Signs Of Heaven

Oatmeal copyrighted but permissable for use wikimedia commons

.

GREATEST LIE MINGLED WITH TRUTH

.

But there is a certain amount of truth to Satan’s false ideologies. And because there are so many truths mingled into these “sciences”, it becomes much more difficult for the casual observer to unravel these clever lies of the Devil. After all, poison only fools the varmint, when it is mingled with 90% oatmeal. And likewise, Satan’s lies are only effective when they are combined with much truth.

.

And also, Satan has greatly “covered his own tracks”, so that most people do not even believe there exists such evil principalities as the Devil, in the world.

.

And Satan always cloaks his lies with a veneer of goodness. Satan knows how easy it is to fool the general populace by merely adding some sugar-coating to his deceptions. And so this False-Prophet-world-system has a humanitarian appeal to it: food baskets, welfare programs, and many other humanitarian programs give this False Prophet an air of goodness.

.

But the Bible warns that false prophets will… “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2nd Timothy 3:5

.

**Yes, the Bible commands us to turn away from those who have a “form of godliness”, while having no connection with Heaven!**

.

.

But before we go into this discussion, let’s introduce the host for this particular article: the Revelation 12 Dragon Constellation, and his wave of water which he spews out after the Revelation 12 Woman Constellation…

.

WHAT DOES THE WATER REPRESENT?

.

***“When the waves of death compassed me…THE FLOODS OF UNGODLY MEN* made me afraid. *The sorrows of Hell compassed me about;” 2nd Samuel 22:5.***

.

So this above passage equates flood waters with the sorrows of Hell, with ungodly men, and with waves of death. And so then, by comparing Scriptures dealing with flood waters, we begin to see just what this Woman of Revelation 12 (God’s people) is fleeing from.

.

Listen to Revelation, Chapter 12… “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.

.

As you can see in this sketch to the right, this woman (the eternal Church) is fleeing from the water which the Dragon (or, serpent) is spewing, exactly as it says in Revelation 12. And so, by looking at various related Scriptures, we begin to understand just what this wave of water represents. This Woman of Revelation 12 is fleeing from ‘waves of death’, from ‘sorrows of Hell’, and from ‘floods of ungodly men’, as stated in Psalm 18:4.

.

DRAGON’S WAVE OF WATER

.

In Revelation, the Dragon of Revelation 12 is described as having seven heads, ten horns, and seven crowns. However, the Dragon of Revelation 12 Constellation up in the night sky does not. But God has faithfully created this 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 comprised of ten stars.

.

The main body of the wave has seven stars (#’s 1 thru 7, in the sketch), and the tip of the crest of the wave has the other three stars, (#’s 8, 9, 10).

.

So in this wave, we see the same 7/10 numbering found in the Revelation description of the heads/horns/crowns of the Dragon.

.

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).

.

Listen again… “When the waves of death compassed me…THE FLOODS OF UNGODLY MEN made me afraid. The sorrows of Hell compassed me about;” 2nd Samuel 22:5.

.

ATHEISM AND THE NUMBER “6”

And so, without going into a lengthy discussion, let’s just say that of all the 7 heads of Antichrist, the head which most closely aligns with atheism would logically be the 6th head. And why the 6th head? The Book of Revelation, Chapter 13 warns that the Antichrist Beast has a number of 666. And it describes this number as being the “number of a man”. The number “6” in Scripture has to do with “Man”. It is a number which reminds of the 6th Day of Creation; the day that Man was created. Man was created on the 6th day. And so, Mankind is very much connected with the number “6”

.

And since atheism is the religion which holds Mankind as the supreme ruler of Earth, then the number “6”, being the number of Man, seems to correspond to the 6th head of Antichrist, very well.

.

Now these ideas may not be “written in stone”, as the saying goes. And nothing hinges upon, nor falls apart, with or without these theories. But sufficed to say, there is strong evidence that these concepts have biblical support.

.

And so, this 6th star in the Revelation 12 Dragon’s wave of water, would correspond to the 6th head of the Antichrist Beast. And as already said, “waves” in Scripture, represent the many false ideologies which Satan has flooded the world with, throughout time. So that is why this Signs Of Heaven website believes that atheism was the 6th head of Antichrist.

.

But if the reader wishes to explore these things in more depth, please go to “Floodwaters of Satan-Introduction”.

.

SOCIALISM/HUMANITARIANISM

.

SOCIALISM ALWAYS FAILS

.

Before beginning this discussion on humanitarianism, a few fundamental truths concerning socialism and capitalism should be laid down.

.

What advocates of socialism do not understand, or will attempt to keep secret, is that socialism must eventually become totalitarian, because it destroys selfish mankind’s aspirations, inspirations and enthusiasm for personal growth. In other words, socialism destroys mankind’s ambitious nature because when livelihood is given for nothing in return, it destroys that person’s incentive to achieve. Therefore, the now apathetic general populace must be forced to perform their jobs. Individual, societal, and corporate mediocrity is the direct and indirect result of give-away-for-nothing socialism. And super-high taxes must be extracted from everyone to pay for all the giveaway programs which socialists promise the populace (even though the proponents of socialism will not openly admit, when courting the general populace to transform their society from capitalism to socialism).

.

Likewise, when high-achievers are taxed so heavily, and paid so meagerly, they naturally lose their desire to achieve. After all, why should a CEO of some corporation go to school for 8 years, and work hard for 80 hours per week, so that he earns only meager wages?

.

Therefore, the leaders of a socialist nation must eventually force its citizens to perform, even in the midst of that collapsing lackluster economy.

.

Now, on the other hand, capitalism thrives because it promotes personal and corporate achievement. In other words, with capitalism, personal and corporate achievement is rewarded for its hard-working, ambitious efforts, both monetarily and socially. Thus, capitalism succeeds because it thrives within the hearts of selfish humans, whereas socialism (which actually, is a light form of communism) always fails, because it attempts to thrive, but cannot, because it squelches and opposes the natural selfish desires of unsaved mankind.

.

Therefore, socialism must eventually become totalitarian, to force the populace to perform in the midst of its collapsing lackluster economy, since that society soon loses their ambition.

.

Now, the Bible, in many places advocates the basic principles of capitalism, realizing that humanity is selfish by our fallen nature.

.

Of course, when Christ returns, both these economic ideologies will be demolished, and the redeemed will be eternally inspired by brotherly love. In other words, giving to others out of a heart filled with Christ’s love, will be the eternal order of the soon-coming heavenly Promised Land!

.

Sleeping Man in Fish Market – Wikimedia – Public Domain

Communism – Wikimedia – Public Domain

Young business people – Cropped Photo – Wikimedia – the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

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

.

A VERY EVIL IDEOLOGY

.

Now, as already stated, it is not a very enviable task to criticize and condemn an ideology which appears so good on the surface, as humanitarianism/socialism does.

.

But the fact is, it is perhaps the most evil of all ideologies, in one respect.

.

And just why is it so evil?

.

Well, when some evil person wishes to poison another person, do they merely hand that person a bottle of poison? Don’t they rather put the poison into something that looks harmless, even good?

.

And since Satan is a super-intellect, why do we suppose him incapable of figuring such cunningly subtle deceptions?

.

Poison – Snow White Poisoned Apple – by Gutenberg Press for Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

NOT TO BE SIMPLE-MINDED

.

“A prudent man foresees the evil, and hides himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.” Proverbs 22:3

.

This above verse is reminiscent of a character, named, “Ignorance”, from Bunyan’s great book, Pilgrim’s Progress. And this simple-minded fellow ventured onward into places, “where angels fear to tread”, as the saying goes!

.

But Jesus exhorts us not to be simple-minded, by saying… “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” Matthew 10:16

.

Yes, this world is full of “wolves in sheep’s clothing”, as the Bible says! This is a very deceptive world, because the Devil is very deceptive. And so, we just cannot be like that simple-mind character, Ignorance!

.

But the Apostle, Paul, reveals this following concept… “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” 2nd Corinthians 2:11

.

Yes, those who are well-versed in Scripture are not so easily fooled by all the countless deceptions in this world! We realize that this world has been given into his hand for now!

.

Pilgrim’s Progress – Converse with Ignorance – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

PARADISE LOST

What people must realize and 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.

.

But of course, this paradise was lost, when mankind decided to rebel against God’s government of unselfish love.

.

Cole Thomas Expulsion from the Garden of_Eden 1828 Boston Museum Wikipedia US-public-domain1.jpg

.

LUCIFER NOW, “THE GOD OF THIS WORLD”

2nd Corinthians 4:4

.

And so God, for His own eternal purpose, allowed “that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan”, to tempt Mankind into sin and rebellion. At that point, Mankind had traded God away for a new Master…“the god of this world“, the Devil. Now at that moment, the Earth and all its inhabitants had been taken captive by this master deceiver.

.

But in spite of Man’s rebellion, God had left open the door of mercy. Mankind still had the ability to return back to God.

.

But Lucifer, in his jealous hatred, was not content to allow Mankind such an easy access back to God. And so Lucifer went to work to create his new kingdom, turning it into a place which fallen Mankind could not and would not find their way back into God’s sheepfold. And through his own “Workers of Iniquity”, Lucifer worked tirelessly to create his kingdom, the mighty Babylon. The kingdom of sin and selfishness.

.

And it is Satan’s purpose to invent new ways to keep the human race from turning back to God.

Gustave Dore – Paradise Lost illustration – Lucifer becomes Satan – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

.

LUCIFER: THE gOD OF THIS WORLD

.

Yes, most people just don’t realize that this world is the Devil’s world, as is written… “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” 2nd Corinthians 4:4

.

As this above passage reveals, this world has been handed over to Lucifer, the fallen angel, calling him, “the god of this world”! And now, as he fulfills his role as “Satan” and as the “Devil”, he moves stealthfully and imperceptibly in the shadows, working his woes and deceptions upon this unsuspecting world!

.

And one of those deceptions is “socialism/humanitarianism”. Yes, socialism/humanitarianism gives a nice glossy sheen to this, the Devil’s otherwise horrible world of death and destruction! And in this respect, socialism/humanitarianism is perhaps the greatest evil of all!

.

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

.

A WORLD OF EVIL

.

“And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.” 1st John 5:19

.

This above verse from 1st John reveals a huge concept! It informs us that evil is literally everywhere in this world! Just think about all the hideous atrocities which are being committed around the world each and every day!

.

Just consider the countless cruel and heartless deeds which go on behind closed doors around the world! And all the acts of selfishness and human disregard! All the foolish pride! And all the self-seeking which is literally dripping from every nook-and-crevice in this miserably lost and hopeless world!

.

Yes, even though we may be experiencing peace and prosperity in our own little sphere, the world all around us is literally teeming with wickedness, selfishness, and deception and destruction of every type!

.

Listen again to John… “And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.” 1st John 5:19

.

Apotheosis of War – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

.

EASILY FOOLED!

.

**But then, so as to cover all this up (as much as possible), Satan raises up such counterfeit ideologies as socialism and humanitarianism.**

.

And like little children being given a piece of candy by the proverbial boogie-man kidnapper, we naively fawn over these deceptive ideologies, as if they are a wonderful thing!

.

But Satan is that great kidnapper boogie-man, who desires to steal away our hearts and imprison our souls, forever! And what is his candy? Humanitarianism (and other seemingly good and innocent things too!)

.

A QUICK LOOK AT CHURCH HISTORY

.

But it might be a good idea to take a glance at history, to get an overview of how the Devil has been deceiving and persecuting God’s people through the last two millenniums.

.

There are two major divisions of Church history: the First Beast of Revelation, Chapter 13, and the Second Beast of Revelation, Chapter 13.

.

Now, just how do we arrive at this conclusion that these two beasts were the two divisions? One major reason is that the nature of these two beasts seems to correspond to the modus-operandi (the methodology) of Satan’s persecution of the Church. The First Beast used physical persecution against God’s people, while the Second Beast has come as a False Prophet.

.

Let’s glance at each beast for a moment…

.

Torture devices – The Wheel – Calas Chapbook – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

RISE OF THE FIRST BEAST

.

“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, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy…And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.” Revelation 13:1, 3

.

The First Beast was already in place when Christ was born into the world. Rome was the 4th head of this Beast. (Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Grecia were the 1st three heads, having already fulfilled their commission in Old Testament times).

.

Yes, Rome began persecuting Christians almost immediately after the Cross. And this persecution continued until the 4th Century, when Rome suddenly had a complete change of heart, now embracing Christianity!

.

But this new friendship resulted in the rise of apostate churches which compromised the truth of the Bible by the addition of many false doctrines and paganism, disguised by a thin coating of Christianity.

.

Whore – Babylon – Burgkmair – 1523 AD – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

.

CHURCH PERSECUTES GOD’S PEOPLE

.

And over the next centuries there began to be a separation between God’s faithful Christians, and this false religious system. God’s people saw through the deception by these false churches. And eventually, the apostate church began persecuting God’s people, by banishment, civil penalties, torture, and death.

.

Oh yes, this was all progressive and gradual. But more and more this apostate religious system became the Antichrist Beast, using the civil governments of Europe to do its “dirty-work”, as its “Enforcer”.

.

Waldensians hunted by the armies of Rome – Courtesy Gutenberg.org – Public Domain.

.

THE REFORMATION

.

Now, as the false doctrines and the physical persecution intensified against God’s people, God eventually raised up faithful men to counter the apostasy. Such men as John Wycliffe, John Huss, Martin Luther, William Tyndale, and many others, became the voice of God, and the champions for His persecuted people against this tyrant Antichrist Beast.

.

And so, the torture chambers, and the flames-of death-at-the-stake, became the punishment for any Christian who refused to bow down to the authority of the apostate churches of Europe. And Satan attempted to burn the Bible completely out of existence!

.

But faithful men, women, and children secretly committed the verses of this much-hated Book to their memory!

.

And armed with the Bible in their heart, they carefully ventured out through the land, proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ to anyone who might be receptive to hear those life-giving words of Jesus!

.

Luther – 95 Theses – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

Caxton Showing the First Specimen of His Printing to King Edward IV at the Almonry, Westminster wikipedia US public domain

.

GUTENBERG’S PRESS

.

“…the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.” Revelation 13:14

.

Now this physical persecution against God’s people continued for some centuries. But when the prophetic time-clock had finally expired, God gave the printing-press to the world! And as a result, Bibles began to be churned out by the thousands!

.

The Bible was that sword which gave the First Beast his deadly wound!

.

And now, for the first time, Europeans could read for themselves, the truths which had been suppressed by those evil churches for so many centuries.

.

Even back in 1611, the translators of the king James Bible understood this truth, saying in that versions introduction…“the Truth, (which hath given such a blow unto that man of Sin, as will not be healed)” (from the Introduction to the King James version, paragraph #4)

.

This above quote was of course, in reference to Revelation 13, which reveals the Beast which received a deadly “wound by a sword” which deadly wound would be healed. And as this same introduction makes clear, the beast with the deadly wound which was healed was none other than the apostate and tyranical church-system of Europe during the Dark Ages. But this truth got lost through the next centuries, after Christian persecution ceased.

.

Girl with a Bible – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

.

HOPE IN THE NEW WORLD

.

At about this time that this First Beast received his deadly (but healed) wound, many pilgrims began to flock to the New World, in hopes of erasing the memory of the misery and blood-baths which Satan had brought against so many Europeans, for so many centuries! Yes, America was a land rich in natural resources and full of promise and hope for a new life, free from the tyranny of that First-Beast religious system of the Old World!

.

And so, many began to flock to the New World, in hopes of escaping the memory of the misery and blood-baths which Satan had brought against so many Europeans, for so many centuries!

.

Truly, America was a land rich in natural resources and full of promise and hope for a new life, free from the tyranny of that beast-like religious system of the Old World!

.

Mayflower Harbor by William Halsall 1882 wikipedia US public domain

.

RISE OF THE SECOND BEAST

.

Now, even though Satan’s First Beast had received its “deadly wound by a sword”, via the “sword of the Spirit, the Word of God”, this unrelenting and tireless foe was not ready to give up! No, Satan still had two heads of his Antichrist Beast, which were yet to rise up. Yes, this Antichrist Beast had seven heads, and the 5th head had just received its deadly wound by Gutenberg’s printing press, which filled the Old World with innumerable Bibles!

.

And so, just like a deadly virus, this First Beast mutated and morphed into another beast, an even more deadly one than the first! This Second Beast was The False Prophet, having two horns like a lamb, but speaking as a dragon! And these two horns were actually the 6th and 7th heads of the First Beast!

.

But the apostate church-system of Europe over the centuries, had earned itself such a bloody reputation, Satan had to re-invent himself, so-to-speak! Yes, Satan needed to put a fresh face on his war-machine. And so, he raised up this False Prophet to further deceive the world. And this beast was a “kinder and gentler beast”!

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Satan, The False Prophet who offers a world-loving gospel – www.signsofheaven.org

.

SATAN’S NEW BATTLEFRONT

.

Yes, little did those pilgrims understand, that this new frontier was now to become Satan’s new battlefront, to continue his war against Heaven. He and his unseen minions had also “packed their suitcases” so to speak, and moved across the waters to this young and brash society, which cared little for orthodoxy, nor for tradition.

.

But now Satan needed to put a fresh face on his new dispensation, and America the beautiful was just the right place to do that! God blessed America, giving it a constitution somewhat similar to God’s government: a nation dedicated to freedom of religious and political speech. America had a constitution and organization with biblical root and foundation. It was, no doubt, just the kind of challenge that Satan loves!

.

First Thanksgiving_brascome wikipedia public domain

.

A HORSE, A VAIN THING FOR SAFETY!

.

And there is a principle which the early pilgrim’s did not fully understand. These refugees to the New World did not realize that a person cannot escape sin, by his own two legs!

.

The Bible says… “An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength…The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.” Proverbs 33:17 & 21:31

.

As these above two verses reveal, we just cannot escape sin and danger by our own strength! Safety is of the Lord.

.

And so, these pilgrims were escaping from one type of evil, only to be sailing into another form of evil! As the saying goes, they were merely, “jumping from the fry pan, into the fire!”

.

Oh yes, they were escaping famine, scarcity and persecution! But what they could not have known, was that they were seeking a place of refuge, which would eventually immerse their descendants into the same miry opulence, excess, and lust, which ultimately led to the destruction of Sodom & Gomorrah!

.

Time – New York City Night-lights – Wikimedia – Creative Commons 2.0 Generic License

.

THE AGE OF PROSPERITY

.

The persecution of the Dark Ages, was a long history of deprivation: deprivation of food and material goods, of Bibles, of religious liberty, and of political freedom.

.

But when Satan completely changed his strategy of warfare, no longer were the Christian nations to suffer want and deprivation.

.

No, as long as the pendulum was going to swing in a different direction, the Devil was going to make sure it would swing way too far in the opposite direction!

.

New York Times Square – terabass – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

.

2nd BEAST RISES FROM THE EARTH

.

According to Revelation 13, this Second Beast was to rise up from the earth. And the things of this earth, materialism, and the sins of the flesh, became the power and earthy lusts which this False Prophet Beast was all about! Yes, Satan flooded the world with every conceivable invention, labor-saving device, and earthly pleasure!

.

And just like the well-known laboratory experiment, in which mice are over-fed until they explode, so too, Satan would now destroy Christianity by giving her more than the heart could wish!

.

And so now, the western nations were being flooded with all the pleasures and pursuits the human heart could ever desire!

.

The industrial age, followed by the high-tech age, made the Protestant nations rich, beyond anything ever seen in history past!

.

Mall Market culture – Jakarta – Wikimedia – share-alike-lic.

.

THE RISE OF ATHEISM & SECULARISM

.

Now, the 5th head of the Beast was the idea that the “Church” was the supreme Authority in the world. But this 5th head was merely one head of the Beast!

.

You see, at the same time that the 5th head of Antichrist received its deadly wound by God’s sword, the Bible, Satan was already preparing the 6th head to rise up: humanism. Yes, humanism, or secularism, or atheism, or communitarianism, or whatever other name one wants to call it, it was to be the next great deception to enter onto the world stage.

.

The 5th head was the idea that the “Church” was the supreme authority. But Atheism was, and is the idea that humans are the supreme beings of the universe. No God! No Heaven! Only people!

.

But atheism by itself, is such a hopeless and bleak ideology, since it offers nothing in the way of hope or redemption to mankind! Only survival of the fittest, and everyone goes back to the earth…forever!

.

Oh yes, when we are young, atheism leads us to believe that we can, “sin till the cows come home”, so to speak. In other words, with no God watching, then whatever we can get away with, is “fair-game”, as they say! That idea is very appealing to fallen sinful humans: sinning with no accountability to a God!

.

Charles Darwin – by John Collier (artist) – www.wikimedia.com – Public Domain

.

AN OLD FAMILIAR FIEND!

.

But as an atheist grows older, life gets more and more hopeless. Death becomes a familiar fiend, always lurking in the shadows, peering around every corner, waiting for you and for me! Old age brings aches and pains and sickness and ultimately death! That’s it!

.

And so, atheism may start out as a nice idea. But more and more, as we grow older, it becomes our worst enemy, offering only an eternity of blackness and nothingness!

.

The Bible says concerning humanity… “through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” Hebrews 2:15.

.

Yes, even though we refuse to admit it, the multitudes of humanity are prisoners through our fear of death!

.

And death haunts any and every sensitive, intelligent, thinking person every single day of his or her adult life!

.

Vincent van Gogh – Old Man in Sorrow (On the Threshold of Eternity) – Wikipedia US Public Domain.jpg

Weeping Woman – Van Gogh – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

.

THE RISE OF HUMANISM

.

And so, because atheism (humanism) is such a bleak and hopeless ideology, Satan probably decided that he must sugar-coat it with other, more appealing philosophies.

.

And so, by the late 1700’s and early 1800’s, Satan was already bringing into this 6th head of Antichrist, some more satellite ideologies: evolution, sciences, psychiatry, psychology, as well as secular books on science, romance, fictional tales, and every other intriguing subject.

.

And Satan raised up heroes of those causes: Darwin, Freud, Marx, Einstein, Twain, Michener, Steinbeck, and countless other such, “knights in shining armor”, to champion each of these causes!

.

Some authors, like Darwin, gave credence to humanism (atheism), by the so-called “theory of evolution”. But other authors wrote books which sympathized with the down-trodden, giving socialism a foothold in the western nations. Still many other authors furthered America’s progressive downward march away from Christianity, into secularism, as their books promoted, “a form of godliness”, giving a certain charm to the life of a secularist. Still other authors promoted the ideology of psychiatry.

.

In other words, Satan filled up this new Antichrist kingdom, tagged as “humanism”, with no shortage of people and things to captivate the minds of men, women, and children! Yes, “the god of this world” provided every conceivable art, entertainment, science, role-model, and ambitious pursuit that an atheist could ever possibly desire!

.

Mark Twain – 1909 – Wikipedia – Public Domain

Charles Darwin – by John Collier (artist) – www.wikimedia.com – Public Domain

John Steinbeck – 1962 – Wikipedia – Public Domain

Atheism – Descent of the Modernists (now called Progressives), E J Pace, Christian Cartoons, 1922 – Wikipedia –

.

IMAGE THAT SPEAKS

.

“And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.” Revelation 13:15

.

But Satan was not so content with the written word. Oh yes, the printing press worked well for his purposes, for the time.

.

But he had a far more powerful medium waiting in the wings! And at the appropriate hour, he launched his ultimate mind-control devices: television, radio, and eventually Internet.

.

The above verse from Revelation speaks about a time when Satan would come as the Second Beast of Revelation: the False Prophet. And working through this False Prophet Beast, Satan would cause the world to make unto themselves an image to the first Beast. And he had power to give life to this image, so that the image could speak.

.

Now throughout time there has never been such an image that could speak. But only in this day and age is that possible (see “Television: And The Image That Speaks”).

.

Listen again to Revelation… “And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.” Revelation 13:15

.

And with the aid of these new high-tech weapons, he would engage in an assault unlike any other deception ever implemented upon Mankind. Along with the various “sciences” and ideologies, Satan has implemented music and entertainment, via these high-tech devices, as his chosen means to lead the peoples of the world into a downward spiral, and into greater spiritual darkness.

.

And though it might be argued that these inventions have helped Mankind in various ways, nevertheless, they have been greatly used to decay the morality of the world, and indoctrinate Mankind into false ideologies, and to create a general prejudice against the Bible.

.

While Satan’s methods have changed from time to time, nevertheless he has always been at war against the Bible at any time in history. And being the “god of this world”, Satan works through anyone who is not fully consecrated to God.

.

TV – highquality – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons License

.

WHAT IS SOCIALISM/HUMANITARIANISM?

.

Now, among the other various satellite ideologies which surround atheism (humanism) is “socialism/humanitarianism”. It is the idea that humans are going to work collectively to relieve the sufferings and supply the basic requirements of needy humans by giving away money, food, clothes, and services.

.

Humanitarianism can also be carried on by government, private groups or even by individuals. And though we must never judge any human heart, this tide of humanitarianism was not from the God of Heaven!

.

Free Food Distribution – Gangasagar Fair Transit Camp – Kolkataw – cropped image – Wikimedia – Free Documentation License

.

THE WHOLE WORLD LIES IN WICKEDNESS

.

The great problem with socialism (humanitarianism) is, just why in the world would unconverted and fallen humans even care about helping others?

.

The Bible reveals… “And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.” 1st John 5:19

.

Yes, in the most concise language possible, the Lord reveals one of the greatest truths in all of creation: that this entire world lies in wickedness!

.

New York Times Square – terabass – cropped image – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

.

THE HUMAN HEART TOTALLY DEPRAVED

.

Yes, the whole world is immersed in its own evil and sin! Everywhere we look, sin exists. Selfishness, hate, racism, pride, lust, greed, revenge, immorality, impatience, indifference, and innumerable other sinful traits are found in every corner and crevice and social/ethnic group of this world-in-rebellion!

.

And not only is this world immersed in wickedness, but also the individual human heart (mind) is immersed in wickedness… “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9

.

As this above verse reveals, the human mind is likewise a, “world of evil”! And even though we humans have a, “form of godliness”, there lies a bottomless pit of evil within the human heart of each and every one of us!

.

Mark of the beast – pub. dom. – Wikipedia

.

PAUL’S CONFESSION

.

That greatest of all apostles, Paul, realized that he was merely a horrible wretched sinner, saved by grace!

.

Listen… “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.” Romans 7:18, 19

.

This above confession by Paul shows that he realized this truth about the human heart; about his own heart! He knew that only the grace of God abiding in his heart (his mind) could be considered a good thing. But without that abiding grace, Paul knew that he would be just as fallen and wicked as the most evil human on earth!

.

Paul the Apostle – Artist – Valentin de Boulogne or Nicolas Tournier – circa 1500s – Wikipedia – public domain

.

PALLIATING THE GUILT-RIDDEN SOUL

.

So what’s the reason for so much humanitarianism, today?

.

Well, there are many in the western societies who have been surrounded and heavily influenced by our Christian culture. Yes, the Christian Reformation made an indelible mark on the western nations! Love for all mankind is “a pretty tough act to follow”, as the saying goes!

.

But because we do not wish to follow Jesus, with all our heart and soul, we will often attempt to find a suitable substitute, in the form of humanitarianism. And so, in addition to weekly church-attendance, we may volunteer for some humanitarian project, hoping to palliate our guilt-ridden conscience.

.

(Oh yes, God can and does lead humans to do some act of kindness, at times, just as he led wicked men in the Bible to some good and merciful deed, at times. But that does not by any means save a person or even make that person into a good person.)

.

The Bread Line’ – by George Benjamin Luks, – Dayton Art Institute – Wikimedia -US Public Domain

.

THE RICH YOUNG MAN

.

This desire to palliate one’s own guilt-ridden conscience is well-illustrated in the account of the Rich Young Man, in which a young man ran up to Jesus, and cried out… “Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?”

.

Here was an example of trying to earn Heaven, by doing some humanitarian “good deed”. But Jesus saw through this young man’s vain attempt… “Jesus said unto him…’go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow Me.’ But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.” Matthew 19:21, 22

.

And like that rich young man, there are many today, who love this present world, and don’t really want to ‘forsake all’ and follow Jesus (see Luke 14:33). And so, there begins to be an attempt to raise up some social-justice ministry, as a substitute for dying-with-Jesus!

.

“Maybe, just maybe, I can do some good works, thereby hanging on to the world with all its pleasures and pursuits!” Sadly, this is the inward thought of so many church-attendees, in this exciting age we are now in!

.

Rich Young Ruler – Hoffman – Wikimedia Commons – US Public-Domain

.

To continue reading this article, click here… “Floodwaters of the False Prophet: Socialism/Humanitarianism (Continued)”

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Floodwaters of the False Prophet: Socialism/Humanitarianism

The Fleeing Revelation 12 Woman Constellation: What is the Message of Habakkuk?

By admin On December 6th, 2014

.

The Fleeing Revelation 12 Woman Constellation:

The Fearful Message of Habakkuk

.

“I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower,

.

and will watch to see what He will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.

.

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 2:1-3

.

PICTURE – Constellation- Woman of Revelation 12 flees to the mountains – Mark 13:14 (Not a star-chart, but merely a concept picture)

.

HABAKKUK: BOOK OF ALLEGORIES

.

God forewarns us that the Book of Habakkuk will unscramble itself in these last days.

.

That’s right! God wrote the Book of Habakkuk in allegories. And in the day that Habakkuk’s allegories unscramble themselves, and begin to speak, the Reader is counseled to “RUN!”

.

Listen… “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 2:2, 3

.

And so, the questions to be answered are these: “Is Habakkuk’s vision beginning to speak? Is it time to run? And just where in the world do we run?”

.

Habakkuk by James Tissot – Wikimedia Commons – US Public Domain

.

But before we begin to answer these questions, let’s introduce the Host for this article.

.

Actually, it is a HostESS to be introduced: The Fleeing Revelation 12 Woman Constellation…

.

TO WHERE DOES SHE FLEE?

.

WOMAN ROTATES THROUGH THE SEASONS…

.

**This constellation is made of the Big Dipper, also part of the Great Bear constellation (Ursa Major ).**

.

However, the ancient pagan cultures did not see this constellation as God intended it to be seen.

.

It is actually a headless woman in childbirth. This is seen in springtime. It is seen in the northern skies.

.

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 single star representing her birth-child (Christ) now becomes her head (“Christ is the head of the church.” Ephesians 5:23

.

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.

.

These are star charts from Wikipedia, with sketches of the Woman added.

.

WHO IS SHE FLEEING FROM?

.

“…and the dragon stood before the woman…

for to devour her child as soon as it was born…

And the woman fled into the wilderness,

where she hath a place prepared of God…”

Revelation 12:5, 6

.

Now by winter, this woman has changed into a “fleeing” woman.

.

And if you will go out into the country away from the city lights, you might just see that her upraised arms begin to appear as wings.

.

And she appears to be running, and eventually flying.

.

**In this heavenly scenario, this woman is fleeing from the ‘Dragon’ Constellation. However, “fleeing” is mentioned many times in Scripture.**

.

It may refer to fleeing from apostate shepherds (John 10:5), brethren or apostate congregations (Psalm 26:5).

.

Or fleeing from sin and (1st Corinthians 6:18). Or from enemies (Habakkuk 2:2, 3).

.

**It is likewise speaking of fleeing to the mountains (Matthew 24:15-17).**

.

**And as you can see, the Dragon is spewing water out of his mouth.**

.

And it is amazing that this water is always going in the direction of the woman. The water stands for false doctrines/false brethren/persecutions/temptations. See the article on the Dragon for further insight. Click here…”The Dragon”.

.

Picture right: Revelation 12 Dragon

.

So maybe the best thing to do, is to look at this allegorical Book of Habakkuk from a somewhat analytical vantage point.

.

Magnifying Glass – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

.

THE PROBLEM:

.

Now the problem of Habakkuk is that he is totally frustrated and alarmed, as he beholds the wicked coming in like a flood! Yes, Habakkuk is greatly disturbed, because he sees a vision of God raising up the Chaldeans (unbelievers), to completely surround God’s Chosen People, causing them to lose their sense of good judgment.

.

Listen… “The burden which Habakkuk the prophet did see. O LORD, how long shall I cry, and Thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and Thou wilt not save! Why dost Thou show me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention. Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth” Habakkuk 1:1-4

.

Yes, this is truly a sad situation for God’s people.

.

Habakkuk by James Tissot – Wikimedia Commons – US Public Domain

.

BUT GOD RAISED THEM UP!

.

But this terrible situation is only made that much more grievous because it is God Himself who raised these pagans up!

.

Listen… “For, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, which shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwellingplaces that are not theirs.” Habakkuk 1:6

.

