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Today’s Devotional – March 15th

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Paul, the Ultimate Replacement Theologian!

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Part 2

To read part 1, click here… “March 14th (Paul the Ultimate Replacement Theologian!)”

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“For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly;

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neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:

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But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly;

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and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter;

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whose praise is not of men, but of God.”

Romans 2:28, 29.

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In yesterday’s devotional (click here), the groundwork was laid for this subject of “Replacement Theology”…

…a derogatory tag by which the greater portion of Christendom demeans those who now spiritualize Israel.

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In other words, most theologians agree that when the Bible speaks of Israel, it can only refer to the literal nation of Israel…

…and not to the New Testament Church (as so-called, “Replacement Theologians” suppose).

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St Paul Preaching in Athens (Raphael, 1515) – Wikipedia – US public domain

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A SCARLET LETTER

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And furthermore, “Replacement Theology” is used as a sort of derogatory tag, a type of “scarlet letter”, to hang upon anyone who teaches that the New Testament Church is now “the Israel of God”. Galatians 6:16

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It was also pointed out in yesterday’s devotional (click here) that Paul is by far, the biggest proponent of this so-called “Replacement Theology”.

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Yes, Paul says repeatedly, howbeit in various ways, that the Church is now the “Commonwealth of Israel” (see Ephesians 2:12-15 & Romans 2:28, 29 which were yesterday-devotional’s signature verses).

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And so, let’s continue on, by hearing more of what Paul had to say about the Church.

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Paul persecuted by Pharisees & Sadducees – www.thebiblerevival.com – US Public Domain

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ALL PEOPLE NOW ON EQUAL GROUND!

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First, hear what Paul said to the Galatians…

“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

There is neither Jew nor Greek,

there is neither bond nor free,

there is neither male nor female:

for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

And if ye be Christ’s, THEN ARE YE ABRAHAM’S SEED,

AND HEIRS ACCORDING TO THE PROMISE.”

Galatians 3:27-29.

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So Paul is saying that in Christ, there is no difference between Jew and Gentile…“There is neither Jew nor Greek…”

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We are all Abraham’s seed, fellow heirs, according to the promise!

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We are now on totally equal ground with Jewish Believers, as well as everybody else in the world!

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As the Apostle, Peter puts it, “Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:” Acts 10:34

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Bible-Study-Group – cropped image – Wikimedia – share-alike license

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STORY OF ABRAHAM WAS AN ALLEGORY

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And just a little later in Galatians, Paul makes an even more remarkable revelation, when he says…

“For it is written, that Abraham had two sons,

the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.

But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh;

but he of the freewoman was by promise.

Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants;

the one from the mount Sinai,

which genders to bondage, which is Agar.

For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia,

and answers to Jerusalem which now is,

and is in bondage with her children.

But Jerusalem which is above is free,

which is the mother of us all…

Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise…

So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman,

but of the free.”

Galatians 4:22-26, 28, 31.

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So, God, through Paul, is revealing a giant concept here: that those Old Testament stories, though true historical events, were actually orchestrated by God, to present the Gospel in allegories.

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Yes, these true historical accounts were meant to be prophecies concerning Christ and His Church!

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And this story of Sarah and Hagar was really about the New Testament Church!

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Now that is such an amazing truth, that it completely rocks the very foundations of our previous understanding!

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Sarah & Hagar – Foster Bible Pictures – Wikipedia – US public domain

 

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WE NEED NOT ANY HUMAN AUTHORITY TO TEACH US

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And not only Paul had the license to unravel these stories, but God gives us the same license, as is written…

“But the Anointing (the Holy Spirit) which ye have received of Him (God) abides in you,

and ye need not that any man teach you:

but as the same Anointing teaches you of all things,

and is truth, and is no lie…”

1st John 2:27

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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“For I could wish that myself were accursed…for…my kinsmen” 

Romans 9:3

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Now, should Christians have a yearning in their hearts for “Israel-after-the-flesh”? (1st Corinthians 10:18)

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Of course they should!

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And we know that God will never re-institute His sacrificial system in the nation of Israel over there in so-called, “Palestine” (or any other nation).

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And yet, our prayers and hope are for the Salvation of each and every Jew!

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Paul had a great self-sacrificial love for his fellow kinsmen, “Israel-after-the-flesh”, and so should we!                                                                                  

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Paul persecuted by Pharisees & Sadducees – www.thebiblerevival.com – US Public Domain

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So, this topic will be finished tomorrow (click here), with a short discussion of just who is, “the Israel of God” spoken of at the end of the Paul’s Epistle to the church of Galatia.

Paul persecuted by Pharisees & Sadducees – www.thebiblerevival.com – US Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy Law. Help me know Thy Word so well, that I don’t need to depend upon others to instruct me…

Marine Praying – Wikimedia – USMC Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… February 21st (Picture of a Very Grave Man)…

…or you can also read… February 19th (“Man Shall…Live…By Every Word”)…

…or you can also read…September 13 (“Do Replacement Theology Christians Hate Jews?”)

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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THE HOLY GHOST RIDER CONSTELLATION

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This newest Signs Of Heaven Constellation (Fall, 2013) is by far the faintest of constellations, but is a very incredible and awesome in a number of ways (which this article will explain).

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It is primarily comprised of the Camelopardalis Constellation (head and upper back), plus about 5 stars from the Cassiopeia Constellation (his leg), plus some random stars.

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It appears as an outline of a rider.

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Only the back of his head is detailed.

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And his back and the back of his legs are also detailed.

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Both sides of his arm are visible, and his hand is gripping the horse’s mane, and that is detailed by three stars (which are also part of the horse’s mane).

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The rider is in a position vaguely similar to a race-horse jockey.

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The two brightest stars in this constellation, are from the Cassiopeia Constellation, and are part of his leg.

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All the rest of the stars are very faint, and must be viewed on a very starry night.

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Since this constellation has just been revealed, there may be more to this constellation in the coming months.

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But if you can locate the Goodly Horse in Battle Constellation, then you shouldn’t have too much trouble locating this Rider Constellation, provided you have excellent star-watching conditions.

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “The Holy-Ghost-Rider Constellation”…

…or you can also read… “Goodly Horse in Battle Constellation”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW:

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Today’s Devotional – March 14th

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Paul the Ultimate Replacement Theologian!

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Part 1

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“For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly;

neither is that circumcision,

which is outward in the flesh:

But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly;

and circumcision is that of the heart,

in the spirit, and not in the letter;

whose praise is not of men, but of God.”

Romans 2:28, 29.

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One day, a certain radio Christian talk show host was criticizing a notable but, “far-out” evangelist for applying an Old Testament book to the Church, calling this evangelist guilty of subscribing to, “Replacement Theology”.

