Well, it wasn’t long until that movement went the way of almost every movement.
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And the world returned back to its normal push-and-shove ways, now even more skeptical of any so-called, “peace and love” rhetoric.
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Antifa @ Protest Trump in Phoenix – 8-22-17 – Wikipedia – GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2
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“And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.”
Matthew 24:12, 13
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This above prophecy by Jesus seems to be now finding its fulfillment.
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As we look around, we are amazed and confounded by the firestorm of hate-fueled, crime-filled violence in the world, and even in the former Christian nations.
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Law and order are giving way to a corrupt judicial system. Police are prevented from doing their job.
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The schools have groomed young people to hate, based upon skin-color, and against unpopular political/religious ideologies, and even against orthodox morality!
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Consequently, this prophecy from Matthew 24:12, 13 is just another evidence that the Bible is verily, the infallible “Word of Truth”. John 17:17.
“And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.”
Revelation 13:11
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Having said all this, let’s give credit where credit is truly due.
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Oh yes, the media bears great responsibility for fomenting so much of today’s anger, racism, violence, distrust, and intolerance.
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And yet, Bible prophecy foretold of Satan’s role as the False Prophet which would have “two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon”.
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Yes, Lucifer, now as “the Prince of the Power of the Air”, works through unsaved humans to stir up the masses via the press, and the electronic media.
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As a matter of fact, Satan mostly controls the various educational platforms, working through unwary human instruments.
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ABOVE PICTURE: Satan, The 2nd Beast, the False Prophet who now in these last days destroys the churches via a world-loving prosperity-driven false gospel – www.signsofheaven.org
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“AND A MAN SHALL BE AS AN HIDING PLACE”
Isaiah 32:2
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But today’s devotional, while shining the spotlight on the tragic condition of today’s world, would also like to reveal the way of escape from all this insane hatred.
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We don’t have to be consumed by hate.
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Yes, there is a way of escape, which is found in Isaiah 26:20, 21…
…”Come, My people,
enter thou into thy chambers,
and shut thy doors about thee:
hide thyself as it were for a little moment,
until the indignation be overpast.
For, behold, the LORD cometh out of His place
to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity:
the earth also shall disclose her blood,
and shall no more cover her slain.”
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Yes, as this above verse reveals, there is, “a hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest;” Isaiah 32:30.
It is located in the southern sky. (Each night it appears a little earlier, slowly inching westward, through the summer, until it finally disappears below the western horizon in November.)
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At first, it simply appears as two twin birds flying westward.
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But if you look once again, it just might appear as a long box-like figure, with one star on the right, as you face it, and two stars on the left.
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The box, of course would be the Ark, and the stars on either side would represent angels, which are sometimes referred to as stars in the Bible.
Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Daily Devotional, Year 4, August 12 (And the Nations Were Angry, PART 15: “Summer of Love, Winter of Hate!” continued)
One of the horrors of the Civil War is the tragic story of the Confederate prison camp at Andersonville Georgia.
And yet, there was a silver lining to that dark chapter of American history.
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Over 30,000 Union soldiers were crammed into 26 acres, beginning in February of 1864.
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Magot-infested food, drinking water so polluted, that it was a death sentence to drink.
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Barely enough space to lay down to sleep, and a heartless monster named Wertz as the camp’s commander!
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At one point, a hundred men per day died from diseased water, scurvy, pestilence, starvation, murder, and even suicide, etc…
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One day in August, a soldier couldn’t take it any longer. He purposely walked across the forbidden “deadline” and was immediately gunned down by guards.
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Whenever it rained, the prisoners used hats to catch the rainwater, and wrung out their wet clothes to drink.
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The deadly polluted water crisis was so bad that numerous attempts were made to dig wells, using spoons.
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Upon witnessing this, a fellow soldier named William suicide Reddenhill was so moved by that suicide, that he organized a group of men to cry out for God’s mercy.
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Forty minutes passed, and a dark, ominous thundercloud appeared in the shape of a tall mountain.
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Rain began to pour down upon the camp, washing clean that filthy infested camp. And suddenly, the camp was shook by a bolt of lightning, striking within the dead-line. And to everyone’s amazement, the ground where the lightning struck, opened up a spring of water, which gushed out about ten gallons per minute with fresh, clean spring water!
An so, those prisoners finally had fresh drinking water until the end of the war!
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They appropriately named that spring “Providence spring”, rightly attributing it as an act of God’s merciful answer to their prayers. Years later, some of the surviving soldiers returned to build a memorial around the spring. And to this day “Providence Spring” still flows out of that memorial, as a testimony to God’s care and mercy.
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And yet, the world wonders why a good God allows such suffering.
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But the Bible provides the answer in a number of places. For example, Lamentations Chapter 3 informs us…”
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Yes, God has allowed this rebellious planet to play out the results of our selfish ways. But even though it deeply grieves Him to witness mankind’s suffering, He allows these results to continue, in hope that we will turn from our rebellious ways, and return to the loving ways of Heaven.
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Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on The Andersonville Horror
There are a number of podcasters who go into college campii to talk to students about life issues, including Christianity.
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And it is nothing short of amazing behold the resistance which these podcasters are met with!
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It seems like the vast majority of students have become so hardened against Christianity, it is nearly impossible to get them to listen to these podcasters.
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And from listening to them, it is evident that their atheism has been combined with Marxist socialism, hedonism, and nihilism.
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Now, it is commonly believed that the public education system begins its indoctrination of children even from grade-school, and all the way through college!
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The governments have fully embraced these three ideologies, and has made them the main focus of public education.
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Consequently, when the general public cedes control of their children to the current government education system, what else can we expect?
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Children graduate
Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on And He Spake as a Dragon “Schools & Atheism”
Is the above title true? Is television indeed, the greatest invention ever?
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Well, probably many people have many different ideas about that question. But one thing is for sure: television has had an enormous impact upon the world!
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And it has found its way into more and more homes around the world, in ever-increasing numbers.
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Truly in many households, it has become the centerpiece of life!
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And it makes a wonderful babysitter for the young, and a faithful friend to the old and to the infirm and to the confined.
Television has devolved from a somewhat quasi-moral beginning, and has gradually devolved down, down, down, into deeper and deeper decadence and immorality.
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Since its first appearance in the mid 20th Century, it has morphed from a “Leave It To Beaver” mentality to a…well…let it suffice to say: it’s less than it once was, to put it mildly.
Just because there are still some seemingly nice shows on TV, don’t be fooled by such “innocence”.
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Television has about it an insidious evil, which is as subtle as that double-tongued old Serpent in the Garden who deceived our first parents.
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And its chief target is the unsuspecting Christian family!
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And this article will lightly explore some of these subtle deceptions, which are spoiling God’s vineyard: deceptions so insidious, that most Christians are not even aware of!
Almost 2,000 years ago, the Apostle John, was given the Revelation, in which God prophesied that Satan would, in the last days, create an image which would be given life!
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This image WOULD be able to speak…
…”And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast,
that the image of the beast should both speak…“.
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And this image would, “cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed”.`
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So, this passage foretells of a day in which Satan will create a TALKING IMAGE.
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And this talking image will have the power to cause Christians to be killed!
IMAGINE!The Bible prophesied about this, 2,000 years ago!
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You would think that knowing this, the people would be very alarmed. But we’re not!
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We all too often have a ho-hum, laissez-faire attitude toward this most revered (and yet malignant) member of our family!
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Yes, you could say that television is the proverbial, “Soma”, for the great masses of humanity!
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Just as that drug, Soma, kept the masses self-satisfied in that infamous novel, so too, television keeps us and our children in a semi-hypnotic-like state!
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It is even the designated babysitter in many homes!
What people must keep in mind, is that God created this world to be a wonderful garden in which Humanity could enjoy the beauty of nature, and rich and joyful communion with their Creator.
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But of course, this paradise was lost, when mankind decided to rebel against God’s government of unselfish love.
“I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.
I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes:”
Psalm 101:2, 3
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Now the Bible never says the name, “television”.
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And we need to be careful, not to add anything to God’s Word (see Revelation 22:18).
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And we need to keep an open mind, that there may be much more to this “image that speaks”, than just television.
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But the basic concept in this article of,“how Satan is now compelling the world to conform to his image”, seems to be the concept that God wants us to understand concerning the image of the Beast.
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So read this article, and see if the case presented in this article is not a compelling argument in favor of the concept that television is, at the very least, a partial fulfillment of Revelation 13:15.
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You make up your own mind.
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But even if there were to come in the future, a further understanding of this prophecy, the principles herein are nevertheless biblically sound, concerning the Beast and his image.
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Certainly, even if you were to take television completely out of this discussion, the principles laid out in this article seem to be biblically sound, and speak dramatically to this very day in which we are now living!
And so Satan works undercover, so as to make the world believe that he doesn’t exist.
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And thus, having erased himself out of existence, he then creates a world, filled with idols…which are tokens of his attributes.
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By so-doing, he accomplishes his grand scheme…to gain the homage he desires, by causing Earth’s inhabitants to love this present sinful and selfish world that Lucifer has designed; a world with all its desires of the flesh, desires of the eyes, and all its proud attainments (see 1st John 2:16).
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Listen… “And they (the people of the world)
worshipped the dragon
which gave power unto the beast:
and they worshipped the beast,
saying, Who is like unto the beast?
who is able to make war with him?”
Revelation 13:4.
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And so, this passage is fulfilled, simply by the people of the world, loving this world-system, with all its selfish wares and ways.
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WHOSE CHARACTER DO WE LOVE?
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So we don’t need to bow down to a statue of a pagan idol, in order to pay homage to Lucifer.
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Simply by pursuing the things of this, the Devil’s selfish world…
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…by conforming ourselves to the customs, vanities and behaviors of this unbelieving world…
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…are we not worshiping the author of this present evil World-System…Lucifer, who Scripture refers to as,“the prince of this world” John 14:30?
BEFORE GOING INTO THE SPECIFIC SUBJECT OF TELEVISION, IT MIGHT BE WELL TO SPEND A FEW MINUTES DISCUSSING THE WORKINGS OF SATAN, AND HOW THE PEOPLE OF THIS WORLD RELATE TO HIM. SO, THIS NEXT LITTLE SECTION WILL BE DEVOTED TO JUST THAT.
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ANTICHRIST IS THE WORLD-SYSTEM
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There are many who mistakenly believe that the Antichrist Beast is going to be one single individual: perhaps a businessman or religious leader.
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And because they are so locked into this notion, they tend to ride rough-shod over this passage from Revelation Chapter 17, which explains what this Beast actually is.
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Listen…“The beast that thou sawest was, and is not;
and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit…
And here is the mind which hath wisdom.
The seven heads are seven mountains,
on which the woman (the apostate Church) sitteth.
And there are seven kings…
And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings,
which have received no kingdom as yet;
but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.
These have one mind,
and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.”
Revelation 17:8-13
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So this Antichrist Beast, which, by the way, is in the image of the Dragon of Revelation 12, is a composite of various kingdoms and various kings.
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And if we’re going to let the Bible be its own interpreter, then we cannot conclude that this Beast is one single individual.
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This Beast is, in actuality, this present world-system, headed up by that serpent of old, the Devil, and Satan, as he has controlled various kings and kingdoms over the past millenniums of time.
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This above old picture is one of many which came out of the Great Reformation, and shows that the Christians of that day believed that the apostate church, riding this multi-faceted beast, was a picture of the Mystery Harlot and the Antichrist Beast of Revelation!
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(These two above pictures of the Mystery Harlot are hundreds of years old, but allegorically depict Satan’s government.)
And this is what the Mark of the Beast is actually all about, when you really think about it.
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This present World-System, and all its loyal citizens comprise Satan’s Antichrist Beast.
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Listen to Scripture…
…”Little children, it is the last time:
and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come,
even now ARE THERE MANY ANTICHRISTS;
whereby we know that it is the last time.”
1st John 2:18.
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From this verse it becomes evident that an Antichrist is not some hideous monster. It is not some diabolical Dr. Evil (as this picture portrays.)
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No, there are many Antichrists. And they are merely the people of this fallen world ruled over by,“the god of this world”…Satan!
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Just listen…“and this is that [spirit] of antichrist…They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.” 1st John 4:3, 5.
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OK, so antichrists are of the world, speak of the world, and the world listens to them.
But to this concept, (that an antichrist is merely a worldly person), many might protest, saying,“Satan doesn’t have any power in my life!”
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Well, just listen to this…
…”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 2:2.
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So by this statement, we see that the spirit of Satan, the“Prince of the Power of the Air” now works in the children of disobedience, i.e., the people of the world!
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And so, any person whose everyday behavior, is as the people of the world, well, this is a clear indication that the, “prince of the power of the air”is the spirit now working in him or her.
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When we partake of a worldly spirit, we may just be partaking of the spirit of Anti-Christ.
And just one last proof, that there are no neutral fence-sitters in this world.
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Listen to Jesus…
…”He that is not with Me is against Me;
and he that gathereth not with Me scattereth abroad.”
Matthew 12:30.
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Either we are firmly ensconced in Christ’s sheepfold, or we are in Satan’s camp.
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There’s no middle ground, as far as the people of this world are concerned.
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And of course, there are many in the Church who, as Jesus said…
…”This people draw nigh unto Me with their mouth,
and honor Me with their lips;
but their heart is far from Me.”
Matthew 15:8.
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WHO IS CHIEF OF SINNERS!
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“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” 1st Timothy 1:15
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Notice in this above verse, that Paul says…“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation”.
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Paul just wasn’t talking of himself, as the chief of sinners.
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No, this is a saying worthy of my own acceptation (and yours too!)
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God knows our hearts, each and every one!
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He sees the wickedness within.
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And as Jeremiah put it…
”The heart is deceitful above all things,
and desperately wicked: who can know it?
I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins,
even to give every man according to his ways,
and according to the fruit of his doings.”
Jeremiah 17:9, 10.
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Now Jeremiah 17:9, 10 is speaking in general terms.
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He’s not speaking of one heart.
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Nor is He speaking of some hearts.
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God here is speaking of every heart.
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Paul knew this. He freely admits…“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing” Romans 7:18.
“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:
Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past
in the lusts of our flesh,
fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind;
and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.”
Ephesians 2:2, 3
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This above passage is one of the most remarkable revelations in Scripture. It reveals that Satan, is a spiritual power which indwells each and every person who is not indwelt by the Spirit of Holiness.
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But it also reveals that the, “prince of the power of the air”is working within all those who have not made the Bible their guidebook for all matters of life.
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The point is, that though we humans give credit to ourselves for our accomplishments, in reality, this world is actually being micro-managed by the“god of this world”, who works invisibly behind the scenes!
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So, if we really want to point the accusing finger at the real bad guys in this world, then let’s give credit where credit is due.
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The Devil is now at work in the children of disobedience, orchestrating a world of selfish pleasures.
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If we look at the many inventions which entertain and allure us, we really need to understand that it is,“the prince of this world”who has most likely inspired men to invent and produce these things.
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WE HAVE MET THE ENEMY…AND IT IS US!!!
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The fact is, there are many Antichrists. An Antichrist is merely anyone who denies Jesus either in word or in lifestyle.
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Listen… “He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.” 1st John 2:22.
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As it states here, an Antichrist is anyone who denies the Father and the Son.
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So, Christians are safe then. Right?
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Because we acknowledge both the Father and the Son. Right?
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Let’s not imagine such nonsense for a minute!
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No, just because we profess to know the Father and Son, does not mean that we truly, truly, confess the Father and His Son.
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Let’s not think that we Christians are safe from such a condemnation!
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Just listen… “They profess that they know God;
but in works they deny Him,
being abominable, and disobedient,
and unto every good work reprobate.”
Titus 1:16.
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God is speaking here of His professed people! (And this is the New Testament being quoted!)
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And it says here that I can profess to believe in Jesus, while at the same time my ungodly behavior denies Jesus.
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So, God sees right through our façade.
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God is not impressed with mere words.
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Our life, and our thoughts, and our deeds are our true witness, as to just who is our true father…God or Satan.
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LUCIFER: THE “MAN OF SIN”
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So then, why is it that most Christians are looking for one single person to emerge as the Antichrist Beast, considering that this Beast is a composite Beast, made up of both “kings and kingdoms”, as it says in Revelation Ch. 17?
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Oh yes, it is very true that Lucifer worked through popish kings ruling over the apostate churches of Europe throughout the Dark Ages.
Now, having said all this, it is possible that Satan may use various key people in the world at times, to do his own evil bidding. But the main focus should be on Lucifer, and not on humans.
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Listen…“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:11, 12.
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So in this passage, God is placing the complete onus on Satan, as the true enemy of Christians, thus removing the focus from off of mere men.
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Mere humans are being used by Satan, it is true!
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But they are only puppets in his hand.
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Oh yes, humans may persecute Christians, and even torture and kill them. But it is Satan, behind the scenes, who is “pulling the strings”, so to speak.
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He is the,“spirit that now works in the children of disobedience:” Ephesians 2:2.
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Anyone who is not fully consecrated to God can be used as Satan’s instrument of destruction, whether he be bond or free: Christian or Gentile.
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SATAN IN DANGER OF LOSING CONTROL
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“Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causes to err from the words of knowledge.” Proverbs 19:27
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But in these last days, Satan has developed the means of exerting mind-control over the masses: Christians and secularists alike. Satan knows that he is in danger of losing control over humanity, in these last days! And so, in effort to marshal his vast armies, he has developed the means of “brain-washing” and exerting mind-control, via the high-tech devices now being used by more and more of the world’s population.
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Oh yes, these devices have a definite benign purpose for communication. But this article will attempt to show how seemingly good things are being used also as tools of Satan to control the minds of the people and nations around the world.
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“THEY (the peoples of the world)
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SHOULD MAKE AN IMAGE TO THE BEAST”…
Revelation 13:14
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Television is Satan’s Ultimate Mind-Control Device! It is a very powerful medium. The music, the lighting, the drama, the false goodness. Television, radio, etc., possess a powerful persuasion that is often more than Human-kind can resist. As one famous Nazi commander once put it,“If you tell a lie often enough and loud enough, eventually people will begin to believe it!”
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And television, not only tells such lies 24/7/365, but also dresses up those lies, making them look and sound very appealing, mingling them with truth and beauty.
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But what does this have to do with “Me” making an image to the Beast? After all, I’ve never even carved one single statue in my lifetime!
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But wait! If my character becomes conformed to the qualities which our modern-media society compels us to conform to…then I become an image…and image to the beast…and ultimately, into an image of Satan, though to a lesser degree! In a very real sense, I have carved an idol in my heart!
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IMAGE IS IN MY HEART
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So now it begins to be seen that this image is much more than just television. That is why this article is titled, Television AND the Image that Speaks”. Because the image of the Beast is a much deeper and broader concept than mere technical devices. It really has to do with just who is sitting upon the throne of my heart. What or who a person worships, is really about whoever a man, or woman, or child gives homage to; and the modern media is all about character. Satan’s character!
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Just listen… “And (the False Prophet) deceiveth them that dwell on the earth…saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast…” Revelation 13:14.
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Notice that it says here that the people of the world are commanded to, “make an image to the beast”.Now obviously, not every person is making a television, are they? But those in the world who are being conformed to the image of the Beast are making an image, right in their very own heart!
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HABAKKUK SAYS “FLEE!”
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Any time I behave in an un-Christ-like manner, I am denying God. I then, am behaving in the spirit of an Antichrist.
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When the Disciples wanted Jesus to call fire down from Heaven on the Samaritans, Jesus plainly told them…“But He turned, and rebuked them, and said, ‘Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.'” Luke 9:55.
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So Jesus here is plainly indicating that the Disciples were not under the power of the Holy Spirit at that moment in time.
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When Peter rebuked Jesus, He answered Peter in this way…“But He turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind Me, Satan: thou art an offence unto Me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.” Matthew 16:23.
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Peter was doing the work of Satan, and Jesus addressed Peter as Satan. Or perhaps Jesus was speaking to the spirit within Peter, who was Satan.
When Peter denied Jesus, he was then, in essence, in “the same camp” with those unbelievers whom Peter was warming himself with (see John 18:18). He should not have been mingling with those Antichrists, who were surrounding him!
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Listen to Habakkuk…“Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth.” Habakkuk 1:4.
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This verse is from Habakkuk and is the essence of what the Book of Habakkuk is all about: that God’s people are surrounded by unbelievers, causing wrong judgment to come forth from God’s camp.
The Book of Habakkuk is about fleeing from the overwhelming influence of Chaldeans (Antichrists). Chaldeans merely represented the people of the world who would eventually surround God’s people to the point that God’s people were commanded to flee.
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Listen…“Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceeds….And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” Habakkuk 1:4 & 2:2, 3.
Yes, God has allowed the people of the world to surround His people. God has allowed His people to be corrupted by worldly associations, just as He allowed the Jews the same. But at the end, God will call His people out from among them. And this is what the Book of Habakkuk is all about.
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Listen again…“And the LORD…said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie:” Incredible! If ever there were ominous and foreboding words from God, these are it!
This is perhaps one of the most important concepts in Scripture…“Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you.” Judges 2:3.
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It is the essence of many of the Old Testament stories. All those OT stories about the children of Israel rooting out the enemies were merely metaphorical pictures of what Christians must do in our own heart and mind. We must purify our hearts! We need to root out all those sinful traits which have long ruled over our minds. Those sinful traits which are common among the unbelievers of the world, but have no place in the hearts and minds of God’s people!
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Just listen… “And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” 1st John 3:3.
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Notice this verse says, “EVERY MAN that has this hope in Him (Jesus), purifies himself…”. The purification of the heart as Christ is pure, is not an option, but, a must! Everyone who names the name of Christ must depart from iniquity!
So here we see the difference between a true child of God, and a, “false brethren”. The false brethren love this world and have no desire to be fully purified into Christ’s image. Oh yes, they are very happy to put Jesus on a pedestal and to venerate Him. But never to become like Him within!
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To be Christ-like requires death-to-self. And death-to-self would be far too great of a sacrifice for any worldly-minded “Christian”. After all, to die-to-self, and become totally Christ-like, would then require the Christian to forsake this world with all its pleasures and pursuits. And this would be totally unacceptable to the worldly-minded.To let Jesus “live out His holy life through me”, is far more than most church-goers are willing to accept! “Let’s just put Him on a pedestal, and honor Him!”
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MARK OF THE BEAST = IDEALS OF THE HEART
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If you or I have the attributes of this Antichrist-World-System guiding our lives, then, in essence, we have the Mark of the Beast. On the other hand, if we have the virtues and attributes of Jesus guiding our lives, we then have God’s seal in our foreheads (“in our forehead”actually means,in our heart and mind—seeDeuteronomy Ch. 6:6-8). To put it concisely, it’s all about, “just who is ruling my heart?”.
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Just listen…“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.” 2nd Corinthians 10:4-6.
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This passage is commanding Christians that our hearts and minds must be totally purified, and filled with godly thoughts. Now Paul put this passage in military terms. And he did this for a very good reason. This is the battle we must fight! This is the hill we must take! And this is the war we must win! To overcome self is the great work before us!
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THE CHRISTIAN WARFARE AGAINST ANTICHRIST
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“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:11, 12
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Just as this above verse shows, Paul sometimes framed Bible exhortations in a military-type language. The Christian life is one of spiritual rest. But it is also one of warfare. Spiritual warfare! This is one of the great paradoxes of the Gospel. Paul tells the Corinthian Church that it is the final achievement of every Christian to gain complete control over his or her heart and mind.
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Just listen once again…“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.” 2nd Corinthians 10:4-6.
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Isn’t this an amazing passage? These verses are very seldom spotlighted today, to say the least! As a matter of fact, most Christian circles don’t even believe this commandment is possible! But the fact is, the closer we come to Jesus, the more we realize that this is indeed possible!
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Listen to Paul’s confession…“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4;13. If a Christian is willing to stay in the battle and fight that “Good Fight”, he or she will eventually overcome in every area of life!
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BATTLEFIELD OF THE HEART
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God has spoken this very same concept, in more peaceful terms… “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee!” Isaiah 26:3. Here is a more pleasant way of saying the very same thing Paul just spoke of…
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But Paul said it in military terms…“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” 2nd Corinthians 10:4, 5.
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And the reason Paul put it in military terms, is because he knew this would be every bit as much a battle as was the overtaking of the Promised Land by the children of Israel! Oh no, we are not to use slaughter weapons as does the world, to win our war. But we are to root out the enemy…out of our heart. This is the Christian warfare! This is what overcoming is all about for the Christian!
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ABOVE PICTURE: Battle for the heart – www.signsofheaven.org
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WORLDLY CHRISTIAN, AN ANTICHRIST
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If God is ruling, then my heart will be filled with God’s attributes. And God wants no compromise. God does not accept a divided heart…“Ye cannot serve God and Mammon.” Matthew 6:25.
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If Lucifer is ruling, then my heart will be filled with the attributes of the world. Listen to what God has to say about Antichrists…“They (antichrists) are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.” 1st John 4:5.
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OK, so now we have fairly much laid the foundation of just what is to be the work and the goal of our Christian endeavors. So let’s once again address this matter of television, and how it affects the hearts and minds of Christians…
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AN ELEGY TO TELEVISION…
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Television has become the centerpiece of our society, our homes and our lives. It is a remarkable invention! It is a powerful tool! It can change minds. It can marshal armies. It can shift the paradigm of societies. It can win elections. It can ruthlessly mock its enemies, even to the point of suicide, if necessary! It can frighten us! It can pacify us. It can tell us what to wear, how to talk, what to do, what to think, what to love, and even who to hate!
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Television can be our best friend (and our worst enemy!) It is always willing to be our comforter. With just the click of a button, this “Electronic Prince of the Power of the Airwaves” will ride to our rescue: to rescue us from our loneliness…from our discouragement…from our boredom; even when nobody else wants to be with us, it never turns us away. It is the perfect “friend”! It lives to entertain us! It loves to make us smile! Make us laugh! To satisfy us with gossip! Make us cry! To sooth us with beautiful music! To tell us stories: just about any type of story we desire!
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Television is the proverbial “Needy Clown”, yearning to be adored, and willing to do or say anything to get such adoration! It is often seductive, smart, stupid, sexual, original, even intellectual, at times. It can be beautiful! Charming! Witty! Wise! Humanitarian! Revengeful! Loving! Hateful! Right! Wrong! Greedy! Generous! Good! Evil! It is the “be-all, end-all” of our wants and needs!
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Television is the Magnificent Sorcerer. It will bewitch us, performing its magic before our very eyes! It will seduce us as it sexualizes us (and sexualizes our children, too!)
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It is the Great Deceiver, with all its so-called humanitarian concerns, making us think it cares…really, really cares! And with all such so-called, and pretentious compassion and virtues, it will indoctrinate us into a conformity to this fallen world.(“And be not conformed to this world:” Romans 12:2.)
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It is the Ultimate Pied Piper of Hamlin! It is as wily and subtle as that serpent in the garden, as it utters its vague innuendos against the Bible and against those who love the Bible. It can make good appear as evil, and make evil appear as good. And it will lead us down that proverbial “primrose pathway”. And it will take us and our children down, down, down…to the place we would not want to go, if we really understood the situation…as God sees it. And if it can rule the world, it can certainly rule my heart!