So Habakkuk is crying out to God, because he doesn’t understand why God has raised up that wicked nation to encompass the righteous, causing wrong judgment to prevail among God’s people.

.

Habakkuk by James Tissot – Wikimedia Commons – US Public Domain

.

THE SOLUTION

.

So in Chapter 2, The Lord reveals the answer to this dilemma.

.

Listen… “I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what He will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. 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 2:1-3

.

**So Habakkuk here seems to be trembling, as he watches and waits for God to answer him. And the Lord gives the solution to Habakkuk’s dilemma. “RUN!”, says the Lord.**

.

But this command to “RUN!” is only given when an individual reader begins to hear Habakkuk’s vision beginning to speak… “For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie” Habakkuk 2:3

.

And though that vision seems to tarry, but at the end it will speak and not lie! And it will only speak at the appointed time! And then, the reader of Habakkuk must run!

.

Habakkuk by James Tissot – Wikimedia Commons – US Public Domain

.

THE SAD CONDITION OF GOD’S PEOPLE:

.

In somewhat allegorical language, God then begins to present the sad condition of the Church. Herein is described the apostasy within God’s house.

.

Listen… “Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by His (Christ’s) faith.” Habakkuk 2:4

.

Pride has entered in to God’s house! Yet there are still those who continue to live by Christ’s faith! “the just shall live by His faith.”

.

Yes, God has a faithful remnant within the Church. And this is the true Church of which God promises, “The gates of Hell shall not prevail” against it! (Matthew 16:18)

.

And yet, Chapter 2 describes this sad condition in the apostate churches: whether pope, prelate, or parishioner, or even you or even me; this speaks of spiritual drunkenness, pride, covetousness, and a greed as big as Hell, which resides in those of us who are willing to trade away our soul in exchange for the whole world, or any little part thereof (v.5)!

.

As the reader can see in this not-so-funny cartoon, is a typical Christian, all caught up in the cares and pleasures of this life, not realizing that we have, “lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; (we) have nourished (our) hearts, as in a day of slaughter!” James 5:5

.

MY PROUD, FOOLISH HEART!

“Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by His (Christ’s) faith.” Habakkuk 2:4

This above verse reveals what the prophet, Habakkuk realized was the motivation of his own foolish complaint to God: FOOLISH HUMAN PRIDE! And this realization is what we all must be given, in order for the vision of Habakkuk to begin speaking to any one of us!

.

And any supposed child of God must receive the chastening of God, which will humble our proud and stubborn heart, before we can ever truly understand what any portion of the Bible is truly saying! So many of us are puffed up, by our supposed knowledge of God’s Word.

.

And before I can ever receive this fearful message of Habakkuk, God must mercifully break down these iron walls of human pride, which surround and imprison me! Then and only then, can I begin to live by Christ’s faith, instead of my own self-confident knowledge and worldly self-reliance!

.

SATAN, THE KING OF BABYLON

.

**The Prophecy of Habakkuk concerns “Chaldeans”, which was another name for “Babylonians”.**

.

And so, Habakkuk Chapters 1 & 2 also seems to allude to the King of Babylon, who is in truth, none other than Satan.

.

This concept is revealed in the Prophecy of Isaiah… “…against the king of Babylon, and say…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

.

Oh no, Habakkuk doesn’t come right out and say this fact about who the Chaldeans are. But Isaiah here, says it for Habakkuk! And by comparing spiritual things with spiritual, it becomes evident that Satan is the true King of Babylon!

**Yes, one of the most unpopular and most well-guarded truths is that Lucifer (now entitled: Satan, or, the Devil) is the, “god of this world” 2nd Corinthians 4:4.**

.

Satan controls this world, to a great extent. And God has allowed Satan, in these last days to completely surround and infiltrate the Church, via both evil angels, secular men and authorities, as well as apostate church members.

.

And so, what we are now witnessing in the world, is that Satan is closing in on God’s Elect, by reason of nearly every authority, learning institution, high-tech invention, and many pulpits in the land! Satan’s infiltration and totalitarian ruler-ship is so complete, that God’s chosen ones, have even been carried away captive into this spiritual Babylon, within our very own hearts!

.

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

.

JUDGMENT TO COME

.

The rest of this Chapter 2 goes on to describe the sins of which a church-going man (or woman) is willing to commit (or perhaps, this is also speaking of the sins of the entire apostate portion within God’s house, headed up by the King of Babylon, Satan!) And the sins continue, in spite of the fact that those covetous sins will result in causing many others in God’s house, to fall and be cut off (v. 2:8-10).

.

Listen… “Because thou (the apostate portion of the Church, headed up by the King of Babylon, Satan) hast spoiled many nations, all the remnant of the people shall spoil thee; because of men’s blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein. Woe to him that covets an evil covetousness to his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the power of evil! Thou hast consulted shame to thy house by cutting off many people, and hast sinned against thy soul.” Habakkuk 2:8-10

.

Here above, is a veiled reference, it seems, to God’s professed people (and their leaders), who have traded their birthright, for a bowl of pottage, so to speak: their eternal heritage, for the things of this present world!

.

Audience hands – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

ANTICHRIST’S PUNISHMENT

.

**But this chapter 2 also reveals the judgment which is sure to follow the Antichrist rulers of the apostate multitudes in the Church. (Chapter 2, v. 6-17)**

.

“Shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, Woe to him that increaseth that which is not his! how long? and to him that ladeth himself with thick clay! Shall they not rise up suddenly that shall bite thee, and awake that shall vex thee, and thou shalt be for booties unto them?” Habakkuk 2:6, 7

.

But it should not be assumed that Antichrist is only speaking of one individual. Not only Satan and his ministers of counterfeit righteousness, but anyone who is of a worldly spirit is an Antichrist…

.

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

.

And so, as this above passage reveals, “Antichrist” is much more than a single individual! Antichrist includes all those who possess a world-loving spirit! And Ephesians 2:2 speaks of, “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:”

.

Yes, as this above verse reveals, Satan’s Antichrist spirit is now working in the, “children of disobedience”!

.

Whore – Babylon – Burgkmair – 1523 AD – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

The Pleiades: Mystery Babylon: Mother of Harlots

.

TELEVISION, RADIO AND INTERNET, ETC…

.

“Woe unto him that saith to the wood, Awake; to the dumb stone, Arise, it shall teach! Behold, it is laid over with gold and silver,” Habakkuk 2:19

.

Now the last three verses of Chapter 2, seem to be an allusion to this very day in which we live! Because in former times, it was impossible to make an image that could speak. The idols of yesteryear were powerless to communicate verbally. But Habakkuk’s vision is specifically given for the last hours of this world!

.

And so, in these last days, man has been given the knowledge to invent talking images: television, Internet, and even radio all project talking images which promote this kingdom of Satan. And these images can travel across the world at lightning speed (they are, “swifter than leopards”: Habakkuk 1:8)

.

Now, the reference in Habakkuk 2:19, to these talking/teaching idols being “laid over with silver and gold”, is an allusion to television programs being given a form of godliness, thereby deceiving the hearts of the naive viewers! There seems to be so much morality and humanitarianism on TV/Internet, and yet it is void of God’s Spirit. This is the silver and gold spoken of here in verse 19.

.

Yes, through these media, plus books, magazines and various other media, Satan has been working through the Chaldean (unbelieving) people of this world, and is now able to control the minds of the great masses of humanity, increasing daily throughout the world! And he has infiltrated and paralyzed the Church as well!

.

Picture above right: from the article… “Television and the Image That Speaks”

.

CHAPTER 3: HABAKKUK’S PRAYER

.

Now in Chapter 3, begins Habakkuk’s prayer…

.

Listen… “O LORD, I have heard Thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive Thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy. God came from Teman, and the Holy One from mount Paran. Selah. His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of His praise. And His brightness was as the light; He had horns coming out of His hand: and there was the hiding of His power.” Habakkuk 3:2-4

.

Now Habakkuk prays for mercy in the midst of the years! And so, in somewhat allegorical language is Jesus herein described! And also in this description is mentioned the “Signs Of Heaven”.

.

Listen… “God came from Teman, and the Holy One from mount Paran. Selah. His glory covered the Heavens” Habakkuk 3:3.

.

**In this verse, is a reference to Mt. Sinai (a.k.a., Mount Paran) in which Moses received the Ten Commandments directly from God.**

.

**And this same reference also mentions that God’s “glory covered the Heavens”.**

.

Now isn’t it interesting that the Ark of the Covenant is seen in the Heavens? And so, this verse alludes to the signs which God is now revealing in the Heavens!

.

But more than this, the horns of light were described as coming out of the Savior’s hand! “And His brightness was as the light; He had horns coming out of His hand: and there was the hiding of His power.”

.

This horn of Salvation by the self-sacrificing love of Jesus, symbolized by the nail holes in His hands, is the only Good News to the lost souls of this hopelessly dying world! There is no other mercy for this world, and even that is about to end! (see Habakkuk 3:4)

.

Signs Of Heaven – Winter Constellations

Transfiguration – Bloch – cropped – Wikimedia Commons – US Public-Domain

.

THE CONQUERING LORD OF HOSTS

.

“Thou didst march through the land in indignation, Thou didst thresh the heathen in anger.” Habakkuk 3:12

.

Now, up to the 15th verse of Chapter 3, is described (in veiled language) Michael, the conquering priestly-soldier (see also, Daniel 12:1 & Revelation 12:7)

.

Yes, the eternal priestly God our Savior, will put put on His garments of vengeance (Isaiah 59:17), and “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

.

Here again is an allusion to that portion of Signs Of Heaven, which are seen in the winter skies! (see above star-chart)

.

Picture above right: From the article… “The Orion Phenomena”

.

HABAKKUK’S SHAME

.

Now at this point, Habakkuk realizes that God is the awesome and majestic conqueror of all evil! And Habakkuk realizes his own wretchedness and that he too was part of the problem…

.

Listen… “When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when He cometh up unto the people, He will invade them with His troops.” Habakkuk 3:16

.

And so, Habakkuk was happy to grovel in the dust, so to speak, in hopes that God will have mercy on that prophet’s wretched condition. (Habakkuk 3:16)

.

Habakkuk by James Tissot – Wikimedia Commons – US Public Domain

.

GOD’S CHASTISEMENTS

.

“When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when He cometh up unto the people, He will invade them with His troops.” Habakkuk 3:16

.

But this above verse speaks of more than merely groveling. No, the kind of fear described in the above verse, is only experienced when a Believer suffers the chastening of God, and awakes to his own presumptuous sins.

.

**Yes, we so often go merrily on our own way, not aware that there is sin in the camp: the camp of, “my own heart”!**

.

And so, things come to the point in time when the Lord, in His mercy, must lovingly send severe chastisement into my life. But though God’s punishments really hurt, we must allow such “spankings”, that we might be ultimately purified!

.

And this purification must be accomplished if we will finally be, “hidden from the wrath to come”, in the day when God comes down to punish the earth’s inhabitants. (see Matthew 3:7, Luke 3:7, & 1st Thessalonians 1:10)

.

And just like David, when he realized his great sins, so will God’s people grovel in sackcloth & ashes (spiritually, not literally), when our sins are revealed to us, in such a stark and poignant manner!

.

Yes, Habakkuk realizes that his complaint to God was made out of his ignorance of the glory of God, as seen in the great conquering Hero of all ages: the marvelous Lord of Hosts, Jesus!

.

And Habakkuk also sees that Christ is coming to invade Christendom, to slay the wicked, but also to deliver His Chosen people from the apostate, lukewarm condition of the fallen churches! (Habakkuk 3:16)

.

And Habakkuk knows that he can either repent now and be saved, or he can repent in the Day of Vengeance, when it’s too late to repent!

.

Habakkuk by James Tissot – Wikimedia Commons – US Public Domain

Cry of prophet Jeremiah on the Ruins of Jerusalem – Wikiart – US Public Domain

.

THE CHURCHES LEFT DESOLATE

.

Now in Habakkuk 3:17 is described in allegorical language, the desolate condition of the churches, as Christ removes His people…

.

Listen… “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:” Habakkuk 3:17

.

“Fig tree shall not blossom”, “neither shall fruit be in the vines”, the “labor of the olive shall fail”, and the “fields shall yield no meat”, and the “flock shall be cut off from the fold”, and “no herd in the stall” is obvious metaphorical language, often used in scripture to describe God’s sheep (people) vacating the churches, and the Holy Spirit’s oil being removed, and the resulting lack of the fruit of the Spirit in those churches (Galatians 5:22).

.

Just as in the days of Jeremiah (picture right), this also is the sad and desolate condition which is very evident in today’s church-world! The Word of God does not cause the corporate body of the churches to repent of idolatry. Instead, the churches have mingled the purity of the Word, with the miry clay of the world! And the result is a lukewarm condition, just right for the spreading of the disease of sin throughout the corporate body!

.

.

“…THEY SHALL REAP THE WHIRLWIND…”

Hosea 8:7

Now, with just a little research on the Internet, it is revealed the apostate condition of the church-world. Incredibly high divorce-rate (and remarriage), incredibly low knowledge/belief of the Bible, very high rate of pornography viewing among God’s professed people. Christian parents and church leaders sending their children to public schooling, and encouraging their young adults to pursue the very same affluence which eventually led to the downfall and ultimate destruction of S-0-D-0-M-A

.

Most Christians have totally ignored Paul’s warning… “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. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition….But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.” 1st Timothy 6:7-9, 11

.

And as a result of our rebellion, God has allowed Satan to raise up S-0-D-0-M and Babylon all around us! Yes, God is now judging His people, and we are finally reaping the harvest of our vanities which we have sown, through our love of this present kingdom of selfishness and sin!

.

Listen… “But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.” Proverbs 1:25-27.

.

This passage from Proverbs applies very well to we current-day Christians! Our destruction is at hand!

.

Pride Parade – Wikimedia – GNU Free Documentation License

.

HABAKKUK COMES FULL CIRCLE

.

Listen… “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 2:2, 3

.

So now Habakkuk comes full circle. God’s people see the apostate condition of Babylon: the world and the worldly church! It is twice fallen!

.

And the command comes from the lips of Almighty God: “RUN!”

.

Habakkuk by James Tissot – Wikimedia Commons – US Public Domain

.

FLEE TO THE MOUNTAINS

.

But we just can’t pack up and flee to the literal mountains!

.

And so, why does God fully assure us in the prophecy of Isaiah that… “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”? Isaiah 30:25.

.

And so, this passage speaks of available water in every mountain, high hill!

.

But what kind of waters is the Prophet speaking of? Literal waters, or spiritual, living waters?

.

The Prophet Isaiah (Bible Card from 1904) – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

LIVING WATERS

.

And so, just what high mountains and high hills are we to take refuge in? And what rivers and streams will we find there?

.

Listen… “In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake He of the Spirit, which they that believe on Him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) John 7:37-39

.

So here are the rivers of living waters in which we are to enjoy upon every high mountain and upon every high hill, during the coming crisis.

.

Yes, the bible is a spiritual book, and must be understood spiritually, to make total sense.

.

ABOVE STAR-CHART – Sign of the Son of Man – www.theheavensdeclare.net – Not for commercial uses

.

TOWERS FALLING ALL AROUND US!

.

“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.” Isaiah 30:25.

.

And so, in this prophecy of Isaiah, it speaks of, “the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall.”

.

Well, as we look around, it is not hard to discern that the towers are now falling! And not just the Twin Towers in New York City!

.

Just look around! Our public schools are beginning to promote socialism, sexual deviancy, and disdain for Christianity to our children! The television has become an advertisement for the qualities of Satan’s character! Our courts quite often, no longer respect the rule of law! Our government is borrowing and printing money in an apparent financial suicide attempt!

.

Everything around the world is going topsy-turvy, and all this leaves us bewildered as to just what is happening!

.

And if all that is not a fulfillment of the “towers falling”, just look at the churches and denominations!

.

They are crumbling faster than society! Deviants and spiritualists and money grubbing carpet-baggers are taking over, it seems!

.

Even many or perhaps, most of the so-called conservative churches are greatly concerned with earthly prosperity and hedonistic pleasure-seeking!

.

9/11 World Trade Center Towers attack – New York – cropped image – by UpsateNYer & Wikipedia – Share-Alike Lic.

Photo – Share -Alike License – Jesus in Blue Jeans – cropped images – Wikimedia

.

COME OUT OF HER, MY PEOPLE”

.

“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, My people (Mystery Harlot city of Babylon), that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” Revelation 18:4

.

Now here is as good of place as any, to tie in Revelation 18 to Habakkuk’s message, to “RUN”.

.

**Yes, this above verse speaks of God’s final call to His people to, “Come out of her, My people!”.**

.

And this harlot woman, is the same harlot woman, spoken of throughout the Bible: the apostate portion of God’s house! Whether the Bible speaks of, “Five Foolish Virgins”, or Jezebel (Revelation), or Hagar (Galatians 4:), or the many other references, it nevertheless speaks of the very same truth: the apostate parishioners within the Church.

.

Now whether we like it or not, Satan works tirelessly to make sure that his people control the local congregations. And since Christians are not commanded to fight for control of those congregations, we must do what Christians have always had to do: leave!

.

James Tissot – The Flight of the Prisoners – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

THE TWO CONGREGATIONS

.

“I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers. I have hated the congregation of evildoers; and will not sit with the wicked.” Psalm 26:4, 5.

.

The above passage speaks of the “Congregation of Evildoers”. Actually, the Bible speaks of two congregations: The Congregation of the Wicked (picture lower right) & the Congregation of the Righteous (left).

.

**Just listen… “Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.” Psalms 1:5.**

.

Just listen to this Messianic Psalm with the prophetic words of Jesus on the Cross… “For dogs have compassed Me: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed Me: they pierced My hands and My feet.” Psalm 22:16.

.

**So Jesus defined here, just who it was who crucified Him: “The Assembly of the Wicked”. It was His very own professed people.**

.

Listen to David, “I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.” Psa_26:5.

.

By the way, it is interesting to note, that this word, “congregation” in this verse, is the Hebrew word that is translated “church” in the New Testament.

.

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

.

PAUL SPEAKS OF 2 JERUSALEMS

.

So now we come to the New Testament. And Paul makes the most incredible and bold comparison of Abraham’s wife Sarah and her handmaid, Hagar to the Old and New Covenants! Paul really lays all out for us to see, comparing Sarah to the Church-Faithful, and Hagar to the Church-Apostate. Just listen carefully to the below passage…

.

“Which things (Sarah & Hagar) are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Hagar. For this Hagar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answers to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.” Galatians 4:24-26

.

This is the great recurring theme in Scripture: two women, a virtuous woman and an adulterous, whorish woman. This above passage from Galatians really nails down a great concept: that Scripture presents literal historical events which God orchestrated, in order to present a spiritual concept.

.

Paul correctly interpreted the story of Abraham, Sarah and Hagar and their children as a picture of the Church, both the apostate portion and the True Worshippers of God.

.

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

Sarah & Hagar – Foster Bible Pictures – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

“A TIME TO EMBRACE, AND…

.

A TIME TO REFRAIN FROM EMBRACING”

Ecclesiastes 3:5

.

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Heb_10:25.

.

There are many who read this above verse, and conclude that there will never come a time to separate from our local congregations. As it it says, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…”

.

So what did this mean to us in relation to our assembling together?

.

Let’s see what Scripture says… “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Heb_10:25.

.

As we read this passage carefully, we see that we were not to forsake the assembling together…but exhorting…”and so much the more as WE SEE THE DAY APPROACHING”.

.

As we see WHAT day approaching?

.

PICTURE – Constellation- Woman of Revelation 12 flees to the mountains Mark 13:14 This is not a star-chart, but merely a concept picture, but made up of real constellations (Ursa Major & Auriga, Hyades, etc…, howbeit not in their actual positions in the night-sky)

.

“DAY OF THE LORD” WAS THE “DAY APPROACHING”

.

The day we were to see approaching was that Day in which we were to flee to the mountains. That was the day which was approaching: the, “Day of the Lord”; “The Time of Jacob’s Trouble”; “Armageddon”.

.

Constellation- Woman of Revelation 12 flees to the mountains Mark 13:14

.

Listen to Scripture… “flee out of the midst of Jerusalem…for evil appears out of the north, and great destruction….I have likened the daughter of Zion to a comely and delicate woman.” Jeremiah 6:1,2.

.

Notice here that God compares the Daughter of Zion to a delicate and beautiful woman. The sketch here certainly picks up this idea from Jeremiah, of a fleeing woman. Interesting! But the primary reason for presenting the above verse is not to focus on the woman; but to confirm this idea of fleeing Jerusalem (see Galatians 4:22-26, regarding Jerusalem representing the apostate Church). And also to flee from the evil out of the north (Babylon). (For an in-depth examination of Spiritual Babylon, just click here… “Mystery Babylon: Who is this Harlot of Revelation?”)

.

WHERE DO WE FLEE TO?

.

Now the last two verses is Habakkuk’s praise, as he declares the hiding place in which he runs to… “Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. 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 3:18, 19

Constellation- Woman of Revelation 12 flees to the mountains Mark 13:14

.

Yes, the high places spoken of here, is the kingdom of God which dwells within God’s faithful people… “The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:20, 21

.

Yes, here are the high places we must walk upon! These are the mountains we are counseled to flee to!

.

Listen… “Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:” Ephesians 2:5, 6

.

But there is another aspect to fleeing! Yes, we are to flee to the heavenly Mount Zion, to be priests in His Most Holy Place! But we are also to flee from the wrath to come!

.

PICTURE – Constellation- Woman of Revelation 12 flees to the mountains Mark 13:14 This is not a star-chart, but merely a concept picture.

.

THE REMEDY…FLEE !

.

“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

.

When God’s people finally come to the point where we realize that we must flee from every temptation (as far and as fast as possible), is when the church will shine most brightly. During the Dark Ages, the Church fled to the literal mountains to hide from the apostate churches of Europe.

.

Hide Thyself in thy Chambers- inspired by Tornado Over Kansas by Curry

.

VEILED, ALLEGORICAL LANGUAGE

.

But now, in these last days, our only refuge is in a complete and total hiding in our Lord! We must be securely snuggled in His Almighty and Everlasting arms…every moment of every day! For if we dare leave His side for a moment (during this time of trouble coming soon) the enemy will be waiting to devour us, or to do as much damage as they possibly can…

“O ye children of Benjamin, gather yourselves to flee out of the midst of Jerusalem, and blow the trumpet in Tekoa, and set up a sign of fire in Bethhaccerem: for evil appeareth out of the north, and great destruction. I have likened the daughter of Zion to a comely and delicate woman.” Jeremiah 6:1, 2.

.

When God’s people realize, that such passages as this, are merely encoded messages, and, “are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.”, then, and only then can God’s people begin to understand the great message which God has written for His Church, in these last days.

.

The Lord is telling us here, in veiled language, that God’s professed people have become soft and weak, in a time of war. God is telling His true Church to flee from this weak and ineffective apostate church-world! (see Galatians 4:21-26)

.

Hide Thyself in thy Chambers- inspired by Tornado Over Kansas by Curry

.

SITTING WITH CHRIST IN HEAVEN!

.

Now let’s leave this allegorical scenario for a moment and begin to explore another spiritual concept.

.

Listen… “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:” Colossians 3:1-5

.

So here it is revealed that God’s people must be seeking the things above, and forsaking the things of the earth. Yes, God’s Elect must begin to crucify our earthly members.

.

ABOVE STAR-CHART – Sign of the Son of Man – www.theheavensdeclare.net – Not for commercial uses

.

THE SANCTUARY SHALL BE CLEANSED

.

FLEE FROM ENEMIES… “Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto Thee to hide me.” Psalms 143:9. This verse explains how to flee from your enemies. Flee to God! Trust Him to hide you! Get lost in His Word! Get lost in prayer! Hide in your prayer closet (figuratively, not literally)! Rest in His almighty arms!

.

**We are “the temple of God”. And as co-priests with Christ, we are to walk upon our high places of the heart! We are to cleanse our soul-temple!**

.

And so, we are to contemplate through our day, upon God’s Word! We are to pray without ceasing! But we are to likewise shun all ungodly associations as well: the TV, secular radio, and Internet vanities, sports, clubs, unions, time-&-energy-sapping careers, opulence, gluttony, ungodly friendships, Mammon, and every other Spirit-quenching association and endeavor!

.

**And so, to “walk upon mine high places”, very concisely put, is to live a separated-from-the-world life, but a very joined-to-Heaven life, at the same time!**

.

CHRISTIAN WARFARE

.

Now there is an interesting commentary on this idea of “hinds’ feet”, found in 2nd Samuel…

.

Listen… “God is my strength and power: And He makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like hinds’ feet: and sets me upon my high places. He teaches my hands to war; so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.” 2nd Samuel 22:33-35

.

This above passage speaks not only of hinds’ feet, but also of making “my way perfect”. But then it speaks of teaching “my hands to war”. So what in the world do these three ideas have to do with each other?

.

The Apostle, Paul clears up this matter in the following passage… “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

.

So now we see just what kind of warfare that the Bible wants us to fight: the cleansing of our own heart! To bring every thought into captivity, to the obedience of Christ, is the Christian warfare that we must engage in.

.

In other places, it is referred to “crucifying the ‘old man'”. Romans 6:6 & Ephesians 4:22, 23

.

In 1st John 3:3, we are counseled… “And every man that hath this hope in Him (Christ), purifieth himself, even as He is pure.”

.

And so, we have further confirmation that “hinds’ feet on my high places”, has everything to do with purifying the sanctuary of your heart and my heart. This is the Christian battle that we must fight and the war we must win!

.

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – public domain

.

GOD ALLOWS CHALDEANS

TO CHASE HIS PEOPLE OUT OF THE WORLD!

.

And so, one of the great reasons why God has allowed the Chaldeans to surround us, is to give us a wake-up call! Yes, in His great mercy, God has raised up “that wicked city of destruction” (and spiritual Babylon) all around us, in attempt to send the same alarm that he sent to Lot, the night before “that wicked city of destruction”…

.

Listen… “And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called “that wicked city of destruction” and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.” Revelation 11:8

.

So in this above verse from Revelation, God is comparing His city to “that wicked city of destruction” & Egypt: licentiousness and opulence and pride and unbelief (Egypt) are the great sins of the churches today! And the apostate condition of the churches grows more and more pronounced with each passing day! And needless to say, the condition of the world today, is totally intolerable, as well!

.

And so, God is waiting for us to flee, just as he waited for Lot and his family to flee from the wrath to come on ***“that wicked city of destruction”*, that fateful morning! And just as Lot tarried, so too, God’s people must quit our tarrying, and flee to the mountain!**

.

Anti-Christian rally in Chicago – Wikimedia

.

WHAT ABOUT THE CHILDREN?

.

But what about our children? How are we to bring our loved ones along with us?

.

Listen… “Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD. Yea, thou shalt see thy children’s children and peace upon Israel.” Psalm 128:1-4, 6

.

And so, as this little Psalm reveals, it is by walking even as Christ walked, becoming fully transformed into His likeness, that our children and even our children’s children shall ultimately be blessed with Salvation! And our spouse too!

.

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

.

***HIDE IN HIS HEAVENLY* *PAVILION***

.

And so, it is high time that we take Habakkuk seriously, and begin to run that Christian race before us! And as Isaiah counsels, we need to cast away our idols of silver and gold, and flee to the Rock of Ages, and hide ourselves in the secret place of His pavilion! And as Paul says, we must mortify our earthly body, and become a spiritual being, sitting with Christ in the Heavenly Most Holy Place!

.

After all, God has chosen us to be a Royal Priesthood! So as priests of God, where else would we possibly want to be, except together with Jesus in His holy temple?

.

PICTURE – Most Holy Place of the Heart Signs Of Heaven

.

“O SPARE ME!”

.

And as God’s people see their children being swept away in the tidal wave of wickedness, they cry out to God… “Deliver me from all my transgressions: make me not the reproach of the foolish…Remove Thy stroke away from me: I am consumed by the blow of Thine hand. When Thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, Thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man is vanity. Selah. Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not Thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with Thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were. O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more.” Psalm 39:11-13

.

This Psalm of David is a prayer that we lukewarm Christians can all pray in these last hours of time!

.

We and our children need deliverance, just as Lot and his family needed deliverance from the wickedness which rose up all around them!

.

Habakkuk by James Tissot – Wikimedia Commons – US Public Domain

.

THE HILLS OUR REFUGE?

.

It is hopefully seen that Habakkuk’s prophecy is for the Church, God’s Elect, both Jews and Gentiles alike! And since the Bible is a spiritual allegorical book (contrary to popular opinion), these prophecies must be spiritually discerned, comparing spiritual things with spiritual, line upon line, and here a little, and there a little! That’s right! Nothing short of a searching through the Scriptures, will uncover what Bible prophecy is truly saying! Newspapers, history books are of no value, when trying to interpret Bible prophecy!

.

And so, Habakkuk speaks of spiritual ideas, spread upon a canvas of earthly types and shadows. Yes, God’s people are to flee from Satan’s armies!

.

.

A GREAT SIGN IN HEAVEN!

.

And so, God has placed a great sign in the heavens! The Revelation 12 Woman Constellation, as she flees from the Dragon, and flees to the Narrow Gate Stars, is a sign for God’s people to do the same!

.

These are the very same signs which Habakkuk did see in his vision, it seems! And so, Habakkuk’s vision (one might say), is written on the tablets of the sky, the summer tablet and the winter tablet…

.

“Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it….”

.

Picture above right: from the article… “Castor and Pollux & The Mystery Ship of Scripture”

.

THE UPWARD PATHWAY

TO THE CELESTIAL CITY OF GOD!

Constellation- Woman of Revelation 12 flees to the mountains Mark 13:14

.

And though we are to flee, yet we still must remain and work and provide for our family’s happiness, in this Babylonish world. Yet, in our own holy temple, the Lord will begin to work a miraculous work, as He renews our heart, causing us to become transformed into the likeness of Jesus!

.

And if the Reader will read the other articles on this website, he or she can learn the direction which we must all go, as we return to the highway to Heaven, known as the Narrow Way! And that Narrow Way will lead us step-by-step out of this dark, hopeless world, as we climb higher and higher toward that Celestial City of God!

.

INTO THE NARROW WAY

Revelation 12 Woman chooses Narrow Way

.

And so, this starry constellation group which is best seen at the end of Winter, in the western night-sky, is the closing of the Gospel Story, as far as this world is concerned. The Revelation 12 Woman leans forward and begins to fly. But she is now seen heading in the direction of the Narrow Way Stars.

.

Yes, this frightful message of Habakkuk ends on a joyful note! And all these metaphors end up together in a single message. To go into the Narrow Way is where Jesus is taking His Church. And to, “walk upon mine high places” speaks of sitting together with Christ, “in heavenly places”. Ephesians 2:6.

.

And so, God is bringing His Church (no, not denominations) to the point where we finally understand that victory can only be achieved when we become willing to cast away all our earthly idols, and receive the fulness of Christ.

.

This is the ultimate message of Habakkuk! And this is the ultimate message of all the other books of the Bible. But this is not going to be accomplished by some group effort. No, this will only be accomplished one-by-one, when the Christian individually hides his or her self in Christ.

.

THE END

.

A HEAVENLY HOBBY

.

“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

ABOVE PICTURE – Starry Night at La Silla – cropped and altered image – Wikimedia – Share-Alike license

The above verse is a plea from God to look up at the Heavens and behold Who has created these things.

.

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.

.

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.

.

The Christian wants nothing to get in the way of running that Christian Race.

.

New York Times Square – terabass – cropped image – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

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

.

“AND WHEN YE SEE THESE THINGS…

LOOK UP, LIFT UP YOUR HEAD”

.

**But having said this, there is one hobby which every ‘Noble Berean’ may take up, which only compliments the pursuit of the heavenly Prize.**

.

**Yes, Signs Of Heaven becomes a wonderfully rewarding hobby which, unlike many less meaningful hobbies, pays off with rich, heavenly rewards. Everlasting rewards!**

.

And unlike the person in this photo with equipment, all you need is fairly good vision, and a dark, starry night.

.

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.

.

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.

.

Astronomy Amateur – cropped image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

“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

.

ABOVE CHART: Summer Constellations with Doves (Sagittarius) & Woman (Ursa Major)

.

FIRST FIND ORION & 7 STARS

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).

.

These two constellations represent Christ (Orion), and His Church (7 Stars).

.

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).

.

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.

.

Then, once you are comfortable finding these two constellations, you can begin to locate the next closest constellations, and so on.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Orion the Soldier and the Revelation 12 Dragon (Hyades & Pleiades, etc.) – winter constellations – www.signsofheaven.org – not for commercial use

ABOVE PICTURE – 7 Stars Constellation as the Cross (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses

.

