have been converted as yet.
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The last call will go out as planned, causing these to awaken to Salvation.
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And their “walking-dead” consciences will be made alive, once they are truly indwelt by the Spirit of Christ!
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Global Warning – Judgment – Christ Coming by Julian Osley – Wikimedia – Share Alike License
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“GOOD NEWS FROM A FAR COUNTRY!”
Proverbs 25:25
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But the Good News is that God is still in the saving business. And nobody needs to remain in the ranks of the “walking, living dead”!
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And those who desire Salvation can come to the foot of the Cross and plead for Christ’s saving grace!
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And so, the invitation still goes out…
“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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Hunt – Light of the World – Jesus Knocking on the Door – Wikimedia – Public Domain
If you have access to a very dark sky out in the country; if you watch this wreath, you will eventually see 5 more very faint stars, making a total of 12 stars, plus that single star in the middle.
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This wreath now becomes a crown of 12 stars.
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This goes along with Revelation 12, which tells of a crown of 12 stars upon the head of the Virtuous Woman of Revelation 12.
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Just listen to Revelation…
…“And there appeared a great wonder in heaven;
a woman…and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:”
Revelation 12:1.
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But this crown is not yet upon the head of the Virtuous Woman of Revelation 12Constellation (also known as Ursa Major).
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It is just above her head, as if she has yet to attain it.
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Of course, the 13th star in the middle would represent Christ (Who is our true Crown of our rejoicing).
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Okay, so we have a picture of Christ and His twelve tribes of Israel.
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But also, we have a picture of Christ and His twelve apostles, which is a picture of His Church.
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So, this heavenly crown is a multi-faceted concept.
ALL‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO LISTEN TO THIS BIBLE STUDY or 90-MINUTE OPEN FORUM, A QUESTION/ANSWER CALL-IN, TALK SHOW.
There are a whole lot of things happening today, that weren’t happening just several years ago?
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And some of these recent changes have been really, really strange!
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And one of those strange things is how many of the large cities are rapidly deteriorating.
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One might say that those cities are in a fallen condition, morally, spiritually, financially.
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“…and the cities of the nations fell”
John 8:44
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Perhaps the cities of the nations have not yet totally fallen.
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But it does appear as if their condition is rapidly deteriorating!
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Just look at the major cities in the USA!
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In just a few short years, those once-great and thriving cities are rapidly declining!
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And even many cities which have not yet literally crumbled have fallen into crime, vice, and immorality.
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Drugs, drunkenness, theft, violence, murder, abortion, prostitution, gambling, kidnapping, slavery, pornography, street-gangs, divorce, adultery, sodomy, and an untold list of similar sinful activities are running rampant in most cities around the world!
“And judgment is turned away backward, and justice stands afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter”
Isaiah 59:14
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Now, if one watches the Internet, there is a call now being trumpeted to once again return to the law and order of decades past.
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But the question to be asked is this: “Why are the city, state, and federal governments seemingly helpless to bring about a return to sanity, civility, and morality? Why can’t this downward spiral be stopped, even reversed?”
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The deep-down problem is, the politicians of city, state and federal government have attempted to solve the human dilemma without the help of God!
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And because these secularists have rejected Heaven’s help, they have been left to solve the crises by themselves.
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“The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God”
Psalms 9:17
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Oh yes, God has greatly helped, even blessed the United States in the past, in many ways.
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But there comes a time when iniquity surpasses God’s merciful forbearance.
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And morality has devolved so greatly that even little children are increasingly being targeted by parents and teachers to be sexually groomed!
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Oh yes, we are ripe for judgment! And Judgment Day has now arrived!
Posing with the gay drag queens – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license
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“His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber”
Isaiah 56:10
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But the problem goes even deeper than secular societal depravity!
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And even the Christian community has fallen asleep, spiritually, giving sway to worldly-entertainment, earthly-aspirations, selfish pleasure-seeking, and such-like abominations!
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Brooklyn Museum – The Wise Virgins – James Tissot – Wikimedia – public domain
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“…the destroyer of the Gentiles is on his way; he is gone forth from his place to make thy land desolate; and thy cities shall be laid waste, without an inhabitant.”