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In other words, my dear darling soul, television is exactly like Lucifer (Satan), and exactly like his World of Sin; with just the same attributes of, “the prince of this world”! And as the, “the god of this world”, this Pied Piper of Sheol has the magical powers to do all these things!
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Yes, television is the ultimate “Charming Gigolo”. And he’s right there in the midst of our living room, seducing us and our children! And ultimately, this gigolo from Hell will rob us of everything we might possess, which has any eternal value, only to leave us desolate & very bankrupt on that Great & Fearful Day of God Almighty!
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Beware O stranger & pilgrim of the Cross,“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners (i.e., virtue).” 1st Corinthians 15:33
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“BUT ISN’T TELEVISION NEUTRAL?”…
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“Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened.” 1st Corinthians 5:6, 7
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Now, at this point, many will present the argument that television is neutral…“It’s like a gun (they say). It depends on who’s holding the gun (or who’s holding the remote control). You can watch something good, or you can watch something bad. It depends on you.”
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This is the argument which is generally presented by those who wish to defend television.
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The purpose of this article is to convince, that TV is not neutral. It will be shown that TV is like a,“stacked deck of cards”. It is“stacked in favor of the house”…Satan’s house! But you have to understand exactly where it is that Satan wants to take you.
Most people have a wrong view of what Satan is all about. They believe that if there is a Devil, that he’s only found in Satanic Cults, or with Black Magic. Few really understand that Satan is the god of this world. He can be a very moralistic spirit, if that suits his purpose.
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Listen to Scripture…“Satan himself is transformed into an ANGEL OF LIGHT. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” 2nd Corinthians 11:14, 15.
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Satan actually doesn’t mind having a moral world. He just doesn’t want people to turn to the Jesus of the Bible. And so he creates religions (and other gospels) which have a form of godliness, but with,“another Jesus” (2nd Corinthians 11:4).
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Oh yes, Satan creates a lot of trouble in the world. But as one person put it,“Satan doesn’t care whether you go to Hell as a prostitute, or as a school teacher!”Just as long as you don’t begin exercising “saving faith” in Christ. And he certainly doesn’t want people devoting themselves to searching the Scriptures to get to know God (see John 17:3). And Satan really, really hates to see people becoming changed into the image of Jesus (see 2 Corinthians 3:18)! Hence, the invention of television: Satan’s Masterpiece of Mind-Control!
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So, having said this, we begin to see the purpose of television…
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THE 7 OBJECTIVES OF SATAN’S TELEVISION…
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1. To be a time-waster, so we don’t spend our time searching the Scriptures.( “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:16)
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2.To indoctrinate the masses to follow the, “acceptable standards” of this world…Satan’s World”!(“And (the False Prophet) deceives them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast.” Revelation 13:4)
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3.To create a false standard of righteousness; a counterfeit of the true standard of righteousness, revealed in the Bible. To yoke us together with those who have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof.(“For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, etc…. HAVING A FORM OF GODLINESS, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. ” 2nd Timothy 3:2, 5)
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4.To create prejudice and even hatred against sincere, dedicated Christians.(“Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.” 1st John 3:13)
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5.To ultimately lead the world to worship the god of this world, Satan.(“and all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast:” Revelation 13:3, 4)
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6.To excite and titillate our senses so much, that Bible study seems boring.(“…having their conscience seared with a hot iron;” 1st Timothy 4:2). When we rely on television to entertain us, it often becomes more and more difficult to open our Bibles and just read or study.
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7.To blunt the conscience by exposing us to sinful behavior, over and over each day.(“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. 1st Corinthians 15:33″) When we behold sin, over and over again on TV, sin begins to lose its fearfulness and horror.
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THE ‘FROG IN THE FRY-PAN’ TECHNIQUE…
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But Satan is a very subtle being…“Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made.” Genesis 3:1.
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Satan doesn’t wish to “blow his cover”. Everything he does has to be accomplished so imperceptibly, that nobody is alarmed. It’s like that old “Frog in the Fry Pan” proverb. You can cook a live frog in the hot water of the fry pan if you gradually turn up the heat. But on the other hand, if you put him all of a sudden into hot water, he’ll just hop right out.
“Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the Master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly He find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch!” Mark 13:35-37
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And like that proverbial frog-in-the-fry-pan, so too, Satan is leading the world down a gradual slope. Obviously, Satan loves wickedness. And wherever he can, he’ll drag people deep into sin. But his goal is not necessarily to make us into a world full of immoral decrepit perverts! Oh no! He’s quite often content to just kill us…spiritually kill us; to make us into a“moralistic people, yet without a true connection to the God of Scripture”.Andhe causes there to be enough really horrible people to make us think“we’re not so bad”.
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And so the mission of television is to steal away our burning, dedicated love for the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob! And to keep us so busy, busy, that we neglect that moment by moment relationship with our Lord and Savior!
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And the goal of television is to set up an idol in our heart; an idol with the very same attributes which this world has, and which “the god of this world” possesses…Lucifer…“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.” Luke 21:34.
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Just look at this unwatchful Christian in this above drawing. He’s filled up his life with so much Mammon, he’s not aware that his Judgment Day is here!
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FULL IMMERSION (in God’s Word!)
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“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.” Luke 21:34.
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Here is a stern warning for we who are standing on the threshold of the Day of the Lord, to beware of becoming too entangled with the affairs of this world, lest that Day come upon us by surprise.
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Listen to this amazing verse…“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 4:4.
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Notice this verse speaks of the image of Christ. The image of Christ is the image that God wishes for us to behold! And we should be totally immersing ourselves in God’s Word, instead of allowing ourselves to become side-tracked by such entertainments as television.
Below is an expose’ of the subtle ways in which Satan gains control of the mind, through the medium of television. These are subtle ways in which Satan corrupts Christian character, which many Christians do not consider when choosing a program to watch.
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ARGUMENTS AGAINST TV NEWS…
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Well what’s wrong with watching a little nightly news? A number of things.
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1. NEWS DEADENS THE CONSCIENCE. Listen to Scripture… “Who among us shall dwell with the Devouring Fire? who among us shall dwell with Everlasting Burnings? He that walks righteously…that stops his ears from hearing of blood, and shuts his eyes from seeing evil” Isaiah 33:14, 15.
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Notice it says here that only those who stop their ears from the hearing of blood, and the seeing of evil, will dwell with the Devouring Fire (God). Sounds a lot like the nightly news, doesn’t it?
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To sit and watch evil and to hear blood (violence) on a daily basis, will most certainly have an effect on the Soul. This above verse tells us just who will stand in the Day of Judgment: those who shut their eyes from seeing evil, and their ears from hearing violence. As children of God, we don’t want to dwell on crime and violence… “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true…honest…just…pure…lovely…of good report..virtue…praise, think on these things!” Philippians 4:8. Does television fulfill this Bible verse? Of course not!
2. NEWS IS HABIT-FORMING.This fallible pen can personally testify that TV news is habit-forming. It can be a real time-thief! Paul warns Believers... “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15, 16. Christians should be hiding God’s Word in our hearts, during our leisure hours. Obviously this cannot be accomplished when we are preoccupied with TV…or Internet…or radio.
3. THE SPIRIT OF GOSSIP.Have you ever noticed that when you are with friends, and they begin to share some new gossip, how your ears perk up? Maybe even your heart beats a little faster? We sinful humans have within us, a morbid desire to hear gossip. TV or radio news can be, quite often, a form of gossip, and only strengthens that desire within us.
4. “EVIL COMMUNICATIONS CORRUPTS GOOD MANNERS”… Many of us Christians think that we can just watch news and not be affected by TV or radio news. But in this we deceive ourselves!
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Listen to 1st Corinthians 15:33… “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” We who are running the Christian race quite often are deceived into thinking that we can dabble a little bit in the world.
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But in order to gain a Christ-like character, even a, “little foolishness will destroy much wisdom”(Ecclesiastes 10:1). Oh yes, we can’t help but mingle with unbelievers in the workplace, etc.. But to voluntarily expose ourselves to the ungodly chatter of unbelievers for the sake of enjoyment…is not a wise course at all for a Christian!
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But does this mean we must lock ourselves up in our houses and never go out? No, it just means that we should take heed to what we do and who we expose ourselves to.
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Listen to Scripture… “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion has light with darkness?” 2nd Corinthians 6:14
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ABOVE PICTURE – fall & winter Constellations – Woman of Revelation 12 (Ursa Major, a winter constellation) flees to the mountains – Mark 13:14 – Dragon comprised of Hyades, Pleiades, etc…Valley of Decision mountain comprised of Cassiopeia, etc… (This is not a star-chart, but merely a concept picture since this mountain is not in this position, but is actually seen in the fall months)
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5. PHILOSOPHY AND VAIN DECEIT…Have you noticed how Christians today mingle the purity of the Gospel with politics and conspiracy theories of various types? It is so important for us to not mingle our belief with the various ideologies of the world. Colossians is largely based on this idea, and warns against mingling worldly philosophies into the purity of Christ (seeColossians 2:8). 1st Timothy also warns…“…keep thyself pure.” 1st Timothy 5:23.
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If we needlessly expose ourselves to these corrupting influences, for social enjoyment, our purity will soon evaporate, and the result will be a“mingling of the holy with the common.”(see Ezekiel 22:26). When a Christian freely mingles with such common things, the following verse stands as a warning…“Quench not the Spirit.” 1st Thessalonians 5:19
6. OVER-STIMULATION… Isn’t it true that the exciting amusements of the world tend to make our Bible studies rather boring?
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Well, news can accomplish such an over-stimulation of our senses. It’s much easier and more pleasurable to just sit back and watch gossip and conspiracies and wars and controversies on the news, than it is to sit down with Bible and concordance, isn’t it?
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Again, this same verse applies… “Quench not the Spirit.” 1st Thessalonians 5:19
7. BAD WITNESS TO OTHERS…And just think about the example I am setting for others! My kids…my grandkids… fellow Christians, neighbors, etc.. Even if they aren’t with me, they can guess what Mom and Dad, or Grandma and Grandpa are doing! My neighbors will see that certain glow from my window. And they know that glow is not an angel visitation (But actually it is…angels from HELL!) It’s the glow from my TV! And the next day, I certainly WON’T have Heaven’s glow on my face which tells the world I’ve,“been with Jesus” Acts 4:13.
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But also, setting in front of our TV, is setting a bad example for others to follow. And we just don’t realize what a powerful influence for good or evil, that our example is (see Mark 9:42).
An entire article could be written on Satan’s sophistry in the making of movies. But one short comment will be given to show how Satan continues his stealth warfare against Christ and His Followers.
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Quite often in the movies, Christians are portrayed as weak and defenseless, like a flock of nervous little birds. On the other hand, the hero of the story is often portrayed as strong, and handsome, and brash, and fearless, usually saving the Christians from the bad guys. Of course, this kind of astigmatism against Christians is right out of Satan’s playbook!
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But another lesson learned from such a movie situation is that Christians shouldn’t depend on the Lord, but should be more like the hero of the movie, relying on his own bravery and strength to solve his dilemma.
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Five Fingers Face – High and Mighty Trailer Screenshot- 1954 – Wikipedia – public domain
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SATAN OFTEN MISREPRESENTS MANLINESS IN MOVIES
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Along these same lines, Satan sets up a standard of conduct for his kingdom (this world). And in so-doing he has used the television and movie industry to promote the idea that men are less-than-men if they display tenderness and compassion toward others. And so, Christ, who is the very embodiment of tenderness and pity does not measure up to Satan’s standards for men. This also is right out of Satan’s playbook, in how this Master-Deceiver makes men fearful of appearing less than “manly”, if they display any softness and tenderness.
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But listen to Scripture…“Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.” 1st Peter 3:8, 9.
Just who would you rather have ruling the universe? Perhaps, one of the Greek gods? Zeus maybe? Or perhaps Jupiter? (picture to right). Well, they were both given very hard attributes, weren’t they? Just imagine if one of those gods were ruling this world? (Well actually, as we look around, we have to admit that Satan is doing a fine job of giving us a picture of how those pagan gods would behave!)
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We are extremely fortunate to have a tender, understanding, and compassionate God, Jehovah, who runs this universe! On the other hand, we can see how things would be run, if Lucifer was the god of this universe. All we have to do is just look at this present world around us, and we can see the results of what a lack of compassion can accomplish.
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Any person who has a tender conscience needs only look around at all the woe and misery in this pathetic world, and realize that humanity isn’t doing so well in our attempt at running this world our way. And television and movies, have only amplified this idea that being hard-hearted is somehow manly, and a good thing. And as a result, Christian men who watch this stuff, become very fearful of being totally Christ-like. Satan has caused men to be deathly afraid of being seen as exercising Christ-like tenderness.
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Hans Thoma – Jupiter – Wikipedia – public domain
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SPORTS TELEVISION
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1. UNCHRISTLIKE CHATTER.Like most shows on television, sports shows are presented with ungodly chatter. Unmerciful mocking, sang-froid nonchalance, joking and jesting which work in us like yeast, until we become like the unbelieving world, in oneness and purpose… “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” 2nd Corinthians 6:14
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2. COMPETITIVE VIOLENT SPIRIT.The Spirit of Christ is the Spirit of meekness, gentleness, patience, kindness, generosity… Obviously, these are not the qualities which are exemplified during sports contests…“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1st Corinthians 15:33
1. THE SPIRIT OF JESTING. Please observe Scripture… “And walk in love, as Christ…But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; NEITHER FILTHINESS, NOR FOOLISH TALKING, NOR JESTING, which are not proper: but rather giving of thanks.” Ephesians 5:2-5.
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Jesus came to Earth to present himself as an example to the world. Jesus is the role-model for all the host of Heaven and Earth. All inhabitants of the Universe are to behave in a Christ-like manner. It’s only this rebellious planet which doesn’t feel the need to imitate our loving Savior. Christ is joyful, but not frivolous. He is loving, but is not a “court-jester”
1. SPIRIT OF SENSUALITY.Quite often the programs for little children are fraught with sexuality. This comes in the form of either the music…or the actors, who are dressed in a provocative manner. Or perhaps the theme of the program.
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2. VIOLENCE. Children’s programs often have violence mingled within.
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3. GROOMING CHILDREN FOR FURTHER WICKEDNESS. Even those programs which seem “harmless” are only grooming children to eventually watch other shows, even more degrading, which lead children further into sin.
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4. ANTICHRIST PHILOSOPHIES TAUGHT. The television makes a very convenient babysitter. The problem is, it is Lucifer, the,“Prince of the Power of the Air”, who becomes your babysitter! And his qualities of pride, anger, greed, unbelief in God’s Word, atheism, violence, etc., are instilled into the children’s minds, causing them to grow up as worldly-minded secularists, who have little or no love for heavenly things!
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EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION
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1. ATHEISM.Many educational programs are produced by atheists, and mingled with atheist philosophies. Atheism is the spirit of “unbelief”. Such Antichrist ideologies are like yeast, working themselves imperceptibly through the hearts and minds of viewers. And no matter whether or not the adult or child becomes an atheist as a result, there is nevertheless a spirit of unbelief transferred to the participant, which begins to doubt the power of God to fulfill His promises.
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2. UNGODLY CONVERSATION.When we choose to become a companion with the world, we begin to reflect the image of those with whom we associate. For a detailed explanation of this, click the following link… “Mercury & The Image Of The Beast”
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RELIGIOUS TV
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1. COUNTERFEIT JESUS’. As earlier stated,“Satan by any other name, is still Satan”.Just because religious television shows are constantly invoking and evoking the name, “Jesus”, does not necessarily mean the, “Jesus of Scripture”. Paul complained that there were false teachers who proclaimed“Another Jesus, who we have not preached” 2nd Corinthians 11:4.
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So when such religious stations misrepresent the true Gospel with a gospel mingled with worldly desires, they are proclaiming,“another Jesus”.Let no man deceive you, O Pilgrim!
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2. COMMERCIALISM. It is very expensive to produce TV programs, compared to, say, radio or Internet. Television requires a large audience, in order to financially support the stations.
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The point is, television must be very entertaining, to maintain such large viewership. So then they often compromise with the world in order to increase ratings. Popular music, excitement, celebrities, theatrical displays, etc., are now the order of the day in the Christian community, because of television.
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3. “PROPHESY SMOOTH THINGS TO US” Isaiah 30:10. Furthermore, television must be careful to not offend its faithful audience. So religious stations must be careful what they say, and what they do. What is the result?
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The following verse seems to state our present crisis in the Christian culture…“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2nd Timothy 4:3, 4
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4. MILK, BUT VERY LITTLE MEAT.Religious shows usually present the most basic, entry-level Bible concepts. And it’s so easy and convenient for Christians to just leave the religious channel on all day. And as a result, the Christian begins to rely more and more upon the religious channel for his or her spiritual food and drink. The problem is, that the Christian begins to slack off on personal Bible study, and allows the religious channel to “feed” him or her. So because it’s mostly “milk” and not “meat”, the TV-watching Christian’s spiritual growth is stunted. And even if the show does happen to give significant passages, they are spoken so quickly, they simply “go in one ear and out the other”. There is no replacement for sitting down each day with a concordance and Bible, or even audio Bible readings. Certainly not religious television! Religious shows can be a great time-waster, at best! But at worst, they can deceive the biblically naïve multitudes.
5. “BY WHOM THE TRUTH IS EVIL SPOKEN OF”… Because television is such an expensive medium, there is a constant pressure upon these well-meaning religious channels to constantly talk about money. And because of this, money becomes the focus of a lot of TV sermons. Consequently, the “celebrities” on these channels sometimes become very rich. They often become very extravagant in their personal lifestyles. Mansions, limousines, butlers, etc.. And though the faithful supporters of these celebrities don’t seem to mind such outrageous display, the general public is often more savvy than the faithful viewers of these programs. In other words, these “prosperity gospels” will quite often repulse the general public, who understand that the lowly Jesus was nothing like what they are seeing on such shows. Peter addressed this problem…
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“And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with pretending words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingers not, and their damnation slumbers not.” 2nd Peter 2:2, 3. And so these religious shows serve a dual purpose. They deceive their followers into a “Gimme! Gimme!” gospel. But at the same time, they repulse the more savvy general public, causing the truth to be evil spoken of.
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And if there’s one thing the Devil knows how to do, it’s to cast dirt on the Bible!
6. MINGLING WORLDLY IDEAS WITH TRUTH…There are so many religious talk shows, mostly on the radio, which mingle politics with the Bible truth. These religious/political shows become hyper-critical of this group or that group, or of the government. The focus of these shows becomes just how to make this world a better place, and how people can change the world. But this is not what the Bible is concerned about. Our focus as Christians should be about “how I can become changed into the image of Christ”, and, “how I can spread the love of Jesus to those around me.”
7. CHRISTIAN MOVIES PRESENT WRONG IMAGE…TV can be very subtle. There are even a few shows about Christians on TV. And so often on these so-called “Christian” shows, compromising and worldly Christians are presented as good and rational and very acceptable, while the serious and dedicated Christians quite often are portrayed as being fanatical, slightly off-balanced mentally; even having a pent-up evil edge, which eventually surfaces as the plot develops. And by exposing ourselves to this subtlety, we become fearful of being considered by others as “fanatical”. And so, many Christians try to avoid being stereo-typed, and behave as worldly as possible.
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“…UPON ALL PLEASANT PICTURES”
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“For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty… and upon all pleasant pictures. And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day. And the idols He shall utterly abolish. In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats; To go into the clefts of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of His majesty, when He ariseth to shake terribly the earth! Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?” Isaiah 2:12, 16-18, 20-22.
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This above passage really nails down just what the Day of the Lord is all about! We live in a world today, in which the False Prophet, Satan, the Dragon, is using the high-tech devices to present lying images to draw disciples after him. The Internet, the television, radio, magazines, books, movies, etc., are all churning out pleasant pictures, which portray this evil world in a very appealing manner. These pictures often incorporate the beauty of nature together with the glory and beauty of Mankind. Notice that Satan combines the three great sins in these pictures…“The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” 1st John 2:16.
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Woman in Mediterranian – Wikigallery – US Public Domain
And so, in hopes of keeping Mankind from returning to God, Satan has given this world a “make-over”, in attempt to keep us seeking after some earthly dream.
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Whatever the career, whatever the hobby, whatever the romance, whatever the city, whatever the country, whatever the lake, whatever the river or mountain stream, or mansion, or cottage, or car, or boat, or motorcycle, or plane, or vacation resort… Satan now has an image, a pleasant picture just perfect for you to fit into!
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And he is the master at presenting this world in the most romantic light with his,“pleasant pictures”, as Isaiah2:12, 16-18, 20-22says (see two sections above for entire quote). And television is the perfect medium to accomplish this!
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HOLY PLACE OF THE HEART
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Now it should be touched upon, that we humans were created to be,“the temple of the Lord”.
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Just listen to this following passage… “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” 1st Corinthians 3:16, 17
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This above passage proclaims that the Church-Elect is the Temple of God, spiritually speaking. But individually, Peter declares…“Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath showed me.” 2nd Peter 1:14.
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So then it is also true that the individual Christian is likewise the Temple of God. And God warns us that we are to keep our Temple holy. We are not to defile our temple in any way. And this article is devoted to this very subject of how not to defile our Soul-Temple. And notice what the earlier verse above by Paul to the Corinthians warns is the penalty for defiling our temple…“If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.”
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Now just imagine for a moment if you or I were a priest in the Old Testament Tabernacle. And how long do you think you or I would last if you or I engaged in the frivolous and giddy behavior which is so common among Christians today? If we were to walk into the Holy Place or even the Most Holy Place, and spoke the way we Christians speak today, they would have had to drag us out…feet first!
Well, our mind and heart are an extension of the Holy and Most Holy Place. The mind and heart are where our treasured possessions are stored.
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So then, how could we possibly think to defile our Soul-Temple by allowing the immoral filth and worldly dribble to enter into our Most Holy Place, via the TV or radio, or magazines, Internet, etc.? It’s really unthinkable, when we consider that our heart and mind is to be a fit dwelling place for the Holy Spirit!
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Listen…“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee, etc….” Proverbs 4:23, 24.
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No, God will not strike us instantly dead, as He did to the two priests in this picture. But eventually, we will drive that Holy Dove from our heart, if we persist in defiling ourselves with unholy communications. It will be a spiritual death. And we won’t even be aware that He’s gone!
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How in the world do Christians ever imagine that we can overcome the world, when we defile our Most Holy Place with such worldly graffiti? Rather, the world is overcoming us! And how can we ever expect that we can continue to consume the common-ness and un-Christ-like behavior we see almost every moment on TV and not grieve away the Spirit Of Holiness out of our Soul-Temple?
THE SPIRIT OF ANTICHRIST: THE SPIRIT OF THE WORLD…
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“Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time…They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.” 1st John 2:18 & 4:5
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The spirit of Antichrist is just the spirit of worldliness in a person…“Is my focus upon the world? Does my heart go after the attractions and aspirations of the world?”Then it probably indicates that I have the spirit of Antichrist within… “They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.” 1st John 4:5
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Does this sound outrageous? Well, just listen to James, talking to Christians…“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. Do ye think that the scripture says in vain, The spirit that dwells in us lusts unto envy?” James 4:4, 5.
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Notice that this passage not only says that a friend of the world is the enemy of god, but it also refers to such worldly love as a “spirit” within us.
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But then, someone will answer,“but I’m not a friend of the world.”
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Well, if I make the unbelievers and worldly Christians who appear on television my daily companions, then I indeed am, “A FRIEND OF THE WORLD”.
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ABOVE PICTURE: Mark of the beast – pub. dom. – Wikipedia
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MUSIC AND THE GOLDEN IMAGE
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“…the king of Babylon…Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols (violins)…How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!” Isaiah 14:4, 11, 12
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The above passage reveals that Satan possesses great musical abilities. And do we suppose that he won’t use music to deceive the world?
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Old King Nebuchadnezzar was pretty clever. He seemed to understand the power of music. When he set up his golden image on the plain of Dura, he put together an orchestra, to add to the moment. The story in the Book of Daniel, Chapter 3, in which the evil king of Babylon set up a golden image, whose height was 60 cubits, and whose breadth was 6 cubits makes a fearful analogy to television.
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“That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of music, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up:” Dan 3:7
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Remember when the music began, the people of all nations fell down and worshipped the golden image? Obviously Satan was behind all this.
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But this little scenario was much more than just a local situation! Just listen to these words…“Therefore at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and all kinds of music, all the people, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshipped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.” Daniel 3:7.
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Notice it says in this passage that this scenario concerned the whole world. Listen…“all the people, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshipped the golden image”.
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This golden image in the shape of King Nebuchadnezzar was a picture of the image of the beast from Revelation 13. And just as this golden image was a reflection of Nebuchadnezzar (who, by the way, was a picture of Satan, as the above verse points out), so too, television is a reflection of Satan, as has already been discussed in this article.
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Just listen…“take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, How hath the oppressor ceased! the golden city ceased!…How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!” Isaiah 14:4, 12.
Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image and The fiery furnace – Daniel 3-12 – www.thebiblerevival.com
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SATAN: “I’LL SETTLE FOR 5 PERCENT”
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One thing that too many Christians do not realize, is that Satan is content with just a small portion of a certain movie or television show, to sow his evil seed.
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Christian parents make a great error in thinking that their children are safe by watching a “pretty good” show. Satan laughs at all who buy into such nonsense. The Bible warns Christians… “Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:” 1st Corinthians 5:6, 7.
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Satan may produce a cute little show for kids, and parents don’t realize that just one or two “bump & grind” tunes in that show, is all that Satan needs to sow his evil seed within the heart of that child.
Adult Christians are in no less danger. While a Christian may have to work and live in a worldly environment: yet to needlessly expose one’s self to common and low-grade conversation, defiles the Soul-Temple. Listen…“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1st Corinthians 15:33.
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The only safe thing is to realize just whose territory is the television, and pray that God will take it out of one’s home. For Christians with an unbelieving spouse, this will be very difficult, and the Believer may have to separate his or her self, during those hours that the family watches those shows.
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This next passage from Solomon really clarifies how careful a Christian must be…“Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour. ” Ecclesiastes 10:1.
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In other words, this pearl of wisdom can be applied to many different areas of life, including the things we absorb into our minds.
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And the last passage to be offered on this topic, was spoken by our Lord Jesus. And every one who takes the name of Jesus on their lips should really consider the great implications which result from this Bible truth…“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” Luke 16:10
“To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself…and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ,” 2nd Corinthians 5:19, 20
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This above passage presents a great purpose for why we have been called: to be ambassadors for Christ, to reconcile a world, steeped in sin and rebellion against the government of God. But it is not merely telling them about Jesus, that reconciles lost souls. No, God has ordained that we should be transformed by the power of the Spirit of Holiness into the image of Christ. The world needs to see Jesus too…in us! And so, we are to be pure and holy, just like Jesus was pure and holy.
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Listen to Peter…“Seeing then that all these things (the heavens and Earth) shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation (words & behavior) and godliness…Wherefore, beloved…be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless.” 2nd Peter 3:11, 13, 14.