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And he spoke as if it was a foregone conclusion that such, “Replacement Theology”, is cursed by God!

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And of course, his listeners seemed to agree with him on this subject!

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announcer with microphone – svg – Wikimedia – Public-Domain (2)

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But where did this “Replacement Theology” church-doctrine come from, any way?

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And why did it rise to popularity?

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Question Marks – At a loss – svg – Wikimedia Commons – Share-Alike License

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WHY THE SHIFT IN OUR BELIEFS?

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Yes, where did this “Replacement Theology” church-doctrine come from?

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Well, it first began to gain popularity after the Jews pronounced “Israel” as once again becoming a nation, back in 1948.

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Prior to that, most theologians subscribed to the idea that the Church is the true modern-day Israel.

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But after national Israel once again became a physical nation in 1948, then the theological community began to re-think their stance about Israel being the Church.

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Declaration of State of Israel 1948 – Wikimedia – public domain

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RADIO & TV MINISTRIES

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And over the decades theologians and Bible teachers have increasingly condemned the belief that the Church is the “Israel of God”. Galatians 6:16

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And with the rise of Christian TV and radio, this condemnation is now being repeatedly emblazoned into the audience’s consciousness, day and night by many mainstream Bible prophecy ministries!

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Announcer with microphone – svg – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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THE STRAW MAN PLOY

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And what has further fueled the negativity of this Israel-being-the-Church doctrine, is that some notoriously apostate ministries have also embraced this idea regarding the Church-being-Israel.

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And this has only further confused the issue.

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Simply put, if those so-called, “cults” and “wackos” believe that the-Church-is-now-Israel, then who would ever want to be lumped together with them, by also believing in “Replacement Theology”?!

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Straw man (or lady) – Wikipedia – Share-alike or GNU Free Documentation License 

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NO TRACE FOUND IN THE BIBLE

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But one big problem with Replacement Theology is, that this name is found absolutely nowhere in the Bible!

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Well, just get your Strong’s Concordance out, and try to find this non-biblical name, “Replacement Theology”.

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You simply won’t find it!

Because it’s not there!

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Some fearless theologian dreamed-up the name, emboldening most other theologians to follow his heretical leading!

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No-Page svg question mark on book – Wikimedia – share-alike license

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A DOCTRINE FROM THE CARNAL HEART

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And furthermore, there is absolutely nowhere in the Bible that forbids the Christian from interpreting the Bible spiritually, when it comes to Israel!

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Nothing!

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So, the name, “Replacement Theology” is not found anywhere in the Bible.

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Nor does the Bible offer any validation for condemning those who spiritualize away the types and shadows found in Scripture, concerning Israel!

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In other words, it is a totally man-made, man-fabricated doctrine!

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Nowhere does the Bible say that we must only regard Israel as literal.

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Book of Isaiah – cropped image – Wikimedia – C.C. Share-alike License

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BIBLE: A SPIRITUAL BOOK

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Let’s repeat this statement: Nowhere in the Bible does it say that we must only regard Israel as literal.

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As a matter of fact, there is much in the Bible which says just the opposite!

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But this notion of demanding that Israel is not the Church has no doubt been fostered by those in the Church who cannot see the spiritual nature of the Bible!

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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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So, this verse reveals that those who are yet in their carnal nature, cannot fully comprehend the spiritual and allegorical nature of the Bible.

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Nicaea icon – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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So the remaining question today, is this: Just why do so many Christians continue to hold fast to this idea, that the-Church-is-now-Israel, which their detractors condemn them as being, “Replacement Theologians”?

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Question Marks-At a loss svg – Wikimedia Commons – share-alike license

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APOSTLE, PAUL: THE GUILTY ONE!

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Well, of course, the leading proponent and chief culprit of the “Replacement Theology” movement is none other than the apostle, Paul, himself!

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Yes, Paul is the guilty one!

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This is because Paul is by far, the biggest “violator”, when it comes to subscribing to the concept that the Church Elect is now spiritual Israel!

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Just listen to Paul…

“For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly;

neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:

But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly;

and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter;

whose praise is not of men, but of God.”

Romans 2:28, 29.

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So here, Paul is showing himself to be a “Replacement Theologian”.

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Yes, by saying that every true-worshipper of God is now a true Jew, including Gentiles, definitely makes Paul guilty of “Replacement Theology” (if this were a true biblical name (which it’s not!))

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Paul persecuted by Pharisees & Sadducees – www.thebiblerevival.com – US Public Domain

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CHURCH NOW THE COMMONWEALTH OF ISRAEL

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But Paul doesn’t stop here!

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No, just listen to this next passage…

“That at that time ye were without Christ,

being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel,

and strangers from the covenants of promise,

having no hope, and without God in the world:

But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off

are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

For He is our peace, who hath made both one,

and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

Having abolished in His flesh the enmity,

even the law of commandments contained in ordinances;

for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace;”

Ephesians 2:12-15

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Now this has some difficult language in it.

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But basically, this is saying that the blood of Jesus now makes us Gentiles at oneness with Israel, through the atonement of Christ on the Cross!

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In Christ, we are now one!

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Brooklyn Museum – What Our Lord Saw from the Cross – James Tissot

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TO READ PART 2, CLICK HERE…

March 15th (Paul the Ultimate Replacement Theologian! Part 2)

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to study the Bible for my own self, and not lean on the arm of flesh. Let me not be afraid to stand alone…

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “November 22 – (The Greatest Jig-saw Puzzle Ever!)“…

…or you can also read… “January 24th (The True Message of Revelation!)”…

…or you can also read…September 13 (“Do Replacement Theology Christians Hate Jews?”)

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

 

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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WINE-CUP IN HER HAND

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As you can see, this Mystery Harlot, the Pleiades Constellation, has a cup of red wine in her hand.

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This actually is a single red star.

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But it only confirms that we are seeing this constellation correctly.

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And by the way, this entire cluster of stars reminds us of a cluster of grapes, does it not?

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Concord Grapes – cropped image – Share-alike License – Wikipedia

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… The Pleiades: The Captive Angel & Mystery Harlot Constellation

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW:

“March 15th (Paul the Ultimate Replacement Theologian! Part 2)”

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Paul persecuted by Pharisees & Sadducees – www.thebiblerevival.com – US Public Domain

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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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 STUDY #73 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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(1350) Harold Camping Jeremiah Series #73 – YouTube

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above picture: Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.org – Public Domain

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Today’s Devotional – March 13th

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Planet Earth: Devil’s Island!

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Part 1

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Off the coast of French Guiana in South America, is an island known as The Devil’s Island.

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And for about a hundred years, up until about 70 years ago, it was used as a prison-island.

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And as history records, this island became the hell-scape of many horrible atrocities.