ANOTHER HEAVENLY HOBBY: PRAYER-WALKS

.

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…

.

Why not combine star-watching with prayer, as you walk? What a great way to draw closer to God!

.

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!

.

(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.

.

And for those who are in confinement, one can view these starry signs on the Internet, or simply listen to Scripture on audio.

.

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!)

.

Starry Night at La Silla – cropped and latered image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

THRICE-DAILY PRAYERS

.

**Now of course, the Bible commands us to, “pray without ceasing“. The Christian is to constantly talk with our Heavenly Father throughout the day.**

.

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.

.

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.

.

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.

.

Marines at Prayer by Alex Raymond – Wikimedia – public domain

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on The Fleeing Revelation 12 Woman Constellation: What is the Message of Habakkuk?

The ‘Five Foolish Virgins’ Stars

By admin On May 31st, 2014

.

THE ‘FIVE FOOLISH VIRGINS’ STARS

.

A new constellation has been revealed, as of about May 29th, 2014.

.

This constellation appears as a serpent (snake).

.

Its body is comprised of stars from the Bootes Constellation.

.

**And its jaws are made of the four stars which Babylonians saw as the head of Draco, the Dragon.**

.

It also has a small single star for an eye.

.

ABOVE STAR-CHART (with constellation drawn in by this website)- Serpent with Wise Virgins not Attached – seen late summer into fall only – Serpent Constellation – comprised of the head of Draco, plus stars from the Bootes Constellation – www.signsofheaven.org – not for profit use

.

Five Wise, Five Foolish Virgins Stars

.

**Now in this constellation is a group of five stars, which will be called “The ‘Five Foolish Virgins’ Stars”.**

.

**These are located on the opposite side of the Glorious Crown of 12 Stars (AKA Corona Borealis), from the ‘Five Wise Virgins’ Stars.**

.

**But one big difference between the two is, that The Five Wise are curved around the Glorious Crown, while the Five Foolish are curved away from it!**

.

Serpent Points To Valley & Destroying Mtn.

.

Now another incredible aspect to all this is that this snake/serpent is winding its way around the backside of this Crown.

.

And it is traveling in a direction away from the Crown!

.

And one really phenomenal aspect to this, is that each jaw (composed of two stars each) is pointing in two directions.

.

In other words, if you went out on a fall night, and drew a line parallel with these two sets of stars (the head of Draco), they each go in two directions…

.

…one leading to the Valley of Decision Constellation, and the other going straight to the Broad Way to Hell Constellation (AKA Pisces).

.

Now if one studies the Valley of Decision Constellation, it is soon discovered that the same concept, of the Wise and Foolish Virgins, is also depicted in this constellation group.

.

The Five Wise Virgins being depicted by the Andromeda Galaxy, and the Five Foolish Virgins, looking like a wheel, rolling its way down into the Dragon Constellation!

.

These 10 virgins are made of completely different stars than those 10 virgins around the Crown Constellation.

.

Now, before this gets too confusing, perhaps we should dissect each aspect individually, to get a basic understanding of just what all this means.

.

THE VIRGINS STARS AROUND THE CROWN

Five Wise, Five Foolish Virgins Stars

.

Now as learned in the article, The Five Wise Virgins Stars are in a semi-circle, as if gathered around the Glorious Crown of 12 Stars.

.

This symbolizes the importance of the Christian Race, and the Glorious Crown of Victory, which will be given to each and every one who finally overcomes the world.

.

Now just as the Five Wise are gathered around this Crown of Victory, the Five Foolish are turned away from the Crown, as if to say, “I’m not interested!”

.

And isn’t it so often that the vast majority of so-called Christians have little interest in this crown!

.

Quite often, they can be heard saying… “Oh, I got my crown when I was baptized. Jesus won the race for me!”

.

This kind of lie is easily believed, since it’s a lie, made partly of truth!

.

Yes, Jesus did get the victory for us.

.

Nevertheless, the evidence that I am a true-worshipper of God, is that I will ultimately gain the victory over my sinful flesh, with all its affections and lusts.

.

Listen… “And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” Galatians 5:24

.

“AND THE THINGS OF THE WORLD WILL GROW STRANGELY DIM…”

lyric from “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus!”

800px-Francken,_Hieronymus_the_Younger_-_Parable_of_the_Wise_and_Foolish_Virgins_-_c__1616 wikipedia pub. dom.

.

Yes, the Five Wise represent all those who “go on to perfection”. (Hebrews 6:1)

.

They are not satisfied to remain in the world.

.

Oh yes, they realize that they cannot come out of this world altogether, as of yet. But though they cannot come completely out of the world, they can come a good way out!

.

These have tasted of the good things to come, and for them, all the glittering tinsel-like treasures of this world have lost their meaning!

.

But the foolish have no desire to “die to self”.

.

Their pastor tells them that they were “buried in baptism”, and they need not go any further…

…”Just live a nice moral life,

and all will be well with your soul”…

…is quite often heard from the pulpits in so many congregations!

.

And so, the foolish virgins simply raise their hands and praise the Lord…

.

…while still pursuing all the pleasures and dreams and ambitions that this opulent society encourages.

.

Francken, Hieronymus the Younger – Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins c 1616

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

.

WHY SO SHORT?

Serpent Constellation

.

Notice that this snake looks somewhat short, as if it is perhaps a sawed-off snake.

.

What could that be all about? Well, the picture to the left shows us the reason why!

.

You see, the Five Wise Virgins represent all those who were once a part of Satan’s Kingdom of Selfishness.

.

But now, they have been cut off and separated from that kingdom.

.

Now they have become part of God’s Kingdom of Unselfish Love!

.

And that is why this serpent looks as if its body has been severed. It has lost part of its body!

.

Listen… “And you hath He quickened,

who were dead in trespasses and sins:

Wherein in time past ye walked

according to the course of this world,

according to the prince of the power of the air,

the spirit that now worketh

in the children of disobedience:”

Ephesians 2:1, 2

.

So here in this above passage, God is revealing a great concept…

.

…namely, that we who are true worshippers of God, were once part of Satan’s kingdom.

.

But God has separated us from that old serpent, the Devil!

.

And so, now it is only half-a-serpent! The Wise were once part of that serpent.

.

But now they have become free from Satan’s Prison-house of Sin!

.

ABOVE STAR-CHART (with constellation drawn in by this website)- Serpent with Wise Virgins Attached – seen late summer into fall only – Serpent Constellation – comprised of the head of Draco, plus stars from the Bootes Constellation – www.signsofheaven.org – not for profit use

.

WHY A SNAKE/SERPENT?

.

But as for this Snake/Serpent Constellation, and what it represents, one needs only to begin with the genesis of the Salvation story…

…”Now the serpent was more subtle

than any beast of the field

which the LORD God had made.

And he said unto the woman,

Yea, hath God said,

Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?”

Genesis 3:1

.

THE HEEL OF JESUS FOOT

.

Now, as we step back about several light-years, we can view the great “Son of Man Constellation”.

(This gargantuan constellation is made up of the various constellations on this website as they are situated in both the summer skies and the winter skies. For a fuller explanation of this constellation, read this website’s article…Sign of the Son of Man in Heaven Constellation)

.

And if we look at his right foot, it is revealed that this serpent is winding its way over the top of the heel of Jesus’ foot.

.

Of course this reminds one of the very words of God, as He spoke to the serpent in the Garden…

…”And the LORD God said unto the serpent,

Because thou hast done this,

thou art cursed…

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman,

and between thy seed and her Seed;

it shall bruise thy head,

and thou shalt bruise His heel.”

Genesis 3:14, 15.

.

Of course, this was a prophecy about Jesus, and how Satan would bruise His Heel.

.

And so it is no coincidence that God has arraigned the stars in such a way as to portray this concept, concerning the serpent bruising Christ’s heel.

.

ABOVE STAR-CHART (constellations found on Wikipedia and Bible constellations drawn in by this website) – Sign of the Son of Man – www.theheavensdeclare.net – Not for commercial uses

.

WHERE IS THIS SERPENT GOING?

.

Now it appears as this snake/serpent and its passengers are on a mission.

.

But where are they headed?

.

Well, the snake is travelling away from Christ’s heel, that is for sure.

.

And if you go out at night and find this serpent Constellation, you will notice that the four stars which make its jaws are pointing in two directions.

.

In other words, if you were to draw a line from the two stars which compose its upper jaw…

.

…and a straight line from the two stars which compose its lower jaw…

.

…and extend those lines across the sky…

.

…one line would go to the Valley of Decision Constellation…

.

…while the other would go to the Broad Way to Hell Constellation (AKA Pisces).

.

THE END

.

A HEAVENLY HOBBY

.

“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

ABOVE PICTURE – Starry Night at La Silla – cropped and altered image – Wikimedia – Share-Alike license

.

*“AND WHEN YE SEE THESE THINGS…LOOK UP, LIFT UP YOUR HEAD”***

.

**There is one hobby which every ‘Noble Berean’ may take up, which only compliments the pursuit of the heavenly Prize.**

.

**Yes, Signs Of Heaven becomes a wonderfully rewarding hobby which, unlike many less meaningful hobbies, pays off with rich, heavenly rewards. Everlasting rewards!**

.

And unlike the person in this photo with equipment, all you need is fairly good vision, and a dark, starry night.

.

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.

.

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.

.

Astronomy Amateur – cropped image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

“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

.

ABOVE CHART: Summer Constellations with Doves (Sagittarius) & Woman (Ursa Major)

.

FIRST FIND ORION & 7 STARS

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).

.

These two constellations represent Christ (Orion), and His Church (7 Stars).

.

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).

.

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.

.

Then, once you are comfortable finding these two constellations, you can begin to locate the next closest constellations, and so on.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Orion the Soldier and the Revelation 12 Dragon (Hyades & Pleiades, etc.) – winter constellations – www.signsofheaven.org – not for commercial use

ABOVE PICTURE – 7 Stars Constellation as the Cross (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on The ‘Five Foolish Virgins’ Stars

The Five Wise Virgins Stars

By admin On May 23rd, 2014

.

“Then shall the kingdom of heaven

be likened unto ten virgins,

which took their lamps,

and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

Matthew 25:1-4

.

FIVE WISE VIRGINS STARS

.

Perhaps the most unforgettable parable in the Bible is that of the Parable of the Five Wise and the Five Foolish Virgins.

.

And now the Lord has revealed the “Five Wise Virgins Stars” in the Summer night skies.

.

Listen…“Then shall the kingdom of heaven

be likened unto ten virgins,

which took their lamps,

and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

And five of them were wise,

and five were foolish.

They that were foolish took their lamps,

and took no oil with them:

But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps…

Matthew 25:1-13 (Click here to rtead entire passage)

.

Brooklyn Museum – The Wise Virgins – James Tissot – Wikimedia – public domain

.

WIKIPEDIA STAR-CHART

.

This constellation was identified on May 22nd, 2014.

.

It is simply five stars, two from the Serpens Constellation, and three from the Hercules Constellation.

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.

.

Second, they appear to be gathered in front of The Crown of Revelation 12 Constellation. (sitting just below the Corona Borealis in this Wikipedia star-chart)

.

ABOVE STAR-CHART – Summer constellation – Five Wise Virgins Stars & The Glorious Crown – Corona Borealis – signsofheaven.org – Not for profit uses! – Wikipedia Star chart with constellations drawn in by this website.

.

GATHERED AROUND THE GLORIOUS CROWN!

.

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…

.

Listen… “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all,

but one receiveth the prize?

So run, that ye may obtain…

Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown;

but we an incorruptible.”

1st Corinthians 9:24, 25 (Condensed)

.

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.

.

This is because the foolish in the Church are much more concerned about the world, with all its pleasures and pursuits.

.

They have little or no time to devote themselves to the pursuit of the treasures of Heaven!

.

Corona Borealis/Bootes & Five Wise Virgins

.

AT THE FEET OF JESUS

.

Now there is another extremely incredible aspect to this star-group!

.

You see, if we could step back far enough (about several light-years backward) we would see this next constellation!

.

**It is called, “The Sign of the Son of Man Constellation”.**

.

As it now stands, it spans both the Summer and Winter skies, so that only half of it can be seen at a time.

.

**This “Sign of the Son of Man Constellation of constellations” is more curved than this drawing. But you will notice that the Five Wise Virgins are gathered at the right foot of Jesus.**

.

This reminds us of the story of Mary and Martha, when Jesus came for supper.

.

ABOVE STAR-CHART (constellations found on Wikipedia and Bible constellations drawn in by this website) – Sign of the Son of Man – www.theheavensdeclare.net – Not for commercial uses

.

MARY, THE “HEARER” & MARTHA, THE “DOER”

.

“I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23:12

.

One of the most well-known and beloved stories of the Bible is the account in *Luke**, Chapter 10*, of Mary and her sister Martha, on the day when Jesus came for dinner.

.

**As the story goes, Martha was slaving in the kitchen, while her sister, Mary, was, “sitting at Jesus’ feet, hearing His Word”. This made busy Martha angry.**

.

Listen… “But Martha was cumbered about much serving,

and came to Him,

and said, Lord, dost Thou not care

that my sister hath left me to serve alone?

bid her therefore that she help me.”

.

Now the Bible makes it very clear, that, “Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, Mary…” John 11:5.

.

**But Mary was definitely a Hearer, while Martha was more of a Doer.**

.

Martha, today, might be called a “multi-tasker”, or perhaps a “Type-A personality”, or even a “workaholic”.

.

Martha & Mary by Joachim_Beuckelaer Wikipedia US public domain

.

“THE LORD LOOKETH UPON THE HEART”

.

“…the LORD seeth not as man seeth;

for man looketh on the outward appearance,

but the LORD looketh on the heart.”

1st Samuel 16:7

.

Now for most of us it would be Martha we would commend, for her busyness; and Mary we would scold, for her laziness.

.

This is because our human nature is not so nearly concerned about the spiritual condition of the heart, as we are with good works.

.

Everyone loves an industrious person.

.

HEARING, THE BEST WORK

.

**But surprise, surprise! It was not Martha, the Doer, which Jesus commended, but it was Mary, the Hearer…**

“And Jesus answered and said unto her,

Martha, Martha, thou art care-filled

and troubled about many things:

But one thing is needful:

and Mary hath chosen that good part,

which shall not be taken away from her.”

Matthew 10:40-42

.

Martha & Mary by Joachim_Beuckelaer Wikipedia US public domain

.

NOT TO STOP GOOD WORKS

.

In this little story, the Lord is not condemning good works.

.

The big point of this story is, that the Lord places a higher value on listening to the life-giving words of the Bible, than in the mere performance of good works.

.

Listen… “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet,

and a light unto my path…

Mine eyes prevent the night watches,

that I might meditate in Thy word….

I have esteemed the words of his mouth

more than my necessary food.”

Psalm 119:105, 148 & Job 23:12

.

And Martha’s bad attitude was exactly why it is of utmost importance to allow God’s Word to fill the heart and mind!

.

To vanquish away such pride, which obviously motivated Martha’s judgment against her sister!

.

But the fact is, to sit at the feet of Jesus and hear His Word, is the best “good works”.

.

Yes, to study the Bible, in hopes of finding any and every bit of information which will help us become more Christ-like: this is the ultimate, “Good Works”!

.

MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB

.

“Write, Blessed are they which are called

unto the marriage supper of the Lamb…

Revelation 19:9

.

God is just now calling all those who are willing to put away all their pre-occupation with the vain pleasures and ambitious pursuits of this world, and enter in!

.

Yes, God is about to serve a great feast…

…a feast of heaven-sent bread…

…and blood-red wine…

…and all varieties of heavenly fruit, grapes, and apples and pomegranates, dates, and figs…

…and “sincere milk”…

…and “butter & honey”…

…and “Lamb without blemish”…

…and fattened calves…and every other heavenly meat!

.

Yes, there are many who have nothing going, as far as this world is concerned!

.

Yes, anyone and everyone is invited!

.

Rich or poor alike!

.

five wise virgins – matt 25 – www.thebiblerevival.com – public domain

Homeless man reading Bible – Wikimedia share-alike license

.

THE END

.

A HEAVENLY HOBBY

.

“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

ABOVE PICTURE – Starry Night at La Silla – cropped and altered image – Wikimedia – Share-Alike license

.

“AND WHEN YE SEE THESE THINGS…

LOOK UP, LIFT UP YOUR HEAD”

.

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.

.

**But having said this, there is one hobby which every ‘Noble Berean’ may take up, which only compliments the pursuit of the heavenly Prize.**

.

**Yes, Signs Of Heaven becomes a wonderfully rewarding hobby which, unlike many less meaningful hobbies, pays off with rich, heavenly rewards. Everlasting rewards!**

.

And unlike the person in this photo with equipment, all you need is fairly good vision, and a dark, starry night.

.

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.

.

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.

.

Astronomy Amateur – cropped image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

“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

.

ABOVE CHART: Summer Constellations with Doves (Sagittarius) & Woman (Ursa Major)

.

FIRST FIND ORION & 7 STARS

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).

.

These two constellations represent Christ (Orion), and His Church (7 Stars).

.

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).

.

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.

.

Then, once you are comfortable finding these two constellations, you can begin to locate the next closest constellations, and so on.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Orion the Soldier and the Revelation 12 Dragon (Hyades & Pleiades, etc.) – winter constellations – www.signsofheaven.org – not for commercial use

ABOVE PICTURE – 7 Stars Constellation as the Cross (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on The Five Wise Virgins Stars

Site Overview

By admin On December 1st, 2013

.

“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;

.

Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth:

.

for the powers of Heaven shall be shaken.

.

And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

.

And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.”

.

Luke 21:25

.

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!

.

***THE LOVE OF* GOD *STRETCHED FROM SKY TO SKY***

**This thumbnail overview of Signs Of Heaven is a more concise explanation of these constellations and how they work together to tell this marvelous Gospel Story.**

(If you are willing to invest several hours reading this article, you will possess a fundamental understanding of these “signs in the sun…moon, and…stars” Luke 21:25).

.

**And while they basically tell the Gospel as found in Revelation Chapter 12, these “heavenly pictures” have nuances which come from passages found in many other places in Scripture.**

ABOVE PICTURE: Orion the Soldier and the Revelation 12 Dragon (Hyades & Pleiades, etc. – winter constellations – www.signsofheaven.org – not for commercial use

***GOD’S AMAZING* SIGNATURE *ON CREATION…***

This is the story found in the Heavens, as is written… “There shall be signs, in the Sun, and…Moon, and…Stars” Luke 21:25.

.

These are the signs, written by God Himself, in the heavens, long, long ago…

And incredibly, these constellations interact together to present an unfolding story while moving through the night skies!

.

An orderly, well-constructed story, which unfolds throughout the four seasons…

.

…a heavenly motion picture of sorts, made of the biggest and brightest stars and constellations of Heaven!

.

ABOVE CHART: Summer Constellations with Doves (Sagittarius) & Woman (Ursa Major)

.

“HIS WORKS WERE FINISHED…

...FROM THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD”

.

So, God has created this wonderful unfolding story back in the day when He created the heavens and Earth, as is written…

“…the works (of God) were finished

*from the foundation of the world.”***

Hebrews 4:3.

.

And so, these are also the works of God which were finished from the foundation of the world.

.

But it wasn’t until our day, that God has chosen to reveal them to us.

.

So once again, God has fulfilled Bible prophecy in a way we were not expecting.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Winter – Revelation 12 Woman with Eagle Wings (aka Ursa Major, including The Big Dipper)

.

ONLY PICTURE STORY IN NATURE

.

**This is truly Heaven’s Divine Signature on Creation.**

.

Nowhere else in nature has God placed such a straight-forward picture-story about His Salvation Plan.

.

But why should it surprise us that the heavens tell us this story?

.

After all, Scripture reveals to us…

“The heavens declare the glory of God…

…night unto night showeth knowledge.”

Psalm 19:1, 2

.

**And God has even mentioned these primary constellations specifically in Scripture: Orion, the 7 Stars, the Revelation 12 Dragon and the Revelation 12 Woman, and many more.**

.

**And He is just now revealing this heavenly-nightly-show to us.**

ABOVE STAR-CHART – summer constellations – Two Turtledoves (Sagittarius) -Flower of the Field (Scorpio) – Cross/Scepter Constellations (stars from Ophiochus & Serpens cut) – www.theheavensdeclare.net – Not for commercial profit uses!

JUST A BUNCH OF OBSCURE STARS?

These signs are not made up from just a lot of obscure stars.

.

Anybody could make a constellation using a bunch of obscure and random stars!

.

But these signs are made of the biggest and brightest constellations in Heaven: Orion, Pleiades, Scorpio, The Big Dipper, Ursa Major, Auriga, Sagittarius, Corona Borealis, plus others which are a combination of the great constellations.

.

And the Bible makes mention of these. God speaks of Orion, Pleiades, and the 7 Stars.

.

And He also reveals two signs in the Book of Revelation: a woman with child, and a dragon.

.

He likewise speaks of the Ark of the Covenant in Revelation 11, and a horse in several places in Revelation.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: The Cross of Orion – www.theheavensdeclare.net

.

MIS-INTERPRETING THE SIGNS

.

The point is, these signs are not the mere imagination of humans.

.

But the big problem was that ancient pagan cultures just did not look at these great signs correctly, as God intended.

.

Instead of seeing Orion as a soldier, they only saw it as a hunter.

.

Instead of seeing Ursa Major as a woman with child they merely saw it as a bear.

.

Instead of seeing Scorpio as the Flower of the Field Constellation, they only saw it as a scorpion.

.

Instead of seeing Sagittarius as the Ark of the Covenant, they saw it as a centaur.

.

Ursa Major – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE

.

Unfortunately, this heavenly love-story has been created to be seen in the northern hemisphere.

.

Oh yes, most of these constellations can be seen in the southern hemisphere too.

.

But God has, for His own reasons created these signs to work better in the northern hemisphere.

.

**Perhaps this verse may (or may not) help us understand why God did it this way**…

…”For promotion cometh neither from the east,

nor from the west,

nor from the south.”

Psalm 75:6.

.

Notice that this verse says, “For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.”

.

But notice that it fails to mention “north” in this verse.

.

So, the obvious inference is that promotion does indeed come from the north, symbolizing Heaven.

.

Now this truth is substantiated by this next verse…

…”Beautiful for situation, t

he joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion,

on the sides of the north,

the city of the great King.”

Psalm 48:2.

.

**So, these Signs Of Heaven are in agreement with this concept of north symbolizing Heaven.**

.

And isn’t it wonderful, that we now have the ability to look on the Internet, and still enjoy these signs, too!

.

And there are many who cannot, for one reason or another, get out to see the Heavens.

.

And some, may not even be able to see them on the Internet.

.

But these can still enjoy the biblical concepts behind these signs.

.

And actually, that is by far, the most important aspect of this website: what does the Bible have to say about all this or that?

.

And so, Bible truth is what we are really after!

Whole world land and oceans – NASA – Public Domain – Wikimedia

SUMMER CONSTELLATIONS

5 CONSTELLATIONS PLUS THE STAR, ARCTURUS…

The Summer Constellations tell the story of Jesus as He calls His Disciples to, “Come and follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

.

These heavenly symbols also present the principles of God’s Salvation plan.

.

The Summer Constellations are made of five different constellations plus the star known as Arcturus (click here to read).

.

This big, bright, and beautiful star, Arcturus (representing Jesus) goes in front of these five constellations, as though He is leading His Disciples, just as He did back in Israel, 2,000 years ago.

.

From left to right, you may click on the following titles to read more about each…

.

1. the first constellation is the Ark of the Covenant Constellation (AKA Sagittarius).

.

2. The second is the Cross/Scepter Constellation (not previously recognized).

.

**3. Under the Cross/Scepter is the Flower of the Field Constellation (AKA Scorpio).**

.

4. The fourth is the Glorious Crown Constellation (AKA Corona Borealis).

.

5. The fifth is the 7-Stars Constellation (AKA the Big Dipper).

.

These are the basic five constellations that make this Summer Constellation phenomenon.

DOUBLE-ENTENDRES

But if this is not already complicated enough, there are even more complicated aspects to this.

.

**In this sketch, if you look on the far left, you will notice that the Ark of the Covenant Constellation now appears as Two Turtledoves.**

.

And at the top right, you will notice that the 7-Stars Constellation now appears as the Revelation 12 Woman with Child

.

Actually, this Woman is made of the Big Dipper, plus the addition of some fainter stars, which together comprise what is commonly known as Ursa Major (The Bear).

.

And so, these two constellations are each double-entendres.

.

**So, with the addition of these two extra constellations (the Turtledoves, and the Woman), we now have a total of 7 Summer Constellations, plus the star, Arcturus guiding them.**

.

So maybe the best way to tell this story is to take each constellation individually…

ABOVE STAR-CHART – Summer Constellations w/doves & Rev. 12 Woman – www.theheavensdeclare.net

ARCTURUS, THE STAR

click on the above title to explore in depth

Arcturus must be the first participant in this heavenly story.

.

Many, over the past centuries, have probably wondered whether Arcturus was the actual star, which guided the wise men from the east, unto Bethlehem.

.

**God certainly suggested that to Job, “Can you guide Arcturus with his sons?”.**

.

Well, if Arcturus was that very star, it would seem that God must have done something miraculous, in order to make it shine the way for those wise men.

.

But regardless of whether or not Arcturus was that guiding star, God is revealing Arcturus in the heavens as the “Host” of this heavenly entourage, known as “Signs in the Sun, Moon, and stars”.

.

For brevity’s sake, they’ll be referred to as the Signs Of Heaven.

.

This phenomenon begins in early spring and continues on for the entire year.

.

It is composed of both the Summer as well as the Fall and Winter Constellations.

.

This heavenly odyssey tells the story of the Gospel.

.

But it also tells us just what lies ahead for God’s people.

.

**And this website will prepare you “to be hidden”, so to speak, when the great “Day of Wrath” comes upon the world…**

.

…especially since that Day will come so imperceptibly, that most people won’t realize why all these strange occurrences are happening.

.

ARCTURUS REPRESENTS JESUS…

.

This beautiful star, Arcturus, symbolizes Jesus.

.

**It is found by following the handle of the 7-Stars Constellation (also known as, The Big Dipper) to this very brightest of stars just beyond the handle.**

.

And if you locate the other constellations in this summer group, it appears as if this star, Arcturus, is leading this heavenly procession of constellations westward.

.

So too, Jesus leads His children on a spiritual odyssey, even while we’re here on Earth.

.

**Just like the Twelve Disciples, we also follow Jesus (in our mind’s eye) listening to His Word…learning from our life experiences and evangelizing the world.**

.

This star, Arcturus, is spoken of in Job… “Can you guide Arcturus with his sons?”

.

God asks Job. And Job thought he was pretty smart until God began to question him about these eternal mysteries.

.

But now at the end of time, God is revealing the answer to this heavenly riddle as He promised to show signs in the Sun, Moon, and stars just before the end comes. (see Luke 21:25)

.

ABOVE STAR-CHART – Summer Constellations – w/Ark & 7 Stars – www.theheavensdeclare.net

.

FULFILLMENT NOW REVEALED

.

And it appears as if these starry host are the fulfillment of that ante-type star of Bethlehem, which guided the wise men to the First Advent.

.

In other words, just as that single star guided those wise men of old, so too, these signs in Heaven are just now being revealed, to guide wise men today, to the Second Advent of our Lord Jesus.

.

But this last-day sojourn will be a spiritual journey, and not a physical, literal journey.

.

So, no one need be left out.

.

These will guide us into the heavens right from where we are: at home, or in confinement, or from our wheelchair, or hospital bed: wherever we happen to be.

.

This is because we will be on a ship which is powered by the Holy Spirit; and our journey takes place in our own heart.

.

And God’s Word, the Bible, will be our compass and our star-chart to guide us onward and upward, into the very heavens and into the very highways and byways of eternity!

So this star, Arcturus, leads out this heavenly entourage in a northwest direction.

FLOWER OF THE FIELD CONSTELLATION

(Click here to read more!)

**This is probably the best time to introduce this Flower of the Field Constellation.**

.

This is actually where the story written in the sky begins.

.

It all starts with lost Mankind; fallen humanity; a planet in rebellion against Heaven.

.

And just like the flower of the field, so too, Mankind has only its fading glory to hold on to…

…”As for man, his days are as grass:

as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.

For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone;

and the place thereof shall know it no more.”

Psalm 103:15, 16.

.

For a little while in the Sun, Mankind rejoices in its beauty and talents.

.

And for a little while, the pleasures of sin and selfishness are sweet to the taste and lovely to behold.

.

But eventually, the heat and the winds and time itself, begin to cause that flower of the field to wither, and eventually fall away and die.

.

EVERY FLOWER SHALL BOW

.

And so, this constellation in the sky presents this concept of the fading flower; the concept that Mankind’s beauty and glory is like the little flower of the field.

.

But one incredible aspect of this phenomenon is that as summer draws to a close, this Flower of the Field Constellation (aka Scorpio) appears to bow itself completely down…in the direction Arcturus is traveling.

.

This would seem to depict that wonderful Bible passage…

…”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 14:11, 12.

.

Ultimately, every man, woman, and child who ever lived will bow at the Judgment Throne, confessing that God’s ways are the best ways…

.

…and confessing that our selfishness was only the pathway to sin, sorrow and destruction.

.

**And so, just as this constellation appears to bow itself, so will all of Mankind bow before the Judgment Throne of God, confessing that selfishness was not the way to happiness!**

.

And by bowing every knee, there will be a universal acknowledgement that Jesus is the true way to happiness.

Above photo of sun/dandelion Wikipedia &. Click here for link.

Photo of yellow dandelion courtesy share-alike lic. Click here for link

ABOVE PICTURE: “Ark of the Covenant” (aka Sagittarius) and “Flower of the Field” (aka Scorpio) Constellations ( in the autumn) Public Domain-www.signsofheaven.org

ARK OF THE COVENANT CONSTELLATION

(Click here to read more!)

.

**The next step in this Salvation story would be the Temple Service, symbolized by this constellation of the Ark of the Covenant.**

.

The Temple Service was the beginning of God’s dealings with the nation of Israel.

.

And the Ark of the Covenant was the centerpiece of the Old Testament.

.

**This Ark of the Covenant Constellation (AKA Sagittarius) is located in the southern sky and moves east to west through the night.**

.

It simply looks like a long box with a single star on either end (Symbolizing the two angels which were on either side of the actual Ark of the temple service).

.

Of course, the Ark was the centerpiece of the Old Testament Sanctuary Service.

.

It represented the mercy of God for a fallen planet in rebellion.

.

It was where the blood of the animal sacrifices was sprinkled upon, to make atonement for the sins of God’s people. (And atonement for the entire Human Race, who are represented by that Flower of the Field.)

.

And this Ark Constellation seems to be mentioned in Revelation… “And the temple of God was opened in Heaven, and there was seen in His temple the Ark of His Testament:” Revelation 11:19.

.

ABOVE PICTURE – SUMMER CONSTELLATIONS: Ark (Sagittarius) – Cross-scepter (Ophiuchus & Serpens Caput) – Flower of the Field (Scorpio) – signsofheaven.org – Not for profit uses!

.

THE ZODIAC CONSTELLATION NAMES

It is not the purpose of www.theheavensdeclare.net to give any validity to the Zodiac or any pagan deities. But the common names of many constellations must be given, solely for the purpose of locating them on star-charts.

.

TWO TURTLEDOVES CONSTELLATION

(Click here to read more!)

Now, the Temple Service required a sacrifice.

.

**And so, this brings us to the Two Turtledoves Constellation.**

.

**This constellation is the exact same constellation as the Ark of the Covenant Constellation (AKA Sagittarius), and is located above the southern horizon.**

.

But this Sagittarius Constellation can be seen either way: as the Ark, or as the Two Turtledoves.

.

Two turtledoves were among the various animals of the Old Testament sacrificial system.

.

Turtledoves were used for both sin offerings and also for leprosy cleansing.

.

**And so, it should be no surprise that these Two Turtledoves are the very same constellation as the Ark of the Covenant Constellation.**

.

SET FREE TO FOLLOW ARCTURUS

.

**But this Two Turtledoves Constellation appears to be flying northwestward in the same direction as Arcturus and as His entire heavenly ambassage are traveling.**

.

**And so, this conveys the idea that these Two Turtledoves are being set free… free to follow Jesus (Arcturus).**

.

This makes perfect sense, because Jesus’ sacrifice abolished the Old Testament sacrifices.

.

**And this Two Turtledoves Constellation presents to us a picture of how God is going to deliver the Creation from the curse of death, as it states in Romans…**

…”Because the creature itself also

shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption

into the glorious liberty of the children of God.”

Romans 8:21

But there is another aspect to this.

.