By watching television, we imperceptibly become like those we watch…“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1st Corinthians 15:33.
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This verse confirms that what we behold and what we hear have an effect on our personality. So if we desire to become totally and purely Christ-like, then we must separate as far as possible from all ungodly influences.
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“FOOLISH TALK & JESTING”
Ephesians 5:2
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The world has its own idea of acceptable behavior. By and large, the world has rejected the holiness and reverence of Christ, and has established its own standard. Irreverence, joking and jesting, loud laughter and other common and even cheap talk often have replaced Christ-like holiness and reverence.
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The sad part of all this, is that Christians too, have bought into this counterfeit goodness, to a great degree. Christians have rejected such admonitions as this…“I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.” 1st Timothy 2:8-11. Can you imagine what kind of reception such passages as this might have been received in the 20th Century churches?
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But for those who wish to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, it will be their joy and delight to forsake any and every impure behavior and conform themselves entirely into the image of Christ. And they will be likewise willing to accept all the mocking and ridicule that such behavior will result in!
The Lord had set up this story from Daniel, so that He could warn us of what we can look forward to in these last days. Even now, does television and motion pictures combine the proud and sinfulness of Mankind with swelling strains of music, to cause the world to revere the attributes of Satan. For instance TV can take a person who is otherwise greedy, and selfish, and lustful, and conniving, and vulgar, and simply add some beautiful violin strains and make that person appear absolutely wonderful…or brave…or suave, or sophisticated!
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Music is a very powerful medium, and Satan uses music to his advantage. Just look and listen to the various blockbuster productions which come to the theaters, and even into our living rooms, these days. Do you think these incredibly powerful high-tech productions have an influence upon the hearts and minds of men, women, and children? Only a fool would dare deny the powerful influence of today’s dramatic productions. Even the music today is so incredibly power, as we listen to the radio. And the words on much of this music is selling a lifestyle of licentiousness and debauchery, which has ruined the lives of millions of young people (and even many old people who should know better!)
“Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.” 1st Peter 5:2, 3
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We are living in a less than perfect world, to put it mildly. Things are not the way they will be, when we reach those heavenly shores. We just cannot expect the things around us to be perfect. Much patience and silence is required when we are surrounded by others who are not of the same mind as us. And there are family situations which require much wisdom and prayer. This above passage from Peter’s Epistle, concerning the Church, can also apply to the family of an individual Christian. Salvation is by grace. We cannot force Salvation on others! Nor should we try to force them to be good! (of course, when children are very young, a good swat on the behind may be necessary. But even this should be applied as sparingly as possible!)
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Signs Of Heaven website is to be an encouragement to those who wish to run that Christian Race and to fight that Good Fight of Faith. The Christian greatly desires to share his or her truths with others. But the Christian must not try to compel others to begin making changes in their life in order to appease. Whether it be music, or diet, or dress or television, etc.. It is not the Christian’s commission from God to bend the consciences of others who are less inclined to walk as Jesus walked. God’s army is a volunteer army. No one should force others to join.
“And he said unto him (his brother), My lord knoweth that the children are tender, and the flocks and herds with young are with me: and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die. Let my lord, I pray thee, pass over before his servant: and I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that goeth before me and the children be able to endure, until I come unto my lord unto Seir.” Genesis 33:13, 14
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The above verse is the testimony by Jacob about his family as they traveled back to their long-lost home. This story is likewise a testimony to how we need to lead our family. We should be inclined to be more like a silent gentle breeze among our family. Not a gale force wind! After all, we appreciate how God has been tender with us. As we look at this painting of Jacob, we recall his gracious words about his family and flocks. He said“I will lead on softly”.Jacob saw how God had patiently worked with him through the years. And now Jacob was likewise determined to be gentle with his family.
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By prayer, watchfulness, and daily consecration, we can cry out for our loved ones, and have confidence that God hears our prayers. We can cling to God’s precious promises about our family, too. As we focus on our own Salvation, we can rest assured that God will work in the lives of others. And if God will peradventure bring a loved one into the fold, then they will also desire to run that Race and fight that Good Fight.
This article discusses how we might win that Christian Race which is set before us. It uses sensual music as its theme. But the principles presented herein can be applied to just about any other area of Christian concern.
“Lift up your eyes on high, and behold Who hath created these things; that brings out their host by number: He calls them all by names by the greatness of His might, for that He is strong in power; not one faileth.” Isaiah 40:26
The above verse is a plea from God to look up at the Heavens and behold Who has created these things.
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In this busy work-a-day world, there are many very interesting things which can occupy one’s time and energy: hobbies, and careers, and entertainments and worries, and habits, to name just a few.
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But as the child of God devotes his or her life to God, there should be a jealous guarding of one’s own heart… “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23.
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The Christian wants nothing to get in the way of running that Christian Race.
But having said this, there is one hobby which every ‘Noble Berean’ may take up, which only compliments the pursuit of the heavenly Prize.
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Yes, Signs Of Heaven becomes a wonderfully rewarding hobby which, unlike many less meaningful hobbies, pays off with rich, heavenly rewards. Everlasting rewards!
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And unlike the person in this photo with equipment, all you need is fairly good vision, and a dark, starry night.
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And once a person really gets to know these heavenly messengers, it will become very apparent that the message connected with these signs is truly a message to be heeded.
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Thus will the Christian be able to share this message with others. And there are perhaps many nuances and hidden biblical truths to these signs which have yet to be discovered.
“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;” Luke 21:25
The very first step in finding these many constellations, should be to find the two main constellations: Orion, and the 7 Stars (aka, The Big Dipper).
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These two constellations represent Christ (Orion), and His Church (7 Stars).
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And just as these are the easiest constellations to find, so too, the first place to begin studying the Bible is the Four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John).
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These four books present Christ and His Church, when He walked the earth, just as Orion and the 7 Stars represent Christ and His Church, as seen up in the heavens.
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Then, once you are comfortable finding these two constellations, you can begin to locate the next closest constellations, and so on.
Now if you’re fortunate enough to be able to go on nightly walks, and you live in an area where you can safely view the stars, here is another Heavenly Hobby which Signs Of Heaven endorses…
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Why not combine star-watching with prayer, as you walk? What a great way to draw closer to God!
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It cannot be over-stressed, just how wonderful it is to walk under the dark canopy of Heaven, while lifting up one’s heart to our Heavenly Father! There is a closeness to God that cannot be described with words!
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(And even if you cannot safely do this, you can always do such prayer-walks in the daytime, in a safe place, such as a mall, which is every bit as effective, prayer-wise.
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And for those who are in confinement, one can view these starry signs on the Internet, or simply listen to Scripture on audio.
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Either way, all such may enjoy God’s richest blessings at this very time in which God is pouring out all Heaven’s treasures upon anyone willing to forsake all, and follow Jesus!)
Now of course, the Bible commands us to, “pray without ceasing“. The Christian is to constantly talk with our Heavenly Father throughout the day.
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But the Bible also holds up the godly life of Daniel, who, when captive in Babylon, still set aside three times daily, in which he knelt for special prayer.
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And furthermore the Bible also says… “Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and He shall hear my voice.” Psalm 55:17.
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Even those who are bed-fast or in a prison cell can begin to imitate Daniel in this way. And if one is fortunate to be able to walk, then this thrice-daily prayer regimen can be combined with three walks daily and even nightly.
The last devotional on this topic of “Bind Them in Bundles” (Click here to read) focused on the churches.
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Today’s devotional will, instead, turn the spotlight on the secular world, and its own set of bundles.
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Wheat Stacks with Reaper 1888 Vincent van Gogh Wikipedia US public domain
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“Melting Pot of the World?” Not So Much…
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Have you noticed how there is a massive bundling going on?
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Have you been witnessing a separation of various groups, each group retreating to their own particular culture/ideology/color-group?
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The United States was once called the “melting pot of the world” in which various cultures came together in a unified identity.
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But now this phenomenon is no longer the case. Just the opposite!
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People are flocking here, and yet maintaining their own identity, waving their own home-country flag, often refusing to learn the native language, etc…
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The Melting pot – Wikipedia – Public Domain
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“…but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay”
Daniel 2:43
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Just what is happening?
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What has changed?
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Well, no doubt there is no shortage of opinions on why this is happening.
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Question Mark – Wikimedia – Public Domain
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“Bind Them in Bundles to Burn Them”
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But the Bible has foretold of this phenomenon, so long ago…
…”in the time of harvest I will say (to the reapers)…
Gather ye together first the tares,
and bind them in bundles to burn them:
but gather the wheat into my barn.”
Matthew 13:24-30 (condensed for brevity)
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Yes, there is to be a bundling just prior to Judgment Day.
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And though this prophecy is specifically concerning the church-world, it seems as if it is likewise being fulfilled out in the general populace as well.
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The world bleeds through this prophecy.
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Harvest Seed – Wikipedia – Public Domain
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“And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters’ clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided;”
Daniel 2:41
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Even in the Old Testament Book of Daniel, a vision of the future of the church (and quite possibly of the entire world) was shown to Daniel.
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And in this vision was a giant statue with a head of gold, arms of silver, loins of brass, legs of iron, and feet of iron mingled with clay.
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And besides its purpose of pointing out the devolution the church, its culmination with feet with iron and clay which would not stick together, even further separating into ten toes.
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Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream – www.freebibleimages.org
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“And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold”
Matthew 24:12
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The point is that this end-times separation appears to be fulfilling this very day.
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Everyone seems to be retreating into their own particular camp.
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Society has tagged this phenomenon as “Tribalism”.
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Antifa @ Protest Trump in Phoenix – 8-22-17 – Wikipedia – GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2
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“The…wicked…flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful.”
Psalm 36:2
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Even with a brief look, it’s not difficult to see all this cultishness playing itself out in today’s world…
…gender wars…
…racial groups separating one from another…
…political parties hating one-another…
…nations hating one-another…
…religions aggressively taking over cultures…
…societies forcing its perverted ideas on the general populace…
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And if all this is not unnerving enough, it’s nearly impossible to reason with steely-eyed cultists on anything outside of their own particular belief-system!
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Millions of protestors in Tahrir Square – Wikimedia Commons – Share-alike License
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THE WORLD: KINGDOM OF THE CULTS
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And many political pundits are now each calling the opposing political party “a cult”.
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Both political parties are pointing the accusing finger at one-another, saying “You are a cult!”
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The fact seems to be that not only do both political parties appear to possess a steely-eyed cultish behavior, this seems to apply also to all the various other tribes of the world!
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The entire world appears to be turning into steely-eyed cultists!
Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Daily Devotional, Year 4 – October 4 (Apocalypse NOW! Part 29: “Bind Them Into Bundles! Kingdom of the Cults”)
A certain public advocate for conservative values was having a debate with a young member of the audience about “gays” being “more compassionate than straights”, saying this was more virtuous, “and just the way things ought to be!”
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The conservative advocate countered by arguing that “Emotionalism is mostly a female trait! When men get together, they like to talk football, and cars, and politics, while women talk about softer topics such as family, and more emotional issues.”
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And this conservative advocate continued by saying, “Men and women are ‘hard-wired’ differently from each other, and this is how it’s supposed to be!”
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Well, the young man was not convinced.
Gay Parade – Jazz Jennings 2016 – Wikipedia – Creative Commons License
Satan has been using the “Strawman Ploy” for many long centuries. Yes, that diabolical, “Dr. Evil” (Satan) has used his sophistry and genius to deceive all of us simple-minded humans in various ways, throughout history!
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And so, we shouldn’t be surprised by the current situation in today’s world, in which Satan has raised up the homosexual movement.
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But just one of his various reasons for this pandemic phenomenon of homosexuality, is to create a “strawman” with the intent of causing an even more negative stigma against Christ and Christians!
In other words, by displaying homosexual men as effeminate-looking creatures, Satan has created a situation which makes being Christlike somewhat uncomfortable for many men.
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Even John Bunyan, far back in the 1600’s, complained in his book “Grace Abounding”, that “effeminate men” in those days shared a few similar characteristics to Christian men, stigmatizing their Christlike gentleness with a devilish counterfeit.
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Yes, because Jesus had some soft attributes, many Christian men, today, do not want to be seen as being effeminate, in any way! And as a result, there has been a rather silent push-back in today’s society, against this homosexual movement, in which many men desperately want to be seen as “all-man”.
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And understandably so!
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And as a result, men try to NOT be seen as totally Christlike. Thus, Satan has scored a big victory, by creating this counterfeit similarity within the gay community!
Quite often in the movies, Christians are portrayed as weak and defenseless, like a flock of nervous little birds.
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On the other hand, the hero of the story is often portrayed as strong, and handsome, and brash, and fearless, usually saving the “weak” Christians from the bad guys.
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Of course, this kind of stigma against Christians is right out of Satan’s playbook!
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But another false lesson that the movie-goer learns from such a movie situation, is that Christians shouldn’t depend on the Lord, but should be more like the hero of the movie, relying on his own bravery and on his own strength to solve his dilemma.
Satan has always been hard at work, trying to “cast mud” all over the true Gospel. And one of his dirty tricks has been to use artists of the day to paint pictures of an effeminate-looking Jesus, or effeminate-looking disciples. Thus, he has successfully repulsed many from following Jesus.
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But Jesus was all-man! Make no mistake! He had not one ounce of femininity! Oh yes, he could be soft and compassionate. But he also had a quiet, manly, inner-strength.
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Nevertheless, Jesus not only possessed great physical strength, but also stood solid as a rock against sin, while the so-called mighty men of that day became weak as infants in the face of temptation!
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And men should likewise be strong against the evil forces of this antichrist world, giving their sons a balanced view of how to be strong, and resilient, yet tenderhearted toward his wife and children, as well as being empathetic toward those who are weak, or suffering.
“Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other”
Psalm 85:10
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Now, it’s true that God has created men and women differently, just as He wrote the Old Testament to bring out His Judgment/justice attributes, while the New Testament brings out God’s merciful/compassionate nature more clearly.
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And even though man and woman were both created in God’s image, their personalities most often bring out this same dichotomy, making them seem strikingly different from each other, as this old painting attempts to correctly portray!
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And let’s face it, a husband’s strengths are complemented by his wife’s fragilities, and visa-versa, just as it is written…“Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel.” 1st Peter 3:7
Just who would you rather have ruling the universe? Perhaps, one of the Greek or Roman gods? Zeus maybe? Or perhaps Jupiter? Well, they were both given very hard attributes, weren’t they? Just imagine if one of those gods were ruling this world? (Well actually, as we look around, we have to admit that Satan is doing a fine job of giving us a picture of how those pagan gods would behave!)
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We are so very fortunate to have a tender, understanding, and compassionate Father God, Jehovah, who runs this universe!
Satan has been given a certain amount of freedom to draw individuals into one lifestyle or another. And because of that, he will often draw certain people into one sin, while drawing certain other people into another sin.
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And so, as we look around at society, we can see the footprints of this invisible Dragon, and how he has designed society to promote his various deceptions. In plain language, Satan will often draw persons who have certain physical traits or mannerisms into homosexuality, to give this totally unnatural lifestyle an appearance of being “natural”. Contrariwise, he will draw others into just the opposite extreme.
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And so, as we look at all the confusion over this hotly debated issue in today’s society, we need to understand that “the prince of this world” has been hewing and sculpting society for this very purpose: to raise up Sodom and Gomorrah all over again! And yet making this totally spiritualistic phenomenon appear to be of physical, natural origin!
One thing we must remember is that this world is Satan’s kingdom! 2nd Corinthians 4:4 calls him,“The god of this world”!
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And so, no matter how hard the Christian strives to strike the proper balance, it will be nearly impossible to satisfy Satan’s loyal citizenry!
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And so, O Pilgrim of the Cross, all that we can do, is to put on the armor of God, and ready ourselves for the fierce battle ahead, knowing that our victory has been assured, by Christ, who has already won the battle for us!
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“JUDGE NOT, THAT YE BE NOT JUDGED!”
Matthew 7:1
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Now, just a word of caution. These truths from Heaven are given “for me and me alone!” We are not to look at others with a judgmental eye.
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And anyway, we just don’t know how God is working in the hearts and lives of people, nor do we know the true motives of others!
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So we simply look into the mirror and realize that, “Christ Jesus came into this world to save sinners. of who I AM CHIEF!” 1st Timothy 1:15
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Yes, my own heart is filled with enough evil to keep me busy for a lifetime, trying to purify it from my own innate wickedness!
Now one thing that is noticeable and makes this constellation even more dramatic, is the fact that the Milky Way runs right through it. And the question that must be asked is, “What biblical implications does this constellation/Milky Way connection have?”
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Well, very simply put, if stars represent Believers, then this rider works in the world through His True-Worshippers, to a great extent.
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WHY IS THIS CONSTELLATION SO INCOMPLETE IN APPEARANCE
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So why is this constellation merely an outline? Well it does show his back, rear end and leg…and arm. But unlike, say, Orion, this constellation is very vague, even mysterious in appearance. Almost vacant in appearance. Yes this horseman represents Christ. But even more than this, it represents the Holy Spirit of Christ. And as we all know, the Holy Spirit is very, very, un-intrusive, almost impossible to detect His presence.
With the advent of DVDs, movie-watchers were at last given the choice of which ending they preferred, quite often with a happy ending or a not-so-happy ending. .
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These were called “alternate endings”.
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And yet, these “alternate endings” were originated long before DVDs came along!
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As a matter of fact, one of the very first stories to offer the choice
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Today’s Devotional, Year 1 – NOVEMBER 19th
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“Damsels & Dragons: Happily Ever-After!”
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Dragons and dragon-slayers and damsels in distress: these are the things that storybooks are made of!
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And down through the centuries, there has been no shortage of such intriguing tales.
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And quite often, those storybooks ended with the words… “And they lived happily ever after”
Signs Of Heavenwebsite reveals God’s own version of this same theme.
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Only difference is, God wrote this dragonslayer story in the heavens, in the day when He created the heavens and the Earth, as is written…“although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.” Hebrews 4:3.
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And He wrote it prior to Mankind’s creation, and He certainly wrote it long before Mankind had ever written such tales.
But unlike the make-believe children’s tales written by mortal men, this heavenly story is the only story ever told, which speaks the truth when it ends with… “And they lived happily ever after” (see Revelation 21:4).
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Because, in reality, the words, “ever after” present a big, big problem. Because the fact is, every earthly story ultimately ends with the death of all its participants, both good and bad, alike.
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But this heavenly story not only ends with “happily ever after”,and yet, is a true story as well; and not just a fairy-tale.
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P.S. And may your own personal story likewise end with… “And they lived happily ever after”,as you fully engage yourself in becoming a Follower & Disciple of Jesus today.
First, let it be stated, that this Dragon Constellation is not the same constellation commonly referred to as “Draco” (photo to right is Draco, AKA Ursa Minor).
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This Revelation 12 Dragon from Signs Of Heaven, has not been previously recognized.
But you will discover that it is a very intricate and complex constellation, once you are comfortable locating it.
ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.
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THIS IS STUDY #321 PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…
That world-shaking allegory, Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan, picked up the theme of the Narrow Gate. The hero of the story was Christian, a man who was warned to flee from the City of Destruction (the world), and to embark on a journey to the Heavenly City. And along the way, Christian encountered many adventures and dangers. This first of its kind allegorical book absolutely rocked the western world, and became perhaps the first million seller book (along with the Bible).
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But God has also given this same Narrow Way parable in the night heavens! Incredible? Yes, incredible…and amazing too! And though these two stars can hardly be considered a constellation, but when sitting next to the two stars which comprise the Broad Gate, well, it makes a powerful statement, for the people of God.
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So please come along on this journey and find out just why this pathway graces the night heavens, and perhaps you might find yourself embarking on your own pilgrimage up that very same Narrow pathway.
This most amazing phenomenon is seen throughout the winter. 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). Orion , the Dragon, and the Glorious White Horse are beginning to descend into the western horizon (sketch to right 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 below). 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. 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). 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. It begins with the Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation (AKA Ursa Major) going towards these two doors.
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The sketch to left shows, the two doors are each composed of two bright stars. The two bright stars that comprise the Narrow Gate are the two brightest stars of the Orion the Reaper’s sickle. The two stars that comprise the ‘Wide Gate’ Stars are the two brightest stars of the wave of water that comes out of theDragon Constellation’s mouth (for explanation of “Wave of Water”, just click here). The stars that make up the ‘Narrow Gate’ are about half the width of the Wide Gate (see sketch to right).
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(For more information on Orion’s sickle, just click here,“Orion The Reaper”.)
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Editor’s note: These sketches on this page are merely sketches. The stars are not in their exact place. However, they are close enough to find them in the night sky. But as with most stars, it takes persistence to finally locate them.
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WIDE & NARROW GATES IN THE HEAVENS
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As the opening verse says, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:13-14
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So what are these two gates all about? And how can I choose the right door? Well, just read this article and these questions and more will be answered.
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But before we explore these questions, let’s take a look at why these two sets of stars represent these two biblical gates.
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This sketch, while not 100% accurate, gives a fair portrayal of how this constellation group appears at winter’s end and even into June, when above the western horizon.
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HOW THE GATES RELATE TO ORION & DRAGON
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This sketch below is when these constellations are in the eastern sky in early winter (However, this constellation group can even be seen as early as July, in the pre-dawn hours).
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In the eastern sky, it’s not so easily seen which gate the Revelation 12 Woman will enter. The Wide Gate is made of the two brightest stars of this Wave of Water Constellation. Satan spews out the deadly water of his false worldly ideologies; which many of these ideologies have a form of godliness, but in some way are not in harmony; or perhaps these worldly ideologies add to the Bible, which is strictly forbidden (see Deuteronomy 4:2).
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On the other hand, the Strait Gate(narrow gate) is composed of the two brightest stars of the Orion The Reaper’s sickle. The true Strait Gate represents Jesus, the Word of God.
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Listen… “I [Jesus] am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” John 10:9
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THE TWO PATHWAYS
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“And unto this people thou shalt say, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I set before you the way of life, and the way of death.” Jeremiah 21:8.
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As this above verse declares, God has set these two pathways before each human. And each human must decide which door he or she will enter. Nobody who has come into this world has been overlooked.
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Listen…“[Jesus] was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” John 1:9.
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Now if this verse is correct (and it is), then Christ is the light that enlightens, “every man that comes into the world”. Christ is not just the light that enlightens SOME. But He is the light that enlightens EVERY man, woman and child who comes into the world; even those who have lived in remote places, throughout history. Every person has a conscience. And every man must choose whom he or she will serve.
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This is what the Bible calls, “the way of life, and the way of death.” Jeremiah 21:8.
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JESUS IS THE DOOR TO SALVATION
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The Strait Gate (or The Narrow Gate) ultimately represents Salvation. Salvation is the free gift of God. It is only by God’s grace that a man, woman, or child can enter in to Everlasting Life. And that free gift of Everlasting Life was provided by the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross, some 2,000 years ago.
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But there are many who do not understand what constitutes Salvation. This is because the Bible has been written in many little statements, which can easily be misconstrued, when taken out of context. But the entire Bible reveals what Salvation is. And the more we study that Book, the more we understand the entirety of God’s plan.
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And so, because of all the individual little precepts, the Devil has tried his best to lead the church-world down the wrong path, via many false shepherds, who are merely, “wolves-in-sheep’s-clothing”.
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Listen to Paul’s warning to the Church…“For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.” Acts 20:29
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And so, by such “grievous wolves” taking a set of verses out of context, false doctrines are formed, which have been accepted by the Church over the centuries.
“There is a way which seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12.
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It’s often difficult to know whether we are walking on the Narrow Way or whether we are on the Broad Way. This above passage from proverbs brings out this concept…“There is a way which seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”
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This confusing world in which we live seems to offer us many opportunities and many material things, which often appear harmless…even good! And of course, we must work among them, and live among them. And so, these things greatly confuse the issue.
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If only the people of the world behaved totally evil, then there would be no confusion among Christians. But the people of the world have a “form of godliness”. Yet the Bible warns us concerning the people of the world who seem to have a degree of goodness, that…
“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2nd Timothy 3:5
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So this begins to get confusing! Are we supposed to embrace unbelievers, or separate from them? Well, this above verse says we are to turn away from those who have a form of godliness, but deny the power of God.
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The above sketch to the above right is an embellished drawing of the Revelation 12 Woman (aka Ursa Major)`veering toward the Orion’s Gate Stars (aka Castor and Pollux). The stars in this sketch can be seen in these positions, simply by laying on your back facing upward, with your feet to the east and your head to the west in winter, when these constellations are beginning to be in the western half of the sky)
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“COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM”
2nd Corinthians 6:17
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“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. ” Colossians 4:5, 6
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We are to be kind to all, and to have Christ-like love for all. And while we are to beckon them to come and follow Jesus, we are nevertheless to separate from their company, as far as possible, when it comes to our fellowship and companionship. We are to be Christ-like in our dealings with Mankind. What this means is that we are to deal with the people of the world just as Christ did. And yet because of our past sins, we must also have the humility of Paul…who realized he was a very fallible human.
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Sin is very contagious. We are very weak. Those who think they can “warm themselves around the fire with unbelievers” (as did Peter, on the night of Jesus trial) just do not understand how powerful is sin.
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Listen… “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1st Corinthians 15:33
“For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life.” 2nd Corinthians 2:15-16
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Just think about it! If we are living the Christ-like life, who in the world would want to “buddy around” with us anyway!?! Only another Believer would dare hang around us, if we are truly Christ-like! Do we suppose that Jesus had secular friendships? Or Paul, perhaps? Or even the Apostle John? Certainly the Bible makes no mention of these three having secular friendships. Only those who were contemplating becoming followers of Jesus were interested in His companionship. Everyone else wanted them dead, it seems.
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Listen…“For such an high priest (Jesus) became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;” Hebrews 7:26.
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Jesus was (and is) the High Priest unto God! Jesus did not “buddy around” with sinners, as some suppose. No, He didn’t go to sporting events with them, or beach parties. But he did eat with them, in hope that they would hear His life-giving words and repent.
And as far as John’s holiness, just read John’s three Epistles and listen to his language. John had so merged with Jesus, that it seems that Jesus was speaking in John’s Epistles, and no longer John! No, the only persons who wanted to “hang out” with Jesus, Paul, or John were those who were already Disciples, or those who were contemplating becoming Disciples.
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The above verse from 2nd Corinthians says it all… “For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life.” 2nd Corinthians 2:15, 16
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This passage really reveals just how Christians are regarded by the world: “the savour of death unto death”.
Never, never do we ever read anything about secular relationships with those three Christian role-models (Jesus, Paul & John). And yet they evangelized more successfully than any other humans on this planet! They felt no need to begin doing secular fellowship in order to win over unbelievers. As a matter of fact, those three role-models were so busy with their spiritual life, they had no time for secular entertainment, even had they wanted to!
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Listen to Paul… “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21.
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Does this type of total devotion to Christ by Paul, sound like something that would attract worldly friendships?
ABOVE PICTURE – winter – Orion the Good Shepherd – www.signsofheaven.org
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“THE HIGHWAY OF HOLINESS”
Isaiah 35:8
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“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1st Peter 1:15, 16
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But the fact is, it is because we are yet worldly-minded to a certain degree, that unbelievers still desire our companionship. But we would like to think that through companionship with unbelievers, we can be an encouragement to them, to become like us. But the fact is, it is usually just the opposite that occurs: we become more like them…“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1st Corinthians 15:33.