Jeremiah 4:7
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Many citizens of the nations are perplexed and confounded to see such a great portion of their fellow citizenry in full compliance with the destruction of their societies.
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Many are asking themselves, “Why are so many intelligent people willingly compliant to keep electing leaders they know to be bent on the destruction of their own nation?! Why are these people so willing to become ‘sheep to the slaughter’?!”
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And yet, it should not surprise Christians to see how those who have rejected the Savior are being controlled and led about by Satan’s invisible antichrist forces!
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Ephesians 2:2, 3 reveals the vast throngs in which Satan’s antichrist spirit indwells…“that spirit which now works in the children of men”. Ephesians 2:2, 3.
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Satan presiding at the Infernal Council – Wikipedia – US Public Domain
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“GOOD NEWS FROM A FAR COUNTRY!”
Proverbs 25:25
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But in spite of this awful and terrifying report, there still exists some very Good News!
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Listen to the prophecy of Joel…
“…come, lie all night in sackcloth, ye ministers of my God:
for the meat offering and the drink offering is withholden from the house of your God.
Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly,
gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land
into the house of the LORD your God,
and cry unto the LORD, Alas for the day!
for the day of the LORD is at hand,
and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come”
Joel 1:5, 6, 13-15
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Yes, God is calling His sleepy-eyed saints to wake up from our death-like slumber and begin to weep and howl for the destruction coming upon the land!
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We must cry out for deliverance and watchfulness!
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We must plead and beg for mercy and repentance!
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And even though we may not be able to turn back the overflowing tsunami of evil coming upon the land, we might find refuge and safety for ourselves and our family!
“Dear Lord, Help me to be wise as a serpent regarding this very deceptive world. Let me not be ignorant of Satan’s devices, nor of his power over this world…
Prayer for USA – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0
But the long oval-shaped body has relatively few stars, but can been seen, howbeit with a dark starry night.
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The four stars of the front fins are made partially of Taurus.
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This Dragon constellation appears in the eastern horizon about mid-summer in the pre-dawn hours, spewing his flood-waters northward toward the Woman of Revelation 12 (Woman in Travail).
One of the most damnable doctrines to ever come out of the apostate church-world is the so-called “Pre-Tribulation Rapture”!
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Yes, this crazy doctrine invented TWO second comings instead of just the true biblical one “at the Last Day” (John 6:39, 40, 44, 54).
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Yes, Scripture is very clear…
…”So Christ was once offered
to bear the sins of many;
and unto them that look for Him
shall He appear THE SECOND TIME,
without sin unto salvation.”
Hebrews 9:28.
This verse speaks of only one return!
Beware of dogma – Wikimedia – Public Domain
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THE RAPTURE: A PRODUCT OF DARBY & SCOFIELD
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And today’s dishonest radio/TV/Internet teachers like to pretend that the name, “The Rapture” has always been the proper name, never giving John Darby any credit for the name.
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But the fact is, prior to Darby “revelation”, the entire church-world always addressed Christ’s Return by the God-given name, “The Coming of the Lord”…on “the last day”.
(1st Thessalonians 4:15, etc. &John 6:39, 40, 44, 54)
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But through Darby, then Cyrus I. Scofield, then Hal Lindsey and Vernon McGee, and onward, this false doctrine gained growing acceptance until it is the established doctrine of most churches.
John Nelson Darby – Wikipedia – US Public Domain
Cyrus Scofield – 1920 – Wikipedia – US Public Domain
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A THIRD COMING?!
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And what happened to the God-given name?
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Well, that is still used, being rightly assigned to the “Coming of the Lord” on the “last day”. (John 6:39, 40, 44, 54)
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This is why Satan, through these two men, had to introduce this non-biblical name, “The Rapture”, so as to invent two second comings instead of Christ’s one and only biblical Return on the Last Day!
John Nelson Darby – Wikipedia – US Public Domain
Cyrus Scofield – 1920 – Wikipedia – US Public Domain
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“They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.”
Jeremiah 6:14
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But why has Satan installed this false doctrine into the apostate church-world?