**You see, the Two Turtledoves also symbolize God’s people, who are freed from death…**

.

**…freed so that they can carry the message of God’s love to fallen humanity, symbolized by the Flower of the Field Constellation.**

.

**So, as you can see, these Two Turtledoves are flying toward the Flower of the Field (fallen and lost Humanity) with the message of peace and love and the possibility of forgiveness by God.**

ABOVE STAR-CHART – Summer Constellations w/doves & Rev. 12 Woman – www.theheavensdeclare.net

ABOVE PICTURE – SUMMER CONSTELLATIONS: Ark (Sagittarius) – Cross-scepter (Ophiuchus & Serpens Caput) – Flower of the Field (Scorpio) – signsofheaven.org – Not for profit uses!

CROSS/SCEPTER CONSTELLATION…

(Click above to read more!)

“there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel…” Numbers 24:17

This above prophecy was ultimately pointing to Jesus, as the fulfillment.

.

Jesus was that Star which came out of Jacob.

.

Jesus was that scepter rising out of Israel.

.

But this wonderful Bible prophecy also alerted the wise men of the east, that there was going to be a star to guide them on their journey to Bethlehem.

.

So, here was a dual-fulfillment of Bible prophecy.

.

But in addition to this duel-fulfillment, this prophecy has a triple application, now, at the end of time.

.

You see, just as that star of old, guided the wise men of old to the first Advent of our Savior, so too, will that star Arcturus guide wise men today to the Second Advent of our soon-coming King.

.

Wise Men See Star – www.wikigallery.com – US Public Domain

.

A SCEPTER SHALL RISE

.

But along with the star of Arcturus, this prophecy speaks of a scepter rising out of Israel.

.

And as you read this little section, you will discover that there is a scepter rising in the night sky…“and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel”

.

**Okay, so we have the Ark and the Two Turtledoves.**

.

**But inside the actual Ark, alongside of the 10-Commandments, and the Golden Bowl with Manna, was Aaron’s Rod which budded.**

.

Aaron’s Rod was a type of scepter; it represented Aaron’s authority to be the Priest.

.

**But the Cross/Scepter Constellation looks like, not only a scepter, but a Cross as well!**

.

**This constellation is made of stars from both the Serpens Constellation and the Ophiuchus Constellation.**

.

This constellation seems to be a blending of the Old Testament and the New Testament.

.

The scepter was a token of the king’s authority in the Old Testament.

.

**But this heavenly scepter is a scepter of righteousness, since it also looks like a cross (which is the token of Christ’s authority).**

.

**This Cross/Scepter appears to be flying upward out of the Ark of the Covenant Constellation and appears as if it is rising northward towards the Woman Constellation.**

.

**It makes sense that this scepter-like cross is rising out of the Ark Constellation, because the actual Ark contained Aaron’s rod that budded.**

.

So, this constellation is a blending of these two Bible concepts: the Cross of Christ, which is Christ’s scepter of His kingly and priestly authority.

.

**And of course, as already stated, this Cross/Scepter fulfills the prophecy… “and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel”.**

GLORIOUS CROWN CONSTELLATION…

(Click above to read more!)

And so, the next concept is the prize: the glorious crown!

.

**This Glorious Crown Constellation looks like a wreath at first glance.**

.

It has 7 stars, plus another star in the middle.

.

**This Glorious Crown Constellation is commonly referred to as the Corona Borealis Constellation (plus a few stars from the Bootes Constellation).**

.

This wreath reminds us of the victory wreath given to athletes who won races in the ancient cultures.

.

This was spoken of by Paul as he compared those ancient races to the race that Christians must run…

“Know you all not,

that they which run in a race run all,

but one receives the prize?

So run, that you all may obtain.”

1st Corinthians 9:24 (see also Hebrews 12:1)

Corona Borealis – Wikipedia – Taken from software called Perseus – All rights by Roberto Mura

“A CROWN OF 12 STARS UPON HER HEAD” …

But upon a closer examination 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.

.

This wreath now becomes a crown of 12 stars.

.

**This goes along with Revelation 12, which tells of a crown of 12 stars upon the head of the Virtuous Woman of Revelation 12.**

.

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.

.

**But this crown is not yet upon the head of the Virtuous Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation.**

.

It is just above her head, as if she has yet to attain it.

.

**Of course, the 13th star, which is in the middle, would represent Christ (Who is our true Crown of our rejoicing).**

.

Okay, so we have a picture of Christ and His twelve tribes of Israel.

.

But also, we have a picture of Christ and His twelve apostles, which is a picture of His Church.

.

So, this heavenly crown is a multi-faceted concept.

ABOVE STAR-CHART – Summer Constellations w/ark (aka: Sagittarius) & Revelation 12 Woman (aka: Ursa Major, including The Big Dipper) – www.theheavensdeclare.net

.

7 STARS CONSTELLATION…

(Click here to read more!)

This constellation seems to be a culmination of various portions of the book of Revelation.

.

It is commonly referred to as The Big Dipper.

.

The number ‘seven’ is repeatedly mentioned in Revelation.

.

**And this constellation appears to be symbolic of those ‘sevens’; the 7 angels of the 7 churches from Revelation chapters 2 & 3; the 7 angels with 7 trumpets, chapters 8 & 9.**

.

**But more than these, this constellation especially goes well with the 7-angels with 7-bowls filled with God’s wrath (Chapter 16).**

.

This constellation appears as if it is a giant bowl.

.

And during the winter, this bowl begins to tip each night, as though it is pouring out its contents upon the Earth.

.

This reminds us of how those 7 angels each pour out their individual bowl of wrath upon the Earth.

CROSS LIFTED UP

And if this is not amazing enough, here is something even more amazing!

.

**Just when this constellation looks as though it is pouring out God’s wrath upon the world, it also begins to look like a super-giant colossal, uplifted Cross on a hill.**

.

In other words, it seems that when God’s sons finally lift up the Cross and exalt the Cross in our own individual lives, then will God’s Church begin to, “shine as the Sun” Matthew 13:43.

.

This world of evil will then be destroyed by Christ’s brightness which shines out from the Believers.

“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.

.

But someone will say… “This is speaking of when God’s people are in the kingdom of God…in heaven.”

.

But listen to Jesus…

…”The kingdom of God comes not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS WITHIN YOU.” Luke 17:20, 21.

.

This verse tells of a day in which God’s Church will shine brightly.

.

A Church “clothed in fine linen, white and clean”. Revelation 19:8, 14

ABOVE CHART: 7 Stars (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial use

ABOVE PICTURE – 7 Stars Constellation as the Cross (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses

WOMAN OF REVELATION 12 CONSTELLATION

(Click here to read more!)

**And last, this constellation not only completes the Summer Constellations, but also the summer portion of this heavenly story.**

.

This is made of the 7-Stars Constellation (commonly known as Ursa Major).

.

This constellation in the spring appears in the north as a headless woman who is labor pains.

.

There is a single star in her womb.

.

**This speaks of Revelation Chapter 12 in which the virtuous woman is in labor-pains with the Christ-child.**

.

And so that single star represents the yet-to-be-born Christ-child.

**This Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation has her left arm over her head as if she is in pain.**

.

But if you look more carefully you will notice that she, even in her pain, is actually reaching out for the Cross/Scepter Constellation (as shown to the right).

.

This reminds us of the story of Esther in which Esther reached out to grasp the king’s scepter.

.

It’s a beautiful story about God and His bride, the Church.

.

**But is she reaching for that Cross/Scepter…or is she reaching for that Crown? Or maybe even for Arcturus!**

.

All three, no doubt! All three.

ABOVE PICTURE: Winter – Revelation 12 Woman with Eagle Wings – aka Ursa Major) www.theheavensdeclare.net – copyrighted

ABOVE STAR-CHART – Summer constellation – Woman of Revelation 12 In Travail (aka: Ursa Major which includes The Big Dipper) – www.signsofheaven.orghttps://theheavensdeclare.net/site-overview/

***MEANING OF THE* *SUMMER CONSTELLATIONS…***

**So, the Summer Constellations are a picture of the more pleasant aspects of the Gospel.**

.

**And just as summer-time is the more pleasant season for much of the world, so too, the discipleship portion of the Gospel is the more pleasant aspect of the Christian life…**

…Bible-study…

…fellowship…

…sitting at Jesus feet and learning of His ways…

…spreading the Gospel.

.

Most of us would like this to be the total sum and entirety of our Christian life.

.

But just listen…

…”Alas! for that day is great,

so that none is like it:

it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble;

but he shall be saved out of it.”

Jeremiah 30:7.

.

But as this verse points out, there is another side to Christianity: Christian warfare.

.

**And this Woman of Revelation 12 will also be present in the Winter Constellations.**

.

But by then, she will be ready to do what she must, during the winter battle scene: FLEE!

.

**So let’s take a look at the Winter Constellation Group…The warfare we must fight and the war we will win.**

ABOVE STAR-CHART – Summer Constellations w/ark (aka: Sagittarius) & Revelation 12 Woman (aka: Ursa Major, including The Big Dipper) – Flower of the Field (aka Scorpio, etc…) – Cross-Scepter ( stars from Ophiuchus and Serpens) – 12-Star Crown (Corona Borealis plus several other stars) Arcturus Star – www.theheavensdeclare.net

FALL CONSTELLATIONS

***VALLEY OF DECISION* *CONSTELLATION***

(Click above link to read more!)

But wait just a minute!

.

**Before we explore the Winter Constellation group, there is a question that must be answered.**

.

A decision must be made.

.

And right between the Summer and the Winter Constellations, is a very awesome and fearful constellation group.

.

This constellation group can be seen best in mid-summer through fall

.

**It is called the “Valley of Decision” Constellation Group.**

.

**This constellation group speaks of the valley in which every person who comes into the world must walk, at one time or another in his or her life.**

.

**Read this article for sure! This constellation is exactly between the ending of the Summer Constellations and the beginning of the Winter Constellations.**

.

**After the more pleasant summer of following Arcturus, comes the moment of truth as the saying goes.**

.

**It’s decision time. It’s time to follow on with the Lord into the winter-time warfare… Christian Warfare that is.**

.

Putting on the Armor of God…

…fighting the good fight…

**…doing hand-to-hand combat with the Devil…**

…fleeing from sin and Satan…

…suffering persecution for our beliefs…

…lifting up the Cross of Christ for all the unbelieving world to witness….

.

…And possibly even dying for our faith…

…”When Jesus turned to His many followers,

He said, ‘Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man,

and drink his blood,

ye have no life in you….

From that time many of His disciples went back,

and walked no more with Him.”

John 6:53, 66.

.

These verses seem to be very pertinent to this constellation group.

.

**Because just as that ‘hard saying’ of Jesus (about eating His flesh & drinking His blood), caused those “disciples” to turn back and no more follow Him…**

.

**…the Valley of Decision will likewise separate the Believers from the make-believers, so to speak.**

There is a third mountain in this constellation group. It is Satan’s Destroying Mountain…Babylon!

.

But this is a very complicated subject which needs to be studied.

.

You can click the following link… “Mystery Babylon, O Destroying Mountain Constellation” (click here to read more in depth)

1st PICTURE:

THE VALLEY OF DECISION CONSTELLATION GROUP.

2nd PICTURE:

ABOVE STAR-CHART FROM WIKIPEDIA IN WHICH EDITOR OF THIS SITE SKETCHED THESE THREE MOUNTAINS:

MOON INTO BLOOD TRILOGY…

click on this above title to read more

So as long as we’re discussing decision-making, it is perhaps the best time to mention the Moon.

.

You see, there are three faces in the Moon, etched by God Himself.

.

**These faces present, not only the condition of God’s house, but also, the condition of the Human Heart.**

.

The first face is that of a man.

.

**The other two faces are those of a scavenger and also a predator.**

.

The first face represents the True Worshipers.

.

The other two represent the two classes of God’s professed people who existed in Jesus’ day: the Pharisees, and the Sadducees.

.

**The Pharisees were the Proud Scorners.**

.

The Sadducees were locked out by their unbelief.

.

They didn’t believe much of the Bible.

.

While the second face representing the Pharisees, as they professed belief in the Bible, loved the sins of pride…

.

…the 3rd face (Sadducees) continually sought after the things of the world.

.

3rd FACE: UNBELIEF

.

**Yes, these faithless ones (represented by this 3rd face), didn’t believe that being Christ-like could bring the joy necessary to be content.**

.

**So this 3rd face is a Seeker, so to speak.**

.

Just as the little furry critters are constantly seeking after food, so too, many Christians are constantly seeking after, and nibbling of the things of the world.

.

Now, it’s not to say that Christians do not enjoy the things of the world.

.

But Christians are not to make the things of the world of much importance.

.

Their chief desire is to seek the things of Heaven.

.

Do you get the point of these two beasts of the Earth?

.

And while the Moon does not deal directly with all aspects of the Revelation 13 Antichrist Beast...

.

**…nevertheless, the Moon exposes the Beast Within: the Beast within the human heart.**

THE WINTER CONSTELLATIONS…

You may click on the following titles below to read each individual article…

The Winter Constellations are four in number. (Five if you count the Altar of Incense Constellation.)

**1. First we see the Dragon Constellation, representing Satan and his army.**

.

**2. Next the Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation is the common connection between the Summer and Winter Constellations. She appears in them both.**

.

3. Next is the hero of the story, Orion.

.

**4. Next, we see the Glorious Horse, which represents God’s army.**

.

**5. Last is the Altar of Incense Constellation. It is pictured and discussed a little farther down the page.)**

DRAGON CONSTELLATION…

(Click above to read more!)

**This is the villain! This constellation is smack-dab between Orion and his Horse.**

.

**This is a picture of Satan, as he is referred to as a dragon in the Bible…**

…”And there appeared another wonder (sign) in heaven;

and behold a great red dragon,

having seven heads and ten horns,

and seven crowns upon his heads.”

Revelation 12:3.

**And just like he is described in Revelation Chapter 12, there is a wave of water coming out of his mouth, flowing right into the path of the Woman of Revelation 12.**

.

**The mouth of the Dragon is commonly known as Hyades.**

.

**It is also known as the head of Taurus, the Bull Constellation.**

.

**The very tip of the Dragon is known as the Pleiades.**

.

Take notice that this tail-tip actually looks like a tip of, say, a lion’s tail…or a dragon tail. Pretty amazing!

THE PLEIADES:

TIP OF THE DRAGON’S TAIL

(click on this above title to read more)

**The tip of this dragon’s tail is made of The Pleiades Cluster.**

.

Now the Pleiades is the one constellation on this website which must be seen through a telescope, to see the individual stars to any great degree.

.

But if you look close-up at the group of stars, it begins to look like a woman.

.

As one looks closer, it begins to appear as the Harlot of Revelation, Chapters 17 & 18.

.

But the Pleiades also represents God’s people, who have been taken captive in spiritual Babylon.

.

Now this is a very complex topic. You may wish to explore this subject. Just click on the above title to read.

WOMAN FLEEING TO THE WILDERNESS CONSTELLATION…

(Click above, to read more!)

Now God has done something really remarkable with this Revelation 12 Woman!

.

By winter she is no longer in labor pains (as shown in this sketch on the left).

.

She has given birth. And as summer turns to fall, and fall turns to winter, this constellation slowly rotates until it is completely upside down.

.

**And by winter, she now appears in this upside-down position as the Fleeing Revelation 12 Woman!**

.

No longer does she appear as a woman in labor.

.

And what were her arms in summer, now become her legs.

.

And what were her legs in summer, now become her arms!

.

And that single star which was the Christ-child in her womb, now in winter becomes her head, reminding us of the verse… “And He (Christ) is the head of the body, the church:” Colossians 1:18

.

DRAGON SPEWS WATER

.

So, now in winter this Fleeing Woman appears to be running furiously.

.

**And who wouldn’t? She is fleeing from the Dragon, who is spewing water out of his mouth in order to destroy this Woman…**

…”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.

.

So too, Satan floods this world and even the church-world with false doctrines in order to destroy God’s Elect.

.

But as winter progresses, she leans forward until it looks as if she is flying.

.

**Of course this is spoken of in Revelation, Chapter 12, which states…**

…”And to the woman were given

two wings of a great eagle,

that she might fly into the wilderness,”

Revelation 12:14

DOUBLE-ENTENDRE: CASTING SEED & INCENSE RISING

**This Woman of Revelation 12 also appears to be casting seed, coming from her left hand and left foot.**

.

This reminds us of various passages such as Psalms 126:6…

…”He that goeth forth and weepeth,

bearing precious seed,

shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,

bringing his sheaves with him.”

.

But why the left hand and foot?

.

Read this article, (“Woman of Revelation 12 Flees“).

.

***INCENSE RISING…* But as the season progresses, it become apparent that this Gospel seed is actually *incense.***

.

**This incense appears to be coming from an Altar: the Altar Constellation!**

.

This speaks of Sacrifice.

.

But this also speaks of fragrant incense rising up to God…for ever and ever!

.

**But read this particular article too… (“The Woman & Altar“)!**

ORION CONSTELLATION

(Click above to read more!)

Now every great story has a hero, and this heavenly story is no exception.

.

**You see, that greatest of all constellations, Orion, is the hero of this starry epic tale written in the night heavens!**

.

And Orion appears as a mighty soldier, ready to fight against the Dragon, just as it is written…

…”And there was war in heaven:

Michael and his angels

fought against the dragon;

and the dragon fought and his angel”

Revelation 12:7.

.

**And so, you can see Orion in the winter-night sky, with the Revelation 12 Dragon to his left. Orion has his sword raised, and he is crouched, as if ready to do battle.**

LOOSING ORION’S BANDS

**This constellation is spoken of several times in the Bible… “Can you loose the bands of Orion?”, God again asks Job.**

.

Of course, Job probably had no idea of what God was speaking of.

.

On the other hand, the ancients were much more in tune with the starry host of heaven.

.

So, they too might have been aware of this heavenly Gospel story.

.

And there is a spiritual meaning to all this.

.

But Orion stands with all the “Armor of God” in place, fighting against the Dragon.

.

IN THE WEST

.

**In the late fall it appears like Orion is losing His battle with the Dragon.**

.

**The Dragon is atop of Orion (see above picture), spewing his water out of his mouth after the Woman.**

.

**But as winter continues, more and more does Orion gain the advantage over the Dragon.**

.

**Finally, in later winter, Orion is atop the Dragon looking as if He will deliver the fatal blow to the Dragon, as this star-chart depicts.**

FIVE ORIONS!!

But there is much more to Orion than most people are aware of. You see, the Orion Constellation is a heavenly optical illusion.

.

**Yes, Orion looks like a soldier wielding a sword in one hand and a shield in the other.**

.

**Nevertheless, if you look again, you might easily see Orion as holding a bow ready to shoot his arrow into the Dragon.**

.

But wait! That’s not all!

.

**If you look harder, you can see Orion as a Reaper.**

.

**He is holding a sickle in his outstretched hand.**

.

**And as this constellation is still in the east, you might even see him laying on a cloud.**

.

**This cloud is the Milky Way. This is spoken of in Revelation Chapter 1 4:14.**

.

But wait! That’s still not all!

.

**If you see Orion when it is standing upright, you might again see it as a Cross almost at the pinnacle of a hill.**

.

**Each one of these four figures of the Orion Constellation are well-spoken of in Scripture as well as the book of Revelation.**

.

This is nothing short of incredible!

.

Orion in all four roles, is a picture of Jesus Christ, and how He fights and conquers evil in the universe, from four different vantage-points:

…1. Orion the Soldier…

…2. Orion the Archer…

…3. Orion the Reaper…

…4. The Cross of Orion.

(Click on one of these to read more!)

.

And why does Orion wear four hats? Well…

.

**1. Orion the Soldier represents God’s Word, and how that Word clothes us as we become soldiers in God’s army.**

2. Or ion the Arch er represents how God uses His children (Believers) as His sharp arrows to shoot His enemy.

**3. Orion the Reaper reminds us that we need to join the Lord in His harvest of lost souls.**

**4. The Cross of Orion, reminds us that Christ’s death on the Cross made all these things possible.**

.

**But it also reminds us that we too must die with Christ & lift up our own cross (of self-sacrificial life of service) and follow Jesus.**

.

**And these four “offices” of Orion likewise remind us of the Four Horsemen of Revelation, Chapter 6.**

.

5. ORION, THE GOOD SHEPHERD…

.

This recently revealed Orion (December 2012) speaks of Jesus as the Good Shepherd.

.

This is the 5th revealed personality of Orion.

.

**So, this Orion, the Good Shepherd, reminds us that Jesus offers to give us rest unto our souls, if we will only become the sheep of His pasture.**

.

GLORIOUS HORSE CONSTELLATION

(Click above to read more!)

**The Glorious Horse Constellation has previously had no recognition by astronomers or even astrologers.**

.

But this is a very beautiful constellation, once you locate it.

.

The Bible speaks of a horse as referring to God’s people in war.

.

This horse is mentioned in Zechariah…

…”for the LORD of hosts hath visited His flock the house of Judah,

and hath made them as His goodly horse in the battle….

And they shall be as mighty men,

which tread down their enemies

in the mire of the streets in the battle:”

Zechariah 10:3, 5.

.

**This Glorious Horse Constellation joins with Orion in battle with the Dragon.**

.

**But in the beginning of winter, both the Horse and Orion are falling backward.**

.

**The Dragon is winning.**

.

**But as winter passes, more and more do Orion and the Horse gain the advantage.**

.

**Finally, before spring, both Orion as well as the Horse are atop the Dragon.**

.

**The Horse is trampling the Dragon’s tail, as Orion is about to strike his sword into the Dragon.**

.

And as you see these three constellations begin to dip below the western horizon, this heavenly motion picture displays this happy ending.

.

***7-STARS IMITATE the* *CROSS OF ORION***

(Click above title to read more!)

**During mid-winter, for several months, a phenomenon occurs between the two constellations… The Cross of Orion, and The 7-Stars.**

.

**As you have already read, The 7-Stars Constellation tips itself up and up until it seems to pour out its contents upon the Earth.**

.

At this same time, it begins to appear as a giant “Cross”, standing up.

.

You already know this.

.

**But what’s even more amazing is that this 7-Stars Constellation seems to be imitating The Cross of Orion.**

.

**In other words, this 7-Stars Constellation, which represents God’s people is imitating The Cross of Orion!**

.

It reminds us that we are to imitate our Lord in all we do!

.

If you look south in winter (at the right time of night), you see the Cross of Orion.

.

Then, an hour later, if you look north, you see the 7 Stars imitating the Cross!

3 ANGELS FLYING

.

IN MIDST OF HEAVEN

Revelation 14

These three sets of Constellations (Summer, Fall, Winter Constellations) seem to align with messages of the three angels flying in the midst of Heaven, as presented in Revelation 14…

1. “And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.”

.

2. “And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.”

.

3. “And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, etc…..” Revelation 14:6-9

FIRST ANGEL (Everlasting Gospel)

The Summer Constellations seem to align with the first Angel having the everlasting Gospel to preach, which these Signs Of Heaven are definitely the everlasting Gospel.

.

This First Angel is typified by Arcturus as he leads us on this sweep through the heavens as he proclaims the everlasting Gospel, written in the heavens.

.

SECOND ANGEL (Babylon has fallen.)

**The second angel proclaiming that Babylon has fallen aligns with the Fall Constellations.**

.

**The fall Constellations point out the Valley of Decision and the Destroying Mountain of Babylon.**

.

And so, these constellations present the fearful concept found in the message of the second angel of Revelation chapter 14.

.

It is a call to come out of Babylon.

.

And it is a call to climb the Mount of Blessing, symbolized by the first mountain farthest to the left (north).

THIRD ANGEL (Mark of the Beast)

**The Third Angel, warning to not take the Mark of the Beast aligns with the Winter Constellations which show us just how we may escape the Dragon and his deadly waters spewing out of his mouth.**

.

By Christian warfare, by imitating Christ, by fleeing to the mountains, by running the Christian Race, and by choosing the Narrow Way…

.

…these are God’s chosen means that He will lead each and every one of His children to do, to escape, “the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2nd Peter 1:4.

.

What better personage to proclaim this message of the Third Angel, than this Woman of Revelation 12, with wings as an eagle?

A HEAVENLY HOBBY

Matthew 5:16

And so God has symbolized these Three Angels, flying in the midst of Heaven, the star, Arcturus (1st Angel), the Fall Constellations (2nd Angel), and by the Revelation 12 Woman (3rd Angel).

.

**As the reader studies this website, it will become more and more evident that the messages presented by these three angels is what Signs Of Heaven is all about.**

.

The reader is encouraged to study, to download, and to share this wonderful message with anyone willing to listen.

.

And even if it seems as if nobody is willing to listen, this message is primarily for you, the Reader, so that we can know just what God has in mind for His people at this late hour.

.

Preparation is everything. Everything else is optional.

.

There will be NO churches forming. No big fellowship gatherings. No roll books.

.

These messages are all about preparation: personal preparation.

.

**This is our “fleeing to the mountains” message.**

.

Nevertheless, to study these promised signs (see Luke 21:25) makes a wonderful and richly rewarding hobby.

.

It is an inexpensive one, which can complement any camping trip.

.

And you don’t need any equipment, like those in the photo below.

.

Just a starry night and perhaps a camping chair.

.

And once you really get to know these, your faith will become much stronger as you realize that there is nothing placed in Heaven haphazardly.

.

But by all means, share these things, if possible!

.

Then, by so-doing, we can be co-laborers with God and with each other, as we spread these three wonderful messages abroad.

.

But the great purpose of this website is to help God’s people to understand just how we all, “may stand perfect and complete in all God’s will” Colossians 4:12.

.

And then when our “obedience is fulfilled” (2nd Corinthians 10:6), we can shine “as the light of the sun” (Isaiah 30:26), which is really our true witness to every dear lost soul living in this hopelessly dying world.

.

The world has heard about Jesus.

.

Now, the world needs to see Jesus… in us! (see Romans 8:19)

ABOVE PICTURE – Starry Night at La Silla – cropped – Wikimedia – Share-Alike license

“HAPPILY EVER AFTER…”

ORION’S GATE: THE NARROW WAY & BROAD WAY STARS… (Click to read more!)

As just stated, this heavenly story has a happy ending.

.

**This is because in addition to Orion and his Horse finishing off the Dragon, there is another wonderful event to this grand finale.**

.

**The Woman who has been fleeing to the wilderness, begins to be seen as flying toward both Orion and the Dragon.**

.

**But there are two sets of bright stars: one set of bright stars at the tip of Orion’s sickle. And a set of bright stars at the tip of the Dragon’s water-wave.**

.

**The two stars at the tip of the Dragon’s water-wave are about twice as far apart from each other as the two stars on Orion’s sickle.**

.

**These two sets of stars represent a biblical parable: namely the parable of the Wide Gate and the Strait Gate (Narrow Gate).**

“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:”

Matthew 7:13

And so, these two sets of bright stars each symbolize one of those gates; the Dragon’s gate of course, is the Wide Gate, symbolizing Satan’s look-alike Gospels which offer worldly inducements to the church-world.

.

**And ‘Orion’s’ Gate is the Narrow Gate, which symbolizes the true Gospel which was composed of Christ alone and His wonderful Word.**

.

**And so, we begin to see what Orion’s sickle really is; the true Gospel.**

.

**And the Dragon’s wave of water is Satan’s false gospels.**

.

**But here’s really great news; the Woman seems to be swerving toward Orion’s Gate: The Narrow Gate.**

.

This happy fact is not so evident while these stars are in the eastern skies.

.

**But when in the west, she is definitely swerving toward the Orion’s Gate: The Narrow Gate.**

.

Beautiful ending!

.

But click on link to read more. THE NARROW WAY & BROAD WAY STARS… (Click to read more!)

CASTOR AND POLLUX STARS

“CASTOR & POLLUX” = “Straight Gate” = “Jesus”

“we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux…” Acts 28:11

But there is something even more amazing to all this.

.

The two stars representing the Orion’s Gate, The Narrow Gate are mentioned in the Bible… Castor & Pollux.

.

If you will turn to Acts 28:11, you will read that Paul and the men who accompanied him on the first ship (which crashed on the rocks), boarded a second ship whose sign was Castor & Pollux…these two bright stars.

.

So we begin to realize that God is making a big statement here.

.

**Castor & Pollux symbolize Orion’s Gate: The Narrow Gate that we all must enter, if we wish to live forever…**

… “Enter ye in at the STRAIT (NARROW) 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.

**And to this Jesus adds… “I AM THE DOOR: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved.” John 10:9.**

.

So, we begin to realize that this mysterious reference in Acts 28:11 to these two stars, Castor & Pollux was actually a reference to Jesus, who is that Orion’s Gate…

.

…representing The Narrow Gate which leads to eternal life.

.

Incredible? Very!

.

**But click on above link (Castor & Pollux Stars) to read all about this!**

THE GLITTERING SWORD CONSTELLATION

click on the above title to explore in depth

.

One January night in 2011, I was riding with my brother-in-law back to Klamath Falls, from Redding.

.

It was a good dark night, so I urged him to stop, so I could show him the Wave of Water Constellation.

.

And as we were looking up at the stars, I began to wonder if these Winter Constellations were aligned with the Summer Constellations.

.

Now, the Summer Constellations were no longer visible, since it was January.

.

So, in the next few days, I began to research this idea.

.

And after some time, I realized that the Winter Constellations appeared as the top portion of a sword, and the Summer Constellations appeared as the lower shaft and tip of a sword.

.

Now most star charts must show the constellations on a curve to compensate for the curvature of the Earth: and it’s not so easy to see this alignment properly.

.

But if you go out in January and February, you can see somewhat more of this phenomenon.

SIGN OF THE SON OF MAN CONSTELLATION

click on the above title to explore in depth

This last year (2012) I decided to go to Wikipedia and take each constellation on this website, and chart them out onto a piece of paper.

.

Upon doing so, I noticed that it appeared somewhat like a Jesus, hanging on a Cross, with his head leaning back, as if he’s in pain.

THE FLOWER OF HEAVEN CONSTELLATION

click on the above title to explore in depth

.

Well, this entire story began with the Flower of the Field Constellation.

.

And it looks like it will end with this Flower of Heaven Constellation.

.

**The first flower (Flower of the Field Constellation) came up out of the Earth.**

.

But this second flower is suspended from Heaven.

.

This constellation was revealed to the web host around the beginning of 2013.

.

As you can see in this sketch, this Flower of Heaven is composed primarily of the Corvus Constellation and stars from the Virgo Constellation.

.

**It appears to be suspended from the Golden Altar Constellation (a.k.a., Leo Major).**

.

THE HOLY-GHOST-RIDER CONSTELLATION

click on the above title to explore in depth

.

Here is the newest revealed constellation (Fall, 2013).

.

It completes and compliments the Goodly Horse in Battle Constellation.

.

The head and back of this constellation is made of the Constellation, Camelopardalis.

.

The back of his leg is made of various stars in the Cassiopeia Constellation (Epsilon, Chi, plus other minor Cassiopeia stars: phi, theta, upsilon, etc., etc.).

.

But what is the great concept which God is wanting us to see, in giving us this constellation?

.

Well, to put it the most concise language, this Holy-Ghost-Rider represents the Holy Spirit’s representation of Christ, as He leads the Church into battle, working through God’s people (represented, not only by the Horse, but also by the myriads of Milky Way stars, which flow through this Rider.)

.

Okay, so to understand this constellation is a very complex concept.

.

But also, to find this Constellation will take some work, too.

.

But it only makes sense that the Holy Spirit would be represented by such a mysteriously faint constellation, since the Holy Spirit works so imperceptibly in the hearts and lives of Believers.

.

SIGNS IN OUR SOLAR SYSTEM

DISCOVERING SIGNS IN OUR SOLAR SYSTEM

(click on this above title to read)

.

It would seem that God has created our solar system to represent the 10 Commandments.

.

Now this is only a theory.

.

But it holds, perhaps, more weight of evidence than other popular theories (such as the Theory of Evolution).

.

Anyway, this article explores some of that evidence, beginning with the Sun, which seems to represent the 1st Commandment: “Thou shalt have no other gods before Me”.

.

Of course, one big clue is that Jesus compares Himself to the Sun, as this verse shows…

…”But unto you that fear My name

shall the Sun of righteousness arise

with healing in his wings;

and ye shall go forth,

and grow up as calves of the stall.”

Malachi 4:2.

.

Some of the other evidences may surprise you!

.

FIVE WISE VIRGINS

click on the above title to explore in depth

.

Wikipedia Star-Chart – Corona Borealis

A few weeks ago (May, 2014), this group of stars was noticed, as they are aligned in a slight oval position right next to the Beautiful 12-star Crown.

.