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If we will only follow in the pathway of those three role-models, Jesus, Paul, and John, we will find that God will bless our evangelism far more than we now experience! And that pathway is what the Narrow Way of Matthew 7:13 is all about! The Narrow Way is all about becoming a follower and Disciple of Jesus. The Narrow Way is all about following in the path of holiness.
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Listen…“And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called ‘The Way of Holiness'”. Isaiah 35:8.
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A MOVEMENT IN THE HEART
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So now we begin to understand just what this Narrow Way is all about. It is all about keeping the mind fixed upon the Word. And just as this sketch to the right shows, it is the words of the Bible that are the stepping-stones on that pathway of holiness. And that pathway exists in our hearts. And as we hide more and more of God’s Word in our hearts, the brighter will that pathway shine.
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A ONE-ON-ONE EVENT
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No, God is not wanting us to start some cult or denomination. There will be no great assemblies. This “Highway of Holiness” is not to become some fancy title for some new religious group. God will not be at all connected to such a miserable human effort! The Highway of Holiness is a one-on-one communion between the humble, trusting child of God, and his or her Lord! It is not a group effort! Rather, it is the secret hiding place with God!
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Listen…“For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion: in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me; He shall set me up upon a Rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in His tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD…Thou art my hiding place; Thou shalt preserve me from trouble; Thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.” Psalm 27:5, 6 & 32:7
“In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats; To go into the clefts of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.” Isaiah 2: 20, 21
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God desires NOT to start some new Cult. He is not calling people to take some fancy biblical name, like for instance, “The Way of Holiness Cult”, and live in some compound. No, this Narrow Way is something the Believer does quietly, and alone…with God. The Christian walks this Narrow Way, whether at work, or at recreation with his or her children, or even at rest in bed or perhaps, even in one’s infirmity or confinement.
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The time for denominations, new or old, is over. Our gathering together is with Christ… “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” 1st John 1:3.
The Christian does not have to be in a gathering to have fellowship with God. Jesus made this same point with the woman at the well… “Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father…God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” John 4:21, 24.
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This exchange between Jesus and the Samaritan woman presents a great concept! Worshiping God can be accomplished anywhere! We need not wait until we get to some holy place. No, the Holy Place is within us: in our heart!
No, the time has come for God to arise to shake terribly the Earth. It is a time of wrestling, “one on one” with God, just like Jacob.
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Listen to this passage from Isaiah…“Come, My people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the LORD cometh out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.” Isaiah 26:20, 21.
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This is a very timely prophecy for the hour we are now in! And as this drawing shows, the frame around those storm-chamber doors, are all about unceasing prayer, and meditation on God’s Word. It’s all about separating as far as possible, from every evil influence, and about self-purification (1st John 3:3). This is the chamber we are to hide in, right now. This is done, while the Christian carries on the normal daily duties. In the simplest terms, it is letting Christ live out His life through the yielded child of God.
“To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He might be glorified.” Isaiah 61:3
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Satan, the arch-enemy and accuser of God loves nothing more than to propagate the lie that the Christian life is one of stark austerity, and a miserable daily round of penitent acts of self-denial. And while the Christian life does require giving up sin and selfishness, it must be understood that God replaces all that selfishness with good things: things which bring far greater joy into the life of a child of God.
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Listen… “Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.”Isaiah 51:11.
While it’s true, that the Christian must go through many trials and tribulations, yet the latter end for the Christian will be “gladness and joy”, as this above verse from Isaiah 51:11 declares.
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But for those who choose this world of sin, just the opposite is true: while they may enjoy the pleasures of sin and selfishness for a season, yet their end will be in bitterness and sorrow!
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Listen… “But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.” Isaiah 57:20, 21
For one thing, the Christian finds a peace which the world cannot understand.
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Listen… “I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him. But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.” Isaiah 57:19-21.
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God declares here that the people of the world do not find peace in this world, try as they may!
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But the Christian finally finds true “peace like a river”. And this is a peace “which passes all understanding.”
But there is something else, which the Christian receives, which the world likewise cannot understand: love. But this kind of love is so much greater than any love this world has to offer! Oh yes, the world may find affection for friends, family. Oh yes, God may allow them to somewhat find sympathy for others, at times, for God’s own purposes in helping the needy of the world. But the ever-growing love which the Christian experiences, far surpasses anything this world has to offer. And there is no end to God’s love! It is infinite!
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Listen… “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the Power that works in us,” Ephesians 3:17-20.
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This passage from Ephesians gives a hint that the Christian can attain to a far greater level of Christ-like love and faith than we can even imagine or think! The Christian community has set the bar far too low!
And not only this, but the Christian receives the very virtues which are in such very short supply in this present world…“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” Galatians 5:22, 23.
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Just imagine how much better your life will go, having these virtues present in your everyday experience! Can you imagine how much smoother your’s and my life would go, if we were constantly guided by these qualities in our everyday interactions with others?
But in addition to these wonderful virtues, the Christian gains something else, which the world does not have: he or she grows in the riches of heavenly wisdom and knowledge!
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Just listen to Solomon speak about that…“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.” Proverbs 3:13-18
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So this passage makes quite a promise, would you agree? This wisdom is not the wisdom which the world possesses. It is the wisdom of Jesus! It is an understanding which can only come through the power of the Holy Spirit! But it is a wisdom that grows through the years. Oh yes, we may say and do many foolish things. But over time, the Christian gains a meekness of wisdom which brings deep abiding peace to that Believer.
“Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD: This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter.” Psalm 118:19, 20
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The trouble is, that most of us want to get “comfortable” with our religion. We tend to want to rest on our traditional understanding. We want to settle down and enjoy this world.
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But we must go forward to gain Christ! His perfection is our goal! The ‘Christian Race’ we must run! The Christian battle we must fight! The upward pathway is set before us!
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But it’s hard to run a long distance race with our arms full of things…“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us…” Hebrews 12:1.
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Here Paul admonishes Believers that they must let nothing get in the way of their running that Christian Race. But Jesus said the very same thing…but in a slightly different manner. Just listen to the next verse…
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“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsakes not all that he has, he cannot be My Disciple.” Luke 14:33.
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Far too many in Christianity do not understand or believe the verity of these words of Jesus. Many spend a lifetime going to church each week, but never quite becoming a true follower of Jesus, simply because they have never let go of this present world.
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They strive to attain all the accouterments of this rich society, and yet try to have a relationship with God at the same time. All such will never know anything but a nominal religion!
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JUST HOW NARROW IS THE NARROW GATE?
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There are many ministries which proudly proclaim the mantra, “The Narrow Way”. Now some of these may truly teach the Narrow Way! But, no doubt, many of these do not fully understand, just how narrow is the Narrow Way.
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Jesus told His Disciples,“I am the Way…”John 14:6.
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When His Disciples began to follow Jesus, Scripture states, “and they forsook all and followed Him” Luke 5:11.
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Now God is not necessarily calling for every Christian to sell all their belongings. But when the True Worshiper receives the Spirit of Christ, at that point, he or she begins to lose interest in the amusements, and attainments, and attractions of the world. The Believer slowly begins to desire the things of Heaven: agape love, purity, patience, Bible meditation, self-denial, gentleness, graciousness, etc..
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Like that popular song says,“Turn your eyes upon Jesus…And the things of the world, will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace”.
But back to the Narrow Gate. We still haven’t answered this question. Just how
narrow is it?
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Simply put, the Narrow Gate is only as wide as Jesus. In other words. We must ultimately die to self. Self will not fit through that Door. Only selfless Jesus fits through that Door. And as the Christian fully dies to self, he or she will be able to say with Paul…“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me” Galatians 2:20
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But more than this, we need to also lose those things we have tried to bring into our religion: such things as circus acts, comedians, psychiatry-psychology, non-biblical-theological-jargon, entertainments, dramas, gambling, amusements, energy-sapping-careers, materialism, games, sports, ethnicity, non-biblical-traditions, extra-biblical ceremonies, etc… Yes, these things belong to this present world, but have no place in God’s kingdom.
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THE PURITY OF JESUS
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The world is waiting to see Jesus in us. Any thing that confuses or obscures Jesus, must be considered for the trash-heap. If ever there was a time for even the best of these things to be mingled into Christianity, that time is all but gone. And only those willing to cast away such things, for the sake of becoming perfected in Christ, before the onlooking world, will be used by God. Those who do, will be the New Testament fulfillment of Gideon’s 300 (see Judges Chapter 7).
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NARROW GATE STARS JUST TOO NARROW!
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One thing you will notice, upon locating this heavenly phenomenon, is that the Revelation 12 Woman is too large to fit through the Narrow Gate.
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So the question to be answered is this: How can she possibly fit through those Narrow Gate Stars, which appear much too narrow? One great answer to this perplexing problem is this: When Jesus said, “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God”,His Disciples exclaimed,“Who then can be saved?”
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To this question, Jesus answered, “With men it is impossible. But not so for God: for with God, all things are possible”. This is the answer also to just how this Revelation 12 Woman will finally fit through that very Narrow Gate.
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THE INDWELLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
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When a person becomes a True-Worshipper of God, then that person becomes in-dwelt by the Spirit of Holiness. So because he or she now has a new Spirit indwelling, the Spirit gently begins to cause that person to more and more spiritually live in Heaven, and as that old song goes,“the things of the world grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.”
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Now if that person is single, there’s nothing holding him or her back from making a complete turn-around in career or other endeavors. But if that person has a spouse and children, it may be much more difficult to simply make such a radical change. But God knows the heart! While people judge us by the outward appearance, God looks upon the matters within our heart.
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So a person may be temporarily locked into a lifestyle which appears more affluent than many would suppose to be Christian. Yet that “born-again” Believer has forsaken all those materialistic idols in heart, and is earnestly praying for God to bring his or her family along to a simple, Christ-like lifestyle.
“The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” Isaiah 40:6-8
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The above passage is from the Voice in the Wilderness. It is the message for the Church. The Church, like sheep, have been lured away from the simplicity of the pure Gospel.
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Just listen to the wise-man…“Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.” Ecclesiastes 7:29.
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The Church has allowed many of man’s inventions to creep into God’s house. The Voice in the Wilderness is a call to sweep away all such inventions, and so make plain the Narrow Way.
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We are now in the Judgment Hour known as the Day of the Lord, and the Valley of Decision. It is time for God’s people to fulfill the Book of Joel. The only thing which will fit through that Narrow Gate is Jesus, in all His purity.
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Study the Book of Colossians…“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power:” Col. 2:8-10.
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As this passage says, the Christian must not mingle the things of the world into Christianity. Jesus can only be seen by the world in His purity and beauty and simplicity, when the Believer keeps from adding worldly philosophies, and worldly traditions, and earthly-minded programs into the Gospel of Christ.
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Revelation 12 Woman & wide and narrow gates
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GOD WILL BLOW ON ALL GROUP EFFORTS
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We are complete in Christ. Nothing can be added, and nothing can be taken away. Nobody can improve on Jesus and His Word. No group effort will succeed. For God will blow on it, as is written… “Yea, they shall not be planted; yea, they shall not be sown: yea, their stock shall not take root in the earth: and he shall also blow upon them, and they shall wither, and the whirlwind shall take them away as stubble.” Isaiah 40:24.
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The Lord does not desire the formation of committees, or communes, or specialized-ministries. The time that is now upon God’s people is referred to as the “Time of Jacob’s Trouble”. It is the time when each and every Believer will be thrown into a personal time of trouble, such as this world has never before experienced.
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Listen. “And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which stands for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.” Daniel 12:1. This time of trouble will be a time when God’s people will be purified from all defilement, just as silver is purified by fire.
“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ,” 2nd Corinthians 5:20
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And this is what the Wide Gate and the Narrow Gate are all about. Jesus is not saying here that we must immediately trash every last piece of furnishing, car, house, etc.. But He is showing us what our desire should be. Our inward desire should be to become like Jesus in every way. We are called to be ambassadors to a lost and hopelessly dying world. A true worshipper of God will never find total peace as long as he or she falls short of Jesus. Of course, God knows we need food, clothing, and shelter. He won’t remove anything from us that He knows is best for us. But on the other hand, God wants us to rise above the faithlessness of the world, and begin to seek first the kingdom of Heaven.
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KEEP IT SIMPLE!
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But He doesn’t want us to turn earthly Mammon into an idolatrous pursuit. Just listen to Jesus…“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other…Ye cannot serve God and Mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?…But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:24-26, 33.
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This passage lays down a principle which Jesus exemplified in His own life, and now commands His disciples to likewise exemplify. A simple trust in Jesus, as followers, and a readiness to go wherever He calls, and do whatever He commands, is the very essence of what Christianity is all about!
“Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth.” Habakkuk 1:4
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The great problem is, that Christians are surrounded by a world (and by a worldly church!) which goes after the earthly pursuits and pride-filled attainments, and after the pleasures and entertainments. And this confuses God’s sheep to the point that they begin to go after those same things too. But God has called us out of the world to become ambassadors of Heaven. We are to let Christ live out His life through us. We now are to find our enjoyment in spiritual things: Bible study, witnessing, prayer, and being a “gently guiding breeze” to our unbelieving loved ones, even when they try our patience.
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“Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither Thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” John 14:5,6.
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“I AM THE WAY, THE LIFE AND THE TRUTH”
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Jesus shows us in this passage that all the commandments and all the Bible are really just pointing us to Jesus. Jesus is the WAY that we must walk. He is what TRUTH is all about! And Jesus is the LIFE we must live… “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” John 10:9.
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So here is where the Christian finds his or her self beginning to fight that fight which the Bible calls “a good fight”. It is not easy to walk in the purity of Christ. There are oppositions from without and from within. Often confusing and conflicting ideologies come at us in the form of well-meaning advice from those around us, urging us to follow the ways of morality instead of the life of faith.
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POWER FROM ABOVE…
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Now some may ask how this kind of commitment is possible. This next verse makes a promise that God will supply the grace we need for every thing in Christ…“That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the Power that works in us…” Ephesians 3:17-20
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What an incredible statement! God says in this previous passage that He can do far, far more than we ask or think.
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“I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME”
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Do you believe it? Do I believe it? Every one who calls himself a Christian should be praying for the grace to obtain this great spiritual blessing spoken of in the above verse. And, of course, God is very willing to purify us from our imperfections. This purification comes not only through Bible study and meditation on Scripture, but also through fiery trials which often come our way. And while many of these trials can be very unpleasant, when going through them, nevertheless, we must imitate Paul’s amazing attitude concerning his sufferings.
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Just listen…“(I) now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church” Colossians 1:24.
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If we are willing to allow God to bring us into such a Christ-honoring relationship with God, then we will know the same victory that Paul, and John, and Peter, and Enoch, and Elijah, and all the other champions of faith had finally achieved.
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“MAKE STRAIGHT PATHS FOR YOUR FEET”
Hebrews 12:13…
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…”The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, MAKE STRAIGHT in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain…” Isaiah 40:3,4.
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John the Baptist made this call, just prior to Jesus’ first appearance, 2,000 years ago. And this verse is speaking to us again, just prior to His re-appearance. This is the message that God speaks to us, in these last days. God has permitted a flood of material goods to overwhelm us in these last days.
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And now, by the experience of engaging in that materialism, we can finally see that “earthly Mammon”is only “vanity and vexation of spirit” (Ecclesiastes 2:26). All these earthly attainments and materialism which were so prevalent in the 20th Century, were of no true benefit to us or to our children, were they? At the very least we had to confess, that they brought us no spiritual benefit. On the contrary, we too, fell into the same excesses which ultimately destroyed the inhabitants of the city of Sodom.
“The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, MAKE STRAIGHT in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain…” Isaiah 40:3,4.
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The Prophet Isaiah here in the above verse, declares that in order to prepare for Christ’s Coming, we need to make our Christian pathway “straight”… “and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain…”There has long been many things brought into 20th Century Christianity, which only confused the purity of the Gospel. Various ministries, which were patterned after worldly humanitarian organizations had not been patterned after the early Church pattern. Theological doctrines and unbiblical jargon had caused division and separation of the churches. Various abominations in the form of circus acts, less-than-holy music, theatrical productions, sports, etc., were brought into the churches, as an attempt to make Christianity “more acceptable” to the people of the world.
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But God has been calling His people out of that Babylon of confusion! And only His True Worshippers have heard His voice, and followed Him to the top of Heavenly Zion. Then, and only then would God’s Army and Satan’s army take their respective places. Then and only then would the last battle be fully prepared, between the people of God, and the peoples of the world (and worldly Church).
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13
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The good news here is this: if you or I have not the faith to discard the things of this world, we can ask the Lord to remove them for us. He can do that. But we have to want it. And want it badly! And if we don’t want it badly, we can always pray for God to put it in our heart to desire that Christ-like self-sacrificing Spirit.
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Listen… “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.” Philippians 3:7.
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So Paul, with all his ‘earthly accolades’, actually compared these earthly attainments to ‘dung’. All Paul desired in this world, was to be as Christ-like as he possibly could become. He knew that in order to reach such a lofty goal, he must lose “all things”. He wanted nothing to slow him down in that “Christian race”…“I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.”
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“Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:78,79. God here promises to guide our feet in the way of peace. Wonderful promise!
The question must be asked,“How do I give up all in order to follow Jesus?”The answer to this is very simple. YOU DON’T!
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You don’t need to give away your belongings. God does not normally require a person to begin giving away all his or her earthly goods. But when a person receives the “New Heart” which God promises to give, there becomes a change in the desires, and the motivations, and the aspirations of that person. Slowly and imperceptibly the child of God becomes more and more intent on following Jesus. His or her desire now is to “sit at the feet of Jesus and learn of Him”; and to become like Him (see Luke 10:38-42). That new Disciple begins to desire to become an evangelist and tell others about the Lord Jesus.
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And if that new Believer has a family, he or she needs to bring that family gently along, praying constantly for them, no matter how long it takes. That new Believer must still provide for his family. But as far as that new Believer’s spiritual life, if his or her spouse is not a Believer, that child of God must climb that “heavenly pathway” alone, in a spiritual sense.
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The picture to right is of “Pilgrim” leaving his wife and children as he embarks on his heavenward journey. This picture is from “Pilgrim’s Progress” which tells of the pilgrimage of a Christian told in an allegorical storybook style. Now obviously, a Christian doesn’t actually abandon his family, as did ‘Pilgrim’. But the Christian’s upward pathway can seem awfully lonely at times, if that Christian has an unsaved spouse. This is what Bunyan was trying to convey in his book.
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Courtesy Wikipedia. Public domain. To listen to Pilgrim’s Progress on audio, just click here… “Pilgrim’s Progress”
The passage from Philippians Chapter 3 is a very long passage. But basically, it says…“But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.” Philippians 3:7.
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In short, Paul is speaking of himself as an example to all Believers. He makes this clear in 1st Corinthians where he encourages us to follow him in all things, even as he was a follower of Jesus Christ…“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1 (see also Philippians ch. 4)
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Again, Paul continues in Philippians Chapter 3, regarding the Christian race and how he forsook all… “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.” Philippians 3:12-15
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“GO AND SELL WHAT YOU HAVE…”
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“Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow Me.” Matt. 19:21
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And so this concept of, “forsaking all to follow Jesus”,is one of the most basic concepts found in the New Testament. This is what the children of Israel refused to do, for the most part, and fell in the wilderness as a result.
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“And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed Him.” Luke 5:11. Here the Disciples of Jesus forsook all so that they could be Followers of Jesus. Peter reiterates this idea when talking with Jesus… “Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.” Mark 10:28
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Those who are deceived into thinking that Christianity is just something to merely complement their worldly existence and their earthly dreams, show that they do not understand the Bible. Jesus told His disciples… “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33.
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This verse declares that Jesus is not looking for double-minded followers. He only wants those who are willing to live the rest of their lives in total service for Him.
Now Satan is not content for Christianity to be such a simple choice, and such a simple life. So he has worked tirelessly to take control of the churches and congregations, turning them into world-loving organizations. Either by preaching or by example or by both, today’s churches promote another Jesus, and another gospel, which proclaims that Christians can pursue Jesus, and have the world too. These world-loving congregations encourage their parishioners to seek a life of affluence, “while having Jesus too”.
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But Jesus says…“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple.” Luke 14:33
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These churches today are under the leadership of the False Prophet of Revelation Chapter 13. Satan comes as an angel of light, and his ministers as ministers of righteousness, to lead God’s sheep into his own pasture; onto his “Enchanted Ground” as the Pilgrim (Bunyan) so rightly called it. (see 2nd Corinthians 11:14, 15).
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“WE HAVE BECOME LIKE SODOM”
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You could call these congregations “wide gate ministries”, since that is where the False Prophet is leading these unsuspecting sheep. Young people are encouraged to get a high-priced education and obtain an affluent life-style. But God’s people in ages past encouraged their children to gain a Christian education, learning the Bible, so that they could become evangelists. But instead, we are unwittingly teaching our children today, to pursue the same affluence and excess which destroyed that city where the Dead Sea now exists.
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World-loving preachers will tell you, “Oh you can have the things of the world, as long as you don’t set your heart on these things.”
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But it seldom works out that way. More often than not, the Christian’s heart becomes divided. And a divided heart always becomes the servant of Mammon.“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and Mammon…For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:24 & 12:34.
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Oh yes, young people need to learn a trade. But God never encourages anyone to complicate their lives to the point that their relationship with Him becomes secondary. All that do this will eventually experience none at all, until perhaps God mercifully places them in a simpler situation.
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FINANCIAL GAIN IS NOT GODLINESS!…
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“If any man teach otherwise…men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, SUPPOSING THAT GAIN IS GODLINESS: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” 1st Timothy 6:3, 5-8
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WOW !! This verse even commands us to withdraw from those who hold to the current prosperity teachings which are so prevalent in the rich nations of the world today!
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Yes, the Christian must work to eat, and house his family. But that doesn’t mean he must maintain a lavish lifestyle like so many in this affluent society. Nor should he feel that he must devote himself to a career which both saps one’s energies, as well as preoccupies the thoughts to his or her eventual spiritual bankruptcy. Each must ask the question: “What am I allowing in my daily life to come between me and my Lord?”
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UNBELIEVING SPOUSE COMPLICATES MATTERS
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Now if the Christian’s spouse is still enamored by the things of this world, this complicates matters tremendously. And it may be quite difficult to simply “change course” in career, and other matters. This requires much prayer, and much heavenly wisdom as well as patience.
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“God will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee (on God)” Isaiah 26:3
There are many, many things in the world today which seem harmless. And it is not long until such duties and diversions pile up until they become a mountain of cares and pleasures and aspirations. But anything that interferes or crowds out one’s ability to meditate “day and night” on God’s Word should be considered for the trash-heap (see Psalm 1 & Psalm 119:11, 97, 105). And anything that causes the prayer-life to suffer should likewise be considered for the trash-heap. (“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17).
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And the following passage has a much greater message today than ever before…“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke 21:34-36
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THE BANK OF HEAVEN
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Now the people of the world are, quite often, very savvy when it comes to financial matters. Many are very good at saving their money. Many will look for good investments, in which to make their money grow.
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Signs Of Heaven heavily endorses the concept of storing up one’s treasure in Heaven.
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Listen… “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19-21.
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Why put our trust in Mankind to care for our money, when we have a “financial manager” in Heaven, who is far more faithful with our finances?
When Jesus was confronted by the Rich Young Ruler, He frankly told the young man… “Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow Me.” Matthew 19:21.
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So by this verse we learn that by giving to the poor (“poor” in the salvational sense), we will be storing up treasure in Heaven. But how do we make a withdrawal when we need money?
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Listen… “Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:25, 33. OK, so God here promises to take care of our every need, if only we will “seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness”. Do we trust God to fulfill His promises? Do we trust Him more than we trust our banker?
Now here’s another promise of God… “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19. OK, so God here promises to supply all our needs. No, He doesn’t promise to make us rich. God is too wise to give us riches. He knows that earthly riches will cause most of us to begin to become covetous. But if we are generous in getting out the proclamation of the Gospel, God will provide all our needs.
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Listen…“Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.” Ephesians 6:8.
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This is an amazing promise when it is considered that God promises to repay every good deed to not only the bond, but also to the free: to the Christian and to the non-Christian; to the unbeliever as well as to the Believer.
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And by giving to others, we will receive spiritual riches as well.“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” 2nd Corinthians 9:6, 7.
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There are many who always seem to be in a spiritual drought, who would find spiritual victory, if only they would loosen their purse-strings, and begin to walk the upward pathway of Christ-like love and unselfish charity. The greater their giving, the greater would those showers of blessings begin to fall upon them.
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“THE LORD…TEACHES…MY FINGERS TO FIGHT”
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“Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight” Psalm 144:1
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It is not easy to tell others that they must run a race and fight a battle. But God is a merciful God, who knows so well that, “we are dust” Psalm 103:14.Never be overwhelmed by the “Christian Race”. Never be overwhelmed by amount of miles that Paul trod. God is not calling most to do that, at least not at this point.
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The “Good Fight” can be won as a Christian takes a daily walk, praying for his or her self and for others. The dispensation of the Gospel can be accomplished by giving generously to faithful & frugal foreign missions. The Christian Race can be won while going about one’s daily duties, or even while sitting by a quiet river, or walking in a forest or field, contemplating the Bible. The “Christian Race” can be run as a Christian is lying in bed, making a complete surrender to Jesus in his or her heart.
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To simply hide under the shelter of God’s wings, trusting in His grace, and feeling totally helpless, when all seems to be going wrong, is perhaps the greatest victory that a person can win!
Remember that story in Mark, Chapter 2, in which a palsied man who had to be let down by his four friends into the house, to receive healing from Jesus? That man couldn’t even walk! And yet Jesus gave him victory right then and there, prior to him receiving physical healing.
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And so too, the Christian may be “spiritually palsied”; not able to do the slightest Christian duties. Like that palsied man, he or she too, may feel like the weakest of all saints. But like that palsied man, he likewise may get the victory, though he cannot seem to walk or fight, or run, spiritually speaking. For the real victory is won when a person truly forsakes all in his heart, to follow Jesus, as one of His disciples.
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Nevertheless, he should never cease to pray for great grace and healing, that he may be strengthened as was that palsied man, who got up and began to walk.
Yes, Salvation is a gift and cannot be earned. And yes, good works are NOT the cause of Salvation, but are the result of Salvation. No, we are not to work for our Salvation; but our salvation, if true, is to work for us, to bring us into victorious living. And if ever there was someone who could be confident about his Salvation, it was Paul. Paul the Super-Christian! Paul, the Role-Model for the Church. And yet Paul did not allow himself to take his Salvation for granted.
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Listen to Paul… “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14.
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PAUL FORSOOK ALL
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Paul wanted more than anything, to win Christ. Paul pressed toward the mark to win Christ. He took the attitude that he had not yet attained, either were already perfect. And it was true, Paul was not yet perfect. Nor had he already won that crown.
Because He came into this world and laid down His life in order to share that love with a world held captive by selfishness.
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And He offers that love to anyone willing to strive for that love.