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Devil’s Island – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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ISLE OF HORRORS FINALLY ABOLISHED

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But after almost 80 years, those atrocities began to be exposed to the world, and the French were shamed into finally abolishing this Isle of Horrors, in 1953.

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As history reveals, the few who survived this disease-infested cruelty, exposed to the world the incomprehensible horrors which those 80,000 prisoners endured over that century.

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Devil’s Island today – Wikipedia – share-alike license

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PLANET EARTH: DEVIL’S ISLAND OF THE UNIVERSE

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Now, there can be a very real analogy between that earthly tragedy, called Devil’s Island, and this prison-planet on which we live!

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Yes, with Lucifer and his fellow angels now being given the title, “The Devil”, as well as “Satan”…

…these unseen enemies of Heaven presently rule over this prison-planet called Planet Earth…

…ruling over all of us who likewise rebelled against Heaven.

 

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Listen to Isaiah…

“How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!

how are you cut down to the ground…

destroyed the cities thereof;

that opened not the house of his prisoners?”

Isaiah 14:12, 13, 15, 17. (Condensed)

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And so, this passage as well as others, reveal that this present earth has become Satan’s prison-house, for all its inhabitants.

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Satan presiding at the Infernal Council – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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NOT ALL IS HORRIBLE HERE!

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Now of course, like any prison, those prisoners who remain loyal to the prison-warden are often rewarded.

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And likewise, the Devil may just reward all his loyal subjects with a somewhat peaceful existence (and even riches too) here on earth (read Psalm 73).

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And we must further bear in mind, that God, being very tender and merciful, allows such earthly enjoyment for those who are eternally lost!

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Yes, God is far more merciful than those who ruled over that prison island called, Devil’s Island!

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Sunset at Huntington Beach – CROPPED IMAGE – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

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MANY CRUEL ATROCITIES HERE!

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But God has also allowed Mankind to commit many cruel horrors over the past millenniums, on this prison island called Planet Earth!

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Just think of all the cruel wars, and thefts, and murders, and rapes, and slaveries, and various other oppressions which this earth has witnessed over the centuries!

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Nazi Death Camp – Corpses Wagon Buchenwald 18th – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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THIS SELFISH WORLD EXPOSED!

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Yes, as God explains in Proverbs…

“For that they hated knowledge,

and did not choose the fear of the LORD:

They would none of My counsel: they despised all My reproof.

Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way,

and be filled with their own devices.”

Proverbs 1:29-31.

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So, this passage (as well as many other similar passages), reveals that Mankind is being rewarded for our evil ways!

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This prison island is a place where our sin and selfishness become manifest and brought to its final conclusion.

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Yes, this prison island is a place in which the Satan’s government of selfishness can really be witnessed by all who live here!

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And we who live here can now fully see the tragic results of what “selfishness” is really all about!

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Apotheosis of War – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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GOD’S ETERNAL PURPOSE

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But God has allowed this prison island for His own “eternal purpose”.  

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Listen… “For the Lord will not cast off for ever:

But though He cause grief,

yet will He have compassion

according to the multitude of His mercies…

Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD….”

Lamentation 3:31-34, 40, 41 (Condensed)

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God takes no pleasure in allowing the Devil to cause all this suffering, except that we might eventually learn from our selfish ways and return to the Lord!

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David’s sorrow – Wikigallery – Public Domain

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“O taste and see that the LORD is good:”

Psalm 34:8

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But God also allows Mankind to taste and see that the Lord is good!

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Yes, amidst all this suffering and woe, God has left remnants of His love, in the form of family joys, the beauty of nature, and the ability to have joy in nature with family and friends.

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And so, Mankind has been given the commission to observe these two forms of government: Satan’s government of selfishness/suffering/death, in contrast to God’s government of unselfish love/peace/life-everlasting.

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And thus, by beholding this great contrast between God’s love & beauty, and Satan’s selfishness and ugliness, Mankind can make a clear choice between the two governments.

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Family Portrait – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

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CHRIST CAME DOWN TOO!

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Now, God, in His wonderful love and mercy came here to live among us, in the person of Jesus Christ.

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And Christ grew up amidst the wickedness of this world, and worked and walked among us, and yet without sin.

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But He endured this world, just like us, for another purpose too!

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You see, God, through Jesus, came to offer to us prisoners a way of escape from all this Satanic horror.

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And so, Jesus came to live among us, “and preached unto the spirits in prison”…showing us a better Way to live. 1st Peter 3:19

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And finally, by His taking our place on the Cross, provided the atonement necessary for God’s forgiveness for a rebellious planet.

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Christ took upon Himself, the payment for our sins!

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Cross of Jesus Christ – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

Sign of the Son of Man in Heaven Constellation

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ESCAPE FROM DEVIL’S ISLAND!

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Now history records that there have been some who escaped from Devil’s Island.

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Many swam to their freedom, or perhaps escaped some other, unknown way!

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And like that horrible island, there has been provided an escape-route for us too!

That’s right! We don’t have to remain here!

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Chaplain reads Bible – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain.

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“The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath!”

Proverbs 15:24

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Yes, the wonderful Good News is, that we don’t need to wait for death, for us to be released from this prison-island-planet!

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That’s right! We can be transported to Heaven right now, though our mortal bodies must continue on, here, for a little while longer.

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Nevertheless, our spirits can enjoy sitting with Christ in the Heavenlies, right now!

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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A PROMISED LAND OF JOY & LAUGHTER & SINGING!

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Yes, we will soon live in a land of trees and meadows and forests and oceans and beauty beyond anything we can now imagine!

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A land of joy and singing and children laughing and playing!

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And in that Promised Land, we will never grow old!

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“Sorrow and mourning will flee away!” Isaiah 51:11

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And there we will be, forever young!

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Trading this world of sorrow and death for a world of never-ending joy?

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Now that’s a pretty good trade, wouldn’t you agree?

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The River Of The Water Of Life by H. Melville – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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“Then Jesus said…“If you abide in My word,

you are My disciples indeed.

And you shall know the truth,

and the truth shall make you free.”

“Most assuredly, I say to you, 

whoever commits sin is a slave of sin…

Therefore if the Son makes you free,

you shall be free indeed.

John 8:31, 32, 34, 36

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TO READ PART 2, CLICK HERE…

NOVEMBER 26 . . . . Planet Earth: Devil’s Island! Part 2: “Planet Earth: Knoxhard University!

Christian and Apollyon – Pilgrim’s Progress – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to not love the miserable idols of this horribly unhappy world. But rather, help me get excited about the prospects of seeing my family, happy and healthy in Thy everlasting Promised Land…

Praying Hands – Otto Greiner – Wikimedia – .bassenge.com – Cropped image – Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “December 9 (It’s a throw-away world!)“…

…or you can also read… “January 27th (It’s a Brand-X World)“

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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7 STARS IMITATE THE CROSS OF ORION

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LOCATING THESE TWO CONSTELLATIONS

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This phenomenon begins in October, in the pre-dawn hours. It then begins a little earlier each night.