And these stars were maybe even a little brighter than the Crown.

.

But those stars represented the Five Wise Virgins from Matthew 25.

.

And that slight oval pattern represented their gathering around the Glorious Crown, giving the Crown the attention it deserved.

.

In other words, it is only true worshippers of God who highly esteem the crown of victory which awaits those who persevere with Jesus to the very end!

.

So then these Five Wise Virgins are gathered at the feet of the Sign of the Son of Man Constellation, just as Mary Magdalene sat at Jesus feet to hear His Word!

.

And so, this realization gave further credence to these stars representing the Five Wise Virgins.

.

But even more than this, these five stars represent the five toes of Sign of the Son of Man Constellation!

.

Thus, this means that the crown represented the heel of that Son of Man, as He hung on the Cross.

.

Wikipedia Star-Chart – Corona Borealis

Sign of the Son of Man in Heaven Constellation

.

THE FIVE FOOLISH VIRGINS

click on the above title to explore in depth

.

But there is a group of stars which were on the opposite side of the crown also in a slight oval pattern.

.

But unlike the wise virgins, these stars were curved away from the crown as if to say that they were ignoring the crown.

.

And likewise, they were ignoring the privilege of sitting at the feet of Jesus, as the Five Wise Virgins were!

.

But there is more to all this. You see, these stars, along with more stars appears like a snake, winding away from the crown.

.

And then, to one’s utter amazement, this snake is winding its way around the heel of the Son of Man Constellation!

.

And of course, this reminds one of the curse that was pronounced by God against the serpent in the Garden…

…”And the LORD God said unto the serpent…

thou shalt bruise His heel.”

Genesis 3:14 (condensed).

.

So here was a constellation which appeared as a serpent, and was winding its way around the heel of the Son of Man hanging on the Cross!

.

Now if this is not enough, just look up on the star charts regarding what stars and constellations these stars happen to be.

.

And to your amazement, the wide-open jaws of this serpent are the very same four stars which the Babylonians saw as Draco, the Dragon (photo right).

.

But the body of Draco are completely different stars than this Serpent Constellation!

.

But the head is the same, only backwards, so that it appears as the wide-open jaws of a snake.

.

But these phenomena weren’t finished!

.

There was yet another aspect to all this!

.

You see, these four stars which represent the jaws of this serpent are pointing in two separate directions.

.

**And so, if you draw a line across the night sky, you will discover that one jaw points to the Valley of Decision Constellation.**

.

**And the other jaw points to the “O Destroying Mountain Constellation”, in which there was also a group of five stars, likewise representing the Five Foolish Virgins.**

.

Now on the star-charts, you can’t see this.

.

But out in the night sky, they definitely point in those two directions!

.

HAS JUST BEGUN

You have read the very fundamental basics of this Heavenly Love Story.

.

But there are many other articles to read on this website.

.

If the Reader would read one article per day (or even just several per week), then he or she could gain great insight into this message, and the Bible concepts which these stars are pointing us to.

.

What better use of one’s time could there be?

.

The care and nourishment of one’s Soul is the highest privilege and duty of Mankind.

.

And these signs were given by God; and to understand them will greatly aid the Christian, who seeks to be fully armored up for the Last Conflict just ahead.

EDITOR’S NOTE…

Some of the sketches on this website are not completely 100% accurate as to the placement nor the brightness of each star.

.

However, they are hopefully close enough so to be able to locate these constellations in the night sky.

.

As to the matter of locating these stars, there is a similarity to studying the Bible.

.

Because like getting familiar with the Bible, what appears very difficult at first, soon becomes more and more easy to see.

.

The student needs to devote time, prayer to the study of these things.

.

And really, it’s not so important to be able to find these constellations as it is to understand the Biblical concepts that these heavenly signs point us to.

.

And more than this, as Scripture points out… “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.

.

If you are properly studying your Bible, you need not any man to teach you…not even this website.

.

Because all these concepts are from the Bible.

.

And the Bible makes clear, just what is the Narrow Pathway to Heaven!

.

The problem is, that the concepts from this website, although Biblical, are not expounded so much in today’s Christian world.

.

And so, this website can be a wonderful collection of signs, pointing us to some very timely Biblical truths, which will help the reader to prepare for what is now just emerging upon the horizon.

.
.

.

THE END

.

A HEAVENLY HOBBY

.

“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

ABOVE PICTURE – Starry Night at La Silla – cropped and altered image – Wikimedia – Share-Alike license

.

“AND WHEN YE SEE THESE THINGS…

LOOK UP, LIFT UP YOUR HEAD”

.

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.

.

**But having said this, there is one hobby which every ‘Noble Berean’ may take up, which only compliments the pursuit of the heavenly Prize.**

.

**Yes, Signs Of Heaven becomes a wonderfully rewarding hobby which, unlike many less meaningful hobbies, pays off with rich, heavenly rewards. Everlasting rewards!**

.

And unlike the person in this photo with equipment, all you need is fairly good vision, and a dark, starry night.

.

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.

.

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.

.

Astronomy Amateur – cropped image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

“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

.

ABOVE CHART: Summer Constellations with Doves (Sagittarius) & Woman (Ursa Major)

.

FIRST FIND ORION & 7 STARS

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).

.

These two constellations represent Christ (Orion), and His Church (7 Stars).

.

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).

.

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.

.

Then, once you are comfortable finding these two constellations, you can begin to locate the next closest constellations, and so on.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Orion the Soldier and the Revelation 12 Dragon (Hyades & Pleiades, etc.) – winter constellations – www.signsofheaven.org – not for commercial use

ABOVE PICTURE – 7 Stars Constellation as the Cross (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Site Overview

5 Reasons for the Decline & Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon, Published 1776-1789

By admin On November 26th, 2013

Edward Gibbon “The Decline & Fall of the Roman Empire” (published 1776-1789), said the 5 reasons for the fall of the Roman Empire: (Taken from J. Vernon McGee’s study on Isaiah, Ch. 1:4-18, in his “Thru The Bible” program.)

.

1. The undermining of the dignity and sanctity of the home, which is the basis of human society.

.

2. Higher and higher taxes; the spending of public money for free bread and circuses for the populace.

.

3. The mad craze for pleasure; sports becoming every year more exciting, more brutal, more immoral.

.

4. The building of great armaments when the great enemy was within; the decay of individual responsibility.

.

5. The decay of religion, fading into a mere form, losing touch with life, losing power to guide the people.

.

From The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (published 1776-1789) by Edward Gibbon

The Course of Empire Destruction – 1836 – Cole, Thomas – wikimedia – public domain

.

THE END

.

A HEAVENLY HOBBY

.

“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

ABOVE PICTURE – Starry Night at La Silla – cropped and altered image – Wikimedia – Share-Alike license

The above verse is a plea from God to look up at the Heavens and behold Who has created these things.

.

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.

.

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.

.

The Christian wants nothing to get in the way of running that Christian Race.

.

New York Times Square – terabass – cropped image – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

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

.

“AND WHEN YE SEE THESE THINGS…

LOOK UP, LIFT UP YOUR HEAD”

.

**But having said this, there is one hobby which every ‘Noble Berean’ may take up, which only compliments the pursuit of the heavenly Prize.**

.

**Yes, Signs Of Heaven becomes a wonderfully rewarding hobby which, unlike many less meaningful hobbies, pays off with rich, heavenly rewards. Everlasting rewards!**

.

And unlike the person in this photo with equipment, all you need is fairly good vision, and a dark, starry night.

.

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.

.

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.

.

Astronomy Amateur – cropped image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

“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

.

ABOVE CHART: Summer Constellations with Doves (Sagittarius) & Woman (Ursa Major)

.

FIRST FIND ORION & 7 STARS

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).

.

These two constellations represent Christ (Orion), and His Church (7 Stars).

.

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).

.

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.

.

Then, once you are comfortable finding these two constellations, you can begin to locate the next closest constellations, and so on.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Orion the Soldier and the Revelation 12 Dragon (Hyades & Pleiades, etc.) – winter constellations – www.signsofheaven.org – not for commercial use

ABOVE PICTURE – 7 Stars Constellation as the Cross (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses

.

ANOTHER HEAVENLY HOBBY: PRAYER-WALKS

.

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…

.

Why not combine star-watching with prayer, as you walk? What a great way to draw closer to God!

.

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!

.

(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.

.

And for those who are in confinement, one can view these starry signs on the Internet, or simply listen to Scripture on audio.

.

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!)

.

Starry Night at La Silla – cropped and altered image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

THRICE-DAILY PRAYERS

.

**Now of course, the Bible commands us to, “pray without ceasing“. The Christian is to constantly talk with our Heavenly Father throughout the day.**

.

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.

.

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.

.

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.

.

Marines at Prayer by Alex Raymond – Wikimedia – public domain

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on 5 Reasons for the Decline & Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon, Published 1776-1789

The Holy-Ghost-Rider Constellation

By admin On November 26th, 2013

.

“Dan shall be a serpent by the way,

.

an adder in the path,

.

that biteth the horse heels,

.

so that his rider shall fall backward”

.

Genesis 49:17.

.

THE HOLY-GHOST-RIDER CONSTELLATION

.

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

.

It is primarily comprised of the Camelopardalis Constellation (head and upper back)…

.

…plus about 5 stars from the Cassiopeia Constellation (his leg)…

.

…plus some random stars.

.

It appears as an outline of a rider. Only the back of his head is detailed.

.

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

.

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

.

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

.

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

.

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

.

Since this constellation has just been revealed, there may be more to this constellation in the coming months. But if you can locate the Goodly Horse in Battle Constellation, then you shouldn’t have too much trouble locating this Rider Constellation, provided you have excellent star-watching conditions.

ABOVE PICTURE – Holy-Ghost-Rider in the Western night-sky – late winter – signsofheaven.org – Non-profit uses only. The above picture is not a totally accurate, but hopefully close enough to locate these constellations in the night-sky. Scroll down this page to the paragraph titled, “Another Star-Chart”, to see actual star-charts.

BIBLE VERSES PICTURED IN THE HEAVENS

**Notice how the right front hoof is trampling on the tail of the Dragon.**

.

Also notice his eye is a star. It is best seen when in the western half of the sky.

.

It is found in mid-sky traveling from east to west.

.

In January, it is in the west after midnight.

.

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.

.

**It is found on the opposite side of the Dragon Constellation from Orion.**

.

**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.**

.

**The nose and head of this horse is partly made from the Perseus Constellation.**

.

**The tail and rear end is partly of the Cassiopeia Constellation.**

.

**The hind-leg is made partly of stars from the Andromeda Constellation.**

.

STAR CHARTS

.

Here are two charts. They are both the same chart, with this Holy-Ghost-Rider Constellation sketched in on the lower chart.

.

sstar-chart Holy-Ghost-Rider

.

Chances are, unless the star-watching conditions are nearly perfect, the Reader might only see the back of the Rider, and the back of his leg.

.

The head and rear end are extremely difficult to see, except under the most excellent conditions.

.

ANOTHER STAR-CHART

.

Here is a Wikipedia star-chart, in which the Editor has sketched in these three constellations.

.

Now, while Orion, the Goodly Horse, and the Revelation 12 Dragon are made of very prominent and highly visible stars…

.

…yet, the Holy Ghost Rider Constellation is very faint, for the most part.

.

Most of the “Rider Constellation” is from the Camelopardalis Constellation community of stars.

.

Horse & Rider Constellation – Wikipedia star-charts – Winter constellation as seen in the West.

.

.
.

THE MILKY WAY RUNS THROUGH THIS HOLY-GHOST-RIDER

winter Constellations in the east

.

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?”

.

Well, very simply put, if stars represent Believers, then this rider works in the world through His True-Worshippers, to a great extent.

.

WHY IS THIS CONSTELLATION SO INCOMPLETE IN APPEARANCE

.

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”. Romans 8:9

.

And as we all know, the Holy Spirit is very, very, un-intrusive, almost impossible to detect His presence.

.

Hence, this constellation is perhaps the faintest of all the constellations of Signs Of Heaven!

.

A GENTLE BREEZE

.

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure,

then peaceable, gentle,

and easy to be entreated,

full of mercy and good fruits,

without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace

of them that make peace.”

James 3:17, 18

.

“HE THAT HATH EARS TO HEAR”

.

“He that hath an ear,

let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches;”

Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29, 3:6, 13, 22

Holy Ghost Rider (above western horizon)

.

As you can easily see, this horse has some very big ears. Of course, this presents a very big concept.

.

And since this Rider represents the Holy Spirit, it is obvious that He is leaning close, as if to whisper His words in the horses’ ears.

.

And so what is He (The Spirit) whispering in this horse’s ears?

.

Well, primarily the messages to the 7 churches, found in Revelation Ch.’s, 2 & 3.

.

But not everyone has ears to hear. Listen to Ezekiel…

…”Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house,

which have eyes to see, and see not;

they have ears to hear, and hear not:

for they are a rebellious house.”

Ezekiel 12:2.

.

Yes, the rebellion amongst God’s professing people was great, and they had all but closed their ears from hearing truth.

.

Well it’s the very same problem in the New Testament.

.

Listen to Jesus… “If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.” Mark 7:16.

.

Now the great lesson to be learned, is that there are certain truths, which those who are rebellious in God’s house, will not be able to hear.

.

And these messages to the 7 churches are those very types of messages, that many “Christians” just do not like to hear.

.

But for those who are seeking for true unity with Christ, these signs will be an encouragement to follow the message connected with them.

.

And those who are willing carefully study this message, will ultimately see this message which was foretold in Luke 21:25-27…

…”And there shall be signs in the sun,

and in the moon,

and in the stars…

And then shall they see the Son of man

coming in a cloud with power and great glory.”

.

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

THE END

.

A HEAVENLY HOBBY

.

“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

ABOVE PICTURE – Starry Night at La Silla – Wikimedia – Share-Alike license

.

“AND WHEN YE SEE THESE THINGS…

LOOK UP, LIFT UP YOUR HEAD”

.

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

.

**But having said this, there is one hobby which every ‘Noble Berean’ may take up, which only compliments the pursuit of the heavenly Prize.**

.

**Yes, Signs Of Heaven becomes a wonderfully rewarding hobby which, unlike many less meaningful hobbies, pays off with rich, heavenly rewards. Everlasting rewards!**

.

And unlike these people in this photo with equipment, all you need is fairly good vision, and a dark, starry night.

.

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.

.

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.

.

Astronomy Amateur – Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

FIRST FIND ORION & 7 STARS

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).

.

These two constellations represent Christ (Orion), and His Church (7 Stars).

.

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).

.

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.

.

Then, once you are comfortable finding these two constellations, you can begin to locate the next closest constellations, and so on.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Orion the Soldier and the Revelation 12 Dragon (Hyades & Pleiades, etc.) – winter constellations – www.signsofheaven.org – not for commercial use

ABOVE PICTURE – 7 Stars Constellation as the Cross (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on The Holy-Ghost-Rider Constellation

Doctrine of Eternal Torment: Part 2

By admin On September 5th, 2013

.

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

.

THIS IS PART 2: A CONTINUATION OF “Planet of Rest: Doctrine of Eternal Torment” (click here to read)

.

THE READER CAN ALSO READ A SERIES OF SHORT DEVOTIONALS ON THIS TOPIC… “September 8th (Eternal Torment?)”

.

“Why died I not from the womb? why did I not give up the ghost when I came out of the belly?….

.

For now should I have lain still and been quiet…

…Then had I been at rest, With kings and counsellors of the earth, which built desolate places for themselves;

.

…Or with princes that had gold, who filled their houses with silver…

.

…There the wicked cease from troubling; and there the weary be at rest.

.

…There the prisoners rest together; they hear not the voice of the oppressor.

.

…The small and great are there; and the servant is free from his master.”

.

Job 3:11-19 (condensed)

.

Job (oil on canvas) by Bonnat, Leon Joseph Florentin (1833-1922) – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

This above passage from Job, is just one of many similar passages which speaks of death as a release from the torment, pain, and sorrow that the human race is experience so often in this troubled world.

.

But what this passage doesn’t speak of is, “Eternal Torment”, which so much of the Christian world has taught for many centuries, and still teaches today.

.

So let’s continue on from Part 1 of this topic (click here to read), and further explore what the Bible actually says about this old Catholic doctrine called “Eternal Torment”…

.

Magnifying Glass – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

.

THE ETERNAL MERCY OF GOD

.

“But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.” Jeremiah 9:24

.

This above verse from Jeremiah, exhorts us to get to know God, and what He is all about! And this is one big reason for this giant experiment in sin, called Planet Earth: so that the host of Heaven might explore just who God truly is…

.

“And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.” John 17:3.

.

So God has called the human race to come and search out just what is the true nature of God. God has given us this Book, which must be carefully and prayerfully and thoroughly studied out, in order to ultimately find truth…

.

“Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.” Psalm 107:43

.

Jesus – Woman why weepest thou – Jesus – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

AN ANGRY, QUICK-TEMPERED GOD

.

When one first approaches the Bible, it does not take long to discover we have a very angry, quick-tempered God. At least that is the way it seems. Thousands are slaughtered in multiple places in the Old Testament! And various people are instantly zapped, for minor infractions, such as “gathering sticks (for firewood) on the Sabbath Day” (see Numbers 15:32-35).

.

But as one gets to know God, both by experience and by the knowledge of the Scriptures, more and more is seen a loving, forgiving God! And finally, Jesus appears on earth, and turns out to be totally kind and non-violent!

.

So why is there such a seeming disparity in Scripture, regarding our God?

.

Hans Thoma – Jupiter – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

GOD’S LOVE SEEN IN THE CROSS

.

The love of God is most profoundly understood in the Cross. This wonderful painting shows all the people gazing up at Jesus…wondering just who is this noble Being hanging there, upon the Cross…

.

“It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness…For the Lord will not cast off for ever: But though He cause grief, yet will He have compassion according to the multitude of His mercies. For He doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men. To crush under His feet all the prisoners of the earth…Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD. Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.”

Lamentations 3:22-3:34, 40, 41 (condensed for brevity’s sake).

.

In this above passage is revealed that God’s wrath has no purpose other than to turn us away from our love of sin and selfishness!

.

James Tissot: As seen from the cross. – Wikipedia – US public-domain

.

CHRIST DID NOT SUFFER ETERNAL TORMENT

.

The Cross reveals God’s great love. “Eternal Torment” makes no sense, in the light of the Cross. Christ did not suffer “Eternal Torment” on the Cross, and neither does anyone else suffer in flames for eternity.

.

Christ paid for each and every sin committed by each and every human who ever lived on this Earth, and still Christ did not suffer eternal torment!

.

If He did, then He would still be suffering torment in flames…FOREVER!!! But He’s not!

.

But rather… “He (Christ) said, It is finished: and He bowed His head, and gave up the Ghost.”

**As this above verse declares, Christ said, “It is finished”, and then He died! Mankind’s sins had just been paid for in those six hours! Then Jesus died.**

ABOVE STAR-CHART – Sign of the Son of Man – www.theheavensdeclare.net – Not for commercial uses

.

WRESTLING WITH SCRIPTURES…

But it is such man-contrived dogmas as, “eternal torment of the human race”, that we must search out intelligently, comparing scripture with scripture. And if those church authorities who, long ago, originally came up with this church doctrine had done their homework, prayerfully, they would have realized that this doctrine is un-biblical.

.

But this has happened, as is written… “As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” 2nd Peter 3:16.

.

With so many Bible passages that speak of Hell as simply the grave, one must aggressively wrestle away such contradictions to hold fast to this doctrine of “Eternal Torment”.

.

Listen… “His (Man’s) breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.” Psalm 146:4.

.

This is, no doubt, a much neglected verse to many of those who tenaciously hold to the idea that the lost are endlessly tormented, beginning the moment they die. So we see here that God’s Word is written in such a way that, “they that are unlearned and unstable wrestle, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.”

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Adding to or taking from God’s Word, the Bible

.

DEVIL PARADES SUCH HERESIES

.

While there are basic Bible truths which are easily seen, there are many other truths which are very difficult to understand. And if someone just rashly tries to understand the Bible without careful and prayerful study, they can really end up with such doctrines as this one of “Eternal Torment”.

.

And the Devil has been pleased to parade this heresy before this unbelieving world for the past centuries. Because by so-doing, Satan has caused perhaps, the most rational of humans to turn away from “such an unmerciful God” in disgust, not realizing the true nature of God, who in reality, loathes to see humans suffer.

And the truth concerning, “What and Where is Hell”, happens to be one of those difficult truths, which is easily misunderstood. God purposely made this one of those truths that must be carefully balanced by comparing together many related verses. And maybe God has purposely allowed this false doctrine to continue, so as to allow those who truly desire truth, to search out these false ideas, and ultimately discover just how much greater and merciful God actually is.

Holy bible – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons lic.

.

THE BIBLE IS A DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

The problem is, that if a person tries to interpret such scriptures by themselves, without searching out EVERYTHING in Scripture which has similar language, they are bound to get into trouble. Spiritual things must be spiritually discerned. We must approach the Bible under those terms. We cannot come to the Bible with carnal hearts…

.

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

.

This above verse reveals that those who are carnally-minded will not, and cannot discern the spiritual truths which lay below the surface. And let’s face it, the house of God is filled with many, who faithfully attend church, and yet have never become Born Again, and are still unconverted: they are what Scripture refers to as, “the natural man.”

.

Just listen to Scripture… “Therefore speak I to them in parables…Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.” Matthew 13:13 & John 12:39, 40. Christ has written His Bible in such a way that those who are not consecrated to God cannot fully understand the Bible.

But anyway, We will explore these four commonly misunderstood passages a little bit down this page.

.

La Bible, Notre-Dame – cropped image – Wikimedia – share-alike license

.

AN EXAMPLE OF HOW TO INTERPRET SCRIPTURE…

“For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with His chariots like a whirlwind, to render His anger with fury, and His rebuke with flames of fire. For by fire and by His sword will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many.” Isaiah 66:15, 16

Now, it must be noted, that one great reason why this doctrine of,“eternal torment of the lost” has survived over the centuries, is the fact that God speaks so often of His fiery judgment. Listen again to this above passage from Isaiah…

.

“For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with His chariots like a whirlwind, to render His anger with fury, and His rebuke with flames of fire. For by fire and by His sword will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many.” Isaiah 66:15, 16

.

Does anyone take this above passage literally? The Old Testament Jews did! And then when Jesus showed up on the scene, they were confused by His mild manners and quiet voice. They were expecting chariots and fire and swords. They thought that Christ was some Divine “Jehu”, furiously riding through the heavens in His chariot, raining down fiery lightning-bolts upon all His enemies. The above passage has probably been the source of much misunderstanding through the ages. When the unlearned, or the carnally-minded attempt to interpret such passages as this, then the result is wrong doctrine and even heretical teachings.

.

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

.

“RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD…”

.

But if one will prayerfully search the Scriptures with a consecrated heart, this passage is very simple to interpret. By comparing similar passages in Scripture, we find such verses as this one… “And take the helmet of salvation, and THE SWORD of the Spirit, which is the Word of God:” Ephesians.

.

So by searching the Bible we begin to understand the God’s sword is the Bible.

.

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – public domain

.

FLAMES = GOD’S MINISTERS

.

But what about those flames of fire? Just listen to Hebrews… “(God), who makes His angels spirits, and His ministers a flame of fire.” Hebrews 1:7. OK, so now we see that God’s ministers are spoken of here as, “flames of fire”.

.

Now we have unlocked the true meaning this passage… “For by fire (God’s ministers) and by His sword (The Bible) will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many.” Isaiah 66:15, 16. And isn’t it true that for 2,000 years now, God has been pleading with all humanity, via His ministers (us), and with His great sword, the Bible?

.

So one question remains: Who are the many who are “slain” by God’s ministers and by God’s Bible? Just listen to Paul… “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me:” Galatians 2:20.

.

Listen to this next passage… “For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.” Romans 7:9-11

.

So it is by God’s Word, preached by God’s people, that will ultimately result in many people hearing the Word, and at last, becoming “crucified with Christ”. And so His ministers are those “flames of fire”, which slay the wicked (in a spiritual sense).

.

Mall witnessing, Panama City, Panama

.

BIBLE A TWO-EDGED SWORD

But though there are those, as just mentioned, who die-to-self, like Paul. Yet there are others who just die. The Word of God is a two-edged sword.

.

Listen… “Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.” Hebrews 4:11-13.

.

So the Word of God pierces the heart of those who, like Paul, are being saved by grace. Yet for those who turn from His grace, this double edged sword is quick to destroy. And perhaps this is how we must understand Isaiah 66, that one way or another, all must die, and God’s glittering sword, the Bible will judge all, one way or another… “For by fire (God’s ministers) and by His sword (The Bible) will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many.” Isaiah 66:15, 16.

.

STRONG DELUSION

The great problem is, that it is impossible to fully discover the deeper truths of the Bible, until one has fully surrendered to the Lord.

.

Scripture proclaims… “And ye shall seek me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13.

.

Those who desire to seek after the cares and pleasures of this world will not truly find the Lord. God accepts no divided service.

.

Jesus plainly 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.

.

And so there are many church-goers who continue to attend church each week, year after year, but who are locked out from ever truly finding God! Because of their divided heart, they are unable to understand the hidden Manna, which is locked up in parables and metaphors.

.

On the contrary, they will, quite often scoff at those who see the deeper, more spiritual truths of the various Bible testimonies! They will say things like, “Oh you’re just trying to spiritualize away the Bible!” And in a sense, they are correct! Yes, we must spiritualize away the shadows and types and symbols in Scripture, in order to understand the true reality!

.

Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

.

“THEY FORSOOK ALL & FOLLOWED HIM”

.

When Jesus called His Disciples, Scripture declares… “And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed Him.” Luke 5:11. These Disciples represent all Christians, as we likewise forsake all to follow Jesus.

.

But for those who come into the church, only to withhold from giving all: to this class, the Bible plainly declares… “And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2nd Thessalonians 2:11, 12.

.

The Bible declares our love for this selfish world is the basis of Man’s sin. Listen… “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.” James 4:4.

.

Christ calling His Disciples by Edward Armitage – 1869 – courtesy wikigallery.com – public domain

.

CHRISTIANITY: A FULL SURRENDER

.

When God calls a person into His service, that person has been called to fully commit his or her life to the Lord. And though we are commanded to work and to provide for ourselves and our families, this doesn’t interfere with our total engagement in pursuit of Jesus. Quite the contrary! The Christian can apply the principles of the Bible to everyday situations, thus receiving practical application of the Bible while on the job in the workplace.

.

It is only when the Christian goes beyond and begins to devote his or her self to the pride, and to the self-seeking, that the purity of the Gospel has been compromised with the glitter and pomp and opulence of this present world.

New York Times Square – terabass – cropped image – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

.

WHY DOES GOD ALLOW EVIL AND ITS RESULTS?

Many skeptics like to point the accusing finger at God and say He’s a tyrant, because He allows all this evil and suffering in the world, when if He wanted, He could stop it all.

As God looks down upon this renegade planet, He sees the Earth’s inhabitants walking in all our rebellious ways. But God allows us to carry out our devices. He ultimately wishes for this “Planet In Rebellion” to be a lesson-book for all God’s host of Heaven… “Slay them not, lest my people forget:” Isaiah 59:11.

.

So God allows Mankind to carry out our sins and schemes to their ultimate retribution, so that His people will not forget the folly of sin and rebellion. “for when Thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.” Isaiah 26:9.

.

As the sinner experiences the, “vanity and vexation of spirit” which results from our seeking after the things of the world, that sinner will hopefully turn from his folly, and return to the Lord.

.

So God is doing what any loving parent might do if a rebellious child will not repent; God has, for a time, placed us in a world full of selfishness, so that we might see the results of selfishness, and finally realize that God’s way was the best way after all.

.

“And they that escape of you shall remember Me among the nations whither they shall be carried captives, because I am broken with their whorish heart, which hath departed from Me, and with their eyes, which go a whoring after their idols: and they shall loathe themselves for the evils which they have committed in all their abominations.” Ezekiel 6:9.

.

So here God tells us what the expected end will be, when at last, we finally learn that sin and selfishness is not the way to true peace and joy.

.

Listen… “For the Lord will not cast off for ever: But though He cause grief, yet will He have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies. For He doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men. To crush under His feet all the prisoners of the earth, Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD. Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens. ” Lamentations 3:31-34, 40, 41

.

This above passage reveals God’s true motives for allowing evil and the suffering which results! So that we will turn again, back to the Lord!

The_Course_of_Empire_Destruction_1836 Cole_Thomas_- Wikimedia – public domain

.

4 PASSAGES WHICH CAUSE CONFUSION…

.

This next section deals with those commonly mis-understood passages, which cause confusion concerning the true nature of Hell.

.

There are perhaps four passages in Scripture, that if taken out of context, would give a person the idea that God is a ruthless tyrant, who will eternally torture, by fire, all those who refuse to follow Jesus. This next section will discuss these four passages.

#1 Passage: “And the smoke of their torment ascends up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receives the mark of his name.” Revelation 14:11

#2 Passage: The parable of the “Rich Man & Lazarus” found in Luke 16:19

#3 Passage: The passages from Isaiah 66 & Mark 9, which states… “cast them into outer darkness, where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.”

#4 Passage: Peter’s Epistle refers to Jesus preaching to the “spirits in prison”. Listen… “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also He went and preached unto the spirits in prison; Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. 1st Peter 3:18-20

.

Rich Man & Lazarus – Wikigallery – Public Domain

.

#1 Passage:

“And the smoke of their torment

ascends up for ever and ever:

and they have no rest day nor night,

who worship the beast and his image,

and whosoever receives the mark of his name.”

Revelation 14:11

.

SMOKE RISING UP FOR EVER AND EVER…

“And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night.”

Now it is time to fully address this passage from Revelation 14, which speaks of smoke rising for ever and ever. The above verse from Revelation 14 sounds as if it is the last word on the subject of “eternal torment”. Every unbeliever will be tormented forever and ever. And the smoke of their eternal torment will rise for ever.

.

But is this the last word on this subject? Of course not! The Bible was written by God to be one whole doctrine. It must ALL be studied. One or two or even a dozen verses do not end the discussion on these more difficult questions. God always has more to say on these confusing issues. And the subject of what happens to unbelievers is of great concern to God.

.

magnifying glass – Wikimedia – share-alike license

.

ANOTHER ‘SMOKE-RISING-FOREVER’ PASSAGE

.

So let’s explore this idea of smoke ascending up for ever and ever.

.

Just listen to this passage, and how it ends up… “Come near, ye nations, to hear…For the indignation of the LORD is upon all nations, and His fury upon all their armies: He has utterly destroyed them, He has delivered them to the slaughter…And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll…For My sword shall be bathed in heaven… For it is the day of the LORD’s vengeance…And the streams thereof shall be turned into pitch, and the dust thereof into brimstone, and the land thereof shall become burning pitch. It shall not be quenched night nor day; THE SMOKE THEREOF SHALL GO UP FOR EVER:” Isaiah 34:1-5, 9, 10.

.

Ah-ha! So here we have another “smoke rising forever” passage! And so this above passage gives us further insight into the meaning of Revelation 14, which says… “And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night.”

.

Church Burning – Burning Man – 2013 – cropped and altered image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Lic.

.

READ ON A LITTLE FARTHER…

.

OK, so if we stopped right here, we would have a picture of a fiery planet, after God’s final judgment, in which fire would endlessly burn, and the smoke would rise up forever and ever. Correct? But if we keep reading, a completely different outcome is presented. So let’s keep reading this passage from Isaiah as it continues to describe this Post-Judgment Earth…

.

” It (the land of Zion) shall not be quenched night nor day; THE SMOKE THEREOF SHALL GO UP FOR EVER…from generation to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it for ever and ever…and it shall be an habitation of dragons, and a court for owls…There shall the great owl make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shadow: there shall the vultures also be gathered, every one with her mate. Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for My mouth it hath commanded, and His spirit it hath gathered them…they shall possess it for ever, from generation to generation shall they dwell therein.” Isaiah 34:9, 10, 15, 16 (shortened for brevity)

What happened? Where are all the screaming multitudes? Where’s the fire?

.

Now the above verse speaks of the day of God’s vengeance. More than merely Zion, it speaks of desolation and destruction of the Earth. It speaks of the smoke ascending up for ever and ever. It speaks of the land laying desolate…for ever and ever.

.

Athene cunicularia -Colorado Desert, California, USA – Wikimedia – Creative Commons lic. 2.0

.

WHERE ARE THE SCREAMING MULTITUDES?

.

So, the obvious question is: how does this passage fit into the entire scenario of God’s ultimate judgment upon earth? Where are all the screaming people?

.