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But the kind of love which Jesus offers is so much greater than anything Mankind has ever yet known.
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And so this Revelation 12 Woman is heading straight for the Narrow Door which leads to love…and life…and to joy everlasting.
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TO THE MOLES AND BATS…
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And so the Book of Isaiah foretells of a fearful day, in which the Church finally decides to cast its, ”idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats; To go into the clefts of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of His majesty, when He ariseth to shake terribly the earth.” Isaiah 2:20, 21.
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So this passage presents a very radical scenario concerning the last days. Will we, the Church, God’s Elect, fulfill this fearful prophecy? Will we cast away our earthly riches, and flee, “to the clefts of the ragged rocks, for the fear of the Lord and for the glory of His majesty”?
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Yes the day is coming and now is, when God’s True Worshippers will finally decide that in order to win that prize, that we must let go of our materialism and worldly endeavors and, as Paul exhorts, ”run with patience the race that is set before us” Hebrews 12:1.
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And so we are now able to see where we are heading…to the Narrow Gate…and into the Promised Land which lies within that Narrow Gate.
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
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If one studies nature carefully, it will soon be evident that natural beauty brings a certain peace and rest to the beholder. God loves peace and rest. When He placed our first parents in that beautiful garden, He gave them everything needful for health and happiness.
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Does anyone suppose that when this present Earth will be created anew, that New Earth will be any less beautiful than this present world. Oh there probably won’t be any dry deserts, or dead grass. But the Lord will place His faithful ones in every bit as much beauty and restfulness as enjoyed in the original garden.
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And no doubt, this beautiful garden pathway which the artist painted, only just begins to give a hint of what’s in store for those who will continue on that upward heavenly pathway, which is now before us.
So now we discover just what this Mystery Ship of Scripture is all about. And since it is now winter, you can find these two twin stars up in the night sky.
“Lift up your eyes on high, and behold Who hath created these things; that brings out their host by number: He calls them all by names by the greatness of His might, for that He is strong in power; not one faileth.” Isaiah 40:26
The above verse is a plea from God to look up at the Heavens and behold Who has created these things.
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In this busy work-a-day world, there are many very interesting things which can occupy one’s time and energy: hobbies, and careers, and entertainments and worries, and habits, to name just a few.
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But as the child of God devotes his or her life to God, there should be a jealous guarding of one’s own heart… “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23.
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The Christian wants nothing to get in the way of running that Christian Race.
But having said this, there is one hobby which every ‘Noble Berean’ may take up, which only compliments the pursuit of the heavenly Prize.
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Yes, Signs Of Heaven becomes a wonderfully rewarding hobby which, unlike many less meaningful hobbies, pays off with rich, heavenly rewards. Everlasting rewards!
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And unlike the person in this photo with equipment, all you need is fairly good vision, and a dark, starry night.
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And once a person really gets to know these heavenly messengers, it will become very apparent that the message connected with these signs is truly a message to be heeded.
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Thus will the Christian be able to share this message with others. And there are perhaps many nuances and hidden biblical truths to these signs which have yet to be discovered.
“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;” Luke 21:25
The very first step in finding these many constellations, should be to find the two main constellations: Orion, and the 7 Stars (aka, The Big Dipper).
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These two constellations represent Christ (Orion), and His Church (7 Stars).
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And just as these are the easiest constellations to find, so too, the first place to begin studying the Bible is the Four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John).
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These four books present Christ and His Church, when He walked the earth, just as Orion and the 7 Stars represent Christ and His Church, as seen up in the heavens.
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Then, once you are comfortable finding these two constellations, you can begin to locate the next closest constellations, and so on.
Now if you’re fortunate enough to be able to go on nightly walks, and you live in an area where you can safely view the stars, here is another Heavenly Hobby which Signs Of Heaven endorses…
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Why not combine star-watching with prayer, as you walk? What a great way to draw closer to God!
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It cannot be over-stressed, just how wonderful it is to walk under the dark canopy of Heaven, while lifting up one’s heart to our Heavenly Father! There is a closeness to God that cannot be described with words!
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(And even if you cannot safely do this, you can always do such prayer-walks in the daytime, in a safe place, such as a mall, which is every bit as effective, prayer-wise.
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And for those who are in confinement, one can view these starry signs on the Internet, or simply listen to Scripture on audio.
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Either way, all such may enjoy God’s richest blessings at this very time in which God is pouring out all Heaven’s treasures upon anyone willing to forsake all, and follow Jesus!)
Now of course, the Bible commands us to, “pray without ceasing“. The Christian is to constantly talk with our Heavenly Father throughout the day.
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But the Bible also holds up the godly life of Daniel, who, when captive in Babylon, still set aside three times daily, in which he knelt for special prayer.
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And furthermore the Bible also says… “Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and He shall hear my voice.” Psalm 55:17.
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Even those who are bed-fast or in a prison cell can begin to imitate Daniel in this way. And if one is fortunate to be able to walk, then this thrice-daily prayer regimen can be combined with three walks daily and even nightly.
“In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword
shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent,
even leviathan that crooked serpent;
and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea.”
Isaiah 27:1
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This constellation is made of most of the constellations in this website.
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The upper portion can be seen in the winter, while the lower blade is visible in the warmer months. (This constellation is actually in a semi-circle, as it appears in the night-sky. These pictures, however, show it as it would appear straightened out.)
The galaxy which appears to be climbing the Mountain of Blessing is the Andromeda Galaxy.
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The above Wikipedia star-chart shows this amazing constellation group as it appears from June to fall, just prior to the winter constellation group.
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Actually, these Valley of Decision Constellations appear in early summer in the pre-dawn hours. (Editor of this website has sketched in this constellation group onto this above Wikipedia star-chart.)
Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD,”
Isaiah 2:2, 3
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So where are the multitudes in this Mount Zion Constellation?
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Well, if you look at this sketch to the right, carefully, you will see an ENTIRE GALAXY making a slow trek up the steep slope toward the summit of one of the mountains.
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It is the mountain which is to the north in this sketch.
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This is the galaxy commonly called Andromeda.
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It is estimated to have possibly a trillion stars!
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Is a trillion stars a big enough multitude? Oh yes!
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Listen to God talking to Abraham…
…”And He (God) brought him (Abraham) forth abroad,
and said, Look now toward heaven,
and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them:
and He said unto him, So shall thy seed be.”
Genesis 15:5
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But this mountain in which this multitude of stars is climbing represents a very awesome and wonderful Bible concept.
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This mountain in Scripture is known as Mount Zion.
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And it is also known as the Mount of Blessing.
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It represents that spiritual mountain which Believers must climb, in order to reach the City of God.
The star-charts below (below, right) are from Wikipedia and are combined into one chart to show these three constellations, which the editor has sketched over with these three constellations, as they appear when in the west.
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Hopefully, this will be an assist in locating these constellations in the night-sky.
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LOCATION…
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The Revelation 12 Dragon Constellation can be located by finding Orion in winter months.
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The Dragon is to Orion’s left, and the Dragon’s mouth is right next to Orion’s shield.
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This Dragon’s mouth is the V-like constellation The Hyades Cluster, which is also known as the head of Taurus the Bull.
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The Dragon’s tail-tip is Pleiades and the lower shaft of his tail is partly of Ariesand Pisces.
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Then with aid of a dark and starry night, you may begin to connect the mouth and the tail with a very long body in an oval shape.
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The front and back legs are made of a few stars: the front legs partially of stars from Taurus.
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The back legs and rear fin are made of 6 stars from the CetusConstellation.
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BODY HARD TO SEE
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The long oval-shaped body has relatively few stars, but can been seen, howbeit with a dark, starry night.
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The four stars of the front fins are made partially of Taurus .
But the long oval-shaped body has relatively few stars, but can been seen, howbeit with a dark starry night.
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The four stars of the front fins are made partially of Taurus.
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This Dragon constellation appears in the eastern horizon about mid-summer in the pre-dawn hours, spewing his flood-waters northward toward the Woman of Revelation 12 (Woman in Travail).
The are two more less bright stars which are closest to the Dragon’s mouth.
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These two dimmer stars are also part of this Wave of Water.
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SATAN’S WAVE OF WATER CONSTELLATION
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“For this shall every one that is godly
pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found:
surely in the floods of great waters
they shall not come nigh unto him.”
Psalm 32:6
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The majestic waves of the sea.
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One of the most beautiful creations in nature!
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The sounds of the crashing surf!
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The moist wind and spray upon one’s face!
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Truly, standing upon the sand, and facing the ocean surf overwhelms all the human senses!
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It’s quite an exhilarating experience to say the least!
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But the ocean and the surf, and the sand were created by God, not merely for beauty’s sake; but also to teach.
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And the Bible has interwoven many aspects of nature into the Gospel story.
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And these various things in nature were created by God to instruct Mankind in Bible truths, both good and bad.
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Waves are used in Scripture to represent both good as well as bad things.
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And in the black sea of the heavens, is seen a constellation of a dragon.
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And this dragon is spewing a wave of water out of his mouth.
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And this article will explore just what all this means.
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And the Reader is invited to come and behold secrets in the Stars, which have been hidden since Creation; but now are being revealed by God, for such a time as this.
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So come along and behold these grand heavenly pictures which our great God has inscribed, in the heavenly scroll, and stretched, even from sky to sky.
In Revelation, the Dragon of Revelation 12 is described as having seven heads, ten horns, and seven crowns.
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However, the Dragon Constellation up in the night sky does not.
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But God has faithfully created the wave of water, in such a way, as to illustrate this same concept of the seven heads, ten horns, and seven crowns.
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Because this wave of water is basically composed of ten stars.
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The main body of the wave has seven stars (#‘s, 1 thru 7).
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And the tip of the crest of the wave has the other three stars (#’s, 8, 9 & 10).
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So, we have this 7/10 numbering.
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And this gives us a great clue, as to where in the Bible we should look, to find out the riddle as to just what or who do these 7 heads, 10 crowns, and 7 horns represent.
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Because, the Bible speaks very much about floods and waters as being associated with Satan (the Dragon).
This is the Winter Constellations of Signs Of Heaven.
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Besides Orion and his Horse, we also see pictured in this sketch, the Dragon of Revelation 12.
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This Revelation 12 Woman Constellation is fleeing.
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As you can see, the Dragon Constellation is spewing a flood of water in her direction, as is written…
…“And the serpent cast out of his mouth
water as a flood after the woman,
that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.”
Revelation 12:15.
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This wave of water represents Satan’s lies, and his false teachers who tell those lies.
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ABOVE STAR-CHART – Early Winter in the east – Orion, Revelation 12 Woman (AKA Ursa Major) – Revelation 12 Dragon (AKA Hyades, Pleiades, etc.) – Goodly Horse in Battle with Rider (Camelopardelis, Perseus, Cassiopeia, Andromeda, etc…) – www.signsofheaven.org – Not for profit use!
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GOD’S MESSAGE: FLEE!!
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Beholding the Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation in winter, it seems that God is trying to get a very important message across to His people…
The 3rd face of the Moon is a bit more difficult to locate, because it is mostly upside down.
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But this photo and this sketch (below right) are how this face would appear if it was turned right side up. (In the southern hemisphere, however, this is how the full Moon actually appears.)
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The 3rd face is the most difficult to see in the northern hemisphere, but once you do, it then becomes easy.
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This face is like a furry creature of the field.
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Maybe a rabbit.
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Maybe a squirrel.
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Perhaps a chipmunk.
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Probably a mouse.
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All “seekers”; all foragers and scavengers.
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And while this picture shows this little “beast of the field” right side up, this 3rd face is always pretty much in an upside-down position.
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The other two faces appear right-side-up, and are easier to locate.
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This photo and this sketch are both turned around to help you see this 3rd face easily.
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This enhanced sketch to the above right is merely to help you to see this face more easily. (As already stated, this 3rd face appears right side up in the southern hemisphere.)
“MOON IS CONFOUNDED”… The first face, a man’s face, is easy to see.
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It is that proverbial ‘Man in the Moon’.
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Most have seen it.
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Even as little children. (The other two faces are not so easy to see. But let’s concentrate on the first face.)
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Notice that the ‘Man in the Moon’ appears as though he is looking down at the Earth.
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‘Shock and Awe’!
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That’s the look on his face.
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Sadness too!
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You might even see the tears running down his cheeks. (“Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.” Psalm 119:136)
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The Moon is spoken of as a “faithful witness”.
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God’s covenanted law is spoken of as a faithful witness as well.
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Listen to the Psalmist…
…It (God’s covenant with David shall be established for ever as the Moon,
and as a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.”
Psalm 89:37.“
Notice here that God is comparing His Covenant to the Moon as a “faithful witness”.
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The Moon reflects the light of the Sun, just as Christians should reflect the light of the Sun of Righteousness, Jesus, who should be in their daily lives.
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And so the Moon fulfills the verse from Psalms which proclaims… “Praise ye him, Sun and Moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.” Psalm 148:3
This article will introduce this third beast-like face, inscribed in the Moon: a swine.
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And it will be shown that the three beast-like faces in the Moon, represent the concept taught in the above verseconcerning“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.
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Let’s explore this concept, for a moment.
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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.
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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.
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And of course, a swine is spoken of quite frequently in Scripture.
When God created the Moon and the stars, He ordained them to “rule the night” (Genesis 1:16).
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The Moon, especially when it is full, can light your pathway through the night, as it reflects the light of the Sun.
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So too, the Christian is to be a light to the world: to this sin-darkened world.
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But as the Moon must reflect the light of the Sun, in order to be a light to the world…
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…so also, must the Christian reflect the light of Jesus, to be a spiritual light to this planet in rebellion.
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Listen…“Ye are the light of the world…
Let your light so shine before men,
that they may see your good works,
and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16
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However, during an eclipse, the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, preventing that sunlight from shining on the Moon’s face.
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This is an incredible object-lesson about when the child of God allows the world to come between him and his Lord.
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Like the eclipse, that person no longer reflects the light of Jesus, because his or her love of this dark world of sin has eclipsed the light from the“Sun of Righteousness” (see Malachi 4:2).
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And so, this is just one of the many poetic truths seen in the Moon. (For more on this subject of an eclipse, you may link to the article… “Lunar Eclipse & Spiritual Eclipse”)
But before we explore these questions, let’s take a look at why these two sets of stars represent these two biblical gates.
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(This sketch, while not 100% accurate, gives a fair portrayal of how this constellation group appears at winter’s end and even into June, when above the western horizon.)
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HOW THE GATES RELATE TO ORION & DRAGON
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This sketch below is when these constellations are in the eastern sky in early winter (However, this constellation group can even be seen as early as July, in the pre-dawn hours).
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In the eastern sky, it’s not so easily seen which gate the Revelation 12 Woman will enter.
Satan spews out the deadly water of his false worldly ideologies…
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…which many of these ideologies have a form of godliness, but in some way are not in harmony…
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…or perhaps these worldly ideologies add to the Bible, which is strictly forbidden (see Deuteronomy 4:2).
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On the other hand, the Strait Gate (narrow gate) is composed of the two brightest stars of the Orion The Reaper’s sickle. The true Strait Gate represents Jesus, the Word of God.
If you have access to a very dark sky out in the country; if you watch this wreath, you will eventually see 5 more very faint stars, making a total of 12 stars, plus that single star in the middle.
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This wreath now becomes a crown of 12 stars.
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This goes along with Revelation 12, which tells of a crown of 12 stars upon the head of the Virtuous Woman of Revelation 12.
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Just listen to Revelation…
…“And there appeared a great wonder in heaven;
a woman…and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:”
Revelation 12:1.
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But this crown is not yet upon the head of the Virtuous Woman of Revelation 12Constellation (also known as Ursa Major).
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It is just above her head, as if she has yet to attain it.
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Of course, the 13th star in the middle would represent Christ (Who is our true Crown of our rejoicing).
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Okay, so we have a picture of Christ and His twelve tribes of Israel.
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But also, we have a picture of Christ and His twelve apostles, which is a picture of His Church.
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So, this heavenly crown is a multi-faceted concept.
It is comprised of all the other constellations on this website, as they appear in the night-sky.
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The only way to really see this constellation, is to become very totally familiar with this website.
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This is because this incredible constellation spans both the summer and winter skies.
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This constellation is actually in a semi-circle, as it appears in the night-sky.
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These pictures, however, show it as it would appear straightened out.
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There is an old song which goes…
…“The love of God is greater far
than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star,
and reaches to the lowest Hell…
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But the last verse of this song says…
…”Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade;
To write the love of God above,
would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
though stretched from sky to sky.”
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Now what makes all this so extremely interesting, is that this verse was found scribbled on the wall of a deceased “insane” person’s cell in a psychiatric sanitarium, upon removing his corpse.
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And little did this “insane” man realize, that God had actually written His love and inscribed that love on the scroll (of the sky).
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And God had actually stretched that picture of love from sky to sky, just as the song-verse said.
Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license
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A STAR & SCEPTER ARISES IN THE NIGHT SKY
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“Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.” Psalms 45:6
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Now, this 3rd brightest star in the night heavens, Arcturus, seems to very nicely fulfill the prophecy, “there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel”Numbers 24:17.
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But where would the scepter be in this prophecy? After all, it speaks not only of a star rising, but also of a scepter.
Here is a star-chart from Wikipedia, in which the editor of this site has sketched in this Cross/Scepter Constellation.
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The stars in this star-chart are accurately placed, and this Cross/Scepter Constellation stands out in brilliance, among the other stars in the night sky.
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The sketch below is the Summer Constellations, as seen when looking west.
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Well, if you look just to the south (south is to the left in this sketch) of Arcturus, you will see what appears to be a scepter.
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But this scepter also appears as a Cross.
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And this constellation has been named, the Cross/Scepter constellation.
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It can be seen in January, in the pre-dawn hours.
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Each night, it appears a little earlier, as it slowly inches its way westward.
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Finally, this constellation dips below the western horizon, in the fall, not appearing again till January, back in the eastern sky.
It is located in the southern sky. (Each night it appears a little earlier, slowly inching westward, through the summer, until it finally disappears below the western horizon in November.)
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At first, it simply appears as two twin birds flying westward.
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But if you look once again, it just might appear as a long box-like figure, with one star on the right, as you face it, and two stars on the left.
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The box, of course would be the Ark, and the stars on either side would represent angels, which are sometimes referred to as stars in the Bible.
This constellation appears in early spring in the south.
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It moves from east to west during the night and slowly moves to the western horizon by fall.
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It is commonly known as Sagittarius. (The three stars at the top of the 2nd Turtle-dove are not shown in some Sagittarius Star-charts, but are in others.)
So these Two Turtle-Doves are a sign of witnessing to a lost and dying world. And it may just be that these Two Turtle-Doves are a sign of God’s last message to the world!
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Yes, the Bible says…
“And there shall be signs in the sun,
and in the moon,
and in the stars;
and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity;
the sea and the waves roaring…
…And then shall they see the Son of man coming
in a cloud with power and great glory.”
Luke 21:25-27. (Condensed)
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And so, if these signs are a fulfillment of Luke’s prophecy, then these Two Turtle-Doves are a symbol of God’s last message of mercy to this world!
The first two mountains on the left in this sketch are known are the Mounts of Blessing and Cursing, as found in Deuteronomy 27:11-26 & Chapter 28.
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The valley between these two mountains is called the Valley of Decision, as is written…
…”Multitudes, multitudes
in the Valley of Decision:
for the day of the LORD is near
in the Valley of Decision.”
Joel 3:14.
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The Valley of Decision is not a physical place, but a spiritual valley in which each person of the world will make up his or her mind, as to just whom they will serve: God or Satan; God’s kingdom or this world (Satan’s kingdom).
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From the Mount of Blessing are heard all the blessingswhich result from serving God.
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From the Mount of Cursing are heard all the curseswhich result from disobedience to God’s will.
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And those in the valley will listen to both sides, and make up their minds, just who will they serve.
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A very simple choice, right? Wrong!
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ABOVE PICTURE – Fall Constellations – Valley of Decision Constellation & Revelation 12 Dragon
and their substance unto the Lord of the whole earth.”
Micah 4:13
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GOODLY HORSE IN BATTLE CONSTELLATION
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THIS STAR-CHART:Notice how the right front hoof is trampling on the tail of the Dragon. Also notice his eye is a star.
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It’s best seen when in the western half of the sky.
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It is found in mid-sky traveling from east to west.
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In January, it is in the west after midnight.
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As winter progresses, it can be seen earlier and earlier in the evening.
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A dark sky with good star-visibility is best, but not absolutely necessary to see this constellation.
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It is found on the opposite side of the Dragon Constellation from Orion.
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And as already stated, this Glorious Horse Constellation can be seen best in mid-winter when it is in the western side of the sky, and you are looking at it while you are facing west.
THIS STAR-CHART: This is a Wikipedia star-chart, in which this site’s editor has sketched in these three constellations (without the Holy-Ghost-Rider Constellation).
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Notice how the right front hoof is trampling on the tail of the Dragon.
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Also notice his eye is a star.
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It’s best seen when in the western half of the sky.
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It is found in mid-sky traveling from east to west.
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In January, it is in the west after midnight.
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As winter progresses, it can be seen earlier and earlier in the evening. a dark sky with good star-visibility is best, but not absolutely necessary to see this constellation.
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It is found on the opposite side of the Dragon Constellation from Orion.
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And as already stated, this Goodly Horse Constellation can be seen best in mid-winter when it is in the western side of the sky, and you are looking at it while you are facing west.
Gen 2:18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
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This above verse tells of God’s purpose for woman.
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Now of course, in the last few centuries, there has been a successful movement afoot to exalt women into leadership roles.
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And even though society lauds this achievement, the question is, is it truly a good thing for women to be in leadership roles?
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Women
Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Daily Devotional, Year 4, December 27 (Who Are the Daughters of Sara? Part 5 “Women: Helpers or Rulers? CONTINUED”
CLOUD OF WITNESSES… Also take note of the cloud on Orion’s backside.
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If you go out into the country on a dark, clear night, you can easily see the Milky Way running along Orion’s back side.
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This works very nicely with Orion the Reaper.
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Because the Milky Way is a heavenly cloud containing a myriad of stars.
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Thus, the white cloud mentioned in Revelation 14:14, 15, just might be referring to the Milky Way.
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“And I looked, and behold a white cloud,
and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of Man,
having on his head a golden crown,
and in his hand a sharp sickle.”
Revelation 14:14.
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But another verse about clouds likewise supports this conclusion…
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“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about
with so great a cloud of witnesses…
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.”
Hebrews 12:1
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CONCLUSION… the Milky Way, which is the cloud that the Orion the Reaper is sitting upon, symbolizes the myriads of stars which represents the myriads of those who serve god, throughout the heavens, as well as those whom the Lord seeks to save.
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This is a great and marvelous sign from heaven, and speaks of the infinite mercy of our Saviour which transcends knowledge and gives us a glimpse of things… “which are not lawful for a man to speak”2nd Corinthians 12:4
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TWO STARS ON ORION’S SHOULDERS…
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“And thou shalt take two onyx stones,
and grave on them the names of the children of Israel:
Six of their names on one stone,
and the other six names of the rest on the other stone…
And thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulders of the ephod
for stones of memorial unto the children of Israel:
and Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD
upon his two shoulders for a memorial.”
Exodus 28:9-12 (condensed)
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Notice that there is a star on each of Orion’s shoulders.
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This would seem to represent the onyx stones, one on each shoulder of the high priest in the Old Testament temple service.
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One stone represented 6 tribes, and the other stone represented the other 6 tribes.
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This would seem to represent God’s faithful followers throughout time.
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On Orion’s right shoulder is a red star.
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This would seem to represent those Christians who were martyred throughout the New Testament era.
If you look carefully, you will notice the Dragon’s lower front tooth is also red, somewhat matching the star, Betelgeuse, on Orion’s right shoulder.
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These two red stars both seem to symbolize the martyrs who have died by the hand of Satan (the Dragon).
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So to use a popular phrase, this lower red tooth of the Dragon seems to appear as his “sweet tooth” for the blood of the martyrs for Jesus.
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“BUT HIS HAND IS STRETCHED OUT STILL”
Isaiah 9:12, 17, 21
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“For God so loved the world,
that He gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish,
but have everlasting life.
For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world;
but that the world through Him might be saved.”
John 3:16
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PASSIONATE REAPER…
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Now during the winter and through the night, Orion begins to stand upright, as seen in the sketch on the right.
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Notice the 3 stars just inside His sickle in the left sketch.
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Also notice that Orion is seen here looking like a baseball player diving backward in a desperate attempt to make a catch.
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This Reaper is not complacent in his attempt to harvest these 3 stars.
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That should tell us something about our Savior.
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God is not just sitting up there in Heaven with His arms folded, as He sternly looks down upon us.
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No, Jesus still walks through the dusty highways and byways of this world, via His Spirit: comforting the sick, saving the lost, and freeing those who cry out to Him for deliverance from their bondage to sin and Satan, just as He did 2,000 years ago.
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GOD LOOKS DOWN AT US IN LOVE
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“And there are also many other things which Jesus did,
the which, if they should be written every one,
I suppose that even the world itself
could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.”
John 21:25
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The above verse is nothing short of amazing!
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This world could not contain the books that should be written! God is truly the Good Shepherd!
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Listen again to Scripture…“I am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd gives his life for the sheep.” John 10:11.
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No, the Savior is active in this world in many ways we know nothing about.
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In this painting to the right, is an artist’s rendition of the view from the Cross.
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Do you suppose that Jesus saw any of these people in hatred? or in love and pity? Scripture says… “for God is love.” 1st John 4:8.
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Notice it doesn’t say here that God simply loves, but it says, “God is love”.
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Oh yes, God hates sin, and the workers of iniquity.
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But it is a perfect hatred, far beyond what Mankind can understand.
THE GOLDEN RULE… As believers go out into all nations (and even in their own household and neighborhoods, and (most importantly) in their prayer-closets…
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…as they cry to God on behalf of other souls), they need to pattern their lives after the divine Pattern, Jesus.
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Our prayers, our dedication, our…laying-it-all-on-the-altar attitude, should be filled with this same fervor we see illustrated in this constellation, Orion the Reaper.
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Just listen to Scripture…
…”If you fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture,
you shall love your neighbour as yourself, ye do well.
But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin,
and are convinced of the law as transgressors.”
James 2:8, 9
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If we were the lost ones, with how much zeal would we like God’s people to have, in reaching out to us?
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With how much fervor would we like others to be praying for us?
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This is the essence of the Royal Law…
…”Give, and it shall be given unto you;
good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over,
shall men give into your bosom.
For with the same measure that you measure to others
WHEAT AND TARES (WEEDS)… There is coming a day when the world will come to an end.
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There will be a great harvest of all the people who ever lived. Jesus said…
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“The harvest is the end of the world;
and the reapers are the angels.
As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire;
so shall it be in the end of this world.
The Son of man shall send forth his angels,
and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend,
and them which do iniquity;
And shall cast them into a furnace of fire:
there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.
Who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
Matthew 13:40-43
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Just as the chaff are burned at the end of the growing season, God compares this burning of chaff to destruction of the wicked at the end of the world.
“He that gathers in summer is a wise son: but he that sleeps in harvest is a son that causes shame.” Proverbs 10:5.