This Wikipedia star-chart to the left, has this Orion Constellation sketched in.

You must locate Orion, when it is mid-sky, between east and west.

You’ll be facing southward most likely, unless you are far south.

Try to imagine it as a Cross on a steep hill.

The 3-star belt of Orion becomes the crest of the hill.

The 3 very faint stars that make up Orion’s head become the very top of the Cross.

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Next, locate the 7 Stars Constellation.

This 7 Stars Constellation is seen by facing northward.

It stands upright a little later in the night.

Eventually, Orion will lay down and no longer be seen as an uplifted Cross! Beginning in

November, the 7 Stars (AKA Big Dipper) can be seen as a Cross a little bit later in evening.

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When you are comfortable in locating Orion & The 7 Stars Constellations, then show a friend.

This can be a great witnessing tool!

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ABOVE CHART: The Cross of Orion Constellation star-chart – wikipedia star-chart with orion drawn in by this website – 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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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “’7 Stars’ Imitate ‘The Cross of Orion’”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW…

 

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Today’s Devotional – March 10th

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Pilgrim’s Progress: “Vain-Confidence”

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In John Bunyan’s remarkable allegorical tale, Pilgrim’s Progress, there was a character called “Vain-Confidence”. (Vain actually means “worthless”)

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And this most unfortunate fellow was true to his name!

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You see, this Vain-Confidence did not enter into the pilgrim’s journey through that absolutely required, “Wicket Gate”!

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And as a result, his experiences were nothing like the pilgrim’s experiences!

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Pilgrim’s Progress – Vain-Confidence – Wikimedia – Public Domain

 

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“…He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber…”

John 10:1, 2

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This above passage speaks of those self-deceived ones whom Bunyan was referring to, in his character, Vain-Confidence.

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And just like Vain-Confidence, there are many modern-day Vain-Confidences who got in some other way than the Narrow Gate.

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Perhaps by some popular evangelist or prophecy seminar with colorful time-charts, or by some exciting musical extravaganza or Babylonish holiday, such as Christmas!

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And while these exciting inducements drew them in, they nevertheless, did not enter in through the Narrow Gate, but instead, through The Broad Gate!

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VAIN-CONFIDENCE TEACHERS

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Those who have spent much time with Christian television and radio ministries can probably confirm a certain common technique often used by the various teachers and evangelists, when addressing their audience.

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This common practice is very insidious and very evil!

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Yes, this very deceptive practice, is that of addressing the parishioners in the pews as though they are all God’s sheep, thus giving them a vain (worthless) confidence.

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Have you witnessed this extremely deceptive and presumptuous practice?

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The Pastor, or teacher, or evangelist, will go on and on, giving practical tips and helpful hints into victorious Christian living, as though his parishioners are all born-again Believers!

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Audience hands – Wikimedia –

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“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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The Apostle, Paul realized that the Corinthians church suffered deep spiritual troubles, causing him to confess…

“And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual,

but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.”

1st Corinthians 3:1

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He saw that they were, at best, “babes in Christ”.

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And probably because of their unspiritual condition, Paul also confessed…

“For I determined not to know any thing among you,

save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.”

1st Corinthians 2:2 

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

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DECEIVING EVEN THE ELECT

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And in this day of great apostasy within the churches, there are probably very few, if any, who are truly God’s sheep in any one particular local congregation.

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And so, the featured Bible passage for today’s devotional is very pertinent:

“He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous;

him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:

But to them that rebuke him shall be delight,

and a good blessing shall come upon them.”

Proverbs 24:24, 25.

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This passage reminds us of these modern-day preachers being discussed today, who never ever should lead anyone to believe that they are saved, when they are not!

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Audience hands – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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HIS FATEFUL END

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But back to the story of Vain-Confidence.

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At the end of their pilgrimage, the two pilgrims, Christian and Hopeful, crossed through that River of Death, finally entering into the wonderful and glorious Promised Land!

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And soon after, poor Vain-Confidence came along too, riding on a hired ferry-boat!

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But when standing before the entrance into the City, it was discovered that this Vain-Confidence had not the proper certification papers!

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And so, poor Vain-Confidence was cast out through a door, which took him from the Celestial City directly down, down, down, to Hell!

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The Pilgrim’s Progress by Byam Shaw – Wikimedia Commons – US Public Domain

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THE TRUE PILGRIM

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But like Hopeful and Christian, there are true pilgrims sprinkled here and there, in today’s church-world.

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Yes, and every true pilgrim who has the hope of meeting Christ at His Coming, is actively engaging in the purification process (see 1st John 3:3).

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He is seeking to separate his or her own self from as much ungodly associations as possible.

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He is seriously striving to walk, “even as Jesus walked”, and deeply grieved when overtaken by some sin.

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He sees himself as a stranger and pilgrim, sojourning through this dark and hopeless world.

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The Word of God is his delight and is his counselor.

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The Psalms are as cool water to his thirsty soul, speaking of the same trials and joys that he is experiencing!

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He loves to get alone with God in the sweet hours of prayer.

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He shuns all outward display and strives for the simplicity which Jesus displayed.

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He loves to talk with other Believers about Jesus, and about Christ’s many wonderful qualities.

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He rejoices to make sacrifices, so that he can more closely imitate His self-sacrificing Lord.

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He patiently endures the chastening of the Lord, crying out for deliverance, but also for wisdom, so as to learn from these oft unpleasant trials.

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And he loves to share his victories and even his many trials with other Believers, who are likewise experiencing the same things in the world.

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And he longs for the day when he will open his eyes on Resurrection Morning, only to see the smiling face of His Lord, and hear the words… “enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Matthew 25:23

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Yes, these are just some of the qualities which the true worshipper of God will have in his or her life.

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And Mr. Bunyan has given us this dramatic comparison between the true pilgrims, and that Vain-Confidence fellow.

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Pilgrim’s Progress – Henry Altemus, 1890, p. 47 – Wikimedia – public domain

Pilgrims Progress – His Burden Fell Off His Back – Wikimedia – Public Domain

Chaplain reads Bible – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

Morning Prayers – Ebenezer Newman – Downard – 1860 – Wikipedia – Public Domain

Cross of Jesus Christ – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

David’s sorrow – Wikigallery – Public Domain

Sunrise from Burrow Mump, Burrowbridge, Somerset – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

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To read part 6, click here… 

“February 12th (Pilgrim’s Family’s Progress!)”