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Well, one very significant purpose is to deceive the Christian community into believing that they don’t have to armor-up for the soon-coming battle…
…”Don’t worry”, today’s teachers almost seem to say to their flocks…
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…instead, these false shepherds confidently say…“God hath not appointed us to wrath”.
(1st Thessalonians 5:9)
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“In the world ye shall have tribulation”
John 16:33
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But what today’s apostate teachers carefully avoid telling us is, that while we, are not appointed to wrath…
…God has indeed appointed us to tribulation…
…”These are they which came out of great tribulation,
and have washed their robes,
and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”
Revelation 7:14
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So, this above verse reveals that God’s people will definitely go through the soon-coming “Great Tribulation”.
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And as a result of their faithfulness during this fiery Tribulation, they will “have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”
Revelation 7:14
ABOVE PICTURE: Unfunny Judgment Day Cartoon – a party tonight – signsofheaven.org
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A SECOND CHANCE?!
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But one other significant purpose of inserting this phantom doctrine is to give false hope to millions of fence-sitters, that “Well, if I miss the Rapture, I can always take advantage of that ‘second chance’ after the Rapture”.
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Unfortunately, most churchgoers never deeply investigate into the Bible to any degree.
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Most simply rely on the teachings of their favorite radio/TV/Internet preachers.
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Thus, they become totally solidified into the various false doctrines which are repeated day and night over the airways!
Announcer with microphone – svg – Wikimedia – Public-Domain
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“GOOD NEWS FROM A FAR COUNTRY”
Proverbs 25:25
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The very Good News is that today is still the day of Salvation.
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And those who have been deceived regarding this and similar false teachings can begin to dig their way out of all this Babylonish confusion!
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And this is an integral part of what it means to…
…”Come out of her (spiritual Babylon), My people,
that ye be not partakers of her sins,
and that ye receive not of her plagues.”
Revelation 18:4
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Yes, God is now calling out His true sheep away from the apostate churches.
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And we need to escape the plagues which will soon fall upon all those who refuse to leave!
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Picture – Lot Escapes – www.thebiblerevival.com offers free Bible clipart – Public Domain.
Satan presiding at the Infernal Council – Wikipedia – US Public Domain
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Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Daily Devotional, Year 4 – July 8 (Darby & Scofield’s Pre-Trib Rapture, Part 15: “Miss the Rapture? No Worries…Second Chance!”)
Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh,
despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.
Yet Michael the archangel,
when contending with the devil
he disputed about the body of Moses,
durst not bring against him a railing accusation,
but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
But these speak evil of those things
which they know not:
but what they know naturally, as brute beasts,
in those things they corrupt themselves.
Jude 1:8-10
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This above passage from Jude warns us not to speak evil of others.
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Yes, we must be very careful to criticize others, even false teachers, in a manner which does not ruthlessly smear them before our hearers.
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One trick which some false Bible teachers on the radio use in attempt to destroy their supposed enemies, is to mock and deride them.
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In other words, by means of belittling, in some way, their doctrinal opponents, this becomes a powerful weapon to coerce their listening audience into compliance and conformity.
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“But I (Jesus) say unto you, That…whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire”
Matthew 5:22
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Perhaps the radio teacher mockingly imitates his detractors in such a way which makes that other teacher sound foolish and stupid.
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Or maybe the radio teacher refers to his opponents being “a fool”, “a dummy”, or “an idiot”, or “a crackpot”, or some other demeaning and derogatory slur.
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Or he makes some sarcastic, slanderous, or derogatory mockery or joke about them.
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And in addition, by talking loudly and forcefully, the radio teacher succeeds in decimating and destroying his opponents, causing his audience to become fearful of disagreeing with this sharp-tongued host.
Of course, this is bullying in the first degree, and tramples on the liberty of the consciences of his listeners!
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And as a result of all such mental assaults, these listeners can no longer be open-minded “Noble Bereans”, because of these tyrannical methods used by these bullying teachers!
“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”
Matthew 24:24
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And like most false teachers, these radio teachers mingle a whole lot of truth into their teachings!
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After all, in order to “deceive even the very Elect”, there must be much Bible truth mingled into their poisonous wine of Babylon.