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This verse seems to tell us that we must be watching for the souls of all, “as they which must give account”. Hebrews 13:17.
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We will have to give account for these things very soon!
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And this verse tells us that any time is a good time to be entering into the harvest as workers for the Kingdom…
…”behold, I say unto you,
Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields;
for they are white already to harvest.”
John 4:35
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People often shake their heads or roll their eyes every time they see a pair of evangelists from one of those cults going door to door.
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But on Judgment Day, some of those very “cultish” ones just might stand up and condemn those of us who sat on our ‘lees’, instead of doing what they did.
“And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye,
but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?…
Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye;
and then shalt thou see clearly
to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.”
Matthew 7:3, 5
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Perhaps the greatest harvest we can engage in is the harvesting of God’s Word in our hearts.
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It is by hiding God’s Word in our hearts, that others may begin to see Christ in us.
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This is the evangelism in its truest form!
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There are those who travel over land and sea to win souls for Christ, and yet their own heart has never been evangelized!
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FIRST SOUL RIPE FOR HARVEST: ME!
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It just might be better to stay home and commit God’s precious promises to memory, and spend time pleading for God to remove my un-Christ-like harshness, than to travel to exotic places to hand out literature…
…”He that gathers in summer is a wise son:
but he that sleeps in harvest
is a son that causes shame.”
Proverbs 10:5.
This verse not only applies to gathering souls, but to gathering the Word of God in the heart!
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When Christ comes, He will judge us by how I used my talents to improve the spiritual condition of my own heart, rather than how many people I preached to.
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Just listen… “Many will say to me in that day,
Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name?
and in Thy name have cast out devils?
and in Thy name done many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, ‘I never knew you:
depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.'” Matthew 7:22, 23.
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To be so busy in some ministry or church duties, without personal purification time, is futile, at best.
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The main focus of any Christian should be the purification of his or her own heart.
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“GO YE”…INTO ALL YOUR HEART & PREACH THE GOSPEL
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“And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” 1st John 3:3
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Shouldn’t we get out there and win souls for Christ?
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Yes, they do urge us to get busy.
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And yes, we should.
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But maybe we should get busy in ways that we don’t usually think about.
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True, we certainly want to get the word out, “that people need to repent”.
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But have I repented yet? We can tell others about Jesus.
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But can others see Jesus in me? In you? Are we consistently honest in the smallest matters of life?
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Do we unfailingly treat others with love and compassion? Do we?
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Or do we see people as though they are “trees walking”? (read: Mark 8:23-25).
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In other words, do we really see the people all around us as souls in need of Salvation?
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Or do we shut up our brotherly love when we shut up our Bibles in the morning after study?
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Just like that old TV ad says… “Don’t leave home without it”,we should be so prayerful, that when we walk out our front door, we take our spirituality with us throughout our day!
Do I smile a heavenly smile as I tell another shopper about Jesus, but then angrily retaliate when a store clerk is rude?
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Do I obsess on politics, instead of meditating on God’s Word?
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Do I look with disgust on “those perverts over there”, instead of praying for their Salvation?
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“THOU WHITED WALL!”
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“And Paul, earnestly beholding the council,
said, Men and brethren,
I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.
And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.
Then said Paul unto him,
God shall smite thee, thou whited wall:
for sittest thou to judge me after the law,
and me to be smitten contrary to the law?”
Acts 23:1-3
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Paul, in the above passage was giving his Christian testimony before his accusers. He made the bold statement… “I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day”.
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At this point the High Priest commanded him to be slapped on his mouth.
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And the result of that insulting slap, Paul reacted with proud anger.
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Paul quickly shouted…“God shall smite thee, thou whited wall!”.
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This proved to be a mistake, since it was the High Priest whom Paul was rebuking.
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Then Paul quickly apologized for speaking thus to God’s High Priest…
…”Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren,
that he was the high priest:
for it is written,
Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of Thy people.”
Acts 23:5.
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And as we read Paul’s letters and read of him in the book of Acts, we see Paul becoming more and more gracious through the years of his ministry.
The above verse should be the motto of every Christian.
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And it should have been Paul’s as well!
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But Paul realized his mistake, because it was God’s High Priest he rebuked.
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This was one of the few times in which Scripture points out Paul’s sin.
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And Paul’s weakness was usually in the area of pride.
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But regardless of who it is who offends, the Christian should not react with anger, when persecuted.
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Paul made a great mistake by calling someone a “Whited Wall”, even if it was true.
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He should have simply turned the other cheek (see Matthew 5:39).
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Jesus was the divine Example.
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When he was slapped, He remained silent…
…”He was oppressed, and He was afflicted,
yet He opened not his mouth:
He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb,
so He openeth not His mouth.”
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DAILY BEHAVIOR IS BEST WITNESS
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Many Christians desire to bring others into the fold, and yet it is easy to forget that one’s daily behavior is the greatest witness either for Heaven or for Hell.
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And even the people of the world will be nice when things are going well.
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But for the most part, it is the Christian who will remain kind even when being mistreated.
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Well, at least that’s the way it’s supposed to be!
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IT’S BETTER TO SUFFER LOSS… We need to be 100% loving, gentle, and kind to all…yes even to our enemies.
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Remember what Scripture says… “A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.” Proverbs 18:19.
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The love of God is not something that you turn on then turn off, at will.
and where thieves do not break through nor steal:”
Matthew 6:19, 20
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There are just too many promises regarding giving and receiving to mention here.
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But let it suffice to say, that there is no safer place to invest one’s money than to invest in Heaven.
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Many in the poorer countries of the world are starving to hear the Gospel.
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Many of us in this affluent society can easily give 20 or 30 percent or more of our income, if we would only live a self-sacrificing lifestyle; especially those of us who are without a spouse and children.
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But even if we do have a family, we could possibly give much more than we presently do.
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And just listen to this promise… “Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.” Ephesians 6:8.
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Quite a promise, wouldn’t you agree?
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Now God is too wise to give us riches, knowing how easily selfishness can set in, under such circumstances.
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But if we will make Heaven the place where we store our treasure, God…
“…shall supply all your need
according to his riches in glory
by Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19.
Now that’s also quite a promise! God will supply all our need.
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WINNING SOULS OUR PASSION
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“For if ye love them which love you,
what reward have ye?
do not even the publicans the same?
And if ye salute your brethren only,
what do ye more than others?
do not even the publicans so?”
Matthew 5:46, 47
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It is inevitable that the world will be offended at Christians.
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But woe to us if we needlessly offend others.
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We should give absolutely no thought to our wounded pride…
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…or to our financial loss…
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…The only concern should be to win souls for Christ’s kingdom. (We must get on our spiritual knees and beg God’s forgiveness…because we all have offended in the past).
We need to have an epiphany about our past bad behavior, just like old Ebenezer Scrooge, in this picture to the right.
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Remember in that old story how Scrooge had a night of great terror over his past behavior.
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We too, have been selfish in so many ways…at so many times…thinking about our own feelings…thinking of our own loss, instead of considering just how precious are those lost souls.)
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“The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” Jeremiah 8:20
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Let none of us allow this verse to apply to us, because of our neglect of duty.
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“If you forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death,
and those that are ready to be slain;
If you say, Behold, we knew it not;
does not He that ponders the heart consider it?
and He that keeps thy soul, does not he know it?
and shall not He render to every man according to his works?”
Proverbs 24:11, 12.
This verse makes it clear that we have no excuse for our ignorance and prayerless-ness for others.
And so, once we really comprehend the totality of our devotion to Christ, which God requires of His sons and daughters, we can then begin to really enjoy our abundant fellowship with the Father and with His Son.
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And day-by-day, we will absorb God’s Word, by studying, by listening to audio Scripture, and by contemplating how that Word applies to our everyday life.
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And then, we can go out each with the assurance that we are a living epistle of Christ, known and read of all men!
The above verse is a plea from God to look up at the Heavens and behold Who has created these things.
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In this busy work-a-day world, there are many very interesting things which can occupy one’s time and energy: hobbies, and careers, and entertainments and worries, and habits, to name just a few.
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But as the child of God devotes his or her life to God, there should be a jealous guarding of one’s own heart… “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23.
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The Christian wants nothing to get in the way of running that Christian Race.
But having said this, there is one hobby which every ‘Noble Berean’ may take up, which only compliments the pursuit of the heavenly Prize.
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Yes, Signs Of Heaven becomes a wonderfully rewarding hobby which, unlike many less meaningful hobbies, pays off with rich, heavenly rewards. Everlasting rewards!
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And unlike the person in this photo with equipment, all you need is fairly good vision, and a dark, starry night.
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And once a person really gets to know these heavenly messengers, it will become very apparent that the message connected with these signs is truly a message to be heeded.
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Thus will the Christian be able to share this message with others. And there are perhaps many nuances and hidden biblical truths to these signs which have yet to be discovered.
The very first step in finding these many constellations, should be to find the two main constellations: Orion, and the 7 Stars (aka, The Big Dipper).
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These two constellations represent Christ (Orion), and His Church (7 Stars).
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And just as these are the easiest constellations to find, so too, the first place to begin studying the Bible is the Four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John).
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These four books present Christ and His Church, when He walked the earth, just as Orion and the 7 Stars represent Christ and His Church, as seen up in the heavens.
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Then, once you are comfortable finding these two constellations, you can begin to locate the next closest constellations, and so on.
God’s people in these last days, have been flooded with every device that Satan could possibly conjure up, to cast across our pathway, and lead God’s sheep astray. And though the Church has been greatly hindered, God is about to purify His sin-laden people, who will finally lift up the Cross of Christ with such power and glory, as this world has never before seen.
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And the Reader may just discover the way that he or she might also help lift that Cross up. And God has inscribed in the heavens, a picture of how the Church lifts up the Cross, as they imitate their Lord.
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So please read this very important article. And though it may take 30 or 60 minutes or more, it will be well worth the read.
This phenomenon begins in late October, in the pre-dawn hours. It then begins a little earlier each night, and lasts for several months, until they both appear to lie down once again.
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This Wikipedia star-chart to the left, has this Orion Constellation sketched in.
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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.
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Try to imagine it as a Cross on a steep hill.
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The 3-star belt of Orion becomes the crest of the hill.
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The 3 very faint stars that make up Orion’s head become the very top of the Cross.
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These 3 stars require a dark night to see clearly.
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Next, locate the 7 Stars Constellation. This 7 Stars Constellation is seen by facing northward.
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It stands upright a little later in the night.
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Eventually, Orion will lay down and no longer be seen as an uplifted Cross!
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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 PICTURE: The Cross of Orion – www.theheavensdeclare.net – 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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7 STARS = 7 ANGELS of the CHURCHES
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7 CANDLESTICKS = 7 CHURCHES
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“The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand,
and the seven golden candlesticks.
The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches:
and the seven candlesticks which you saw are the seven churches.
Revelation 1:20.
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The above verse is from the opening chapter of Revelation, and makes mention of this constellation.
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But notice that this verse relates this constellation to God’s people…
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“The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which you saw are the seven churches.” Revelation 1:20.
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And though this passage seems to have been from a vision which John saw concerning God’s HEAVENLY sanctuary, nevertheless, the EARTHLY sanctuary was a type and symbol of the heavenly, in which this 7-Flame Candlestick enlightened the earthly sanctuary (shown in this picture).
But as Jesus spoke this prophecy, He revealed the true meaning of the earthly sanctuary, and how it actually pointed to the Church of God.
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Listen once again… “…and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.” Revelation 1:20.
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Incredible! So God here is revealing an amazing revelation: that the 7-flame candlestick in the Old Testament Sanctuary Service was actually symbolizing the New Testament Church!
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Candlesticks of the Holy Place – www.thebiblerevival.com – Public-Domain
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IN SUMMER
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This sketch is of the Summer Constellations, when they are in the western skies.
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Sagittarius is in the south, and the 7 Stars (Big Dipper) is in the north.
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ABOVE STAR-CHART – Summer Constellations w/ark (aka: Sagittarius) & Flower of the Field (aka: Scorpio) & Cross-Scepter (stars from both Serpens & Ophiochus) & The Glorious Crown (aka: Corona Borealis plus other stars) & The star: Arcturus & The 7 Stars (aka: The Big Dipper) – www.theheavensdeclare.net
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“COME, TAKE UP THE CROSS AND FOLLOW ME”
Mark 10:21
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“Let the people praise Thee, O God;
let all the people praise Thee.
Then shall the earth yield her increase;
and God, even our own God, shall bless us.
God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear Him.”
Psalm 67:5-7
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Jesus came to this Earth to give His life a ransom for many.
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But He also came to take up His Cross as the example of how we should also love one another.
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He was (and is) the living breathing Word of God, for all the heavens and earth to behold!
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And when His ministry was finished, He returned to Heaven.
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But He left instructions for the human family.
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And He says to us all… “For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” John 13:15.
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This concept is written in the heavens. God has placed the stars in such a way that tells this marvelous concept of lifting up the Cross of Christ: self-sacrificing love for Mankind.
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First, Orion, representing Christ, lifts up the Cross.
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Then, just a little later, the 7 Stars Constellation, representing God’s Church finally lifts up the Cross, seemingly in response to Orion’s prior example.
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These two constellations are the two brightest and most prominent constellations in the winter-night sky.
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And they represent the two greatest concepts of life: Christ and His Church.
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No, Christ’s true Church is not a particular denomination.
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But God’s True Church, is found wherever His individual true worshippers may be interspersed among the inhabitants of the world.
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(The sketch to the above left is ‘Orion’ as it is seen, beginning in October in the pre-dawn hours, in mid-sky. The sketch to the right is of the ‘7 Stars’ Constellation as it is seen through the first half of winter, as it imitates Orion. These above two sketches are both rough drafts of those two constellations, Orion as well as the 7 Stars. And while they are not completely accurate, they are close enough to the actual constellations, for website guests to hopefully be able to locate them in the night sky. )
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THE IMITATION OF CHRIST…
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“…how can we know the way (said Thomas)?
Jesus saith… I AM THE WAY AND THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.”
John 14:5, 6
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Jesus, in the above verse, is telling the world that the law found in the Bible, is fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and third Eternal One of the Godhead.
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Jesus came, not only to give His life in payment for Mankind, but also to present His spotless life as an example of how we are to live.
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Jesus Teaching His Disciples – Luke 4:31-32
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CROSS PROVIDED A PLACE IN HEAVEN
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“In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”
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From this Old English translation, many mistakenly think that Jesus went back to Heaven to begin building giant homes, even colonial mansions. But Jesus was actually talking about going to the Cross to provide a place for us in Heaven!
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And this verse can also be translated like this…“In My Father’s house are many mansions (MANY OR EVEN MUCH ROOMS)…I go to PROVIDE a place for you.”Jesus made this statement, just prior to going to the Cross. As yet, there was no place for lost humanity in Heaven. Sin had forever barred Mankind from entering the gates of Heaven…
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Listen…“And I saw a great white throne, and Him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the Heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.” Revelation 20:11
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Yes, all Heaven and all earth fled away from God! And there was no place for us; we who rebelled! But by dying in our place, Jesus provided a place in God’s vast universe for as many as might turn to Jesus for life-eternal. Thus the upward pathway, to the gates of Heaven was finally opened to anyone willing to follow Jesus unreservedly.
Jesus tells us that “I am the way”. Jesus calls each and every one of us to“come and follow Me, andI will make you fishers of men”. Matthew 4:19
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When a man, woman, or child gets this call and responds, he or she then begins to embark upon a spiritual journey like none other in the world. It matters not whether a Follower is strong or weak, or even confined to a hospital bed, or even to a prison cell! Because following Jesus is accomplished in the heart (our mind). And just like those 12 Disciples, the Follower begins a sojourn, which leads on an upward pathway of experience and knowledge and love (and trials).
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And so begins a process in which the Believer will diligently cooperate with God as God works in him, to help him discard his worldly “skin”, so to speak, as he now walks upward, upon the Highway of Holiness (see Isaiah 35:8).
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Jesus provided this Way of Holiness, by His death and resurrection on the Cross.
But aside from the Way of the Salvation, His life was also an example of the Way for all to follow…
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“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the Light of Life.” John 8:12
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LAYING DOWN OUR LIVES… OK, so the above verse says we must follow Jesus. But how does a person follow Jesus?
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Listen… “Then said Jesus unto His disciples, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it.” John 16:24, 25. So Jesus here tells us the way to follow Him: lifting up the Cross in our own life.
The Apostle Paul says it this way, as he wrote to encourage the early Church… “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am (a follower) of Christ…Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” 1st Corinthians 11:1 & Philippians 4:9.
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So these two verses show that Paul’s life was an imitation of the life of Jesus. And it is not hard to see that Paul had completely devoted his life in whole-hearted servitude to Christ.
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And Paul says that Believers should follow his, Paul’s life, in those areas in which he was Christ-like. Perhaps, the following statement by Paul could be considered his mantra for life…“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21
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Of course, there were instances when Paul sinned, such as when he called the high priest“a white-washed wall” (Acts 23:3).And He is not saying anyone should follow him during those few times when he presented himself a bad example. But the greatest percentage of Paul’s converted life was such, as is worthy of our imitation.
JESUS IS THE END OF THE LAW… Jesus also says here that“I…am the truth”. Whatever we read in Scripture is seen best when contemplating Jesus. All the commandments begin to make real sense as we see just how our Savior lived out His life on Earth.
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The whole Bible points to Jesus… “Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me.” John 5:39.
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Many places in the Old as well as the New Testament, Jesus is found, as we see Him revealed in allegories, types and shadows.
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But in the above verse, Jesus is in no way downplaying the importance of Bible study. Listen to what He says in the following verse… “If ye continue in My Word, then are ye My disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32
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So we see from this above verse the importance of studying, contemplating, and walking by God’s Word. Because, if we persevere in God’s Word, we shall eventually overcome the world. Thus Jesus said“…if ye continue in My Word”.
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There are those who begin in God’s Word, but do not “continue” in God’s Word, for one reason or another. As the Follower of Jesus continues to grow in the Word, he or she imperceptibly becomes more and more changed into the image of Jesus (see 2nd Corinthians 3:18). This is the essence of what it means to “continue” in Christ’s Word.
The Old Testament portion of the Church did not see the beauty of the Law, as does the New Testament Church. After all, we now see Jesus, the fulfillment of the Law. Jesus hadn’t yet come in Old Testament times. So for the vast majority, they only saw the Law as rules which must be obeyed.
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Think of it this way. The life of Jesus was like a beautiful symphony. Like the laws of the Bible, music also has many, many laws which must be followed for that music to make harmonious strains and beautiful sounds. But also like the Bible, music too, needs to be composed and performed with love… else it will sound rigid and cold.
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And like the laws of music, the laws of the Bible must also be fulfilled in love, if they will be beautiful.
The Old Testament religious leaders failed, to a large degree, to keep the commandments from a heart actuated by love. Their life-style was rigid and cold as far as their attempt to keep the commandments. It became a mountain of heavy rules to follow.
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Consequently, they made, for the most part, a mockery of commandment keeping!
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They did not live by the following verse…“Love works no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” Romans 13:10.
Then along came Jesus! His loving and faithful parents raised the child, Jesus, in poverty and in lowly home-schooling.
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The biblical training as well as the protection from wickedness which He no doubt received from them, prepared Him for the incredible ministry which awaited Him in the future.
But when that ministry began, the people, for the most part, didn’t recognize His obedience. This was because His obedience was so vastly different from their way of following the Bible.
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His life was motivated from a heart of self-sacrificing love and charity towards a fallen world. Their hearts were mostly still imprisoned in selfishness and worldly desires. Jesus was graceful and pure in His obedience. He was like that beautiful symphony!
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The laws of music are obeyed, but also blended perfectly by the music-master’s touch. So too, Jesus knew how to walk in obedience and yet blend the various laws together in such a way, that could only be accomplished by the power and leading of the Holy Spirit.
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ABOVE STAR-CHART – Sign of the Son of Man – www.theheavensdeclare.net – Not for commercial uses
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“YEA, THY LAW IS IN MY HEART”…
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When a composer creates a new song, he doesn’t need to think about every single musical law as he places each note and passage in order. No, the master-composer so well knows the musical laws that he instinctively incorporates those laws into his new composition. So also, Christ had hidden the law within His heart from the days of His childhood.
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And guided by the Spirit of Holiness, He walked in the beauty of holiness (see Psalms 29:2), as He led His disciples through the highways and byways of Israel. The life of Christ was as a beautiful symphony. The law flowed out naturally and harmoniously, and this was something the people of God (and the world) had never before seen!
Jesus says…“I am…the life”. The life that we are to live has been shown to us, when Jesus came down to this lost world and walked among us. Not only did He give us a chance for new life, when He atoned for our sins, by His sacrifice on the Cross; but He also gave Himself an example, that we should walk even as He walked.
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Listen…“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20.
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Paul is telling us that he is crucified from his old, selfish ways. And now, Paul tells us that Jesus is living out His life through Paul. Jesus became Paul’s life…“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21. These are the words of Paul. And these should be the words of each of our own hearts as well.
“We have been with child, we have been in pain, we have as it were brought forth wind; we have not wrought any deliverance in the earth; neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen.” Isaiah 26:18
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And now that a few minutes has been devoted to seeing Christ as the Divine Role-Model for the Church, a few more minutes must be spent facing the stark reality of the 20th Century Church.
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The above verse from Isaiah presents a sad picture of the failure of God’s people, and how they failed in their commission to evangelize the world. Oh, it’s not that we didn’t try to evangelize the world. Much effort had been spent (perhaps “mis-spent” is a better word) trying to get out the Good News. However, the Bible declares that an apostate Church can expect nothing from the Lord.“For let not that man (a double-minded man) think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.” James 1:7
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The Revelation 12 Woman is fleeing, giving us a heavenly allegory of what God wants His people to do. This woman is fleeing to the Orion’s Gate, that is, to the Narrow Gate. This will be accomplished when God’s people finally understand their duty, and the frightful hour they are in.
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ABOVE PICTURE – The Narrow Gate & Wide Gate (this view of these stars can only be seen like this when laying on one’s back on the ground with head toward west and feet toward east!)- Late winter – Ursa Major – www.signsofheaven.org- you may use with credit – NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE
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“YE CANNOT SERVE GOD & MAMMON!”
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“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:24
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Satan has thus far waged a successful campaign to prevent God’s people from fulfilling their mission in the world. Satan, the “god of this world” has flooded this modern-day world with every type of distraction imaginable, in hopes of derailing the Church from fully engaging itself in the work of overcoming.
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Energy-sapping and time-consuming careers, sports, amusements, resorts, fashions, fads, television, radio, movies, intriguing novels, curious sciences, colorful magazines, super highway Internet, gregarious clubs, time-consuming hobbies, exotic travel, bigger houses, acres of lands, feverish romance, and on and on the list goes, of all the many distractions which the Devil has invented in order to seduce the hearts, divert the energies and efforts, and win the affections of God’s people!
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And to a great extent, the Church has bought into Satan’s great lie and deception!
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Now, it’s not that having a hobby is wrong, or going on a vacation, or having an adequate car, or getting married, etc….
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But rather, it is when these things begin to take precedence over one’s life, resulting in a diminished spiritual life, that they become a destructive idolatry!
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DOUBLE-MINDED CHURCH PRODUCES NOTHING
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“We have been with child, we have been in pain, we have as it were brought forth wind; we have not wrought any deliverance in the earth; neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen.” Isaiah 26:18
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Now there are many from among the Lukewarm Church of the 20th Century, who, while realizing that we were still double-minded, yet were deluded into thinking that we were nevertheless under the blessing of God.
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And the great False Prophet, Satan, came with,“all power, signs, and lying wonders”to“deceive, if possible, even the Elect”of God into believing that we could remain in such a semi-diseased condition, and still enjoy the blessings of God. But all the while, in reality, it was Satan who was the one showering on us, his own counterfeit signs and wonders.
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JESUS OUTSIDE KNOCKING
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Jesus was yet standing outside, knocking on the door, desiring to come in and sup with us. But the Church was seeing signs and wonders, new souls brought into the Church, exciting music, charismatic evangelists, speaking-in-tongues, people slain-in-the-spirit; and yet it was a different spirit altogether, who had become the underlying power within the fallen church-world.
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Listen again to Isaiah…“We have been with child, we have been in pain, we have as it were brought forth wind; we have not wrought any deliverance in the earth; neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen.” Isaiah 26:18.
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This passage is not speaking merely of the Old Testament Church. This is speaking about the very time of the end, when God’s people are in the same worldly condition as was the Church in the days of Isaiah.
“They have sown wheat, but shall reap thorns: they have put themselves to pain, but shall not profit: and they shall be ashamed of your revenues because of the fierce anger of the LORD.” Jeremiah 12:13
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And so, God’s professed people in the 20th Century were thinking that God was converting many into our ranks, but we were only filling up the apostate Church with more and more Anti-Christs: false brethren, and the worldly-minded. As this above verse points out, God’s people thus-far, have produced nothing as far as conquering the world for Christ.
Listen once again…“We have been with child, we have been in pain, we have as it were brought forth wind; we have not wrought any deliverance in the earth; neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen.”Isaiah 26:18.
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Is there anything in this passage which gives any hope that the Church was successful in the slightest degree in evangelizing the world? We have not given birth to Christ, but have brought forth as it were, wind. We have not wrought any deliverance in the Earth. Nor have the inhabitants of the world fallen. We have been an utter failure! At best, we have only brought multitudes into an apostate, prosperity-driven gospel,“supposing that gain is godliness! From such, withdraw thyself!” (1st Timothy 6:5)
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Rock Music Christian CHURCH – Wikimedia – Public Domain
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CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH…
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“Let the people praise Thee, O God; let all the people praise Thee. Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us. God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear Him.” Psalm 67:5-7
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But the long-afore-promisedSigns Of Heaven are now appearing! And God has written a great message of hope in the heavens. This is a colossal heavenly picture of Christ and His Church. And the Church is seen here doing its best imitation of Christ, as the Church uplifts the Cross.
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“He that says he abides in Him (Jesus) ought…to walk, even as He walked.” 1st John 2:6
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This verse from 1st John says it all. Those who claim to be Christians must not only “talk the talk” …but also to “walk the walk”. This is the essence of what this particular verse above is all about.
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And there are two classes of “Christians” within the Church. Those who “talk the talk“, and yet have no great desire to lift the Cross in their daily life.
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To this class, Jesus plainly confesses…“This people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honoureth Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me.” Matthew 15:8.
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And then there are those who are striving to become like Jesus in every way. And while they have not yet fully lifted up the Cross, they are struggling to do so. These are the ones whom Jesus referred to as“true-worshippers” (John 4:23).
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ABOVE PICTURE: The Cross of Orion – www.theheavensdeclare.net – not for commercial use
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“THE WICKED COMPASS ABOUT THE RIGHTEOUS”
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“Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth.” Habakkuk 1:4
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Yes, God is giving His Elect a message of hope. And this message of hope is confirmed in the Book of Habakkuk.
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You see, very early on in the Book of Habakkuk, God reveals the fundamental issue of that prophetic Book. The righteous have been infiltrated by anti-Christs: Chaldeans. And because these false brethren have surrounded God’s people, we have, to a great degree been leavened by the worldliness and self-seeking in the Church.