Well, it says here, that they were all utterly destroyed! Just listen again to this same passage from Isaiah 34… “For the indignation of the LORD is upon all nations, and His fury upon all their armies: He hath utterly destroyed them, He hath delivered them to the slaughter”. Does this passage say the people of the world will be endlessly tormented? No, it says they are “utterly destroyed”. Death. And it says here that the fire goes out as well, and becomes re-populated by the beasts of the field and the birds of the air.

.

But it also says, “THE SMOKE THEREOF SHALL GO UP FOR EVER:” God has purposely hidden the answer to Revelation 14 here in Isaiah 34. The smoke of their torment may ascend for ever and ever, but the inhabitants have already been “utterly destroyed”. So the smoke here on Judgment Day rises for ever, in spite of the fact that the wicked have previously been utterly destroyed, and the fire has previously been extinguished.

.

Granted, this passage has some difficult language. But the point is, you just cannot assume that Revelation 14 is speaking of endless torment. Endless smoke rising? Yes! But not endless torment. God has expanded on Revelation 14, here in Isaiah 34. And now it becomes clear that this verse from Revelation 14 has nothing to do with this unbiblical idea known as “Eternal Torment”!

.

Boreal pine forest 5 years after fire, 2011-07 – Wikimedia – public domain

.

DON’T IGNORE ISAIAH, CH. 34

.

And this is the point of this above passage from Isaiah 34: that even though there is smoke rising for ever and ever, there is nobody being tortured here. Is there? Were there people tormented? Oh yes. Revelation 14 makes that abundantly clear! But they were finally destroyed. Isaiah makes that clear. Then the fire goes out. And then it talks of the various beasts and owls, like the one in this photo, which will live there…

.

“There shall the great owl make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shadow: there shall the vultures also be gathered, every one with her mate. Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate:”

.

And so this passage ends with a happy ending, saying that all these creatures will populate the Earth after God’s judgment… “And none shall lack her mate”!

So we begin to understand that when smoke “ascends for ever and ever”, it doesn’t mean that those enemies of God will be tormented for ever and ever. Tormented? Yes! But not tormented endlessly!

.

Notice that the land is now desolate. And notice that “none shall pass through it for ever and ever”. And yet this land will be a home for various unclean beasts and owls. But where is all this so-called “Eternal Torment”? Where are all those humans being tormented for ever and ever? They are nowhere to be found! And yet the smoke of their torment ascends up for ever and ever!

Picture-Spotted Eagle Owl Yawning – Wikipedia – public domain

.

ANOTHER “FOREVER AND EVER” BIBLE PASSAGE

But back to the subject of smoke rising forever.

.

Listen carefully to this next passage, speaking of that Mystery City, Babylon… “And he (the angel)…saying, Babylon the great is fallen…Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judges her. And the kings of the earth…shall see the smoke of her burning, Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying…in one hour is thy judgment come…And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city!…for in one hour is she made desolate…And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all…AND HER SMOKE ROSE UP FOR EVER AND EVER.” Revelation Ch. 18 & 19:3 (condensed)

From this passage, we see that Mystery Babylon, a spiritual city, comprised of all the apostate Christian organizations which have persecuted God’s true Church through the ages (see the article, “The woman Of Revelation 18” ).

.

1 HOUR JUDGMENT

.

**Finally comes her Judgment Day. But notice that her punishment comes in one hour. And yet, the smoke of her torment rises up “for ever and ever”.**

.

So where’s the eternal torment? This spiritual city is cast into the sea. This is spiritual language to indicate that these apostate Christian organizations were to be cast into the sea; the sea representing the world (see Revelation 17:15). It is found “no more at all”.

.

In other words, the apostate church was cast out of God’s kingdom, causing the apostate church to be totally separated from God; totally amalgamated with the world and its secular ideologies and worldly philosophies. This is why we so much of the worldly compromises within the church-world today: apostate religious programs, celebrities, sports, comedians, joking preachers, ethnic/cultural-traditions/segregation, worldly music, bingo and other gaming nights, immodest attire, etc…

.

ABOVE PICTURE – The wicked woman harlot city, Babylon, the apostate church-world, as she rides the Beast, the antichrist world-system – Burgkmair – 1523 AD – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

.

DEEPER TRUTHS LOCKED UP IN PARABLES

And yet, in spite of her destruction coming in one hour, the smoke of her burning, “ascends up for ever and ever”. And so, we begin to see this phrase, “smoke ascends up for ever and ever”, now taking on an entirely different connotation. As already stated, so many try to interpret these spiritual concepts as though they are to be understood literally.

.

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

.

Those who are of the apostate Church, the “Jerusalem which is now, and is in bondage with her children” just cannot understand the deeper, allegorical truths, which God has locked up from their understanding.

.

To these, Jesus says… “Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand…Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear My Word.” Matthew 13:13 & John 8:43

.

Yes, so many of today’s teachers and theologians are void of God’s Spirit, rendering them incapable of discerning the “Hidden Manna” so often hidden within the allegories, parables, types and shadows which comprise so much of Scripture.

ABOVE PICTURE:

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

.

SMOKE & FIRE: LITERAL OR FIGURATIVE

.

Listen to this very extreme description of God’s wrath…“Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because He was wroth. There went up a smoke out of His nostrils, and fire out of His mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it. He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness was under His feet. And He rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, He did fly upon the wings of the wind.” Psalm 18:7-10

.

Now this above passage presents a picture which is very seldom discussed to any great degree. And no wonder! How can we deal with such a scenario as this? Just listen to the concepts described here! Are the foundations of the hills going to literally be shaken because of God’s wrath? Or literal smoke coming out of God’s nostrils, and actual devouring fire coming out of His mouth? Or literal coals kindled by that fire? And what about God literally riding on a cherub? or does He literally fly on the literal wings of the wind?

.

The question to be asked is this: “Is this language to be understood literally or figuratively?” Is the fire coming out of God’s mouth literally going to kindle coals? Is God going to literally ride on a cherub, and on the wings of the wind?

.

Well, one thing is for certain. This passage is a difficult one, to say the least!

.

Michelangelo – Wikipedia – public domain

.

FLOODS OF UNGODLY MEN

.

Well to find the answer to this puzzling question, of the spiritual nature of this passage from Psalm 18, concerning Hell-fire, and God’s wrathful destruction, let’s go down a few verses from this above passage from Psalm 18, and continue reading… “He sent from above, He took me, He drew me out of many waters.” Psalm 18:16.

.

Now do we suppose that David here was speaking of being pulled out of literal waters? Or was he speaking metaphorically? Well this was obviously metaphorical.

.

And why?

.

Because David had previously, in the very same Psalm, made the statement… “The sorrows of death compassed me, and the FLOODS of ungodly men made me afraid.” Psalm 18:4.

.

**OK, so now this begins to make sense. David is speaking about the “floods of ungodly men.” He is not speaking of literal waters nor of literal floods.**

THE BIBLE IS A SPIRITUAL BOOK

.

And so, this is why this passage has been presented. It is just one of many passages which could be offered to illustrate the fact that the Bible is a spiritual book. When God speaks in terms of nature, He is usually speaking metaphorically. When God speaks of trees, or mountains, or rocks, etc., He is probably making a metaphorical statement.

.

David Playing Harp – www.thebiblerevival.com – US public domain

.

TWO PASSAGES WHICH SHOULD BE A WARNING TO CHRISTIANS

.

The fact is, there are many theologians who disbelieve in the commonly held notion that the lost will be eternally roasting in literal flames. As a matter of fact, perhaps as much as 50% of Christians believe that Hell is merely an eternal separation from God! And so, the number of Christians who actually believe in a literal hell-fire torment is not as great as one might believe.

.

And it must be remembered, that only a small percentage of Christians actually study their Bibles to any great extent.

.

**For instance, one survey found that most Christians believe that the old wives’ fable, “God helps those who help themselves”, is actually a verse from the Bible!**

.

And so, with such a prevailing ignorance of the Bible, it is no small wonder that such doctrines as “Eternal Torment” have survived so long! And it can only be concluded that most Christians are confused on this issue, and must merely accept what their favorite Bible teachers tell them to believe! Oh yes, we may know the stock verses which are taught in support of these church doctrines! But most of us have never studied the whole matter thoroughly out, considering ALL related passages.

.

And so, there are two passages which are very applicable today concerning the present situation in the church-world… “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” Hosea 4:6

.

And the next passage as well… “O My people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.” Isaiah 3:12

.

Yes, both of these above verses can very well apply to the condition of God’s people today! There is a great lack of knowledge of God’s Word within the church-world. And as a result, we are easy prey for Satan to come through false shepherds who cleverly mingle truth with error!

ABOVE PICTURE – Adding to or taking from God’s Word, the Bible

.

“THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH, WHOM THE WORLD CANNOT RECEIVE”

John 14:17

.

And so, to understand much of the Bible, requires the presence of the Holy Spirit to interpret these things. And spiritual things must be compared with spiritual things, in order to get a proper understanding as to the true meaning of what is being presented. And these more difficult passages require much prayer and much searching and comparing scripture with similar scripture.

.

It is just as Peter warned us… “As also in all his (Paul’s) epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction” 2nd Peter 3;16.

.

Peter here is warning us that many passages in the Bible are hard to understand. It takes hard work, great discernment and a humble, teachable spirit, to rightly discern the word of truth.

.

And good theologians have sometimes searched many hours, just trying to unlock the true meaning of such passages as the one presented in this little section… (“Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because He was wroth. There went up a smoke out of His nostrils, and fire out of His mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it. He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness was under His feet. And He rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, He did fly upon the wings of the wind.” Psalm 18:7-10).

.

And not one of us is beyond the danger of misunderstanding any of these difficult passages. So we must never look down our long noses at anyone else. After all, this erroneous doctrine has been embedded in Christendom for many long centuries!

Paul the Apostle-Artist-Valentin de Boulogne or Nicolas Tournier- circa 1500s

.

JUDE SPEAKS OF ETERNAL FIRE

But as a further proof that eternal punishment does not mean “eternal torment”, just listen “And he looked toward Sodom, and toward all the land of the plain, and beheld, and, lo, the smoke of the country went up as the smoke of a furnace.” Genesis 19:28.

.

Sodom received the vengeance of God. The smoke of Sodom went up as a furnace.

.

**But listen to what Jude 1:7 says…“Sodom, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.” Jude 1:7.

.

So, was the fire that fell on Sodom “eternal” in nature? Well this passage from Jude says it was. But did the fire go out? Yes, indeed! The fire went out! As a matter of fact, if you go over there to the Dead Sea, today, and look around, you will find no fire burning! But it says plainly in Jude that “eternal fire” fell on them. This is why a total understanding of truth cannot be arrived at from just one verse.

.

No, Bible truth is found by a prayerful adding of “line upon line, line upon line, precept upon precept, precept upon precept, here a little there a little”.

Picture–Lot Escapes – Genesis3-www.thebiblerevival.com offers free Bible clipart-public domain.

.

“THEY HAVE NO REST (UNTO THEIR SOULS) DAY NOR NIGHT”

“And the smoke of their torment ascends up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receives the mark of his name.” Revelation 14:11

Now let’s confront this concept of having “no rest, day nor night”.

.

This word for “rest” in the above passage is the same word found in the following passage… “Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you REST. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find REST unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Matt. 11:28-30.

.

In Greek this word “rest” means to “rejuvenate” or “recreate”. Or simply put, it means “to rest”. But the important thing is, it is exactly the same Greek word found in the Mark of the Beast warning in Revelation Ch. 14, (“and they have no rest, day nor night”).

.

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

.

Here is a plea to the whole Human Family! God knows how weary and heavy laden we can get. He sees our struggles, and secret sorrows and private fears. And Jesus bids us come and enter into His “Rest unto your souls”. Yes, Rest is something that only God can give. And only those who have taken the yoke of Jesus, will experience this Rest unto the soul.

ABOVE PICTURE – winter – Orion the Good Shepherd (Orion Constellation and rod made of Gemini stars) – www.signsofheaven.org

.

“WICKED LIKE THE TROUBLED SEA”

Isaiah 57:20

Look at a similar passage from Isaiah… “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.

.

This verse is not speaking about some Hellish afterlife-existence! It’s talking about now! It’s speaking of you and me, and every one of us who has sin in our lives. It speaks to everyone who has not fully entered into God’s Spiritual Rest.

.

Jesus bids each and every one of us to… “Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest…unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (condensed).

.

Sin brings unrest. Sin steals away our peace. It makes us weary. Sin causes illness, misery and ultimately, Death. Yes, we must agree with Isaiah’s confession… “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.

.

When it says “There is no peace…to the wicked”, this word “peace” is also translated as “rest”. You could scripturally say here… “There is no REST…to the wicked.” But either word, “peace” or “rest”, works very well.

.

De Windstoot A ship in need in a raging storm (Willem van de Velde II, 1707)

.

“…VEXATION OF SPIRIT…”

Ecclesiastes 2:17, 26

.

The point is, this unsaved world cannot enjoy the peace and rest which the abiding child of God enjoys. Oh yes, Mankind sleeps at night. Oh yes, they enjoy recreation, and get their “R & R’s”. But there is an inner-turmoil and vexation of spirit, which underlies Mankind’s existence. This inner torment will remain with each member of Humanity until at last, they cease from troubling in the grave.

.

But should one turn away from this world of sin and confusion, and turn to Jesus, then the following verse may be said concerning them… “And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7.

.

What an incredible promise! Peace that surpasses all understanding!

To fully understand this concept of rest and torment, just read Mark of the Beast–”They Have No Rest, Day Nor Night”

Girl with a Bible – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

.

#2 Passage:

The parable of the “Rich Man & Lazarus”

found in Luke 16:19

.

THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS…

.

A PARABLE OF EXAGGERATIONS

Luke 16

The only time in Scripture that a person is roasting in flames, is in the parable of “The Rich Man and Lazarus”.

.

This parable is a series of obvious exaggerations, which Jesus was presenting to the Pharisees. And the Pharisees no doubt enjoyed frightening the commoners with exaggerated stories about hell-fire. The Pharisees looked upon poor people as cursed, and looked at rich people as blessed by God. So in this parable, Jesus was turning the tables on the Pharisees, by having a rich man in Hell-fire, and a poor beggar sitting in “Father Abraham’s” lap. The Pharisees no doubt loved to evoke the name, “Father Abraham”, so this parable was a real slap in the face to the Pharisees, no doubt.

One very prominent exaggeration was that the angels carried Lazarus into Abraham’s bosom. How absurd! As if Lazarus spent all his time in Heaven, sitting in Father Abraham’s lap! This is so far-fetched, that Jesus was letting us know that this parable could not be taken literally.

NOT EVEN ONE DROP OF WATER FOR ALL ETERNITY!?!

Another exaggeration is that the rich man asked “Father Abraham” to send Lazarus to get “a drop of water”. Here is another absurdity. One drop of water!? As if one drop of water would do anything!

.

And are we to imagine that a merciful God is going to withhold necessary water from all the souls who are supposedly being tortured by God for all eternity? THIS IS THE KIND OF GOD THAT SO MANY EVANGELICALS WORSHIP!? HOW ABSURD!!!

.

Listen to the mercy of God…“(God) Who gives food to all flesh: for His mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks unto the God of Heaven: for His mercy endureth for ever.” Psalm 136:25, 26 What a contrast between the many passages such as this one, compared to this disgusting heresy known as “Eternal Torment”!!!

Water drop impact on a water-surface – Davide Restivo from Aarau Switzerland – Wikipedia – Creative Common Share-Alike 2.0 License

Humanitarian aid giving water to child- Wikimedia Commons – Public Domain

ANOTHER OBVIOUS EXAGGERATION

Another exaggeration is that there would be communication between the lost-dead and the redeemed in Heaven. Nowhere in Scripture is this idea supported. Only in this exaggerated parable.

Another exaggeration is when the rich man talked and pleaded with Father Abraham. This could never be understood in the literal sense, because the Bible plainly states… “For none there is in death, that is mindful of Thee; but in Hell who shall acknowledge to Thee? (For there is no one among the dead, who remembereth Thee; who shall praise Thee in Sheol, or the land of the dead? who shall praise Thee in the grave?) Psalm 6:5 Wycliffe Bible Translation. So this passage contradicts the parable of the Rich Man & Lazarus.

.

(Now, it must be said, that this parable is an exaggeration when interpreted literally, but makes sense when interpreted as an allegory. This will be discussed a little down this page.)

Rich Man & Lazarus Wikigallery Public Domain

Brooklyn_Museum_-_The_Bad_Rich_Man_in_Hell_(Le_mauvais_riche_dans_l’Enfer)_-_James_Tissot_overall wikipedia public domain

.

THIS PARABLE SPOKEN TO THE PHARISEES

“Much people of the Jews therefore knew that He was there: and they came not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom He had raised from the dead. But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;” John 12:9, 10

Now here is the point to the story: the rich man begs Father Abraham to send Lazarus to warn the rich man’s five brothers about this place of torment.

.

To this, Father Abraham answers, “And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.” Luke 16:31.

.

Here’s the big point of this parable. Jesus was speaking of Himself, being raised from the dead. Not only would Jesus be raised from the dead, but Jesus’ friend, Lazarus was going to get sick and die…and Jesus was going to raise Lazarus from the dead. So when Lazarus was raised from the dead, these very same Pharisees who heard this parable, were no doubt astonished when the real Lazarus was raised from the dead! Not only did they plot to kill Jesus, but they plotted to kill Lazarus as well, thus proving this parable of “The Rich Man & Lazarus” quite true.

.

In other words, when the real Lazarus rose from the grave, the words of that parable were fulfilled which stated… “If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.”

.

Lazarus did rise from the grave. And they simply wanted to kill both him and Jesus, for raising him, to cover up this great miracle from being widely known among the citizenry of that day.

Tissot – the Pharisees and the Herodians conspire against Jesus – www.joyfulheart.com

.

ABRAHAM’S BOSOM

.

“And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;” Luke 16:22

Abraham's Bosom wikipedia public domain

.

This picture is a depiction of Abraham’s Bosom. Below is a depiction of the parable of The Rich Man & Lazarus, by the same artist. Further down, you will notice the depiction of Hell.

.

There are various groups today, which teach that there is a netherworld place called “Abraham’s Bosom”. The above verse from the parable of The Rich Man & Lazarus is the proof-text used for their doctrine. This so-called “paradise” is supposedly deep within the depths of the Earth.

.

Proponents of this unbiblical doctrine also use the following verse… “And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with Me in paradise.” Luke 23:43.

.

So Jesus supposedly went to this netherworld paradise existence, after He died on the Cross.

.

While proponents of this idea, are trying to interpret the Bible as literally as possible, they nevertheless go too far, adding to the Bible a name and a doctrine, which the Bible has not given. God never, never, said in Scripture that there was a place with the name, “Abraham’s Bosom”.

.

If they want to take this parable literally, then they would have to conclude that Lazarus was literally sitting in Abraham’s lap, as is written… “And in Hell he (the rich man) lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.” Luke 16:23.

.

This verse from this parable says that Lazarus was actually sitting in Abraham’s bosom. It never says once, that Lazarus went to some netherworld place called “Abraham’s Bosom”. It simply says that Lazarus was literally sitting in Abraham’s bosom, and Abraham spoke back to the rich man, confirming that it was actually the man, Abraham.

.

But to simply say that all Believers go to sit in Abraham’s bosom would sound ridiculous. Hence they have supposedly resolved the issue by inventing the title “Abraham’s Bosom”, as if we don’t actually sit with Lazarus in Abraham’s bosom, as this exaggerated parable suggests. “We go (they say) to a large place or room below the Earth, with the title “Abraham’s Bosom”, which is a type of holding-area for those waiting to go to Heaven.”

.

Rich Man & Lazarus Meister des Codex Aureus Epternacensis – Wikipedia – public domain

.

NOT TO ADD TO SCRIPTURE

.

Now some of the proponents of this doctrine are quick to point the accusing finger, hypocritically at other groups who use unbiblical titles for unbiblical doctrines; and rightfully so! And seeing that they know better, they will be without excuse for adding their own self-concocted names and titles for this doctrine of a netherworld “paradise”, called “Abraham’s Bosom”.

.

The problem is, as has already been mentioned, this was a parable of exaggerations. The entire parable was purposely exaggerated by Jesus, as He spoke to the Pharisees.

ABOVE PICTURE – Adding to or taking from God’s Word, the Bible

.

PHARISEES & JUSTICE

Now you must remember that the Pharisees were real big on justice! These proud ones applauded when someone received his or her “just reward” for the punishment of sin. And in their own foolish pride, they looked down on poor people, thinking that being poor was a punishment from God. These Pharisees felt little sympathy for those who were suffering. They simply decided that suffering was the result of sin. So those who were poor and those who were suffering were merely getting their due recompense from God. These Pharisees looked upon their own personal financial affluence as a sign of God’s approval.

.

And so when Jesus spoke this parable of the Rich Man & Lazarus, having the poor suffering Lazarus going to Heaven, while the rich man was suffering the tormenting fires of Hades, it was no doubt an absolute shocking turnabout for the Pharisees to hear.

Brooklyn Museum – The Rich Man In Hell – James Tissot – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

SPIRITUAL THINGS SPIRITUALLY DISCERNED

To understand this parable properly, it must be discerned spiritually. There are many in Christianity who believe they are being righteous because they interpret the Bible literally. But these actually fall into the camp which Paul describes this way… “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.” 1st Corinthians 2:13-15.

.

So this passage reveals that carnally-minded persons cannot see the spiritual nature of such passages as this parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus.

.

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

.

LITERAL FIRE?

.

And the flames which Abraham was roasting in, of course represent judgment. “How long, LORD? wilt Thou hide Thyself for ever? shall Thy wrath burn like fire?” Psalm 89:46.

.

Now this is obviously speaking metaphorically concerning fire! And what about this next verse? Listen… “Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of hosts, send among His fat ones leanness; and under His glory He shall kindle a burning like the burning of a fire. And the Light of Israel shall be for a fire, and His Holy One for a flame: and it shall burn and devour His thorns and His briers in one day;” Isaiah 10:16, 17.

.

God refers to Himself as fire, repeatedly in Scripture. Just listen to this next referral of God as a fire… “For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.” Deuteronomy 4:24. So now there begins to be a rational understanding of this parable, when we compare Scripture with Scripture and “spiritual things with spiritual.”

Campfire Pinecone – cropped image – Wikipedia – Share-alike license

.

PARABLES NOT LITERAL

Take for instance, the parable of the “Ten Virgins” found in Matthew 25:1-13. Does anyone suppose that this story is to be understood as a literal event that will actually take place? This parable is to be rather understood spiritually. The ten virgins represent the Church. The five foolish virgins represent the apostate portion of the Church and the five wise virgins represent the True Worshippers in the Church. Does anyone believe that the Church will actually have oil lamps? Or is this just a symbolic concept of the Holy Spirit?

.

As far as the five wise virgins, God frequently uses the number “five” in connection to “family”. These five wise virgins represent the countless Christians who will comprise the Church-Faithful, the true bride of Christ.

five wise virgins matt25 www.thebiblerevival.com public domain

.

#3 Passage:

The passages from Isaiah 66 & Mark 9, which states…

“cast them into outer darkness,

where their worm dieth not,

and the fire is not quenched.”

.

WHAT IS “OUTER DARKNESS”?

.

“Then said the king to the servants, 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

.

So this above verse from the Parable of the Wedding Supper, speaks of an uninvited guest. And this parable comes to a climax in which judgment is executed against one of the guests who had no wedding garment (symbolizing Christ’s “Robe of Righteousness”).

.

parable of the wedding guest wikigallery US public domain

.

WEDDING FEAST NOW!

.

Most people assume that wedding supper takes place after this world is ended, and we are up in Heaven. But the wedding supper begins right now, even as we speak! When a person answers the call to become a Follower of Jesus, that wedding feast already begins.

.

Listen… “Wisdom hath builded her house…She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table…She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city…Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.” Proverbs 9:1-3, 5.

.

So this passage reveals that the feast to which we are called, is to partake of God’s Word, every day, yea, every hour of the day! So in essence, when a person has been called to come follow Jesus, they have likewise have been called to the wedding supper of the Lamb. And what do little lambs do all day? They nibble on grass. And as God’s lambs, that exactly what we are to do all day too! Right?

.

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

.

MOST TOO BUSY!

.

But in this parable of the Wedding Supper, the Lord invites many guests. But those guests were all too busy to come! So they began to make excuses.

.

Listen… “But they made light of it (the wedding feast), and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise:” Matt. 22:5.

.

And so it is with Christianity. Many are invited to come and partake of Christ, and His heavenly bread, and His water of life, and of the “fruit of the Spirit”, and of the wine of Salvation. But just like this parable, most are too busy to give Christ their all. We have our careers, and our families, and our seeking after the things of the world!

.

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

.

“Behold, I have prepared My dinner…and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.”

Mathew 22:4

.

But just like this parable, most are too busy to give Christ their all. We have our careers, and our families, and our sports and hobbies, and our seeking after the things of the world, even some humanitarian ministry.

.

So what do we do? Well, we find a church that caters to one-day-per-week Christians. And we think that by weekly church attendance, paying tithes, getting baptized, living a fairly moral life, and perhaps doing a 15 minute, daily Bible study, that this somehow will satisfy God.

.

But it won’t! Nothing short of becoming a “New Creature in Christ” will satisfy God. Nothing short of a 24/7/365 communion with Christ will suffice. And participating in the daily purifying of the soul is the life of anyone who has truly been born into God’s kingdom.

.

And so, when this parable culminates with the following words… “And He saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 22:12, 13.

.

This man without a wedding garment represents all those who try to go through the motions of being a Christian, and yet have no garments of Salvation (“for He hath clothed me with the garments of Salvation,” Isaiah 61:10)

.

parable of the wedding guest – Wikigallery – US public domain

.

OUTER DARKNESS RIGHT HERE!

.

“Then said the king to the servants, 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

.

Now, for every one who assumes this parable of the Wedding Guest takes place in Heaven, there are just as many who assume this above verse is speaking of Hell, when it says that the man was cast into “outer darkness”. And of course, they are correct about outer darkness speaking of Hell. But this passage is really speaking of that Hell which a person enters into when he or she falls away from the Lord, into an apostate condition.

.

So Hell is more than just the grave. It is a spiritual condition. It is spiritual darkness. Perhaps the same spiritual darkness which the fallen angels are in.

.

Just listen to Jesus… “Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walks in darkness knows not where he is going.” John 12:35.

.

Jesus here, makes perfectly clear that there is a darkness, which is a spiritual condition. And He wasn’t speaking to staunch unbelievers. He was speaking to those who claimed to be children of God. And He is likewise warning all of us, too: “Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you:“

.

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

.

DECEITFULNESS OF SPIRITUAL DARKNESS

.

But the fact is, all those who attempt to have a part-time relationship with Jesus, and still go after the things of the world, are represented by this man who was cast into outer darkness. You see, all those who have not forsaken all, cannot be Christ’s Disciple.

.

Listen… “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple.” Luke 14:33.

.

Oh no, such people won’t know that they have been cast into outer darkness. The world will appear like a nice happy place to all such. But we will not be able to enjoy the moment-by-moment feast that Jesus offers to anyone who will forsake all, to follow Him. We won’t ever know the closeness and communion that we could be experiencing. We won’t have that peace that surpasses all understanding. We will not have a clue why we always live by the flesh, instead of by the Spirit. We might still attend church each week, pay our tithes, and serve on a committee!

.

Photo-Shoppers_on_Dundas_near_Yonge-by-Ian-Muttoo-for – cropped image – Wikipedia – share-alike-license

.

JONAH IN THE BELLY OF HELL

.

The story of Jonah was a picture of a man who wanted to go his own selfish way, rather than to be God’s mouthpiece to wicked Ninevah.

.

And when God cast Jonah into the dark belly of that great fish, Jonah cried… “Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish’s belly, And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and He heard me; out of the belly of Hell cried I, and Thou heardest my voice.” Jonah 2:1, 2.

.

So in this story, the belly of this fish represented Hell. So how are we to understand this story? Simple. It’s a true story with spiritual implications. Jonah represents all of us who have wandered away from the Lord, to pursue the cares and pleasures of the world. But by so-doing, God may allow us to walk straight into “outer darkness”.

.

Jesus said… “Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.” John 12:35. Here is the answer to the story of Jonah. This is what that belly of Hell was all about. Spiritual darkness.

.

Jonah & the Great Fish – Wikigallery – Public domain

.

“GNASHING OF TEETH”

.

And Jesus is at the same time, speaking of that very darkness in which there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth! Notice that there’s gnashing of teeth in that darkness.

.

Just listen to Psalm 35… “With hypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed upon Me with their teeth.” Psalm 35:16.

.

Yes, when I begin to go after the things of the world, I too become an hypocritical mocker. I too begin to gnash on my teeth against God and Man.

.

In this old painting, this crowd is mocking a drunkard.

.

Listen again… “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity…and it is set on fire of hell…But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.” James 3:6, 8, 9.

.

**Notice it says that the unconverted tongue “*is set on fire of Hell”. No, not a literal fire, but a spiritual fire and a spiritual Hell, right here on earth.***

.

The Mockers by Illarion Michajlowitsch Prjanischnikow – Wikipedia – public domain

Talking face – Wikimedia – GNU License

.

MOCKING OTHERS

Fat People - Wikimedia - share-alike license

.

No, we don’t purposely curse God. But when a man or woman becomes apostate, that apostate person usually becomes hyper-critical of other people. And as this verse from James states, when we gnash on our teeth against people, we are in reality gnashing on our teeth against God.

.

Do we ever mock people? Do we mock fat people? or homely people? Or funny-looking people? Or lazy, or “dumb”, or rich, or poor, etc.? Well then, we might just fit right into this painting quite nicely!

.

But it doesn’t stop here! We might rather be what’s known as a “scorner”. Have we fallen into the habit of criticizing other people’s faults? Do we love to sit around and gossip? Well, we might just have fallen into outer darkness, no longer under the leading of the Spirit of Holiness. These terrible habits are what is known as “gnashing on teeth”.

.

Fat People – Wikimedia – share-alike license

.

“THERE SHALL BE WEEPING…”

.

And as to the matter of weeping in this passage (“there shall be WEEPING and gnashing of teeth.”), quite often an apostate person convicted by conscience that there’s something very wrong in his or her life. They realize they are still prisoners of their own flesh. They longingly remember those joyful times when they rejoiced while in the prayer closet, or while in Bible study. They mourn for the days when they were close to God. They too, like Jonah, realize that they are in the “belly of Hell”. They know they’re in trouble.

.

And perhaps, while lying in bed, they cry softly at times… “Cast me not away from Thy presence; and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation; and uphold me with Thy free Spirit.” Psalm 51:11, 12.

.

Oh, these people may still attend church each week. But the excitement of Salvation is gone. The light of the eyes has become darkened… “If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:” 1st John 1:6.

David’s sorrow – wikigallery – public domain.

.

“SO AHAB SLEPT WITH HIS FATHERS”…

1st Kings 16

How could this above verse be true? After all, Ahab was one of the most wicked of the Kings in the Bible! What it should have said was… “So Ahab was tormented with his fathers”.

.

But it doesn’t say that! It says… “So Ahab slept with his fathers”.

.

Again, we ride roughshod over such verses as this, saying, “Well, ‘slept’ is just an expression. We’re not to take that literally”. This is the kind of bad Bible interpretation by those who are heavily invested in the doctrine of “Eternal Torment”.

.

Listen to Job… “So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep. O that Thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that Thou wouldest keep me secret, until Thy wrath be past, that Thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me!” Job 14:12,13.

.

**So where is the torment in this passage? And furthermore, it states here that lost Mankind will sleep, “till the heavens be no more…”. So how does this fit the “Eternal Torment” model?**

.

Elijah and King Ahab – Wikipedia – Share-Alike Lic.

.

SLEEPING (IN DEATH) USED MANY TIMES

As a matter of fact, this expression… “slept with his fathers” is used many, many times in both the books of Kings and Chronicles, concerning the various kings who died. The Bible repeatedly states that “This king slept with his fathers” or “That king slept with his fathers”. They all slept! Even the bad ones. God does not use words indiscriminately. God could have said “Ahab died and went to the place of torment”. But God did not.

.

Again, this brings us right back to Job… “For now should I have lain still and been quiet, I should have slept: then had I been at rest, With kings and counsellors of the earth, which built desolate places for themselves; Or with princes that had gold, who filled their houses with silver: Or as an hidden untimely birth I had not been; as infants which never saw light. There the wicked cease from troubling; and there the weary be at rest. Job 3:13-18.

.