Evangelist Preaching – Church – Audience hands – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Let me often test myself, and see if there is any selfish way in me. Turn me from all presumptuous and vain confidence…

Marine Praying – Wikimedia – USMC Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “March 29th (Preaching to the Wrong Church”…

…or you can also read… “Moon into Blood Trilogy: 3rd Face: The Sadducee Seeker”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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NARROW GATE STARS LOCATION

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This most amazing phenomenon is seen throughout the winter.

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Although it can be observed most of the winter, it is seen best when it is the western part of the sky, at winter’s end (The end of winter being the final scene of this heavenly Gospel story).

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Orion , the Dragon, and the Glorious White Horse are beginning to descend into the western horizon

(This sketch is Winter Constellations descending into western horizon. This can actually be seen as early as December, in the pre-dawn hours).

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And at this point it is apparent that the Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation is veering toward the two bright stars, known as Castor and Pollux (sketch to left).

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But the Wide Gate Stars are composed of the two brightest stars of the Auriga Constellation, known as the star, Capella, and the star, Menkalinan.

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The two stars, Castor and Pollux, make up the concept of the Orion’s Narrow Gate Stars.

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This can even be observed into June in the western sky (for a short time just after dark).

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While a dark night is best for seeing the Woman Constellation, the 4 stars which comprise the Narrow Gate/Wide Gate Stars can be seen even under mediocre conditions.

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It begins with the Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation (AKA Ursa Major) going towards these two doors.

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The sketch shows, the two doors are each composed of two bright stars.

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The two bright stars that comprise the Narrow Gate are the two brightest stars of the Orion the Reaper’s sickle.

(For more information on Orion’s sickle, just click here, “Orion The Reaper”.)

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The two stars that comprise the ‘Wide Gate’ Stars are the two brightest stars of the wave of water that comes out of the Dragon Constellation’s mouth (for explanation of “Wave of Water”, just click here).

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The stars that make up the ‘Narrow Gate’ are about half the width of the Wide Gate (see sketch below left).

 

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READ MORE…

Revelation 12 Woman & The Narrow Gate Stars (Orion’s Gate to Heaven)

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TOMORROW…

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Today’s Devotional – March 9th

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Free-will? What Free-will!?

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Part 1

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“Ye have not chosen Me (Jesus), but I have chosen you,

and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit,

and that your fruit should remain:

that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My name,

He may give it you…And when the Gentiles heard this,

they were glad, and glorified the Word of the Lord:

and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.”

John 15:16 & Acts 13:48

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The term, “free-will” is often heard bandied-about in Christian circles.

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No, not those “free-will offerings” spoken of in the Old Testament.

Those offerings concerned the chosen people of God.

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No, but rather, the “free-will” which is so often spoken of today, concerns the human race, and their innate ability to choose Salvation, or not choose Salvation.

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Question Marks – At a loss – svg – Wikimedia Commons – Share-Alike License

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WHAT FREE-WILL!?

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And so, to this currently popular doctrine comes the response, “free-will? What free-will!?”

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And today will be a quick glance into just what the Bible says about this subject.  

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But truth is not defined by human reason.

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No! Truth is defined by divine wisdom, as revealed in the Scriptures.

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Beware of dogma – Wikimedia – public-domain

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SATAN: “THE PRINCE OF THIS WORLD”

John 12:31, 14:30, 16:11

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The very first place which must be examined is what happened in the Garden of Eden, when Mankind chose to rebel against God’s divine authority.

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Just what happened?

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Well, as we all know, Satan was given rule over Mankind.

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Oh yes, God was still the ultimate supreme authority.

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But Satan became known as, “the god of this world”. (2nd Corinthians 4:4).

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Satan presiding at the Infernal Council – Wikipedia – US public domain

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MANKIND SPIRITUALLY BLIND

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The second point to be made is this: as “the god of this world”, just what power does Satan have over the minds of men?

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Listen to this… “But if our gospel be hid,

it is hid to them that are lost:

In whom ‘the god of this world’ hath blinded the minds of them which believe not,

lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ,

who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”

2nd Corinthians 4:3, 4.

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Now this verse says that Mankind has been spiritually blinded by “the god of this world”, so that they are unable to see the light of glorious Gospel of Christ.

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Atheist sign – Wisconsin State – cropped photo – Wikipedia – share-alike license

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NOT JUST BLIND, BUT DEAF TOO!

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But that’s not the only place which speaks of Man’s inability to respond to the Gospel.

Listen to this…

“What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for;

but the election hath obtained it,

and the rest were blinded

(According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber,

eyes that they should not see,

and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.”

Romans 11:7, 8.

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So, here is presented the spiritual condition of false brethren amongst God’s people: spiritual blindness and spiritual deafness.

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Therefore, they cannot respond to the Gospel, because they are blind and deaf, spiritually speaking!

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Brooklyn Museum – The Pharisees Question Jesus – James_Tissot – US public domain – Wikimedia

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DO YOU NEED MORE PROOF?

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Now does this take care of this notion that Mankind has free-will?

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Well, if it doesn’t, there is more proof!

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Okay, so let’s further explore this notion about free-will.

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Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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“FREE-WILL” NOT FOUND IN BIBLE!

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Thirdly, besides the “free-will offerings” connected with the Temple Service in the Old Testament, the term “free will” is never used in the Bible concerning lost humanity.

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“Free-will” is only used concerning Israelites in God’s Realm: God’s Elect.

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So even the very name, “free-will” is a non-biblical term, except concerning God’s Elect.

Yes, God’s Elect have free-will.

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But it never, never says the word, “free-will” concerning lost humanity.

Never is “free-will” used in connection with those who are lost in the world and those who are still lost in the Church!

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Jesus plainly told those false brethren… “Why do ye not understand My speech? even because ye cannot hear My word. Ye are of your father the Devil.” John 8:43, 44

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magnifying glass – Wikimedia – share-alike license

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HUMANITY SPIRITUALLY DEAD

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Okay, so what else does God say concerning humanity?

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Listen… “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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Not only does this passage call Mankind, “dead in trespasses and sins”, but also says concerning the lost, that they now have, “the prince of the power of the air, that spirit that now works in the children of disobedience”.

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Now the condemnation grows much worse!

Now God calls lost humanity, spiritually “dead”.

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But He also says they now have the spirit of “the prince of the power of the air” working within them! (2nd Corinthians 4:4)

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THIS WORLD: SATAN’S PRISON-HOUSE

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Now listen again to what God says here in 2nd Timothy…

“if God peradventure will give them repentance

to the acknowledging of the truth;

And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil,

who are taken captive by him at his will.”

2nd Timothy 2:24-26

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So, just at the time when we thought that humanity’s condition couldn’t be any worse, this above passage indicates that humanity has been taken captive by the Devil!