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Listen… “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1st Corinthians 15:33. And this verse from 1st Corinthians is just another verse that we have been deceived concerning.
“Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you.” Judges 2:3
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We have been deceived into thinking that it’s not important whether we freely associate with unbelievers, personally or by watching TV, or Internet, etc.. And many false shepherds have deceived the flock into believing that they must, “make friends with unbelievers, in order to convert them!” But God plainly declares that we are not even going to, “get to first base” with God, until we make decided efforts to separate ourselves, as far as possible from evil associations.
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Just listen to this next passage… “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?….Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” 2nd Corinthians 6:14, 17, 18.
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So as this passage plainly declares, that God will be a Father to us, IF and WHEN we finally get serious with God, and obey His command to,“come out from among them, and be ye separate”.
Yes, separation and total devotion to Christ is the big message of Habakkuk.
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Listen…“And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” Habakkuk 2:2, 3.
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Yes, at the very end, this vision of Habakkuk will begin to speak. And at that time, God’s people will flee. And as a matter of fact, the vision of Habakkuk has been made plain upon tables: yes God has written this message to flee upon the tables of the night-sky!
ABOVE PICTURE – The Narrow Gate & Wide Gate (this view of these stars can only be seen like this when laying on one’s back on the ground with head toward west and feet toward east!)- Late winter – Ursa Major – www.signsofheaven.org- you may use with credit – NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE
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JESUS : “SEPARATE FROM SINNERS!”
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It is one thing to evangelize unbelievers. That’s OK. But to have worldly-oriented fellowship with them is quite another matter!
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Jesus had dinner with unbelievers and skeptics. But this was only for the purpose of evangelism! He did not keep company with abject unbelievers, but only with those who were contemplating Salvation. His true friends were only those who were sincere followers.
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Listen… “For such an high priest (Jesus) became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners…” Hebrews 7:26
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Yes, Jesus was separate from sinners. Tragically, there have been many church-goers who have been converted back into the world, by not heeding 2nd Corinthians 6:17…“come out from among them, and be ye separate”.
This Woman Constellation represents the Woman of Revelation 12 (You may notice that her torso and right leg is made of the 7 Stars Constellation.) And she is a picture of God’s people throughout time.
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And so it makes perfect sense that the “7 Stars” Constellation would be a part of this Woman Constellation, since the 7 Stars represents the New Testament Church. But the real point of even mentioning this Woman Constellation, is that it is only as this Woman appears to be running, that the 7 Stars begin to appear as a Cross, lifted up.
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In other words, when this Virtuous Woman appears to be fleeing from sin, and as she also appears to be running the Christian race, and as she is fleeing to the Narrow Gate, is when she also appears to be imitating her Lord Jesus. Notice that same uplifted Cross, is made of her torso and right leg, in the sketch to the right. Can you see the 7 Stars in her right leg and torso? Can you envision the Cross there?
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So God has intertwined the ideas of lifting up the Cross, and fleeing from sin, and fleeing to a Christ-like life, as she flees to the Narrow Gate Stars.
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ABOVE PICTURE – 7 Stars Constellation as the Cross (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses
“The LORD God is my strength, and He will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and He will make me to walk upon mine high places.” Habakkuk 3:19
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In the above verse, the Lord is giving us an idea of just where we are to flee to: “Mine high places”. It is when God’s people really begin to comprehend the importance of cleansing the temple of their own heart, that this above passage will be fulfilled. The converted human heart is to be an extension of God’s most Holy Place. We are the Temple of God, as Scripture points out. And in the Christian’s heart is to be that sacred Ark, filled with God’s Law. A pure and undefiled Temple. This is the place in which Habakkuk warns us to run to! This is where our “hind’s feet” are to take us: to a high and holy mountain: Mount Sion, if you will!
Now this heavenly concept presents an important Biblical truth. It is when God’s people really begin to flee from sin and sinners, that the Church will begin to resemble Christ. And likewise, it is when God’s people begin to run the Christian Race, that God’s people will begin to lift the Cross of Christ for all the world to see. And when the fires of tribulation begin, then will the remaining dross of sin be fully removed from God’s people. If the Reader wishes to read more about this subject of the Fleeing Woman, just click here… “Running the Christian Race” or “Woman of Revelation 12-The Fleeing Woman”.
So the question to be answered is…“When is the Church going to imitate Christ?”God knows that His Church is not imitating Christ at this present hour. Satan has so loaded this society up with materialism (“Mammon”-see Matthew 6:24) and earthly cares and pleasures, that His Church has likewise become worldly-minded and distracted.
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His people have become “double-minded”… “For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” James 1:7,8.
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As this verse states, many are double minded: stuck somewhere between materialism and the desire to become Christ-like.
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ONE THIRD AND TWO THIRDS…“And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on My name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is My people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.” Zechariah 13:8, 9.
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This little known passage from Zechariah has far more to do with the state of God’s people today, than most people can imagine! So please proceed to the next little section below to find out why.
“And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on My name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is My people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.” Zechariah 13:8, 9
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Notice that this above passage says that out of the three parts that make up God’s people, two-thirds will be cut off and only one-third will be brought through the fire as gold. If you put two-thirds into decimals you find that it is, .666%. And God says that two parts shall be cut off from God’s people. Do you or I belong to the two-thirds part that will be cut off from a relationship with God? Or are you or I part of the one-third part that God will purify in the fires of tribulation? For an in-depth look into this subject, just click here, “Moon Into Blood”.
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(It also must be noted, that this 666 number has more Biblical nuances. This is discussed elsewhere on this website, in articles, such as the “Moon Into Blood Trilogy” and other places.)
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Mark of the beast pub. dom. Wikipedia
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“But when will God have a people who will uplift the Cross in these last moments of history?”
“And there shall be upon every high mountain, and upon every high hill, rivers and streams of waters in the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall. Moreover THE LIGHT OF THE MOON SHALL BE AS THE LIGHT OF THE SUN. And the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day that the LORD binds up the breach of His people, and heals the stroke of their wound.” Isaiah 30:25, 26.
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When God heals the breach and stroke of His people, they will shine as the Sun! This above passage seems to be speaking of the Moon as representing God’s people. So the Moon (God’s people) will shine as the sun in the day when the towers fall.
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Listens to Songs…“Who is she that looks forth as the morning, FAIR AS THE MOON,” Songs 6:10. Well who is she, who is fair as the Moon? God’s people…that’s who!
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But when will this happen? The question to ask is this:“have we reached the day when the towers have fallen?”
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Are there any verses that support this idea of the Church shining brightly?
Are there any verses that support this idea of the Church shining brightly?
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“Then shall the righteous shine forth as the Sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who has ears to hear, let him hear.” Matthew 13:43.
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We always assumed this verse was speaking of the time AFTER this fallen world will be no more. But putting the above two verses together, we begin to see that there is coming a time when God will heal His Church. Then when the Church has been purified from all dross, the Church will shine forth as the Sun.
“The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. THEN SHALL THE RIGHTEOUS SHINE FORTH AS THE SUN in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.” Matthew 13:40-43.
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This verse appears to be speaking of the last period of this world’s history. The dross will be removed from amongst God’s people. The Church will be purified. They,“will come forth as gold”…”tried in the fire”. (Job 23:10 & Revelation 3:18).
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God will have a purified people. But we must be subjected to the purification process. That which is offensive must be “burned away” so to speak.
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The furnace we are thrown into, is the “furnace of affliction”, spoken of in Isaiah…“Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.” Isaiah 48:10. And so, it says here that God will refine His people.
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Listen…“When He shall come to be glorified in His saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.” 2nd Thessalonians 1:10.
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This verse speaks of the day when Christ will be glorified in His saints. Yes, this verse reveals that Christ will then be admired in all them that believe! This is because, in that day, the perfected Christ will shine out from within his saints.
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ABOVE PICTURE – 7 Stars Constellation as the Cross (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses
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“EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW”
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“But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” Romans 14:10-12
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The above passage reveals that there is a day coming in which all humanity will bow before the Lord, and confess their sins to God. And most believed this will happen after the world has been burned up, and all are standing before God. And no doubt, this will happen. But there are other passages which give evidence that all humanity will surrender to God prior to the burning up of this world. Listen to the next passage…
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“Let the people praise Thee, O God; let all the people praise Thee. Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us. God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear Him.” Psalm 67:5-7.
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Now when it says here that all the ends of the earth shall fear God, it becomes evident that we do not fully understand the events of the last days. But it seems from this passage that when the Church finally praises God with all our heart soul, strength, and mind, then and only then, that the inhabitants of the earth shall fall.
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ABOVE PICTURE – 7 Stars Constellation as the Cross (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses
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“ALL YE NATIONS: PRAISE HIM”
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Here’s another interesting passage. Actually this is an entire Psalm, Psalm 117.“O Praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise Him, all ye people. For His merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.” Psalm 117. Not only is this the shortest chapter in the Bible, but it is the exact middle chapter of the Bible.
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But beside those interesting facts, the most interesting aspect of this Psalm, is that it almost would make one get the idea that God will have mercy on all the inhabitants of the world.
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ABOVE PICTURE – 7 Stars Constellation as the Cross (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses
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“THE CREATION SHALL BE DELIVERED”
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Just one more passage along this same line of thought.
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Listen…“For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of Him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.” Romans 8:19-23.
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Now this passage sounds like it’s speaking of animals, when it says “creature”. But the word “creature” can also be translated “creation”. And so these passages (and many others) begin to present the concept that we just do not understand the extent of God’s mercy. Nor do we understand what will happen on Judgment Day.
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But the point to all this is: when God’s people finally and fully uplift the Cross of Christ for all the world to see, then it would almost seem as if there will be a massive conversion by the peoples of the world.
But of course, we only, “know in part, and we prophesy in part”. So we will just have to wait and see how things turn out! We just cannot get dogmatic, when there are seemingly conflicting verses concerning all these things!
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Maybe the following Psalm says it best…“LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me. Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child.” Psalm 131:1, 2.
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It is futile to try to fully understand Judgment Day. And while we hope for the Salvation of all, we just need to keep from trying to understand things which have not yet been revealed!
Listen to this next verse about the 7th Angel with the 7th Trumpet…“But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as He hath declared to His servants the prophets.” Revelation 10:7. And what mystery will God reveal at the blowing of this 7th Trumpet? Listen…
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“Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:” Colossians 1:26, 27.
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OK, so it says here, this mystery (Christ in you) is already known to God’s Church. But God wishes to reveal this mystery also to the unbelievers. And so, when God’s Church finally uplifts the Cross in our own lives, then will this wonderful mystery be fulfilled. The world has heard about Christ, but the world has yet to see a Church manifesting that Christ lives in us. Then will the mystery of God be finished.
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But how can God’s Church uplift the Cross while we are still clinging to so many idols? God is going to have to somehow remove our idols from our tightly clenched grip.
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GOD WILL SHAKE HIS PEOPLE…
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So the logical question to ask is this:“exactly what will happen that will prompt God’s people to cast their idols of silver and gold to the moles and to the bats?”…
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OUR IDOLS MUST GO… “In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats; To go into the clefts of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of His majesty, when He ariseth to SHAKE TERRIBLY THE EARTH.”Isaiah 2:20, 21.
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It would appear from this verse that God is going to rise to shake terribly the Earth. So it appears that whatever God does to shake terribly this Earth, is going to cause His people to cast away their idols, and get themselves ready to“shine forth as the Sun”. It seems that God must shake His people out of our death-like slumber and spiritual lethargy.
A HEAVENLY PARABLE… If you go out on a dark night and find the 7 Stars in this upright position, it looks very colossal. Just imagine this incredible Cross, towering high in the heavens. When you see this constellation as the uplifted Cross, it’s almost scary to behold!
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This heavenly parable should be an inspiration to God’s people. This God-given ensign should sober us up to the solemn responsibility that lies before us. It’s time to glorify our Lord. It’s time to pour that costly spikenard upon our Savior.
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The Lord will accomplish His work in us. The fiery furnace is already being heated up seven-times. Have we prepared ourselves to stand in the evil day?
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ABOVE PICTURE – 7 Stars Constellation as the Cross (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses
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“THE SINNERS IN ZION ARE AFRAID”
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Listen to this next fiery verse… “The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness has surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the Devouring Fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings? He that walks righteously, and speaks uprightly; he that despises the gain of oppressions, that shakes his hands from holding of bribes, that stops his ears from hearing of blood, and shuts his eyes from seeing evil…” Isaiah 33:14, 15.
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This verse is a tall order for God’s people to accomplish. How can we fulfill such a high calling? How can we dwell with the Devouring Fire?
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This old painting of the Apostle John, presents a wonderful concept which should not be overlooked! The artist has portrayed John as looking like his Lord. Yes, John had so merged his life with Jesus, that when reading his epistles, one comes away with the realization that John had finally achieved a total transformation into the likeness of Jesus!
“Come, My people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: HIDE THYSELF as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the LORD comes out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.” Isaiah 26:20, 21.
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This verse is definitely talking about Judgment Day. In that day, God’s people are warned by God to get into our chambers and hide ourselves. This verse seems to be speaking of that complete trust in God. We need to daily hide under God’s wings…
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“Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of Thy wings,” Psalm 17:8.
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We need to hide ourselves in Him, because the day is almost here when God is going to show the inhabitants of the world our sins…“the earth shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.” Isaiah 26:21….
So the day is coming in which all things will be revealed… “Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day (of the Lord) shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.” 1st Corinthians 3:13.
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Yes, the day we are now entering will reveal just what true nature of our work.
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And so with this sobering passage in mind, it is manifest that there is only one way to escape this awful judgment.
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Listen…“Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought His judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD’S anger.” Zephaniah 2:3
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So here we are counseled to seek even more of God’s righteousness, and even more of His meekness! And even then, God tells us that,“it MAY BE ye shall be hid in the day of His wrath”!
“In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats; To go into the clefts of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of His majesty, when He ariseth to shake terribly the earth.” Isaiah 2:20, 21
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“AND THEY SHALL CAST THEIR IDOLS…TO THE MOLES AND…BATS”… There are many of us who have been struggling for years to achieve a consistent walk with the Lord. The only encouragement to those who are likewise struggling is this: 1. Immerse yourself in God’s Word. 2. Carry a small Bible in your back pocket. 3. Commit verses to memory, whenever you have a spare moment. 4. If that isn’t possible, then listen to God’s Word on cassette or MP3; while you work, if possible…while you walk…while you’re laying in your bed: the Psalms, Job, Matthew, Jeremiah, any and every book of the Bible. 5. Or simply meditate day and night on what you read. 6. Pray without ceasing. 7. Cease from amusements, hobbies, diversions and any other thing that interferes with total concentration on the Gospel. 8. Focus on Christ. 9. If you are in servitude to debt or obligations…pray to God to pay them off & free you from such entanglements ASAP. 10. And by all means, separate yourself AFAP from evil communications, which will corrupt the purity of your heart. And while we cannot come completely out of this evil world, as yet; nevertheless, we can come a good way out!
“…To go into the clefts of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of His majesty, when He ariseth to shake terribly the earth.” Isaiah 2:21
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This website cannot endorse any better ways to hide yourself in Jesus, than such efforts as these (The 10 things listed in the previous section). This is all about our Salvation! Does anything else in this world of sin compare to the magnitude of going through the coming crisis? It’s going to steal upon us like a thief in the night!“What I say unto you, I say unto all…WATCH!” Mark 13:7
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And by totally immersing ourselves in Christ, in prayer and meditating on His Word, we may find that our life will begin to come into harmony with Jesus. And though Satan will assail us with tribulation and temptations, we will nevertheless find our self hiding our self in the clefts of that Magnificent Rock…Jesus Christ…“O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs…” Songs 2:14.
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Like these three Rock Doves, God’s people must likewise be found in“the clefts of the rocks”. And like these three doves, we must hide ourselves in prayerful trust, separation from ungodly influences, and in His Word, the Bible. Then, when God begins to shake things up in the world, you will then be ready to dwell with the, “Devouring Fire” (Isaiah 33:14). Then the Church will lift up the Cross for all the world to behold!
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“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” 1 John 5:4. No matter how discouraging things may get in the future, we must never give up hope! The Devil will try to make us believe that our case is hopeless. But we are reminded of that verse in 1 Corinthians 13:8…“Love never gives up.”
We always just took this constellation for granted! The Big Dipper! But now we can see it as God intended! Now we can see it is speaking of a most Holy concept! This page speaks of the Seven Stars Constellation (AKA Big Dipper), and how it relates to Revelation, as well as to God’s faithful people (You can find this constellation under most star-visibility conditions.)
The second article, “The 7 Stars & The 7 Bowls of Wrath” presents a new concept concerning the Book of Revelation which defies all Church Orthodoxy! But you have to click the link to read all about it!
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A HEAVENLY HOBBY
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“Lift up your eyes on high, and behold Who hath created these things; that brings out their host by number: He calls them all by names by the greatness of His might, for that He is strong in power; not one faileth.” Isaiah 40:26
The above verse is a plea from God to look up at the Heavens and behold Who has created these things.
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In this busy work-a-day world, there are many very interesting things which can occupy one’s time and energy: hobbies, and careers, and entertainments and worries, and habits, to name just a few.
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But as the child of God devotes his or her life to God, there should be a jealous guarding of one’s own heart… “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23.
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The Christian wants nothing to get in the way of running that Christian Race.
But having said this, there is one hobby which every ‘Noble Berean’ may take up, which only compliments the pursuit of the heavenly Prize.
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Yes, Signs Of Heaven becomes a wonderfully rewarding hobby which, unlike many less meaningful hobbies, pays off with rich, heavenly rewards. Everlasting rewards!
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And unlike the person in this photo with equipment, all you need is fairly good vision, and a dark, starry night.
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And once a person really gets to know these heavenly messengers, it will become very apparent that the message connected with these signs is truly a message to be heeded.
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Thus will the Christian be able to share this message with others. And there are perhaps many nuances and hidden biblical truths to these signs which have yet to be discovered.
“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;” Luke 21:25
The very first step in finding these many constellations, should be to find the two main constellations: Orion, and the 7 Stars (aka, The Big Dipper).
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These two constellations represent Christ (Orion), and His Church (7 Stars).
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And just as these are the easiest constellations to find, so too, the first place to begin studying the Bible is the Four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John).
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These four books present Christ and His Church, when He walked the earth, just as Orion and the 7 Stars represent Christ and His Church, as seen up in the heavens.
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Then, once you are comfortable finding these two constellations, you can begin to locate the next closest constellations, and so on.
Now if you’re fortunate enough to be able to go on nightly walks, and you live in an area where you can safely view the stars, here is another Heavenly Hobby which Signs Of Heaven endorses…
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Why not combine star-watching with prayer, as you walk? What a great way to draw closer to God!
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It cannot be over-stressed, just how wonderful it is to walk under the dark canopy of Heaven, while lifting up one’s heart to our Heavenly Father! There is a closeness to God that cannot be described with words!
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(And even if you cannot safely do this, you can always do such prayer-walks in the daytime, in a safe place, such as a mall, which is every bit as effective, prayer-wise.
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And for those who are in confinement, one can view these starry signs on the Internet, or simply listen to Scripture on audio.
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Either way, all such may enjoy God’s richest blessings at this very time in which God is pouring out all Heaven’s treasures upon anyone willing to forsake all, and follow Jesus!)
Now of course, the Bible commands us to, “pray without ceasing“. The Christian is to constantly talk with our Heavenly Father throughout the day.
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But the Bible also holds up the godly life of Daniel, who, when captive in Babylon, still set aside three times daily, in which he knelt for special prayer.
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And furthermore the Bible also says… “Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and He shall hear my voice.” Psalm 55:17.
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Even those who are bed-fast or in a prison cell can begin to imitate Daniel in this way. And if one is fortunate to be able to walk, then this thrice-daily prayer regimen can be combined with three walks daily and even nightly.
But to find the very first ‘Women’s Liber’, we would have to go all the way back to the very first woman, Eve.
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That’s right, it was Eve who boldly asserted herself to elevate her station in life.
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Listen to Genesis 3:4, 5, 6…
“And the serpent said unto the woman,
Ye shall not surely die…
and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
And when the woman saw that the tree was…
to be desired to make one wise…”
(Condensed)
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Here is revealed that Eve had already become dissatisfied with her appointed position in life!
She wanted equality with God!
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Fast-forward thousands of years since that fatal mistake.
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We are now witnessing a rise of the Matriarchy, or at least the attempt to become a world dominated by women.
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Yes, after thousands of years of women allowing men to run the world, there has been a powerful shift taking place. Women have moved in to replace the Patriarchy: in government, in jobs, and even in sports (which hasn’t turned out so well).
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So, as that saying goes, “How’s this all working out for you?”
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God did not design men and women the same, in many ways.
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Men were designed to be the providers, the protectors, the leaders and priests of the home and community.
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Women, on the other hand, were made to be, “a Helpmate”.
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In other words, women weren’t designed to build the roads, or the buildings, or to run the government, etc…
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No, just the opposite!
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The woman was created by God to be man’s companion…the softer and fairer gender. The woman was made to be the mother…the nurturer…the homemaker.
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And so, just as God has permitted mankind to experiment with various philosophies, religions, governments, hobbies, inventions, so He is allowing Eve’s dream to come true!
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The problem is, that just as every other experiment which mankind has sought after, failure has been the eventual outcome.
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Even now, society is discovering that to allow men to compete with women in sports has led to disastrous and even tragic results!
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And because women were designed to be nurturers and comforters, they have caused great harm as government, religious, and business leaders.
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Oh yes, many women are capable leaders. But overall, the vast percentage of women are too emotional to run the world. Their innate sense of mercy and compassion have caused many bad decisions to be made.
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“GOOD NEWS FROM A FAR COUNTRY!”
Proverbs 25:25
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But the Good News is, that today is still the Day of Salvation!
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And all those who desire to live forever in a Land in which everyone will enjoy an exalted station in life, in the earth-made-new!
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And all are invited to join this end-time exodus out of this sad Babylonian world of confusion and begin the upward ascendancy toward that wonderful and happy Promised Land!
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And doesn’t this “sad ol’ world” just keep getting sadder with each passing day?
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But the New Heaven and New Earth will be a wonderful place filled with laughter, and singing, and joy, and peace!
And in that Promised Land, we will truly be…forever young!
“Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.
But I suffer not a woman to teach,
nor to usurp authority over the man,
but to be in silence.
For Adam was first formed, then Eve.
And Adam was not deceived,
but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.
Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing,
if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
1st Timothy 2:11-15
Virtuous Woman with Bible – Braet von Überfeldt – 1866 – Wikipedia – US Public Domain
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TODAY’S PRAYER…
“Dear Lord, Help me to put on the adornment of a meek and quiet Spirit. Give me the Spirit of submission to my husband and to my heavenly husband, Christ…
Prayer for USA – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0
This page is about the Big Dipper, also called the Great Bear constellation (Ursa Major ).
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However, the ancient pagan cultures did not see this constellation as God intended it to be seen.
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It is actually a headless woman in childbirth.
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This is seen in springtime in the northern skies.
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But as the seasons progress, this travailing woman flips upside down, now appearing as a woman with upraised arms like eagle wings who is running (eventually flying, as shown in sketch on right) into the wilderness (westward).
The 7 Stars (Big Dipper) is easy to see with its very bright 7 stars. But the Revelation 12 Woman (Ursa Major) must be seen on a dark starry night, away from city lights.
Prayer at Day’s End – Angelus by Jean-François Millet – Wikipedia – Public Domain
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“My dove, my undefiled is but one…Who is she that looks forth as the morning, fair as the Moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners?” Song of Solomon 6:9, 10
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This little poetic book, Song of Songs, is a powerful description, in allegorical language, of the wonderful love between Christ and His bride, the Church.
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And among the many other poetic descriptions of God’s Church-Faithful, is this above comparison of God’s people to a woman; but also to the Moon.
“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;” Luke 21:25
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So having said all this, there is an answer to this perplexing question, regarding just how the Moon will be turned into blood, prior to the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord. The message presented in this Moon Into Blood Trilogy is a very fearful concept, to say the least.
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You see, God has inscribed a fearful message upon the Moon’s surface: three faces. And these three faces are a picture of God’s people, the Church. And there are so many Biblical nuances connected to these three faces. And these nuances together, present a portrait of just what is in the hearts of God’s people, both good and bad. And every reference to blood in the Bible presents an aspect of truth, which aligns harmoniously with these three faces.
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And so, when the Bible declares a prophecy that “the Moon shall be turned into blood, before that Great and Terrible Day of the Lord”,then it really refers to the frightening and bloody message this heavenly orb is now proclaiming.
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 #105 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…
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“And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.” Rev. 12:3
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In Revelation, the Dragon of Revelation 12 is described as having seven heads, ten horns, and seven crowns. However, the Dragon Constellation up in the night sky does not. But God has faithfully created the wave of water, in such a way, as to illustrate this same concept of the seven heads, ten horns, and seven crowns. Because this wave of water is basically composed of ten stars. The main body of the wave has seven stars (#‘s, 1 thru 7). And the tip of the crest of the wave has the other three stars (#’s, 8, 9 & 10). So we have this 7 and 10 numbering. And this gives us a great clue, as to where in the Bible we should look, to find out the riddle as to just what or who do these 7 heads, 10 crowns, and 7 horns represent. Because, the Bible speaks very much about floods and waters as being associated with Satan (the Dragon).
.Judgment Day – by sweet media – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license
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But to find the very first ‘Women’s Liber’, we would have to go all the way back to the very first woman, Eve.
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That’s right, it was Eve who boldly asserted herself to elevate her station in life.
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Listen to Genesis 3:4, 5, 6…
“And the serpent said unto the woman,
Ye shall not surely die…
and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
And when the woman saw that the tree was…
to be desired to make one wise…”
(Condensed)
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Here is revealed that Eve had already become dissatisfied with her appointed position in life!
She wanted equality with God!
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MILLENNIUMS OF OPPRESSION
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So, is this what happened? Did the serpent (Satan) tell her the truth?
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Does history record that women have enjoyed equality with men through the ages?
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Actually no.
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Quite the opposite, wouldn’t you agree?
Many women have suffered much cruelty throughout the history of the world.
And their lessor physical strength has allowed many cruel husbands to bully their wives into various hardships throughout the centuries!
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And truth-be-told, Eve’s rebellion has brought the entire world, women, men, and even children under hard and cruel bondage, throughout the past millenniums!
But when one sits back and reflects on the big picture, isn’t it ironic that Eve’s attempt to elevate her position in life, is only coming to fruition in these last moments of time!?
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If we would think this all through, Eve’s story, along with the current Women’s Lib Movement, together make a remarkable testimonial to the veracity of the Bible and its divine Authorship!
Yes, it really puts a huge exclamation mark on just how “spot-on” the Bible actually is, calling out the future, even from the beginning of days!
“ALL HIS COMMANDMENTS ARE SURE! THEY STAND FAST FOR EVER AND EVER!”
Psalm 111:7, 8
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And Eve’s failure to elevate herself (and most all the women born thereafter) only proves that God knows best, in His wisdom concerning the varied roles that men and women were to adhere to.