So there are more passages that speak of death as sleep than the several which seem to suggest torment. Notice it says here, “There the wicked cease from troubling; and there the weary be at rest. Job 3:18. Does this verse say anything about torment? No it doesn’t! And many “Eternal Torment” advocates say that Job, Chapter Three is not to be considered as anything more than the mere ramblings of Job! In other words, these “Eternal Torment” advocates say that Job, Chapter Three cannot be considered true Bible doctrine!

.

But Paul says, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit… “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” 2nd Timothy 3:16

.

So, if all Scripture is profitable for 1. Doctrine. 2. Reproof. 3. Correction. 4. Instruction in righteousness, then how can theologians dismiss Job, Chapter Three as the mere ramblings of a desperate man, Job!?! So these theologians who say that Job, Chapter three cannot be understood as sound doctrine, show that they believe this church doctrine more than they believe the infallibility of Scripture! Incredible? Yes, incredible!

.

Job (oil on canvas) by Bonnat, Leon Joseph Florentin (1833-1922) – Wikimedia – public domain

.

*“THEM THAT SLEEP…WILL GOD BRING WITH HIM”***

“For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him.” 1st Thessalonians 4:14.

.

Now there are some who say this refers to those whom Jesus will bring back to Earth. But is this what it says? No, it says that God will bring these sleeping ones with Him. Most get tripped up on King James English. Perhaps a more modern way of saying this is that “God will bring these sleeping ones TO Him”.

.

In other words, God the Father is not returning. But God, the Father is certainly sending Jesus back to this Earth to awaken those who are sleeping in the dust of the Earth, to take them back to Heaven!

.

Listen… “And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” Daniel 12:2.

.

But for those who insist that this passage means that God is bringing these sleeping ones back to the Earth from Heaven, let’s just look at the rest of this passage.

.

Listen… “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him.

.

“For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: AND THE DEAD IN CHRIST SHALL RISE FIRST: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 1st Thessalonians 4:14-17.

.

It’s hard to imagine how so many get this passage so completely messed up! But by reading it in its entirety, then one begins to get a correct picture of just what it means. Oh yes, we which are alive and remain, shall meet those previously dead ones in the air. But only because these previously dead ones have just risen from their graves, just prior to our meeting them and Jesus together in the air!

Triumph of Christianity by G. Dore www.christimages.org Limited use license – see their website for restrictions

.

WHAT THEN IS THE TRUE NATURE OF HELL?

^“Will Your great works be known in the darkness, and Your right and good works in the land where all is forgotten?” Psalm 88:12

Let’s look at this subject of “eternal judgment” from a little bit different perspective, for a moment. Now listen to what the Book of Job says about death… “Why died I not from the womb?…For now should I have lain still and been quiet, I should have slept: then had I been at rest, With kings and counsellors of the earth, which built desolate places for themselves; Or with princes that had gold, who filled their houses with silver…There the wicked cease from troubling; and there the weary be at rest. There the prisoners rest together; they hear not the voice of the oppressor. The small and great are there; and the servant is free from his master.” Job 3:11-19 (condensed for brevity).

.

Does this above passage sound like eternal torment? If death begins the never-ending torment of the wicked, then why does this above passage say that death causes the wicked to “cease from troubling”? And if death brings us into some sort of fiery Dante’s Inferno, then why does it say, “There the prisoners rest together; they hear not the voice of the oppressor.” ?

.

Picture-Old Jewish Cemetery Prague Czech Republic – Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

WE MUST FACE EVERY SCRIPTURE

.

So if, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” 2nd Timothy 3:16, then why does Job say that death will be release from suffering?

.

Some theologians try to rationalize this passage by saying that only Job’s body would be resting, but his departed soul would be tormented endlessly. Well if that was true, then Job would never have made such a comment. Nor would God have bothered to put this in the Bible.

.

If the Eternal Torment doctrine were true, then Job would have counted himself lucky to still be alive…even in all his earthly suffering! But the fact is, the Bible never once says there will be Eternal Torment. These words, “Eternal Torment”, are not found even once in Scripture! They are merely theologian-given words!

.

Eternal Torment is a totally man-made name coined by people who tried to lift a few verses out of context. They then saw all the passages talking about the fires of Judgment Day; and not realizing that fire is used very metaphorically, when speaking of Judgment Day, they simply decided that Eternal Torment must be true.

.

Listen again to James… “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity…and it is set on fire of Hell” James 3:6. Now is anybody’s tongue literally on fire? Is anybody’s tongue literally set on fire of Hell? Of course not! God quite often uses fire in Scripture, as a metaphor depicting judgment.

.

Gossips in the Altstadt in Sindelfingen, Germany. Sally Kennison – share-alike license – cropped image – Wikimedia Commons

.

EVERY SUPPOSED DOCTRINE MUST BE TESTED

But most theologians reject this passage about the dead being in a quiet state, as not to be trusted. But what we don’t understand, is that, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” 2nd Timothy 3:16.

.

This eternal torment doctrine denies so many Bible verses. And rather than alter one’s bad theology, it is easier to just dismiss such passages by saying, “Well God doesn’t really mean what He’s saying here.”

.

But the Bible says, “ALL SCRIPTURE, is profitable for doctrine…”. We CANNOT come up with this doctrine of “Eternal Torment” unless it will harmonize with every other related passage in the Bible. And this doctrine of “Eternal Torment” does NOT harmonize with many, many other Bible passages. So therefore, this Eternal Torment doctrine is a false doctrine, for the simple reason that it just WILL NOT harmonize with everything else that Scripture has to say on the subject.

.

**The fact is, there are many who claim to believe “The Bible and the Bible only”! But truth be told, the only thing they actually believe is infallible, is their church doctrines!**

magnifying glass – Wikimedia – share-alike license

.

THEIR WORM DIES NOT…

“And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dies not, and the fire is not quenched.” Mark 9:43, 44.

ETERNAL FIRE-PROOF WORMS IN HELL-FIRE!?!

.

Now if a person is going to take the above passage literally, then take it ALL literally! Does anyone really suppose that there are worms with eternal life in the fires of Hell? Oh, perhaps a few believe this is literal. But every one else takes this passage figuratively. So then, almost everyone interprets this passage figuratively to a certain extent.

.

Brooklyn Museum – The Bad Rich Man in Hell – James Tissot – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

Tapeworm – Wikimedia – public-domain

.

SOUL IS NOT A SUITABLE FOOD FOR WORMS!

So almost everyone realizes there won’t be any fire-proof worms with eternal life. But what would those worms have to be feeding on anyway, even if they did exist? After all, when one dies, his or her body goes back to the earth. It is the spirit of a man who would be in Hell. Correct? There would be no hands or feet or eyes or tongues in death.

.

**Listen to Scripture, as it declares the state of a man after death…** “Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.” Ecclesiastes 12:7.

.

And so here is another aspect which must also be taken figuratively and not literally. In other words, these fire-proof worms would have to feed on soul. And it says right there in Ecclesiastes that a man’s spirit “shall return unto God who gave it”. The spirit returns to God who gave it. “For our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:29. He’s the eternal fire we need to fear and dread.

.

Brooklyn Museum – The Bad Rich Man in Hell – James Tissot – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

WHY DON’T CHRISTIANS CUT OFF THEIR HANDS!?!

.

And while we’re on the subject of taking Scripture literally, does anyone really believe that Jesus is telling us to cut off our hands?

.

After all, it clearly states… “And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into Hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dies not, and the fire is not quenched.” Mark 9:43, 44.

.

If they did take this passage literally, there would be a lot of people sitting in church with no hands. But there aren’t! So we can safely assume that they don’t take this aspect of this passage literally either.

.

So how then, are we to understand this passage? After all, Jesus is not a liar. These must be true statements. And of course, cutting off the hand has to do with cutting off all needless encounters with temptation. For instance, if a man is a former alcoholic and he walks home from work, and passes by a liquor store each day, then he needs to go home a different way. That is most likely what is meant by cutting off one’s hand!

.

Mano hacial a zquierda – cropped image – Wikimedia Commons – share-alike license

.

FIRES OF HELL

.

Let’s take a closer look at fire, and how it is used in Scripture. The church leaders of the early century European churches, when defining what they believed to be the nature of Hell, did not understand the spiritual and allegorical nature of the Bible. And so when they saw the word, “Fire” in Scripture, they only saw it as being literal and not allegorically.

.

Now if only these erring men had understood the Biblical that says… “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1st Cor. 2:13, 14.

.

If they understood this principle, then they could have understood that God quite often uses fire in a metaphorical sense.

.

Nicaea icon – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

THE LAKE OF FIRE

.

“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever…And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:10, 14, 15

.

The above passage, from Revelation speaks of the future, when the Devil, the Beast, and the False Prophet will all three be thrown into the Lake of Fire, only to be forever destroyed. And along with them, anyone whose name is NOT FOUND in the Book of Life will also be thrown into that lake. So what does all this mean?

.

So what does all this mean? Just what is this Lake of Fire? What does the Bible have to say about all this?

.

David Howard Hitchcock -Lake of Fire’ – 1888

.

LITERAL OR SPIRITUAL FIRE?

.

One of the first questions to be answered is this: “Is the Lake of Fire & Brimstone to be understood literally or spiritually?” Well, those who maintain that we must understand, as far as possible, the Bible literally, must conclude that the Lake of Fire & Brimstone is literal fire. But then, how does one explain this… “And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.” Rev. 20:14.

.

So what does this mean? Does this mean that death and Hell are to be burned up in literal fire? Or are we talking of a spiritual concept?

.

Well, as already discussed in this article, fire is often a symbolic concept.

.

FIRE by Marcus Obal – cropped image – Wikimedia Commons – share-alike license

.

“GOD…A CONSUMING FIRE”

.

For instance, it says… “Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings? He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly;” Isaiah 33:14, 15.

.

Now does this actually mean that God’s people will forever dwell with literal fire? After all, it says here that… “who among us shall dwell with EVERLASTING burnings?”

.

Perhaps this next passage clears up this confusion… “For our God is a consuming (devouring) fire.” Hebrews 12:29. Obviously, these passages are speaking metaphorically. God is not literal fire. God uses fire metaphorically here in describing Himself.

.

Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

Girl Praying – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

GOD’S BREATH…BRIMSTONE

.

Now here’s another passage… “For Tophet is ordained of old; yea, for the king it is prepared; he hath made it deep and large: the pile thereof is fire and much wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it.” Isaiah 30:33.

.

Now if we were going to take this passage literally, then we must conclude that Tophet (Hell) will have large piles of wood, which God Himself will ignite with His breath (which is like brimstone).

.

But do you really believe that Hell will be literally filled with piles of burning wood, or is God speaking metaphorically here? And do you believe that God’s breath is actually brimstone? Or is God speaking of His Word here, as if His Word is that fire and that brimstone in a figurative allegorical sense?

.

Buddhist Hell – Wikipedia – public domain

.

THE DEVIL, BEAST & FALSE PROPHET

.

The first thing which must be considered is, that the Beast and False Prophet are concepts. There is no literal Beast or False Prophet. The Beast is revealed in Revelation 17 as kings, and kingdoms. Likewise, the False Prophet is described as having horns like a lamb. This is symbolic language to say that he is like Christ.

.

Now these two beasts symbolize the two different ways in which the Devil rules this world. These also represent the two ways that the Devil deceives and persecutes God’s people.

.

To read more on the Beast and the False Prophet, see “Floodwaters of the False Prophet: “Atheism & Psychology”” and also, “The Dragon, The Beast & His Image & His Mark”

.

Babylon mystery woman – Burgkmair – 1523 AD – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

ABOVE PICTURE: Satan, The False Prophet who offers a world-loving gospel – www.signsofheaven.org

.

SPIRITUALLY DISCERNED

.

The Bible is its own interpreter. In order to understand any passage, we must go to the Bible and examine every other related verse. Listen to Job again, as he unwittingly prophesies about the coming Messiah… “How then can man be justified with God?… yea, the stars are not pure in his sight…How much less man, that is a worm? and the Son of man, which is a worm?” Job 25:4, 6.

.

How then can a man be justified with God? The answer is hidden in this last line… “and the son of man, which is a worm?”.

.

**But somebody might say,“Oh but don’t call Jesus a worm!” That’s blasphemy…right? Wrong!**

.

Listen to scripture… “But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.” Psalm 22:6.

.

**You see, we don’t have to call Jesus “a worm”, because He calls Himself “a worm” in this famous Messianic Psalm 22!**

.

ABOVE STAR-CHART – Sign of the Son of Man – www.theheavensdeclare.net – Not for commercial uses

.

JESUS, OUR WORM, DIDN’T DIE THERE

So how does this idea fit into the passage in question? Simple… “And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dies not, and the fire is not quenched.” Mark 9:43, 44.

.

In other words, Jesus suffered the fires of Hell in place of humanity…but Jesus didn’t die there…He rose from the grave. He lives! And He is the only “worm” that did not die in those eternal flames! “But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.” Psalm 22:6.

.

ABOVE STAR-CHART – Sign of the Son of Man – www.theheavensdeclare.net – Not for commercial uses

.

#4 Passage:

Peter’s Epistle refers to Jesus preaching to the “spirits in prison”.

Listen… “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins,

the just for the unjust,

that He might bring us to God,

being put to death in the flesh,

but quickened by the Spirit:

By which also He went

and preached unto the spirits in prison;

Which sometime were disobedient,

when once the longsuffering of God

waited in the days of Noah,

while the ark was a preparing,

wherein few, that is, eight souls

were saved by water.

1st Peter 3:18-20

.

SOULS IN PRISON

.

“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also He went and preached unto the spirits in prison; Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.” 1st Peter 3:18, 19

.

Here is a passage which is misconstrued to be speaking of Hell, when it is not.

.

First, those who assign this passage to Hell, say that this above passage refers to Christ at the time He was in the grave. They say that while in the tomb, He went to Hell and preached to the lost souls who were suffering in flames.

Such an absurd assumption, isn’t it? Can you image Jesus going to some netherworld cavern, and preaching to lost souls as they eternally burn and scream for mercy?

.

And what would He preach about? The Good News of Salvation?

.

The Great Flood – G. Dore – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

JESUS PREACHES VIA THE HOLY SPIRIT

.

The next problem with this idea, is the phrase… “…that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also He went and preached unto the spirits in prison…” 1st Peter 3:18, 19.

.

Now notice that it says, “but quickened by the Spirit: By which also He went and preached unto the spirits in prison”.

.

Now it says here that He preached by the Spirit to those souls.

.

But how could this be if He went to Hell literally? Simple. This is not speaking of Hell. It is speaking of His Old Testament ministry, via the Holy Spirit, to humanity, living on Earth at the time of the Great Flood.

.

The Great Flood – G. Dore – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

“SPIRITS IN PRISON”

.

First, the problem that most people have with this passage, is the phrase “spirits in prison”. They automatically assume that this is referring to Hell, because it speaks of “spirits in prison”. After all, what other prison is there, which has spirits in it?

.

Listen to this… “I the LORD have called Thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep Thee, and give Thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.” Isaiah 42:6, 7.

.

This isn’t just speaking of Hell. It’s speaking of all those who have been bound in Satan’s prison-house of sin here on earth.

.

Listen to Paul… “In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” 2nd Timothy 2:25, 26.

.

Each and every human in this world is a prisoner of Satan, “the god of this world”. 2nd Corinthians 4:4

.

It is only possible to escape from Satan’s prison-house, through the mercy of God, as this above passage states.

.

EIGHT SOULS SAVED

.

Now as far as the reference to “spirits” being in prison, remember that this passage also refers to Noah’s family as “souls”.

.

Listen… “while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.”

.

Now if this same word wasn’t used when speaking of Noah’s family being saved, we might likewise conclude that it is speaking of dead people. But it’s not. It’s speaking of living people: “eight souls”.

.

**So why did Peter refer here to living people as “souls”? Because Peter is trying to work up to the concept that this story, while historically true, was also a picture of Salvation.**

.

Noah’s Ark – Domenico Morelli – Wikipedia – public domain

.

SO WHY “SPIRITS”?

.

So why did Peter speak of “spirits” in prison, if he was speaking of living people? Probably because people are not in a literal prison-house. But those of us who are still prisoners of sin, are not physically in prison. But our spirits are in spiritual bondage in the god of this world’s spiritual prison-house.

.

So now, this verse from Peter’s epistle begins to make real sense…

.

“…that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which (Holy Spirit) also He went and preached unto the spirits in prison…” 1st Peter 3:18, 19.

.

Yes, Jesus, via the Holy Spirit, preached to those who were in Satan’s prison-house of sin and selfishness at the time of Noah’s Flood! And of course, nobody repented, and all were ultimately swept away in that flood!

.

The Great Flood – G. Dore – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

CONCLUSION TO THIS ARTICLE

.

THE BOTTOM LINE: STOP LISTENING TO MAN’S DOCTRINES!

“Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?” Isaiah 2:22

.

Now that we are at the threshold of eternity, God’s people need to finally let go of our dependence on Man. The above verse really states it very well… “Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?” Isaiah 2:22. We don’t need Bible teachers telling us what to believe. We must know for ourselves what the Bible says, and stop accepting man-made doctrines.

.

Listen to Paul as he gently scolds us for still drinking the milk of the Word… “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.” Hebrews 5:12, 13.

.

Paul the Apostle-Artist-Valentin de Boulogne or Nicolas Tournier- circa 1500s-Wikipedia-Public domain.

.

STOP LETTING OTHERS TELL US WHAT TO BELIEVE

.

Yes, we need to get off the baby bottle, as the Bible puts it, and quit letting others tell us what to believe! We should be able to simply quote Scripture on any given subject, without relying on this doctrine or that one. We should not feel the necessity to put any man-made label on God’s Word. After all, God’s Word warns against adding to His Word.

.

Listen… “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:” Revelation 22:18.

.

This goes for the whole Bible, not just for Revelation. People just have to quit trying to help God out. If God wanted to name a certain doctrine, He would have done it! He doesn’t need your help, and He certainly doesn’t need mine!

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Adding to or taking from God’s Word, the Bible

.

EAT, DRINK, WORK, AND SLEEP THE BIBLE

.

It’s just that God’s people are too busy with the cares and pleasures of this world, instead of hiding God’s Word into our hearts. So then we simply let others tell us this or that doctrine. As if they’re going to spoon-feed us with the “Readers Digest” version of Scripture in the form of man-made labels and man-made doctrines.

.

**Just stop listening to erring humans… “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.**

.

Study, study, study! Carry a little pocket Bible, and read a passage here and there. Listen to an audio Bible. Eat, and drink, and sleep, and walk and work the Bible. Become so skilled in the Word, until every one of us can “sling stones at an hair breadth, and not miss.” Judges 20:16

.

THE END

.

A HEAVENLY HOBBY

.

“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

ABOVE PICTURE – Starry Night at La Silla – Wikimedia – Share-Alike license

The above verse is a plea from God to look up at the Heavens and behold Who has created these things.

.

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.

.

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.

.

The Christian wants nothing to get in the way of running that Christian Race.

.

New York Times Square – terabass – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

Shoppers in Toronto – Wikimedia – share-alike license

.

“AND WHEN YE SEE THESE THINGS…

LOOK UP, LIFT UP YOUR HEAD”

.

**But having said this, there is one hobby which every ‘Noble Berean’ may take up, which only compliments the pursuit of the heavenly Prize.**

.

**Yes, Signs Of Heaven becomes a wonderfully rewarding hobby which, unlike many less meaningful hobbies, pays off with rich, heavenly rewards. Everlasting rewards!**

.

And unlike these people in this photo with equipment, all you need is fairly good vision, and a dark, starry night.

.

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.

.

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.

.

Astronomy Amateur – Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

“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

.

ABOVE CHART: Summer Constellations with Doves (Sagittarius) & Woman (Ursa Major)

.

FIRST FIND ORION & 7 STARS

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).

.

These two constellations represent Christ (Orion), and His Church (7 Stars).

.

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).

.

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.

.

Then, once you are comfortable finding these two constellations, you can begin to locate the next closest constellations, and so on.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Orion the Soldier and the Revelation 12 Dragon (Hyades & Pleiades, etc.) – winter constellations – www.signsofheaven.org – not for commercial use

ABOVE PICTURE – 7 Stars Constellation as the Cross (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses

.

ANOTHER HEAVENLY HOBBY: PRAYER-WALKS

.

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…

.

Why not combine star-watching with prayer, as you walk? What a great way to draw closer to God!

.

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!

.

(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.

.

And for those who are in confinement, one can view these starry signs on the Internet, or simply listen to Scripture on audio.

.

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!)

.

Starry Night at La Silla – Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

THRICE-DAILY PRAYERS

.

**Now of course, the Bible commands us to, “pray without ceasing“. The Christian is to constantly talk with our Heavenly Father throughout the day.**

.

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.

.

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.

.

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.

.

Marines at Prayer by Alex Raymond – Wikimedia – public domain

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Doctrine of Eternal Torment: Part 2

The Abomination in the Church, Part 2

By admin On September 5th, 2013

.

THIS ARTICLE IS EXTREMELY LONG.

.

AND THE READER IS ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN READING THE DAILY DEVOTIONALS, WHICH ARE COMPARATIVELY MUCH SHORTER.

.

CLICK HERE TO BEGIN READING THEM

.

This is a continuation of Fleeing to the Mountains: The Abomination in the Church, Part 1

.

QUESTION: HOW WILL THE HOLY PLACE BECOME DESOLATE, AS FORETOLD IN MATTHEW 24:15 & MARK 13:14?

.

ANSWER: BY THE ABSENCE OF JESUS!

.

“When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation,

spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place,

(whoso readeth, let him understand:)

Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:”

Matthew 24:15, 16

.

FLEEING TO THE MOUNTAINS:

THE ABOMINATION IN THE CHURCHES

Part 2

.

PART 1: ABOMINATION EXPOSED

.

In Part 1 (click here to read), it was shown that the Abomination of Desolation was in the Church, causing the great apostasy during the 20th Century. This abomination was Satan and his minions, coming as an angel of light, working signs & wonders through false brethren (i.e., “ministers of righteousness”) within the Church, to ultimately bring the churches down into an apostate condition. This was the decline and fall of the churches, as foretold in such places as 2nd Thessalonians Chapter 2, and 2nd Timothy 4:3, 4.

.

ABOVE PICTURE – winter Constellations – Woman of Revelation 12 (Ursa Major) flees to the mountains – Mark 13:14 (This is not a star-chart, but merely a concept picture)

ABOVE PICTURE: Satan, The False Prophet who offers a world-loving gospel – www.signsofheaven.org

.

PART 2 SHORT ANSWER: CHRIST HAS VACATED!

.

So now that the concept has been discussed (in Part 1), of just what is the “abomination”, there is a need to address just how this abomination has made the churches desolate. Of course, the short answer is quite simple. When Christ’s Spirit, and His true worshippers, and the pure truth has vacated the apostate churches. This would be how the churches have been made desolate.

.

ABOVE PICTURE – winter Constellations – Woman of Revelation 12 (Ursa Major) flees to the mountains – Mark 13:14 (This is not a star-chart, but merely a concept picture)

ABOVE PICTURE: Satan, The False Prophet who offers a world-loving gospel – www.signsofheaven.org

.

LITERAL ISRAEL OR SPIRITUAL ISRAEL?

.

“When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:” Mat_24:15, 16

.

But one great problem with this idea that this passage is speaking of today’s church-world, is, that in the above passage, it speaks of, “them which be in Judea”? Who is God referring to in the above passage? Many believe this to be speaking of literal Israel. But this cannot be speaking of literal Israel. Israel was left desolate long ago.

.

Listen to Jesus speaking to the nation of Israel…

“Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see Me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord.” Luke 13:35. So this statement by Jesus shows us that Israel was left desolate of Christ’s presence, back in the first century AD.

.

But now we have a new prophecy, found in the Gospels…. “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place…Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:” But if Israel was left desolate way back in the first Century AD, then to whom is this prophecy directed? Obviously it can’t be speaking of literal Israel, since it says… “Ye shall not see Me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord.” Luke 13:35.

.

So who is Jesus speaking to when He makes this statement?

.

Photo: Ninth Av Stones Western Wall – wikipedia – public domain

.

GOD USES VEILED LANGUAGE AT TIMES

.

“And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed. Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate, And the LORD have removed men far away, and there be a great forsaking in the midst of the land.” Isaiah 6:9-12

.

Now this passage is somewhat difficult to understand. But this passage, when decoded is simply saying this: God has brought blindness upon His disobedient people until His people were carried away into Babylon. But because God so often speaks in parables, this passage also has an application to today.

.

One reason we know this, is because, in the Book of Revelation, God proclaims… “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen…” Revelation 18:2. And so history is repeating itself. Just as God’s people were taken captive in literal Babylon prior to Christ’s first Coming, so too, God’s people are taken captive in spiritual Babylon, just prior to Christ’s second Coming.

.

The Prophet Isaiah (Bible Card from 1904) – Wikipedia – public domain

.

***SPIRITUAL BABYLON* *& “ITCHING-EARS” GOSPELS***

.

And no, there’s no literal city of Babylon today. But the New Testament fulfillment of Babylon were the apostate churches, who had become engaged in spiritual harlotry, by immersing themselves in worldly desires, which eventually bred false doctrines.

.

Listen… “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 Tim. 4:3, 4.

.

World-loving prosperity gospels had taken over the churches in the 20th Century, and wealthy parishioners could no longer endure hearing that they must live a life of self-sacrificing Christ-likeness. Hence the Lord foretold of this day.

.

Listen again… “If any man teach otherwise…supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself…And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” 1st Timothy 6:3, 5, 8.

.

Yes, the 20th Century churches began to pursue the things of the world, even encouraging their young to entangle themselves in complicated, high-paying, and prestigious careers. The god of Materialism became a major object of worship in the church-world, and Satan filled up our lives with so many cares, pleasures, possessions, and worldly pursuits, to the point that Christianity became, at best, a secondary pursuit for most.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Satan, The False Prophet who offers a world-loving gospel – www.signsofheaven.org

.

JESUS SPEAKS IN PARABLES

.

But back up for a moment to examine more closely, this concept of Christ speaking in coded language, i.e., parables. And look at this above passage from Isaiah, comparing it to this next similar passage from Matthew… “Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah, which saith, ‘By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.'” Matthew 13:13-15.

.

So Jesus is saying here that He speaks in parables, so that those false brethren in the Church cannot see nor understand these deeper truths. This is the hidden manna which all who are worldly-minded cannot receive…

.

“To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna” Revelation 2:17

.

Jesus and Pharisees and Sadducees – James Tissot – US Public Domain – Brooklyn Museum – Wikimedia

.

CARNAL HEARTS CANNOT SEE MANY PARABLES!

.

“To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna” Revelation 2:17

.

And so, the bottom line to all this is: those who are spiritually blind and spiritually deaf, just cannot see nor understand that God has placed a veil over the Bible in the form of parabolic language. And just because God does not make many crystal-clear statements regarding the exodus from the fallen, apostate churches, He has used allegorical language, that only those who are exercised in spiritual language can receive the message.

.

ADD THOU NOT!

.

“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Revelation 22:18, 19

.

There is another insidious way that the old serpent, the Devil has deceived Christians, bringing them into even greater apostasy. He has convinced them to add to God’s Word an unbiblical term, and by thus doing, he has diminished a great portion of God’s Word. This above passage warns not to add, nor to take away from God’s Word.

.

This is in agreement with the Old Testament, which also warns… “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.” Deuteronomy 4:2.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Adding to or taking from God’s Word, the Bible

.

UNBIBLICAL TERMINOLOGY

.

Satan has deceived the greater portion of the established church community, in the last decades. Satan has drawn a line in the sand, so to speak, regarding just who constitutes the Israel of God. It is to his advantage to diminish God’s Word in the minds of Christians. And so, Satan has successfully closed up much of the Bible by simply convincing Christians that they are not Israel. The unbiblical title, “Replacement Theology” has been invented, to cast aspersion upon anyone who believes that the Church (True Worshippers) is Israel.

And so Satan has invented this derogatory name, Replacement Theology, to quickly defame those who see the spiritual nature of the Bible. And you may have noticed that this un-biblical term is bandied about all day long by radio Christian teachers, until it is firmly ensconced in the minds of listeners, as a derogatory name, to describe anyone who believes that God’s Elect, both Jew and Gentile alike constitute “the Israel of God” (see Galatians 6:15, 16).

.

GOD DOESN’T NEED OUR HELP

.

**But the Bible warns us, “If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book”.**

.

It is a fearful thing to monkey around with the Scriptures. And if mere men had to invent derogatory names to defame and decimate their perceived enemies, then it means that their “opponents” may be more in harmony with the Bible than they are!

.

In other words, if they cannot defame their opponents by using the Bible only, then perhaps they need to re-examine their own doctrines. Because if any so-called biblical doctrine cannot stand on its own two legs, and must be propped up by non-biblical terminology, then perhaps that doctrine is just made of straw.

.

Magnifying Glass – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

.

REPLACEMENT THEOLOGY

.

And such is the case of this term, “Replacement Theology” If God wanted to invent that name, He would have. God doesn’t need our help. And anyway, by their own definition, God is, without question, the greatest of all “Replacement Theologians” (if that was indeed a bonafide biblical term, which it’s not!)

.

Just listen… “For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.” Romans 2:28, 29.

.

Now this above passage is clearly defining just who is a Jew, and who is not a Jew. God is saying here that a true Jew is one who is circumcised in heart. And this includes both those who are descendants of Abraham, and those who are Gentiles. And there are other similar Bible passages as well, which further substantiate this Bible truth.

.

So maybe God is really the ultimate “Replacement Theologian”! And there are so many other passages which would fit into the category of “Replacement Theology”, if that were a real biblical term.

.

For instance, this next passage… “For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.” Romans 9:6-8.

.

The bottom line is, that Satan could not find anything in the Bible to condemn those who understand the spiritual nature of Israel. So he had to invent his own terminology, hence the name “Replacement Theology”.

.

And as far as the Church representing Israel, listen to this… “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.” James 1:1. This introduction to the New Testament epistle of James, speaks to the Church as “the twelve tribes”.

.

Bible Study Group – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-Alike License

.

SATAN HAS LOCKED UP REVELATION

.

Now if a Christian realizes that he or she is a Jew, inwardly, then the Old Testament plus the Book of Revelation begins to make a whole lot more sense! Now the Christian begins to understand that Revelation, plus those Old Testament Books are really about God’s people today! As it now stands, most of the Christian community do not believe that the last 18 chapters of the Book of Revelation concerns them either.

.

That is really a tragic situation in the Church!

.

Listen… “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” Rev. 1:3.

.

This above verse doesn’t make sense if only chapters 1 thru 4 concern us! And this is not the only place in Revelation which explains that Revelation was for all the Church, for all times (see: Revelation 1:1, Revelation 1:3, Revelation 1:19, Revelation 22:6, Revelation 22:10).

.

Satan has successfully locked out the majority of Christians from the Book of Revelation to a great degree, because they are being misled into believing that Revelation Chapter Four, and onward, concerns only the nation of Israel over there in Palestine. And Satan has successfully locked out Christians from understanding that the Books of Isaiah and Jeremiah and Hosea, and all the rest, are really for the Church today! They mistakenly call those books “Classical Prophecies”, another non-biblical term.

.

magnifying-glass-wikimedia-share-alike-license.png

.

THE GREAT REFORMERS KNEW

REVELATION WAS UNFOLDING

.

The Book of Revelation has been accepted by the great theologians of the Reformation, as concerning spiritual Israel, and not “Israel after the flesh”. Such great theologians as Matthew Henry and Martin Luther as well as many others, such as John Bunyan, of Pilgrim’s Progress fame, all believed Revelation to concern the Church, and not “Israel after the flesh”.

.

And the Book of Revelation ends with these words… “And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord of the holy prophets sent his angel to show unto his servants the things which must shortly be done. Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. I Jesus have sent Mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches.” Rev. 22:6, 7, 10, 16.

.

This passage clearly states that Revelation concerns the churches. This statement warns that “the time is at hand”, and not just for some 7 year period at the end of time. Oh yes, Revelation will have a dramatic fulfillment in these last moments of time.

.

Matthew Henry Wikipedia Public Domain

.

CARNAL MEN LEADING GOD’S PEOPLE ASTRAY

.

The problem is, when carnal men try to interpret spiritual things, this is what you get. The Bible is a spiritual book. It must be understood spiritually. But carnal men want to interpret Bible prophecy according to history books or the newspapers, instead of comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But unfortunately, to a great degree, such “natural” men have taken control of the Church.

.

Listen… “O My people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.” Isaiah 3:12.

.

God warns here, that it is the leaders of the Church who cause His people to err, and destroy the true way of Salvation! And now they have invented unbiblical names for their man-made doctrines, and imply that all others who do not believe their doctrines to be heretics and infidels.

.