“Be afflicted and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning, and your joy into heaviness!:
James 4:8-10
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Listen to 2nd John 1:7…“For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.”
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Yes, every Bible teacher should have a Christlike spirit: a spirit which confesses that he is filled with the Spirit of Christ.
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And if not, that Bible teacher should fall to his knees in repentance and restoration, begging for God’s saving grace.
But the Good News is that God is faithful and will give us “red flags” in the un-Christlike behavior of such deceivers, in attempt to alert us to their deceptions.
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And this article highlights just one more reason why God considers the present-day church-world to be spiritual Babylon.
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And He no longer winks at these abominations, but calls to us in the following manner…
…”And I heard another voice from heaven,
saying, Come out of her (spiritual Babylon), My people,
Prayer for USA – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0
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Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Daily Devotional, Year 4 – July 7 (The False Prophet: “Deceiving The Elect With Loud Mics!” Part 15 CONTINUED)
Well, of course, this passage (Jeremiah 30:6, 7) must be understood allegorically, just like so much of the Bible!
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To say it concisely, this passage is speaking of God’s people during the time of great affliction just before us.
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At this time, God is going to bring His people (symbolized by Jacob) through a fiery trial, in which His Church-Elect will finally give birth to Christ.
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Listen to the words of the Apostle, Paul… “My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,” Galatians 4:19
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And so, Paul is comparing, not only his own experience as travailing in spiritual birth on behalf of the Galatian churches…
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…but also to the Church of Galatia as Paul was waiting for that church to likewise give birth, forming Christ within them!
Martin Luther is credited as once making the comment…“You cannot stop the birds from flying over your head, but you do not have to allow them to make a nest in your hair!”
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And of course, this was referring to the wicked thoughts which Satan will undoubtedly plague the child of God with.
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In simple terms, while bad thoughts are sure to come, we certainly must not dwell on them!
Yes, very many, or perhaps every true Believer will be assailed with wicked thoughts from time to time.
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But never, never should we ever allow ourselves to dwell on them.
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Listen to James…“But every man is tempted,
when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin:
and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”
James 1:14, 15
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This verse likewise uses the metaphor of lust conceiving sin, which sooner or later brings forth death.
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EVIL ANGELS WILL FLEE!
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But, in spite of all these satanic thoughts we may have, we can turn them around for our eternal blessing as we get in the habit of quickly rejecting them.
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Listen again to James…“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
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Isn’t this one of the Bible’s wonderful, “exceeding great and precious promises”!? 2nd Peter 1:4
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Oh yes, Satan may continue to assault us with evil thoughts and desires.
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But if we cry out to God for deliverance, Satan will eventually be chased away by the Angel of the Lord!
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“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners”
1st Corinthians 15:33
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One very big way which many Christians actually tempt the Devil is by allowing ourselves to listen to unwholesome talk on our high-tech devices (or radio, magazines, television, etc…).
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God warns us that “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” 1st Corinthians 15:33
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By so-doing, we give evil spirits greater leeway to infect us with unwholesome thoughts.
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TV – The Image of the Beast – www.theheavensdeclare.net – Not for commercial uses
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“THINK ON THESE THINGS”
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If we would only replace unwholesome programs with elevating thoughts, we might greatly reduce Satan’s ability to plague us with wrong thoughts!
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Listen…“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true,
whatsoever things are honest,
whatsoever things are just,
whatsoever things are pure,
whatsoever things are lovely,
whatsoever things are of good report;
if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise,
think on these things.”
Philippians 4:8
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Here are the thoughts our minds should be filled with.
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Father & Son – Wikimedia – Public Domain
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“Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience”
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So, in closing, let’s rejoice in such trials as these, even as it is written, again in James…“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations…” James 1:2
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But why should we “count it all joy” when we are plagued by evil thoughts? Because, as James continues…
…”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 1:3, 4
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Yes, all such evil thoughts and temptations are allowed by God to strengthen our faith, as we put on our heavenly armor…
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…lifting up our “shield of faith”…
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…and using our “sword of the Sprit” to vanquish the enemy by means of all the many “exceeding great and precious promises” which we glean from our daily exploration of God’s Word, the Bible!