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And now that we are so near the end, this attempt by our leaders to fight for elevation of women over men, is not only futile, but is sure to end in some sort of destructive whirlwind (as will every aspect of Mankind’s rebellion against Heaven!)
But the Good News is, that today is still the Day of Salvation!
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And all those who desire to live forever in a Land in which everyone will enjoy an exalted station in life, in the earth-made-new!
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And all are invited to join this end-time exodus out of this sad Babylonian world of confusion and begin the upward ascendancy toward that wonderful and happy Promised Land!
.
And doesn’t this “sad ol’ world” just keep getting sadder with each passing day?
.
But the New Heaven and New Earth will be a wonderful place filled with laughter, and singing, and joy, and peace!
And in that Promised Land, we will truly be…forever young!
“Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.
But I suffer not a woman to teach,
nor to usurp authority over the man,
but to be in silence.
For Adam was first formed, then Eve.
And Adam was not deceived,
but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.
Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing,
if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
1st Timothy 2:11-15
Virtuous Woman with Bible – Braet von Überfeldt – 1866 – Wikipedia – US Public Domain
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TODAY’S PRAYER…
“Dear Lord, Help me to put on the adornment of a meek and quiet Spirit. Give me the Spirit of submission to my husband and to my heavenly husband, Christ…
Prayer for USA – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0
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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FIVE WISE VIRGINS STARS
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This constellation was identified on May 22nd, 2014. It is simply five stars, two from the Serpens Constellation, and three from the Hercules Constellation.
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What gives this constellation impetus and significance is that it appears as five evenly positioned stars, in a slight oval pattern, as if they were sitting in a meeting, listening, or perhaps watching someone.
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Second, they appear to be gathered in front of The Crown of Revelation 12 Constellation. (just below Corona Borealis in this Wikipedia star-chart, in which the editor of this site sketched in these two constellations)
The position of these stars is significant in a number of ways. The first, being that these Five Wise Virgins are gathered around the 12-star Crown of Revelation 12.
And the obvious message here is, that these wise virgins represent the faithful portion of God’s Church.
And as wise virgins, they understand the importance of winning the glorious crown of victory, which Jesus promised.
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Listen…“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all,
but one receiveth the prize?
So run, that ye may obtain.
And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.
Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown;
but we an incorruptible.”
1st Corinthians 9:24, 25.
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And so, God is showing us the difference between the wise and the foolish in His Church.
While the wise are gathered around this crown of victory, the foolish are nowhere to be found.
After many bloody centuries of tyranny and persecution by the European church/state system, the New World offered hope for Christians.
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And a great company of pilgrims set sail from shores of the greatly depleted Europe, en-route for the newly discovered land across the ocean which promised opportunity for peace and prosperity along with freedom of political/ religious speech.
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This website appears to speak negatively about “The American Dream”.
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As a matter of fact, this website lumps “The American Dream” together with the so-called “Prosperity Gospels”.
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“The American Dream” and “The Entrepreneurial Spirit” are spoken of as the conservative form of the “Health & Wealth” gospels which are so prevalent in today’s Christendom.
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But the fact is, nobody actually knows exactly what the American Dream is. It has never been precisely defined. To some, it is to attain financial independence. To others, it is to achieve peace, prosperity, and health. For many, it is to be able to own a car, a home, and to have a happy family.
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So, what could be wrong with such a dream?
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Well, actually, probably nothing is wrong with such a dream.
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And for the unsaved people of the world, such a dream might be a very good thing!
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Especially considering that this fallen world will be the closest to Heaven that the unsaved world will ever experience!
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And so, for all who decide to not follow Jesus as one of His Disciples, one might encourage to merely, “let us eat and drink; for tomorrow we die”. 1st Corinthians 15:32 .
But for those who have responded to the call, “And He (Jesus) said to them all, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” Luke 9:23
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Now, does such an all-consuming devotion to Christ forebear owning one’s own home…or having a family…or taking vacations…or enjoying family get-togethers…or making a sustainable income…or operating one’s own business?
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Absolutely not!
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1Co 7:31 “And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away”. So, in this verse is the proper balance a Believer is to maintain.
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And so, the true Believer must always be mindful to maintain a proper balance between Heaven and earth.
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In other words, by the power of the Holy Spirit, and through the experiential wisdom from walking in God’s Word, a Christian realizes how to have his or her priorities straight.
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And the very first priority is to strive to Love God supremely, And the second priority is to strive to encourage family, friends, and neighbors on the heavenward sojourn out of this world.
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And the closer we become changed into the likeness of Christ, the greater will be the victory we achieve in these to goals
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And this, dear souls is the greatest dream one might ever achieve!
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TODAY’S PRAYER…
“Dear Lord, Let me not be deceived by the deceitfulness of riches. Let me keep my eyes fixed on Jesus, and pattern my life after His glorious life…
Family Prayer Before Meal – Wikimedia – US-Govt. – Public-Domain
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 ARK IN THE HEAVENS
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So, what importance to us is all this information?
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Well, if a person goes out at night, beginning in April (earlier in southern-most latitudes, and later in northern-most), in the pre-dawn hour, they just might locate the constellation commonly referred to as the Sagittarius Constellation.
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It is located in the southern sky. (Each night it appears a little earlier, slowly inching westward, through the summer, until it finally disappears below the western horizon in November.)
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At first, it simply appears as two twin birds flying westward.
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But if you look once again, it just might appear as a long box-like figure, with one star on the right, as you face it, and two stars on the left.
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The box, of course would be the Ark, and the stars on either side would represent angels, which are sometimes referred to as stars in the Bible (for instance, “the seven stars are the angels…” Revelation 1:20).
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To the right is a star-chart from Wikipedia, in which the editor of this site has sketched in this Sagittarius Constellation, to show how God created it to appear.
Counting the Sun as the 1st heavenly sphere, the Earth is the 4th heavenly sphere.
If we extend our theory (and it’s just a theory) that God created our solar system to correspond to the commandments, then planet Earth would correspond to the 4th Commandment.
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And so, on the very planet that corresponds to the commandment that exalts the idea of “rest” and “peace”, there exists very little peace.
It is like a revolving door of one day attempting to worship Jesus, followed by six days of vigorously pursuing many modern-day gods…
…cars, boats, sports, amusements, hobbies…
…houses, lands, careers, projects, excursions…
…clubs, TV, radio, high-tech devices…
…and all the other modern-day idols that are commonly revered in this modern-day cornucopian super-society.
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Mall – Fashion Centre at Pentagon City – Wikimedia – Share-alike license
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CAST INTO OUTER DARKNESS
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And so, this Parable of the Wedding Invitation ends with one person sitting in the wedding with no wedding garment.
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And when discovered, the king said…
…”Bind him hand and foot, and take him away,
and cast him into outer darkness;
there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
Matthew 22:13
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Yes, this man without a wedding garment symbolizes all those church members who worship God 1-day-per-week, while pursuing all our weekday gods the next 6 days!
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A DIFFERENT SPIRIT ENVELOPS
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Oh no, these idolaters will not be literally thrown out.
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But in time, a spiritual mist of darkness will envelop us (see Acts 13:11 & 2nd Peter 2:11).
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And we will become filled with a different spirit, a worldly spirit.
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And even though we might continue to attend church each week, we will nevertheless become worldly-minded.
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And the evidence of this is that we will become critical of people, symbolized by the phrase, “gnashing of teeth”.
But we will also weep, because we will have a dim cognizance that our lives have become void of a love for Bible study, contemplation, and ceaseless prayer.
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Oh yes, we may pick up our Bibles for 15 minutes each morning.
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And yes, we may still pray at times.
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But the love for these Christian duties just won’t be there any longer.
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And we know it.
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But our love for this world takes precedence over our love for Heaven, and for Heaven’s Jesus!
Counting the Sun as the 1st heavenly sphere, the Earth is the 4th heavenly sphere.
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If we extend our theory (and it’s just a theory) that God created our solar system to correspond to the commandments, then planet Earth would correspond to the 4th Commandment.
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And so, on the very planet that corresponds to the commandment that exalts the idea of “rest” and “peace”, there exists very little peace.
Since the 1970’s, much of the Christian community has depended on the daily Bible studies conducted by John Vernon McGee.
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Five days a week for about 25-minutes, McGee took us through the Bible, Chapter-by-Chapter, from Genesis to Revelation in a 5-year period.
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McGee’s thick southern accent and downhome wit captivated millions over the decades.
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j-vernon-mcgee
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Now, while Vernon McGee may have truly been a genuine Believer, he nevertheless held to some very damnable heresies.
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The fact is, having been seminary trained, McGee got a great amount of his beliefs from various theologians of his day.
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Unfortunately, one of those theologians was a heretic of the first-degree by the name, Cyrus I. Scofield.
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And Vernon became infected by those poisonous doctrines, such as “Pre-Adamic Creation”.
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Another was the Darby-Scofield heresy of “The Pre-Tribulation Rapture Theory”.
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Still another was the Scofield heresy known as “Dispensationalism”.
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And of course, McGee also bought into all the Catholic holidays, probably including the Sunday Sabbath.
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McGee also was deceived into the heresy of Eternal Torment, as well as other Catholic traditions.
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But today’s devotional is dedicated to one heresy in particular, which is perhaps the most beloved heresy of the entire Christian community.
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J. Vernon McGee loved jesting!
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And so did his audience!
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This is one of the primary ingredients to his wildly successful daily broadcast!
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His plain, simple talk, southern drawl, and folksy witticisms made his daily podcasts so interesting and captivating.
(Not to mention that a great percentage of his theology was seemingly very correct!)
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Nevertheless, even though God’s people had not yet been called to flee out of spiritual Babylon, McGee unknowingly taught a compromised Gospel, mingling much truth with the aforementioned heresies.
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And while “Thru the Bible in 5-Years” may (or may not) have been a legitimate Bible study, it has unknowingly misled millions in the aforementioned heresies!
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And while this five-year study may (or may not) have been a great discipline for his followers to systematically go chapter-by-chapter through the Bible, yet it has led many astray on those various heresies.
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God is now calling His people to “Come out of her My people” Revelation 18:4
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And to leave the many comforts which churches and denominations have provided is understandably a very difficult thing to do!
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Especially for those who do not fully grasp this End-time Exodus of coming out of Babylon.
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The Good News is that God will provide all the necessary information for all those who are “Noble Bereans”, willing to accept new truth, prayerfully and carefully.
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And God will provide all the living bread and waters of grace, much more than we can even imagine as we flee to the mountains in these last hours of history!
The 3rd face of the Moon is a bit more difficult to locate, because it is mostly upside down.
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But this photo and this sketch (below right) are how this face would appear if it was turned right side up. (In the southern hemisphere, however, this is how the full Moon actually appears.)
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The 3rd face is the most difficult to see in the northern hemisphere, but once you do, it then becomes easy.
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This face is like a furry creature of the field.
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Maybe a rabbit.
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Maybe a squirrel.
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Perhaps a chipmunk.
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Probably a mouse.
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All “seekers”; all foragers and scavengers.
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And while this picture shows this little “beast of the field” right side up, this 3rd face is always pretty much in an upside-down position.
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The other two faces appear right-side-up, and are easier to locate.
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This photo and this sketch are both turned around to help you see this 3rd face easily.
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This enhanced sketch to the above right is merely to help you to see this face more easily. (As already stated, this 3rd face appears right side up in the southern hemisphere.)
EXCERPTS FROM THE OPEN FORUM QUESTION/ANSWER RADIO TALK-SHOW…
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To all Truth-Seekers, this is a small 30 minute sampling of the late Harold Camping’s nearly 50 year series of 90 minute nightly talk shows…This is Open Forum Show #86
Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross,
that we may see and believe.
And they that were crucified with Him reviled Him.“
Mark 15:29, 32
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VALLEY OF DECISION NOW APPEARING IN SKY!
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Now as we look into the night heavens in this month of August, the Lord has created a constellation group to represent this Valley of Decision concept!
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It appears as two mountains, with a valley between.
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One Mount represents the Mount Gerizim, the Mount of Blessings, and the other represents Mount Ebal, the Mount of Cursings, as spoken of in Deuteronomy 11:29.
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Listen…“These (6 tribes of Israel) shall stand upon mount Gerizim
to bless the people,
when ye are come over Jordan…
And these (the other 6 tribes)
shall stand upon mount Ebal to curse;”
Deuteronomy 27:12, 13
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And so, these two mountains represent the blessings which come to those who obey God, or the cursings which come upon the disobedient!
Most street preachers encounter a whole lot of backlash in their efforts to tell about Jesus and His Salvation.
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Provided at the top of this article is a link in which several skeptics argue against Christianity and against this particular street preacher.
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But this is nothing new. Listen to the Gospels…
…”And they (the two thieves also on crosses,
“one on His right and one on His left”) that passed by, railed on Him,
wagging their heads, and saying,
‘Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days,
Save thyself, and come down from the cross.'”
Mark 15:28
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But even the many other likewise mocked Jesus…
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But Jesus didn’t bother arguing with them.
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Rather, Jesus looked upon all those onlookers and mockers and said…“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34
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Now, this particular street preacher got into some pretty heated exchanges which happens quite often with Internet street preachers. (And this website absolutely does not condone any anger or shouting when preaching).
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On the other hand, this preacher goes to various college campuses and assumes the role of a college professor, and engages with students and faculty using logic in effort to make them consider exploring the Bible.
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Now this website is not promoting this or any street preacher, but merely using this video as a comparison to all the Bible examples of mocking and deriding in the story of the Cross.
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Just picture Jesus on the Cross with two thieves, one on His right and one on His left.
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Both are mocking and deriding Him.
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This is a picture of the entire human race.
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We’ve all rebelled against Heaven.
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We’ve all rejected Jesus.
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Those two thieves represent all mankind.
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Those two thieves are a picture of each and every one of us.
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And yet, at one point, one of those thieves (the thief on the right) began to look upon Jesus differently.
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And eventually, he turned to Jesus and said…
…”And he said unto Jesus,
‘Lord, remember me when Thou comest into thy kingdom’.
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee,
To day shalt thou be with Me in paradise.”
Luke 23:42, 43
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This incredible turn of events becomes a tableau: an object lesson and scenario of Salvation.
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In other words, Like the entire Bible, this particular scenario is a real-life allegory concerning the choice which every man, woman, and child must make: which thief represents me?
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Am I going to continue to mock Jesus and His offer of everlasting life?
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Or am I going to change my mind, and call out to Jesus to save me?
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And this is how the Bible has been written.
It presents literal, historical events which God has orchestrated in such a way
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VALLEY OF DECISION ASKS YOU…
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“WHICH JESUS WILL YOU CHOOSE?”
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These are just some of the different gospels which offer “another Jesus”, and “another spirit”.
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And each and every one of us will be confronted with the question, “Which Jesus will you choose?”
…and various stars from the Andromeda Constellation (valley) Pegasus (Mount of Cursing (middle mount) & Destroying Mount (right)), and Pisces (Broad Way to Hell).
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The galaxy which appears to be climbing the Mountain of Blessing is the Andromeda Galaxy.
ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.
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THIS IS STUDY #217 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…
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Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Daily Devotional, Year 4 – December 18 (Valley Of Decision Now, Part 10: “Which Cross Will You Choose?”)
“And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns…”
Revelation 13:1 (Condensed)
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The 6th & 7th of the 1st Antichrist Beast is joined together with the Left Horn & Right Horn of the 2nd Beast.
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The Reader is urged to fully take hold of this truth, by reading various articles on this website.
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ABOVE ENGRAVING: Whore – Babylon – Burgkmair – 1523 AD – this old engraving shows that the Church once realized that the Babylon Mother of Harlots was actually the apostate churches – Wikimedia – US Public Domain
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“Here is wisdom…the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.”
Revelation 13:18 (Condensed)
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In other words, the 6th Head of the 1st Beast represents “Man” wanting to be God.
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And the Left Horn is similar in that it represents Mankind’s counterfeit version of Christ’s mercy and compassion.
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The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.”
Psalm 14:1 & 53:1
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And so, what we have been witnessing over the past two centuries is a worldwide domination of “Man” striving to be the supreme being of the universe.
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Consequently, it is no surprise that atheism has been such a powerful ideology for the past 200 years or so.
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And joined together with the Left Horn of the 2nd Beast (false mercy and counterfeit compassion)…
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…this conglomerate beast-power (6th-Head/Left-Horn) has become the dominating force in much of the world!
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Atheism – Descent of the Modernists (now called Progressives), E J Pace, Christian Cartoons, 1922 – Wikipedia –
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“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”
2nd Timothy 3:5
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Needless to say, in democratic nations, this great two-Beast antichrist ideological system depends on having the general populace continuing to support it, via the election process.
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And yet, God is ultimately in charge of who rules in power.
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And God does this so that the people will finally and fully learn the true nature of evil.
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In other words, there is nothing like seeing evil up close and experiencing evil first-hand!
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“They that see thee (Lucifer) shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms…?
Isaiah 14
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But until the world fully sees the true evil nature of this beast-power, it will continue to be re-elected.
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This above verse from Isaiah 14 reveals that the world will finally get a candid view of the fallen rebel angel Lucifer by experiencing the results of sin via all 7 heads of the antichrist beast.
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Satan presiding at the Infernal Council – Wikipedia – US Public Domain
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MONSTERS DUE ON MAPLE STREET
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In the last few years, this 6th-Head/Left-Horn entity has completely morphed into a full-blown monster.
Not being content with pushing atheism, socialism, abortion, etc., Satan is now aggressively promoting sodomy, mass-political/religious-censorship of opposing ideas, sexual mutilation of children, race-based hate, and totalitarianism.
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In addition, along with the above abominations, the advent of social high-tech devices has allowed Satan to “speak as a dragon”. Revelation 13:11
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In other words, Satan now has a very large megaphone in which he is openly spreading his devilish hate-filled lies to the vast multitudes.
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And he is now stirring up vast mobs of hate-filled humans, via these devices, willing to kill their supposed enemies, should they ever get the chance to do so.
Antifa @ Protest Trump in Phoenix – 8-22-17 – Wikipedia – GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2
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“I will lay thee (Satan) before kings, that they may behold thee…All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more.”
Ezekiel 28:18, 19
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Now, it must be stated that Lucifer will not be tormented forever and ever as many erringly suppose.
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Rather, Lucifer’s office as “The Dragon”, “The Beast”, “The False Prophet”, and of course, “Satan” and “The Devil” will be the subject of universal, eternal scorn along with the two Beasts representing Lucifer’s antichrist world system.
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In other words, the fire & brimstone represent God’s eternal judgment and wrath on the sin and selfishness of Satan’s antichrist world-system, labeled by the aforementioned names.
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As far as Lucifer’s destiny, the above verse clearly says…“never shalt thou be any more.” Ezekiel 28:19
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Triumph of Christianity by G. Dore www.christimages.org Limited use license – see their website for restrictions
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TODAY’S PRAYER…
“Dear Lord, Give me an undivided heart that loves to serve Thee…
Prayer for USA – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0
There is a church doctrine which has steadily increased in popularity, since the day thatCyrus I. Scofieldfirst published his very own study-bible,The Scofield Reference Bible.
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Of course, to put one’s own fallible opinions along-side God’s infallible“Words of Eternal Life”:is this not the height of foolish arrogance?!
(See John 6:68 for “Words of Eternal Life” reference).
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Cyrus Scofield – 1920 – Wikipedia – US Public Domain
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“O My people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths”
Isaiah 3:12
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There are many thoughts, words, and deeds which each and every one of us will probably hang our heads in shame for, when standing on that Great and Notable Day!
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But tragically, Scofield just might have to answer, on that same Day, for his hellish influence on many of today’s theologians (hopefully, he repented prior to his death.)
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And as a result, countless unlearned churchgoers have been led astray, “unto their own destruction”, by naively and unquestioningly accepting various false doctrines…
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…unbiblical doctrines, quite often espoused by Scofield and those other erring authors of similar study-bibles!
(Bible students should never use any Bible with personal commentaries by fallible men, since some personal comments are probably in error. Rather, find a Bible with only inserted references to similar verses.)
“…they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction”
2nd Peter 3:16
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The historical records give Cyrus I. Scofield credit for popularizing this false doctrine of the“Pre-Tribulation Rapture”…
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…a heresy first invented by another 19th-century false Bible teacher, one John Darby ofThe Plymouth Brethren denomination.
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Thus, by such heretical wrestling with Scripture, Scofield/Darby then began to promote the idea that Christ would“rapture”His Church out of the world, just prior to the prophecies of Revelation being fulfilled.
John Nelson Darby – Wikipedia – US Public Domain
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“…and unto them that look for Him (Christ) shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation”
Hebrews 9:28
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And so, by such twisting of Scripture, Scofield/Darby now invented TWO second“Coming(s) of the Lord”, instead of the biblical pronouncement of only one!
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And thus, was coined the name,“The Pretribulation Rapture”, and the second return, using the God-given name for the event, “The Coming of the Lord”on “the last day”.
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Consequently, the Christian world was now being taught that there were, not one, but TWO separate returns of Christ!
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And, of course, if you missed out on the Christ’s first return, you now would have a second chance!
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Very clever…and very devilish!
John Nelson Darby – Wikipedia – US Public Domain
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Okay, so let’s get to the main thrust of this devotional.
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And today’s main point is to highlight and emphasize John 6, in which Jesus speaks four times of His Return on“the last day”!
Now listen to the last verse from John 6 concerning the Last Day…“Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the LAST DAY.” John 6:54
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So just why did Jesus repeat this“Last Day”truth four different times in just one little section of the Bible?
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Well, one thing is for sure! This chapter makes a clear-cut case for the Resurrection happening on theLast Day, and not 7 years prior, as Pre-Tribulation Rapture advocates insist!
Statistics by the most notable pollsters show that drunkenness, addictions, pornography, divorce/re-marriage, Bible-illiteracy, materialism, TV watching, etc., are at an alarming all-time high in today’s Christendom!
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And so obviously, the Christian community is not being watchful, as the Bible warns us to be…
…”Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved,
what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God,
wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved,
and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?”
2nd Peter 3:11, 12
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The fact is, assuming the pollsters’ statistics are accurate, even if there was this so-called Pre-Tribulation Rapture, very few churchgoers would be “caught up”!
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We simply are just not ready!
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“But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you”
1st John 2:27
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And so, if you dear soul have been listening to those who are lulling the Church into a false sense of security by teaching such heretical doctrines as the so-called“Pre-Tribulation Rapture”…
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…you really need to shut them off and start studying the Bible for your own self!
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Hide God’s precious promises in your heart!
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Listen to Scripture on audio tapes!
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Carry a little Gideon’s Bible in your back pocket and read it whenever you have a spare moment!
Christ Returns – Triumph of Christianity – by G. Dore – cropped image – www.christimages.org – Limited-use-license – see their website for restrictions (2)
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Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Daily Devotional, Year 4 – December 16 (Darby & Scofield’s Pre-Trib Rapture, Part 18: “Does the Pre-Trib Rapture Reject God?”)
And each of its three faces were purposely inscribed by God to teach us about our own self.
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3rd Face in Moon-scavenger-www.signsofheaven.org
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“BEWARE OF DOGS, BEWARE OF EVIL WORKERS, BEWARE OF THE CONCISION!”
Philippians 3:2
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Take for instance the second face: the wolf, or perhaps a fox, or a dog.
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This wolf-like face with one raised eyebrow, gives us a fitting portrait of a scornful, judgmental human.
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And it reminds us of the Old Testament sect, known as The Pharisees, or “Dogs…the Concision”. Philippians 3:2
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Yes, those Pharisees were a very judgmental group, who took pride that they were very moral and upright, and looked down upon others whom they supposed were not so morally upright.
Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Daily Devotional, Year 4 – December 15 (The Evil-Eyed Pharisee Scorner, Part 10: “Through the Loving Eyes of Jesus”)
So, in this little series, the subject of those noble Bereans has been introduced. And today, it is still worthy of a little more exploration into another area of concern.
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Let’s review the key Bible passage…
…”And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea:
who coming there, went into the synagogue of the Jews.
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica,
in that they received the word with all readiness of mind,
and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”
Okay, so those in Berea were more noble, because they:
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1. “Received the Word with all readiness of mind.”
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2.“And searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”
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And so, the Bereans were ready to receive new teachings, which no doubt, conflicted with the supposed, “orthodox” teachings of that day.
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Thus there was an open-mindedness which permeated their hearts, and a willingness to search the Scriptures daily, in hopes that these seemingly new teachings were indeed true!
The following quotes from Ellen White, need to be understood by those who choose to read her writings…
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“The Bible and the Bible alone, is our creed,
the sole bond of union;
all who bow to this holy Word will be in harmony . . .
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“Man is fallible, but God’s Word is infallible.”
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“We have many lessons to learn, and many, many to unlearn.
God and heaven alone are infallible.
Those who think that they will never have to give up a cherished view,
never have occasion to change an opinion, will be disappointed.”
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“In regard to infallibility, I never claimed it;
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God alone is infallible.
His word is true, and in Him is no variableness, or shadow of turning.”
Selected Messages, Book One, pp. 416 and 37.
Ellen G. White – Wikimedia – Public Domain
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And so, by carefully taking hold of these quotes, we can now read her writings as an inspired commentary on the only infallible writing, that is, the infallible “Word of Truth”, the Bible.
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And if we should discover further truth from the Bible, we must prayerfully and carefully modify our doctrine, even if it seems to disagree with E. G. White’s writings.
“Dear Lord, Help me to be an open-minded seeker of truth, even if it means giving up a very highly regarded Church opinion! Let me be willing to investigate any seemingly new teaching if it appears to have some biblical validity…
First, it speaks of the sign in heaven of a woman with child.
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Then it speaks of the sign in heaven of a great red dragon, with a tail that sweeps one-third of the stars and casts these stars down to the earth.
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So we get the sense that this phenomenon that the Apostle John was seeing, was closely intertwined with the starry host of the heavens.
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And these two signs in heaven, a woman, and a dragon, are a big part of this website, Signs Of Heaven.
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And thus, this phenomenon that the Apostle John was seeing, was closely intertwined with the starry host of the heavens.
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What really gives validity to this idea, is that God created the Universe in such a way, that if one looks at the major constellations, then this Revelation 12 scenario can be seen.
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So please read on. And if you really want to see this heavenly battle, you just might.
Well, it wasn’t long until that movement went the way of almost every movement. 
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Having said all this, let’s give credit where credit is truly due.
TO READ PART 4, CLICK HERE…
TOMORROW:
The Open Forum Talk Show with Harold Camping 
inthians 5:6, 7 
abolish. In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats; To go into the clefts of the ragged rocks, f
will not strike us instantly dead, as He did to the two priests in this picture. But eventually, we will drive that Holy Dove from our heart, if we persist in defiling ourselves with unholy communications. It will be a spiritual death. And we won’t even be aware that He’s gone!
ch (7 Stars).
Scrooge, in this picture to the right. 
e to wait and see how things turn out! We just cannot get dogmatic, when there are seemingly conflicting verses concerning all these things! 
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_studies_his_Bible_for_an_upcoming_service.jpg){kind=link}