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Yes, this planet was eventually ordained by God to become a sort of “island prison”.

Kind-of like a “Devil’s Island”, in which this fallen rebel angel rules over lost mankind.

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Pilgrim’s Progress 15 p45_- There Sat A Man In An Iron Cage – Wikipedia – public domain

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MANKIND’S HOPELESS CONDITION!

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Thus, it is apparent from the above Bible passages, that Mankind is in a hopelessly lost condition. They are unable to repent.

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The only hope for Mankind is that God will open their blind eyes…

…loosen them from their prison and from their shackles…

…open their deaf ears, quicken their dead souls…

…nullify Satan’s antichrist indwelling spirit within them…

and “give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth”. 2nd Timothy 2:24

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Anti-Christian rally in Chicago – cropped photo – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license

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TO READ PART 2, CLICK HERE…

FEBRUARY 8 (Free-will? What Free-will? Part 2: Little Jack Horner Christianity)“

Little Jack Horner – WW Denslow – Project Gutenberg

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Let me not be prejudiced by the prevailing theories of the day.

But let me be like those noble Bereans, who searched the Scriptures daily with an open mind…

Girl Praying – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read…April 13 (Free-will? What Free-will? Part 5: “Salvation By Good Works”)…

…or you can also read this shorter article…FEBRUARY 9 (Free-will? What Free-will? Part 3: Little Jack Horner Christianity, Continued)

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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THE SWINE: “LUST OF THE FLESH”

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“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” 1st John 2:16

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This article will introduce this third beast-like face, inscribed in the Moon: a swine.

And the three beast-like faces represent the concept taught in the above verse concerning “the lust of the flesh…the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life”.

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It has become apparent that the second face in the Moon, besides appearing as a wolf-like beast, also appears as a Swine.

So, let’s explore this concept, for a moment.

First of all, when a person sees the second face up in the sky, it’s arguable whether or not it looks like a swine.

But it must be conceded that the photos do indeed make it appear as if this character has a “sawed-off” snout like a swine.

And of course, a swine is spoken of quite frequently in Scripture.

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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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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Moon Into Blood: Addendum to 2nd Face: The Swine Eater”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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Today’s Devotional – March 8th

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This Vanity Fair Dream-Machine.

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“For a dream cometh through the multitude of busy-ness…

And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.”

Ecclesiastes 5:3 & Mark 13:37 

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Perhaps, arguably, the greatest book ever written by a mere human is Pilgrim’s Progress.

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But no doubt, Mr. John Bunyan had a lot of help from a certain “ghost-writer”: the Holy Ghost, that is!

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And while it is not a word-for-word inspiration from God, it nevertheless reveals many hidden truths and allegories from the Bible.

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Pilgrims Progress title page – third edition 1679 – Wikimedia Commons – public-domain

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“I LAID ME DOWN TO SLEEP…”

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This allegorical tale opens with the author having a dream…

“As I walked through the wilderness of this world,

I lighted on a certain place where was a den,

and I laid me down in that place to sleep:

and as I slept, I dreamed a dream. I dreamed;

and behold, I saw a man clothed with rags standing in a certain place,

with his face from his own house,

a book in his hand, and a great burden upon his back.

I looked, and saw him open the book,

and read therein; and as he read, he wept and trembled….”

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And this dream continues with this pilgrim traveling through the countryside, encountering many different adventures, some bad, and some good.

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And ultimately, this pilgrim was seeking to finally reach the Celestial City.

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I Saw A Man Clothed With Rags – Pilgrims Progress – Wikimedia – public domain

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EARTHLY DREAMS…

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Now this wonderful and very original introduction (original, back in its day), makes a great backdrop for the dreams which we have.

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No, not the dreams we have in the night!

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But as we all know, there are those many dreams which people have about their future:

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Yes, even Lucifer once had a dream of being a great leader!

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And so, as the saying goes, “Careful what you wish for!”

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TAILOR-MADE DREAM

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And this Vanity Fair Dream-Machine keeps churning out dreams to sell to anyone willing to buy.

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And this Pied Piper False Prophet has a dream just tailor-made for each and every one of us!

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And just what is my dream?

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Maybe a retirement in some tropical paradise?

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Maybe a life as a Christian pop musician?

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Or how about some dream career in some glamorous and renowned city?

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Or maybe a life of amusements and hobbies?

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Or maybe to become some beloved and revered professor, strolling through some ivy-covered campus?

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Or what about a life of wanderlust, and globetrotting?

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Or maybe just raising a family in some little quaint cottage in a green meadow?

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And so, there is seemingly no end to the dreams which this golden image-maker keeps churning out, on a 24/7/365 basis!

And all those who are born into this Vanity Fair world, soon become subject to this False Prophet’s indoctrination.

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Yes, even those Christians who have successfully resisted these lying wonders, are in great danger of losing our children to this Pied Piper from Hell, i.e., the False Prophet.

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Surfer Girl – Wikimedia – public domain

Woman in Mediterranian – wikipaintings – US public domain

Singer – 8 musicians motion blur experimental digital photography by Rick Doble. – Wikimedia – C.C. GNU License

Girl Texting – Wikimedia – Creative Commons 2.0

John Constable The Hay Wain Cottage – Wikipedia – US public domain

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

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“A DREAM COMETH!”

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The Preacher said… “For a dream cometh through the multitude of busy-ness…” Ecclesiastes 5:3.

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And all those who needlessly immerse themselves in the busy-busy Vanity Fair world, will soon discover that a dream awaits them.

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Yes, those Christians who foolishly run headlong after the Mammon of this world will soon find themselves a great distance off from God’s sheepfold, and well into Satan’s territory.

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

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“I SAY TO ALL: WATCH!”

Mark 13:37

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But those who refuse to breathe-in the narcotic-like mist rising from this enchanted-ground world, will heed God’s warning: His warning to…

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“Keep thy heart with all diligence;

for out of it are the issues of life….

Let thine eyes look right on,

and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.

Ponder the path of thy feet,

and let all thy ways be established.

Turn not to the right hand nor to the left:

remove thy foot from evil.”

Proverbs 4:23, 25-27.

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Yes, this exhortation to guard our heart with all diligence, should be earnestly heeded by each and every Christian!

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SOLDIERS OF THE CROSS – ARMOR UP! – THE TIME IS AT HAND!

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TO READ PART 2, CLICK HERE…

January 28 (This Vanity Fair Dream-Machine, Part 2: “It’s A Theme-park World!“)

Duct Tape Mouth – Wikimedia – Share-alike license

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Let me not be taken by the deceitfulness of this Vanity Fair world.