Christian and Apollyon – Pilgrim’s Progress – Wikipedia – US Public Domain
Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license
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THE END
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TODAY’S FEATURED SIGN
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LOCATING THIS CROWN…
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This constellation begins to appear in late December (just before dawn), but is best seen, mid-sky when this group of constellations can be seen when facing west.
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In March-April, very late in the pre-dawn hours, this Summer Constellation group begins to be seen when facing west, and continues to be seen in the west until fall.
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The Crown follows almost directly behind that great star, Arcturus, as you can see in the sketch to the left.
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Repeat: it is somewhat easier to study the 12 stars of this constellation when it is in western half of night-sky (when you have to see it as you face westward).
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So, when these Summer Constellations are in the western half of the sky, simply follow the handle of the Big Dipper till you locate Arcturus. Then the Crown is following Arcturus.
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You will only see the wreath-like 7 stars plus 1 star (in middle) until you get away from all city lights.
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Then you can make out the other 5 stars, which makes it appear like a full crown.
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COMBINATION OF BOTH
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CORONA BOREALIS & BOOTES
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This constellation is a combination of both Corona Borealis plus several stars from the Bootes Constellation.
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The stars, Alkalyroos-Bootis and the Delta-Bootis Star are both combined with the other stars from the Corona Borealis community, to make this 12-star (plus 13th star in middle).
In John Bunyan’s masterpiece allegory, “Pilgrim’s Progress”, there was a sad man who went by the name, “Graceless”.
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And the reason why he was so sad, was because his Bible informed him that his very own city, “The City of Destruction”, was going to be burned with fire from Heaven because of its wickedness and sin.
But in the process of time, by God’s saving grace, his name was changed from “Graceless” to “Christian”.
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And from that time forward, Mr. Christian began his long upward sojourn to a distant city, “The Celestial City of the Lord Emmanuel”, as he encountered various characters, pitfalls, perils. etc., along the way.
Now, of course, this little book is an “everyman tale”, written to encourage all those who likewise have become Christian pilgrims on their sojourn to that heavenly city!
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But the purpose for today’s devotional is to present what true grace is, as well as what true grace is NOT!
“But we…beholding…the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same Image”
2nd Corinthians 3:18
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For example, it is grace that inspires the desire to serve God and to become changed into His image…
“But we all, with open face,
beholding as in a glass, the glory of the Lord,
are changed into the same Image from glory to glory,
even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
2nd Corinthians 3:18
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Yes, the more we fix our minds upon God’s Word, and how it is fulfilled in Christ’s example, we become, day-by-day, imperceptibly changed into His image!
It is grace that causes us to begin to love the things of Heaven: such things as unceasing prayer and Bible contemplation, and beholding God’s wisdom found in all the things of Creation…
“Put on…mercies, kindness, humbleness…Forbearing…and forgiving one another”
Colossians 3:12, 13
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And it is true grace which places a Spirit of forgiveness within us, and a sympathetic understanding of the plight of others, yearning for their many needs and most of all, for their salvation…
“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved,
“the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith…”
2nd Timothy 3:15
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But the remedy for all such ignorance is for each hungering soul to soak in for his or her own self, God’s soul-saving Word…
“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures,
which are able to make thee wise unto salvation
through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”
2nd Timothy 3:15
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Yes, a daily prayerful Bible study and contemplation will gradually diminish our ignorance, giving us Holy Spirit inspired wisdom in all heavenly matters!
Notice how the right front hoof is trampling on the tail of the Dragon.
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Also notice his eye is a star.
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It’s best seen when in the western half of the sky.
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It is found in mid-sky traveling from east to west.
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In January, it is in the west after midnight.
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As winter progresses, it can be seen earlier and earlier in the evening. a dark sky with good star-visibility is best, but not absolutely necessary to see this constellation.
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It is found on the opposite side of the Dragon Constellation from Orion.
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And as already stated, this Glorious Horse Constellation can be seen best in mid-winter when it is in the western side of the sky, and you are looking at it while you are facing west.