Let me not go after the foolish dreams which this Vanity Fair Dream-Weaver creates to ensnare unwary pilgrims on their Heavenward sojourn…

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… ““Vanity Fair” & The False Prophet”…

…or you can also read… “Television & The Image That Speaks”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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LOCATING THE DRAGON of REVELATION 12 CONSTELLATION .

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The Dragon Constellation can be located by finding Orion in winter months.

The Dragon is to Orion’s left, and the Dragon’s mouth is right next to Orion’s shield.

This Dragon’s mouth is the V-like constellation The Hyades Cluster, which is the very same constellation that comprises the head of Taurus the Bull.

In other words, Hyades is also known as the head of Taurus the Bull.

And Hyades is the mouth of this Dragon.

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The tip of the Dragon’s tail is composed of that star-cluster known as The Pleiades.

The Pleiades is actually in the shape of a lion’s furry tassel tip of his tail.

The sketch below shows this Pleiades as the tail tip.

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Now with aid of a dark starry night, you may begin to connect this mouth and the tail with a very long body in an oval shape.

The front and back legs are very well-defined with stars.

The front legs are made partially of Taurus.

The back legs and rear fin are made of the Cetus Constellation.

But the long oval-shaped body has relatively few stars, but can been seen, howbeit with a dark starry night.

The four stars of the front fins are made partially of Taurus.

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).

The Wave of Water is primarily composed of the Constellation Auriga.

The are two more less bright stars which are closest to the Dragon’s mouth.

These two dimmer stars are also part of this Wave of Water.

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “The Dragon of Revelation 12 Constellation”…

…or you can also read… “Flood Waters of Satan-Introduction”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW:

March 9th (“Free-will? What free-will!?”)

Charles Finney – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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Today’s Devotional – March 7th

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Finding Perfect Peace

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Part 2,

“Precious Promises”

TO READ PART 1, CLICK HERE…March 6th (How To Find Perfect Peace!)

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“Whereby are given unto us

exceeding great and precious promises:

that by these ye might be

partakers of the divine nature,

having escaped the corruption

that is in the world through lust.”

2nd Peter 1:4

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So here we have this above admonition from Peter, to have ready the “exceeding great and precious promises”, which by these we may be partakers of the Divine nature.

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Peter – Wikimedia – public domain

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KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

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When a person begins the Christian sojourn, that person soon becomes aware of areas in life which are less than Christ-like.

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And since every true Christian has been given the desire to become Christ-like, there is an unrest which develops…

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“How can I become Christ-like?

“How can I overcome this sin?

“How can I have that ‘peace that surpasses all understanding’?”

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And so, the Christian begins searching for the solution to his or her sin-problem.

The Christian knows that as long as sin has the mastery, there will be no deep, abiding peace in life.

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Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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THE CHRISTIAN JOURNEY BEGINS

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And it isn’t long before the Christian finds certain Bible passages which speak to his or her particular sin.

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Usually, it is some verse, such as this one… “Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee,” Psalm 119:11.

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And so, the Christian begins to realize that God’s Word has power to help the Christian overcome sin.

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FAITH THAT GOD WON’T GIVE UP ON ME

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Here is another verse which the Christian soon finds very helpful…

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“…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12, 13.

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So, the Christian begins to realize that God, The Purifier of Hearts, is closely working within every Christian to help them overcome those peace-robbing sins which plague us.

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And it is not long until the Christian finds the following verse… “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” Philippians 1:6.

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And so these verses begin to give the Christian comfort and confidence that God is not just going to abandon the trembling child of God.

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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BIBLE STORIES GIVE US CONFIDENCE

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And the various stories in the Gospels and also in the Old Testament are designed to show us how God works in the lives of men.

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These stories, more and more, help us to recognize God’s workings in the lives of men, and even among the nations.

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Just like the story of Daniel, for instance.

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God faithfully delivered Daniel, because Daniel was faithful to God.

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Stories such as this, are given to us to strengthen our trust in God’s protection for us in times of need.

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G. Dore – Daniel In The Den Of Lions – www.creationism.org – public domain

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PROPHECIES GIVE CONFIDENCE ABOUT FUTURE

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“I am God, and there is none like Me,

Declaring the end from the beginning,

and from ancient times the things that are not yet done,

saying, My counsel shall stand,

and I will do all My pleasure:”

Isaiah 46:9, 10

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As the Christian begins to study Bible prophecy, it becomes evident that God is knowledgeable of future events.

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This too becomes a great help.

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Such passages as the one above from Isaiah, help us realize that God is ultimately in charge of history, and causes our confidence in Him to grow and grow.

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Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse – Victor Vasnetsov – Wikipedia – Public Domain

 

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TRUST THAT GOD WILL BE OUR MEMORY

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And when the Christian finds this verse from John 14:26,..

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost,

whom the Father will send in My name,

He shall teach you all things,

and bring all things to your remembrance,

whatsoever I have said unto you.”

…the Christian realizes that he or she does not have to depend on their own faulty human memory, because God promises to bring all things back to the Christian’s memory, in every time of need.

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Our task is to just fight, to keep our minds fixed upon God’s Word through our busy day.

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GOD DIRECTS MAN’S FOOTSTEPS

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For instance, this passage….“O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” Jeremiah 10:23.

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Now this passage tells that Man is not so much in control of his life as he would like to think.

But if Man does not control his own steps, then who does? 

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Listen… “A man’s heart devises his way: but the LORD directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9.

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Here is another verse which greatly helps Christians to see that God is even in control over each and every individual.

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Man walking into sun – cropped and altered image – Wikipedia – Share-alike-Lic.

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SOLDIERS OF THE CROSS: ARMOR UP!

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In order to get through the trial before us, we need to keep hiding God’s promises in our heart, while there’s still time.

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We need to cancel every unnecessary activity so that we can spend much time reading and thinking upon God’s Word and day and night.

This should the most critical part of our daily duties!

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Our job is to read and think on these things.

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God’s job is to bring them back to our memory, during the trial before us.

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There are so many more things to learn about God’s providence in our lives.

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And with each new revelation of God’s omnipotence, our trust will grow stronger, and our rest will grow deeper.

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TO READ PART 3, CLICK HERE…

April 13 (Perfect Peace, PART 3: Alternative To Television)

TV highquality wikipedia creative commons license

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Slow me down, so that I take time each day to hide Thy precious promises in my heart…

Prayer – Anna Blunden – For Only One Short Hour – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Orion the Soldier (Armor of God)”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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FLOWER OF THE FIELD CONSTELLATION…

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LOCATING THIS CONSTELLATION….

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This constellation group can best be seen in spring through summer in the southern sky just above the horizon.

Like all constellations, it slowly moves westward through the months, appearing a little earlier each night.

It also appears to move through the sky westward each night.

It can be easily seen under any degree of darkness. In other words, you don’t need a very dark night.

In the sketch to the right, the ‘Flower of the Field’ Constellation `is in the lower part of the screen, directly under the Cross/Scepter Constellation.

The sketches in this site are approximate, and not 100% accurate.

The individual stars have different brightness than seen here.

But these sketches are close enough in order to find them in the night sky.

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This constellation presents one of the most beautiful verses in Scripture.

And yet that Scripture presents one of the most repugnant concepts (which unsaved Mankind has tried to elude for millenniums).

And that concept is, that Mankind is like the grass that withers, and his glory as the wildflower that fades away.

But God’s Word and those that love it will go on forever and ever!

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Flower of the Field Constellation”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW:

“March 8th (This Vanity Fair Dream-Machine)”

ABOVE PICTURE: Dream Maker of Babylon – Signs Of Heaven.org

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Today’s Devotional – March 6th

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How To Find Perfect Peace!

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Part 1

THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE IS AN EXCERPT FROM THE SIGNS OF HEAVEN ARTICLE… “Planet Of “Rest”-Finding “Rest Unto Your Soul” (Part 2, Perfect Peace)”

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“For to be carnally minded is death;

but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”

Romans 8:6

 

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NO JESUS, NO PEACE…

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KNOW JESUS…BUT STILL NO PEACE?

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Do I find that my life is filled with too much turmoil and struggling with sin?

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Too much confusion? Sadness too?

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Perhaps I’m one of those who has fits of anger.

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Or maybe I’m given to worldliness, appetite, or bad behavior.

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Whatever our weaknesses are, there is one thing lacking.

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No, actually two things lacking:

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1. we don’t have perfect peace…and

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2. Our witness to others is damaged, because of our lack of Christ-likeness.

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And so, the result is, we have not the “Rest unto your souls”, which Jesus spoke of in Matthew 11:28-30.

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Hair pulling stress – frustration – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

Gluttony – cropped and colored image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

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The next four passages

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each present seemingly

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different pathways to

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spiritual peace and rest…

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Willow Tree – by J D Forester – Wikipedia

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1ST PASSAGE…MATTHEW 11:28-30

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First, we discover this passage featuring 3 components for rest unto your soul…

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1. “Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

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2. Take My yoke upon you,

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and 3. learn of Me;

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for I am meek and lowly in heart:

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and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

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For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30.

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The three components spoken of are:

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1. To come to Jesus.

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2. to take on His yoke as a Follower.

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3. To learn of Him through His Word and by experience.

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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2ND PASSAGE…PHILIPPIANS 4:4-7

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5 QUALITIES LEADING TO PEACE OF MIND…

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Here’s another passage which gives a list of components which bring peace…

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1. “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

2. Let your moderation be known unto all men.

3. The Lord is at hand. (watchfulness) 

4. Be careful (anxious) for nothing;

5. but in every thing by prayer and supplication (asking for needs) with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known unto God.

And the peace of God, which passes all understanding,

shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:4-7 (read whole chapter)

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And so, we are commanded to: 1. Rejoice always 2. Moderation or temperance 3. watchfulness 4. put away anxiousness 5. constant prayer and thankfulness

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

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3RD PASSAGE…PSALM 1:1-3

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5 INGREDIENTS TO BECOMING LIKE TREE BY WATERS

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“Blessed is the man that…

1. walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,

2. nor stands in the way of sinners,

3. nor sits in the seat of the scornful.

4. But his delight is in the Law of the LORD;

and 5. in His Law doth he meditate day and night.

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,

that brings forth his fruit in his season;

his leaf also shall not wither;

and whatsoever he does shall prosper.”

Psalm 1:1-3 1.

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Here God tells us to:

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1. put away all worldly philosophies & ungodly influences.

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2. Separation, as far as possible, from evil associations.

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3. cease from judging, scorning, and malicious gossip.

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4. making God’s Word your first love.

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5. Keeping the mind on God’s Word, day and night. 

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Photo courtesy – cropped image – Wikipedia – Share alike license. 

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4TH PASSAGE… ISAIAH 26:3

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TOTAL FOCUS ON CHRIST BRINGS PEACE…

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“Thou [God] will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed upon Thee: because he trusts in Thee.” Isaiah 26:3

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“ONE COMMON DENOMINATOR”… All the different precepts presented in all the above verses could be reduced to the one simple passage listed above, Isaiah 26:3.

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But how does the Christian keep his or her “mind stayed upon Thee” (totally focused on Christ)?

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Photo of Wildwood trail, Portland Oregon – cropped image – courtesy Wikipedia – Share-alike License.

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“NO TIME LEFT FOR SELF”…

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“Thou [God] will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed upon Thee: because he trusts in Thee.” Isaiah 26:3

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If the Christian can do as this above verse exhorts, then that Christian will finally achieve total spiritual rest.

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Yes, if one can keep the mind stayed upon God’s Word, then all the other principles found in the verses listed above will be fulfilled.

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It’s like that old song says, “you can’t have one without the other”.

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In other words, if the mind is fixed on Jesus, you won’t have room in your life to hunger and thirst for the selfish things of the world!

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If the mind is fixed on Jesus, you will also be engaged in a prayerful state!

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Focused on Jesus, you won’t want to scorn others.

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You will be watchful, rejoicing, and trusting. Perfect Peace will be found.

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And so, totally fixed on Jesus (The Word) brings about all these other Christian qualities. You can’t have this one virtue without the other virtues also being present!

Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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TO READ PART 2, CLICK HERE…

March 7th (Finding Perfect Peace, Pt. 2, “Precious Promises”)

 

Thy Word Have I Hid In My Heart – wwwtheheavensdeclare.net – not for commercial purposes

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to achieve that perfect peace. Help me to eliminate all things which prevent me from having that perfect peace…

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

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Planet Of “Rest”-Finding “Rest Unto Your Soul” (Part 2, Perfect Peace)”…

…or you can also read… “Planet Of “Rest”-Finding “Rest Unto Your Soul” (Part 2, Precious Promises)”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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THE FLOWER OF HEAVEN CONSTELLATION

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REVELATION 12 WOMAN ON ALTAR AND FLOWER OF HEAVEN

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This constellation almost appears as a vine, as it projects out from the Altar/Ark Constellation .

This constellation appears in mid-winter through late-spring.

As you can see in this sketch, the Altar/Ark Constellation is also known as Leo Major , and the stem or vine of the flower is made of stars of the Virgo Constellation, and the flower itself is made of the Corvus Constellation.

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “The Flower of Heaven Constellation”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

 

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TOMORROW:

” March 7th (Finding Perfect Peace, Pt. 2, “Precious Promises”)”

Thy Word Have I Hid In My Heart – wwwtheheavensdeclare.net – not for commercial purposes

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