Bible_paper – dave-bullock – cropped image – wikimedia – share-alike-license.jpg

.

NO PLANS TO RESTORE ANIMAL SACRIFICES

.

The fact is, God loves Jews. But though God may save many literal Jews, God has no plans to restore that nation, as a whole, to His service, ever again.

.

**Listen… “And when He saw a fig tree in the way, He came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever.” Matt. 21:19.**

.

The general consensus even among theologians, is that this prophecy concerns the nation of Israel. God has no intentions of working with “Israel after the flesh”, as a nation, He did in olden times. That nation’s time has come and gone. Nor is God going to bring back animal sacrifices, as many today believe. But God is no respecter of flesh. He will save both Jews and Gentiles alike. But only on an individual basis. God’s Temple today is His people.

.

**Listen… “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?”. This is God’s true Temple, which will stand forever.**

.

Brooklyn Museum – The Accursed Fig Tree – James Tissot – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

.

“BUT YE ARE THE TEMPLE OF GOD”

2nd Corinthians 6:16

.

“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 3:17

.

So in the above verse, the Lord establishes just who comprises the Temple of God! It is not a brick & mortar structure: it is God’s people! God with His people are the Temple of God. And as 1st Peter 2:5 reveals, Believers are the “living stones” which make up that temple.

.

Again, this next verse gives the sign that God’s people are to flee to the mountains.

.

Listen… “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:” Mat_24:15, 16.

.

Obviously, this can’t be speaking of literal Israel. They were left desolate 2,000 years ago, and still remain desolate until this day… “Behold, your house is left unto you desolate” Luke 13:35.

.

So who is Jesus speaking to when He makes this statement?

.

theholyofholies- www.thebiblerevival.com -public domain

.

NEW TESTAMENT TEMPLE: GOD & HIS PEOPLE

.

He’s speaking these words to His Disciples! This New Testament passage is concerned with the Church, as is the entire New Testament! So this prophecy is spoken to the Church! But it’s spoken in spiritual language. Oh yes, it speaks of Jerusalem, and Judea, and the Holy Place. But as previously pointed out at the beginning of this article, this prophecy must be understood spiritually. The only place where the Abomination OUGHT NOT to be is within God’s house, the Church.

.

Because Satan is the “god of this world” (2nd Corinthians 4:4) and the “whole world lies in wickedness” (1st John 5:19), then that leaves just one place and one place only where Satan OUGHT NOT be: in the Church!

.

**And because the Church is the only true temple OF GOD on Earth, then all this must be understood spiritually.**

.

Just listen to Scripture… “for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,” 2nd Cor. 6:16, 17.

.

So does this passage leave any question as to just who is the Temple of the living God? The Temple of God must have God’s Spirit dwelling in it, in order to be the “Temple of God”. And if God’s Spirit is not dwelling there, then it is merely an empty and desolate building! It is definitely NOT the temple of God!

.

But concerning the Church being desolate, are we to think that God’s Spirit will be removed from His Elect?

.

Let’s explore this.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Satan, The False Prophet who offers a world-loving gospel – www.signsofheaven.org

.

NO EARTHLY TEMPLE EVER AGAIN!

.

“That the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains. And it came to pass that night, that the word of the LORD came unto Nathan, saying, Go and tell My servant David, Thus saith the LORD, Shalt thou build Me an house for Me to dwell in?…Thine house and Thy kingdom shall be established for ever before Thee: Thy throne shall be established for ever…And now, O LORD God, the word that Thou hast spoken concerning Thy servant, and concerning his house, establish it for ever, and do as Thou hast said.” 2nd Samuel 7:2, 4, 5, 16, 25

.

In the above passage, King David desired to build a brick-n-mortar temple, so as to honor the Lord. Well, the Lord answered David, telling him that his seed shall build a house that shall be established forever. So obviously, when God spoke of David’s seed, he wasn’t speaking of Solomon, who by the way, built an incredible earthly temple. No, God was speaking here of Jesus.

.

One of the great errors taught in the churches, was the teaching that “Israel after the flesh” would rebuild the temple of the Lord over there in literal Israel. And who knows, maybe someone will attempt to do just that. Yes, the above verse, and other similar passages have given the idea that some temple would be rebuilt over there in Palestine by the Mediterranean.

.

But notice that God uses the words “for ever” in connection with that temple to be rebuilt. This is a huge giveaway, as to just what God was referring to. God was not speaking of an earthly temple here. He was speaking of a spiritual temple. Just listen to the very words of Jesus, answering the Jews who were concerned about their earthly temple… “Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this Temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt Thou rear it up in three days? But He spoke of the temple of His body.” John 2:19-21

.

Tissot_Solomon_Dedicates_the_Temple_at_Jerusalem wikipedia US public domain

.

NO BRICK-N-MORTAR TEMPLE IN NEW JERUSALEM

.

This is the temple that was to be rebuilt. Not some brick-n-mortar structure! Christ is that temple, and His body is comprised of every true-worshipper, who will be “living stones” in that temple: both Jew and Gentile alike!

.

Just listen to Revelation, speaking of the New Jerusalem… “And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.” Rev. 21:22, 23.

.

So this passage from the last part of Revelation describes a New Jerusalem in which there will be no brick-n-mortar temple. The temple on Earth was simply to present an allegorical picture of a heavenly concept. There will be, “no temple therein (the New Jerusalem): for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.”

.

Jesus & Heavenly Throng – G. Dore – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

.

THE MILLENNIUM: ADDING TO GOD’S WORD!

.

Now, the majority of Bible teachers today speak of “The Millennium”, in which a brick-n-mortar temple will be rebuilt. Now the Bible does speak of a thousand year period when Satan will be loosed. But theologians have taken it upon themselves to give this 1,000 year period the name, “The Millennium”. Thus have they added to God’s Word, a name which God has not named!

.

Listen… “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:” Revelation 22:18

.

Here is a most fearful warning against adding to God’s Word! And yet, if anyone rejects this non-biblical term, “The Millennium”, they will probably be vilified by the theological community, and perhaps even branded as an heretic!

.

The fact is, this 1,000 year period cannot be speaking of this future present earth, since very soon, this earth and all sin will be eradicated by fire at the time of Christ’s return!

.

Listen… “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,” 2nd Peter 3:10. Does this passage speak of a 1,000 years of peace on earth? Hardly!

.

MARTIN John, Great Day of His Wrath – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

***CONFUSING “CHURCH” with* *“CHURCHES”***

.

“I will…remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent…He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” Rev. 2:5-7

.

In the church-world, there existed much confusion, concerning God’s “Church” and the individual “churches”. Those who were confused, quickly pointed to the Bible passage in which Jesus plainly states… “upon this rock I will build My Church; and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:19.

.

And because of a misunderstanding of the dual meaning of “church”, the cry was made, “See! It says right here that God will never forsake His Church!”

.

(This 400 year old Painting by Blake shows his rendition of the Gates of Hell.)

Gates of Hell from Dante’s Inferno by Will. Blake Wikgallery Pub.Dom.

.

CHURCHES WERE NEVER INVINCIBLE!

.

“God will never abandon His Church!”, said they! And it’s true. God will never leave His Church. To His Elect He plainly states… “lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:20.

.

So how does this statement harmonize with the previous statement… “I will…remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent…He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” Revelation 2:5-7?

.

And this statement… “Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.” Revelation 3:3?

.

And this statement… “So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of My mouth.” Revelation 3:16?

.

So, in these above passages, God was warning local congregations that they were subject to losing their connection with God, should they stray too far from His Word!

.

Candlesticks of the Holy Place – www.thebiblerevival.com – Public-Domain

.

“HE THAT HAS AN EAR, LET HIM HEAR”

.

In His letters to the 7 churches of Asia, Jesus ends each letter with… “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches”. These letters are for everybody. No church was above these warnings. No church had a guarantee of “peace and safety”. The Jewish nation thought they were beyond the possibility of being left desolate by God.

.

And yet, in the very words of Jesus… “Behold, your house is left unto you desolate” Luke 13:35. Did that mean there were no more Jews to be saved? Of course not! It just meant that as a nation, Christ had been taken out of her midst. Now, any Jew saved, must be saved individually. But that’s always been the case, in reality. At any time in Israel’s history, only a remnant were saved. Only a remnant were considered true Jews!

.

So also, God did not actually save entire churches then, and neither does He save Christians in bunches now. I may have believed that I belonged to a good congregation; but that did not guarantee my Salvation in any way.

.

Ear-wikipedia share-alike lic.

.

“THE CHURCH” OR “THE CHURCHES”?

.

But back to the definition of “a church”, as opposed to “the Church”. What is the answer to this? simple! When God says “church”, He may be speaking of His Elect, the True-Worshippers of God. Or He may be speaking of an individual congregation, comprised of Believers and non-believers. An individual congregation may have both elements within. But God’s eternal house consists only of those who truly live by faith in Christ.

.

To this group, God states… “the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.”

.

But an individual church has no such guarantee. To them, Christ says… “If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief…”.

.

The angels standing guard to the seven churches of Asia wiki. commons US pub. dom.

.

“A TIME TO EMBRACE, AND…

A TIME TO REFRAIN FROM EMBRACING”

Ecclesiastes 3:5

.

So what did this mean to us in relation to our assembling together?

.

Let’s see what Scripture says… “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Heb_10:25.

.

As we read this passage carefully, we see that we were not to forsake the assembling together…but exhorting… ”and so much the more as WE SEE THE DAY APPROACHING”.

As we see WHAT day approaching?

.

“DAY OF THE LORD” WAS THE “DAY APPROACHING”

The day we were to see approaching was that Day in which we were to flee to the mountains. That was the day which was approaching. The Day of the Lord; The Time of Jacob’s Trouble; Armageddon.

.

Listen to Scripture… “flee out of the midst of Jerusalem…for evil appears out of the north, and great destruction….I have likened the daughter of Zion to a comely and delicate woman.” Jeremiah 6:1,2.

.

Notice here that God compares the Daughter of Zion to a delicate and beautiful woman. The sketch here certainly picks up this idea from Jeremiah, of a fleeing woman. Interesting! But the primary reason for presenting the above verse is not to focus on the woman; but to confirm this idea of fleeing Jerusalem (see Galatians 4:22-26, regarding Jerusalem representing the apostate Church). And also to flee from the evil out of the north (Babylon). (For an in-depth examination of Spiritual Babylon, just click here… “Mystery Babylon: Who is this Harlot of Revelation?”)

.

“A TIME TO CAST AWAY STONES”

Ecclesiastes 3

Anyway, God wanted us to assemble together all the way up until the time that God wanted us to flee! And then, when we finally saw the Abomination of Desolation in the Holy Place (the churches), we were to flee. He wanted us to flee from the worldly, apostate Church!

.

So, as long as the Church had been faithful and pure, we were to assemble together. And even during times when the Church was somewhat less than faithful, we were still encouraged to attend.

.

But listen to Jeremiah… “I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of Thy hand: for Thou hast filled me with indignation.” Jeremiah 15:17. Even back in Jeremiah’s day, Jeremiah separated himself from “the assembly of mockers”.

.

But God promised that the time would come when we would see the Abomination of Desolation, where it “ought not to be”…then that was the time to flee to the mountains. That was the day which God was referring to in Hebrews 10:25, when He said… “as you see the day approaching”.

.

Listen once again…“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Heb. 10:25_

.

Cry of prophet Jeremiah on the Ruins of Jerusalem – Wikiart – US Public Domain

.

2nd THESSALONIANS Ch. 2, GIVES SIGNS OF APOSTASY

“Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him…for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition…For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only He who now lets will let, until He be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,” 2nd Thess. 2:1, 3, 7-9

This very much debated passage from 2nd Thessalonians tells that the Day of the Lord would not come… “except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition”.

.

Now this above passage was not speaking of the Dark Ages, when the Church fled to the literal mountains from the bloody persecution by the apostate churches of Europe. This above passage is speaking of the time of Christ’s Return. And two signs are given here to show just when that Day will be here: 1. The apostasy and 2. The Man of Sin be revealed.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Satan, The False Prophet who offers a world-loving gospel – www.signsofheaven.org

.

“THE MAN OF SIN”

.

Now it may be readily seen that there would be a great apostasy in the Church-world. But how does one see the “Man of Sin”?

.

OK, so it continues on… “For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until He be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming: Even him (ED.-the False Prophet), whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,”2nd Thessalonians 2:7-9.

.

OK, so it says here that even in Paul’s day, that the mystery of iniquity had already begun to work. But then it says that… “only he who now lets will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed,” 2nd Thessalonians 2:7, 8.

.

So when the Holy Spirit was finally taken out of the way (“the way” is actually translated, “the midst” in the Greek), then shall that “Wicked” be revealed. But how will that “Wicked” be revealed? Paul goes on to say… “Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,” 2nd Thessalonians 2:9. These two signs (The Apostasy & The miracle working Man of Sin) must be present prior to the Coming of the Lord and our gathering together unto Him.

.

So is there anywhere in Christendom that combines apostasy with signs and wonders?

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Satan, The False Prophet who offers a world-loving gospel – www.signsofheaven.org

.

THAT WICKED ONE IS NOW REVEALED

.

**Now isn’t it interesting that the great apostasy which had occurred in the churches during the 20th Century, had for its centerpiece, signs and wonders?**

.

Signs and wonders were so commonplace, by the last part of the 20th Century, that one could just about go into any church or perhaps even a coffee shop, and pick up on a conversation concerning signs and wonders. Signs and wonders were as “common as grass” in the church community!

.

**These signs and wonders came in the form of voices speaking in a person’s mind, and visions, dreams and tongues, healings, and divers other miracles; and all these purportedly coming from God.**

.

Laying on of hands – wikipedia – public domain

.

MANY MIRACLES IN THE BIBLE

.

At this point, somebody will say… “But there were miracles in the Bible, and God is the same yesterday, today, and forever”.

.

Yes, there were miracles in the Bible. And it’s true, that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. But first, examine the last statement, that God is the same yesterday, to day and forever…

.

“JESUS…THE SAME…FOREVER”

Hebrews 13:8

.

When it says that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, it is speaking of God’s character, and not his methods of dealing with humanity. As a matter of fact, God has changed His mode of operation a number of times in Scripture. For instance, there was the time of the Patriarchs. There were no congregations in those days. Congregations came much later.

.

Then there was the Exodus from Egypt, and the wilderness wanderings. Certainly, God is no longer leading His people through the wilderness as He did back then.

.

God is no longer working in the synagogues. That time has come and gone.

.

Are Christians to celebrate the various holy days? No.

.

So when God says that He changes not, He is not speaking of His methods. But He is speaking of His character. God’s character is certainly the same, yesterday, today, and forever.

.

Gideon and His Three Hundred (Bible Card) www.thebiblerevival.org – Wikimedia – Public Domain

The Prophet Isaiah (Bible Card from 1904) – Wikipedia – public domain

.

“FOR I AM THE LORD. I CHANGE NOT”

Malachi 3:6

.

“Every word of God is pure…Add thou not unto His words, lest He reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” Proverbs 30:5, 6

.

Now as to miracles, just take the fact that God spoke to various people at various times. For a number of decades, there has been a growing phenomenon in which people are hearing a voice in their head, claiming to be God. Now this phenomenon was occurring nearly everywhere in Christendom, during the latter part of the 20th Century.

.

But there were some real problems with these voices. For instance, those who belonged to the most liberal denominations, that voice may not have been very biblical. Perhaps that voice might tell jokes, or even make sarcastic jests, etc.. But in the more conservative denominations, that voice may not tell jokes, but instead, even quote Bible verses. In other words, the god behind these voices was a very flighty and changeable god.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Satan, The False Prophet who offers a world-loving gospel – www.signsofheaven.org

.

TELL-TALE SIGNS

.

Such a disparity of behavior alone by this so-called “Holy Spirit”, who joked and jested should have “sent up red flags” to the Church. After all, even though God may have changed His mode of dealings with humanity from time to time, nevertheless, God changes not in character. And God certainly did not engage in such a low-grade behavior, as many would have had us to believe.

.

Yes, there were times in Scripture, when God spoke to people. Very few people! And almost always, God spoke to the holiest people. There were a few exceptions, like Balaam and Cain. But mostly it was only those who were very much holy men or women.

.

The Prophet Isaiah (Bible Card from 1904) – Wikipedia – public domain

.

SIGNS & WONDERS: WARNING SIGNS

.

Now if you were just about to go into a house, but there was a sign on the door of that house that read, “Dangerous radiation inside! Do not enter!”, would you go inside? Of course not! The dangerous radiation warning sign was there to warn you. Just look at this warning sign below. Is the man in the sign complacent about that dangerous situation? Of course not! He’s fleeing! He’s getting away as fast and as far away as he can.

.

So likewise, God had, in a sense, put a warning sign on the temple of God. It was the “lying signs and wonders” and other abominations which were occurring in congregations in those days. And we could tell that they were “lying” because there was something very unbiblical about them.

.

**But Christ did miracles too! And those who advocated signs and wonders were quick to point this out. So how could we discern whether the signs and wonders were from God or from the Devil?**

.

**Actually it was not as difficult as it might have seemed. The one thing which was a dead giveaway was the obvious apostasy and un-Christ-likeness within the Church. Just listen to this verse…**

.

“For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 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 1:6, 7

.

Notice it says “Let not that (double-minded) man think that he will receive anything of the Lord”. Now the congregations of the 20th Century has become so worldly-minded and Mammon-centered, that they were the very epitome of double-mindedness! So then, considering this above verse, could anyone have possibly imagined that God would ever put His stamp of approval on a worldly-minded Church? God forbid!

.

Let’s explore this…

.

photo above: New_radiation_symbol_ISO_21482_svg Wiki. Copyrighted Fair Use Rational. “This symbol is included in ISO 21482:2007. ISO International Standards are protected by copyright and may be purchased from ISO or its members (please visit www.iso.org for more information). ISO has not reviewed the accuracy or veracity of this information.”

.

A WORLDLY CHURCH IS A DOUBLE-MINDED CHURCH

.

“For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 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 1:6, 7

.

Here is a great clue for us to consider… “A double-minded man should not think that he (or she) shall receive anything of the Lord“. So it says here that a double-minded person should not think that they should receive anything from the Lord. And that “anything” obviously includes miracles!

.

And as we observed the condition of the churches, we could conclude only one thing: the churches were very materialistic! Oh not everyone; but enough so, that we could safely say that God would never put His seal of approval of such a worldly-minded church. So if God should have performed miracles in the double-minded Church, then He would indeed be showing His approval on a disobedient Church. Listen… “So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of My mouth.” Rev 3:16.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Satan, The False Prophet who offers a world-loving gospel – www.signsofheaven.org

.

WE, THE LUKEWARM CHURCH

.

Most theologians are in agreement that this statement from Revelation 3 was speaking of the modern-day Church. Oh yes, it could have applied at any time in history. But it seems to have had a great application to the 20th Century Church. We were called “lukewarm”. We were rich, increased with goods.

.

Listen… “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:” Revelation 3:17.

.

This warning is spoken to the affluent church today! And if we are not the affluent church, then who is!?! We live in an abundant and opulent society today! Like never before, we are the possessors of earthly Mammon!

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Unfunny Judgment Day Cartoon – a party tonight – signsofheaven.org

.

BLINDED TO OUR APOSTATE CONDITION

.

But on the other hand, it was not uncommon, that we Laodiceans even regarded ourselves as the Philadelphian Church: the church which God totally approved of! Well, such a self-exaltation was a key characteristic of the Lukewarm Church. Listen… “for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.” Revelation 18:7.

.

This passage from Revelation 18 speaks of the self-deceived harlot church, Mystery Babylon. And it is amazing that such a presumptuous attitude existed in the 20th Century Church! But it did. Isn’t it interesting that the Laodicean Church had the very same attitude as this Mystery Harlot Church.

.

Listen again to Laodicea… “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:” Rev. 3:17.

.

Well, doesn’t this sound like the harlot…“for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.” Revelation 18:7?? Yes, these two statements sound very similar: they are both very presumptuous and proud statements! And this similarity between Revelation 18 Harlot, and the Laodicean Church, is only further confirmation that we are on the right track, as to just who this Harlot really is!

.

Woman of babylon color Burgkmair 1523 AD wikimedia US public domain

.

WHY WERE WE TO FLEE FROM THE LOCAL CONGREGATION?

There were two reasons for fleeing from the apostate congregation. One was from the Old Testament and one was from the New Testament:

.

1. Being surrounded by worldly Christians corrupts God’s people.

.

**2. If we didn’t come out of Spiritual Babylon, we would receive the plagues.**

. .

1st REASON: “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.

.

So this verse tells us that the influence of the ungodly within God’s house had a deleterious effect upon the True-Worshipers. True-Worshipers became confused and spiritually lethargic by the seductive lifestyles and worldliness from the ungodly and worldly influences of the apostate portion within God’s house.

.

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

.

Now that we were at that time to flee, we could no longer allow anything or anyone drag us back down. We had to flee if we were to get to where we are going. There was no more time for God’s people to be dilly-dallying in the world.

.

Listen… “Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of (this city cannot be named ) it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back. Remember Lot’s wife.” Luke 17:28-32.

.

This passage is speaking in metaphors concerning our day, in which God’s people were to flee from the Abomination of Desolation. The house spoken of here, was God’s House, comprised of the churches.

.

2nd REASON: “And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” Revelation 18:4.

.

And this verse told us that even God’s people were not immune to the plagues which will be poured out upon Spiritual Babylon in these last days, should we refuse to come out of her (the apostate Church).

.

ABOVE STAR-CHART (these Bible constellations drawn from Wikipedia star-charts – 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!

.

“YE CANNOT SERVE GOD AND MAMMON”

.

“Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.” James 5:5

.

What an indictment on us! We had become so loaded down with earthly mammon, that our hearts were divided between the things of Heaven and the things of Earth!

.

Jesus says… “No servant 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 (ie, things of the world).” Luke 16:13.

.

We engaged in banqueting… and amusements galore…and careers…and hobbies…and TV…and radio…and holidays…and on and on and on it goes. It’s not that any one of these were necessarily wrong. The problem came, when all these were added together and began to squeeze out our relationship with God. It was when all these things together began to absorb our thoughts, so that meditating on God’s Word got pushed aside. And we left God’s role model, Paul, to do the work by himself, alone.

.

Listen to Paul… “But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, In stripes, in imprisonments, etc, etc…” 2nd Corinthians 6:4, 5.

.

Does this sound like the 20th Century Church? Except for some foreign missionaries, this could hardly apply to that modern-day church in America. And what suffered? Our spiritual life! We could just barely make it to church…or to a Wednesday Night Bible study. Our prayer life was anemic at best! We had disputes with family or friends and co-workers. We gossiped. And we were so involved in earthly commitments that we had little or no time in our busy day to meditate upon God’s Word.

.

And in light of such materialism (serving Mammon), would God ever do miracles through us?

.

Paul-the-Apostle-Artist-Valentin-de-Boulogne-or-Nicolas-Tournier-circa-1500s-wikipedia-public-domain.jpg

.

“A FRIEND OF THE WORLD IS THE ENEMY OF GOD”

James 4:4

.

And in light of such materialism (serving Mammon), would God ever do miracles through us? No, but the Devil did! And he did them to make us think that God was working marvelously through us, when it was not God at all! Listen…

.

“And then shall that Wicked be revealed…whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” 2nd Thess. 2:8-10.

.

Here was described a frightful condition of the churches. It was foretold that Satan would come with look-alike gospels, that would deceive, if possible, even the very Elect (that is, God’s Chosen ones).

.

And as we looked at ourselves and at our worldly un-Christ-likeness, how could we ever think that God would be performing signs and wonders through us? After all, it says in Revelation 3:16 to the Lukewarm Church… “I will spew thee out of my mouth”. Would a God who was about to spew us out of His mouth be placing His seal of approval on us, by the performance of signs and wonders through us? Perish the thought!

.

Snakehandling wikipedia public dom.

.

“BEWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS…

.

BY THEIR FRUITS YE SHALL KNOW THEM”

Matthew 7:15, 19

.

“For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall show signs and wonders, to seduce, if [it were] possible, even the elect.” Mark 13:22

.

And it was so sad to watch some of the religious TV personalities, who were leading the charge concerning the miracles which were occurring. Quite often they rode in limousines and lived in

mansions! These erring ones had been deceived into equating “gain with godliness” 1st Tim. 6:5. Scripture says that we are to “turn away from such” 1st Tim. 6:5.

.

We didn’t realize that in order for God to set His seal of approval upon us, we must live the self-sacrificing life of Jesus. God would never confirm His Word upon us with signs and wonders, while we were living in wanton pleasure and extravagance!

.

chauffeur by James Rosie wikimedia share-alike lic.

.

JESUS LIVED IN POVERTY

.

“For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be (spiritually) rich.” 2nd Corinthians 8:9

.

As we compared the modern churches with those from past centuries, it was not difficult to see a vast difference. Those men were willing to live like paupers in order to get out the Gospel. And though we were never to think we were better than than these deceived ones on TV, we were nevertheless commanded to be aware of what was going on in our day…and “flee these things!” 1st Timothy 6:11

.

Just look at this painting from the 1800’s. Does this look like a man who rides in limousines? No this painting depicts Jesus at the well, after he had just walked 50 miles or so! Jesus didn’t even own a donkey! much less a limousine! He only owned the clothes on His back. And what does He ask us to do?

.

Listen… “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple.” Luke 14:33.

.

God’s people became so worldly-minded, that Christ was no longer the standard for behavior. We joked and jested, in and out of church, and confused all such giddy behavior with godliness! We lost sight of the purity and holiness of Christ. Our standard became the world. But Christ never joked and jested. While He was filled with peace and hopeful joy of the Cross to come, He never, never engaged in common chatter like we did. So just who are we following? Jesus…or the world?

.

Painting: Jesus and Samaritan Woman at the Well by Carl_Heinrich_Bloch wikipedia US public domain

.

LOVE IS NOT A PICK-N-CHOOSE BUFFET

.

Someone may argue at this point, saying, “Well I don’t want to be part of the ‘frozen chosen’. I just want to show love to the world. I just want to give food baskets, and send used clothing to the needy”.

.

Well, it’s fine to do these good works. By all means, send money or food or clothing. But what these kinds of arguments don’t take into account is, that the highest form of love is the Salvation of lost souls. You can give food baskets and send used clothing to the needy, but these will not save their soul. There is no greater love, than to lead starving and thirsty souls to the bread from Heaven, and to the water of life. There is no better way to clothe the spiritually naked, than to cover them with the garments of Salvation. And there’s no better way to visit prisoners, than to pray for, and witness to those who are in Satan’s prison-house of sin. And the whole world is held in bondage in Satan’s prison-house of sin!

.

As we behold the manner in which the early Apostles, such as Paul, went into the world, we see the manner in which we are to likewise win the world for Christ. And it is only when a Christian is led by the Spirit of Holiness, that God will work through that person to evangelize the world. And the more we know about Jesus, through His Word, the more intelligently we can be led by God’s Spirit.

.

Free Food Distribution – Gangasagar Fair Transit Camp – Kolkataw – Wikimedia – Free Documentation License

.

CHRISTIANITY NOT A PICK-n-CHOOSE BUFFET

.

Christianity is not a buffet restaurant in which we merely pick-n-choose what we like and refuse what we don’t like. We don’t want to simply take dessert and refuse the rest.

.

So also, if we think we can merely do some good works, and still hold on to our worldly ways, we will be sadly disappointed on Judgment Day.

.

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

.

This above passage speaks of a people full of good works, yet void of Salvation! But if we want the blessing of God, we must follow Paul’s exhortation… “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.” Romans 13:14. Here is the total package: To put on Jesus Christ! To die to self is a total transformation of the heart.

.

Vegie_buffet-wikimedia-GNU-Free-Documentation-License.jpg

.

ANOTHER DANGER SIGN…

SO-CALLED “MIRACLE WORKERS”

.

“Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.” Romans 2:1

.

As we saw these television personalities talking about “money, money” on one hand, and performing signs and wonders on the other, we often shook our heads. “How could these crazy people be so deceived!?”, we asked ourselves. And we looked at all the lawlessness of these false prophets and the “nutty things” they did, and we couldn’t imagine they could deceive so many people. We saw their costly apparel and chauffeured limousines, and servant-laden mansions and it baffled us to how anyone could be deceived by such!

.

SIGN OF THE APOSTASY

.

But again, God was using these deceived ones for a good purpose: He wanted us to know with certainty, that the long-awaited Apostasy had finally arrived. God was using these “crazy” prophets as a warning sign. It should have been obvious that these so-called signs and wonders performed by these outrageous prophets were what Scripture describes as “lying signs and wonders”. Now it must be stated here, that there were also many false prophets who were a good counterfeit and would, “if possible deceive even the Elect”. So we needed to be very watchful, because we were standing on enchanted ground!

.

JUDGE OURSELVES, NOT OTHERS!

.

But there were enough of the “far out” prophets to give us a certain trumpet sound…that the long-awaited Day had finally arrived! So we shouldn’t have been judging them. Most of them possibly didn’t know what they were involved with. Oh yes, they were tools of the Devil. But God was also using them for good. And we needed to keep in mind, that whenever my own behavior is less than Christ-like, I too am in danger of becoming an instrument of deception, in the hands of Satan. That is why it is so important for us to fully consecrate ourselves to the Lord at all times!

.

Listen… “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, LET IT NOT BE ONCE NAMED AMONG YOU, as becometh saints;” Eph. 5:3.

.

This is serious business! Those of us who can easily spot false prophets have no excuse for any ungodly behavior of our own! And those of us who have been careless in the past, need to repent and now go forward, striving for complete and total victory!

.

Vegie buffet – Wikimedia – GNU Free Documentation License

.

PROSTITUTES IN CAMP A PICTURE OF CHURCH APOSTASY

.

“And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write… thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication… He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches” Revelation 2:12, 14, 17

.

This above passage from Revelation shows us that the story of how Balaam sending in Moabite prostitutes into the Jew’s camp, was really a prophecy of the churches of the 20th Century. Remember how it was impossible for Balaam to curse the children of Israel. But with one failed attempt after another, Balaam at last, taught the evil king to curse them in a much better way. He counseled Balak to send immoral women into the camp, causing the children of Israel to commit fornication. Thus many died in the camp from the judgment of God.

.

STORY OF BALAAM WAS TO BE REPEATED

.

But the Book of Revelation says this was to be repeated in the last days. No not literally, but spiritually.

.

Listen to Revelation again… “I have a few things against thee, because you suffer that woman Jezebel, which calls herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation… and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.” Revelation 2:20-23.

.

Notice here that not only is Balaam back, but the above verse shows us that Jezebel is back too! Oh, not literally, but spiritually. This was all about apostasy within the churches. This was all about “doctrines of devils” which had imperceptibly “crept in unawares”.

.

Rembrandt_Balaam’s_Ass wikipedia pub.dom.

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

.

“THE HIGH CALLING OF GOD”

Philippians 3:14

.

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,” Ephesians 3:20

.

The Bible says that, “A little foolishness destroys a whole lot of wisdom”. Ecclesiastes. We are to perfectly reflect Christ. But the erring ones in the Church kept telling us “you can’t be perfect, so why try?” Well, whether or not we can be perfect, we are nevertheless to try. And God says he can do much more than we can imagine.

.

Listen to this… “Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20, 21.

.

So this verse raises the bar much higher than our teachers said was possible, on just how high we can go with Christ.

.

So the question must be reiterated… “Is God going to put His seal of approval on such a materialistic crowd as we are, by performing signs and wonders through us?” And again the resounding answer comes back from Heaven… “No”.

.

Francken Hieronymus the Younger Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins c 1616-wikipedia-pub -dom

.

“GOD IS NOT THE AUTHOR OF CONFUSION”

.

“I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me. I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred.” Psalm 39:1, 2

.

Another thing we must consider is this: “God is not the Author of confusion” (1st Corinthians 14:33). While Satan was permitted to perform various signs and wonders, God would never confuse the issue by also performing signs and wonders at the same time. Then we’d really have confusion, wouldn’t we? We wouldn’t know which way to turn, or who’s doing what! Remember the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal? Elijah waited patiently while those false prophets attempted to call fire down from heaven. Then after they were all finished, Elijah prayed, and fire came down from heaven.

.

WAITING PATIENTLY FOR PROPHETS OF BAAL

.

“And it came to pass, when midday was past, and they (prophets of Baal) prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded. And Elijah said unto all the people, Come near unto me. And all the people came near unto him. And he repaired the altar of the LORD that was broken down.” 1st Kings 18:29, 30

.

There was no confusion. God waited until the false prophets were all through, before He allowed Elijah to pray.

.

“Elijah the prophet came near, and said…O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that Thou art the LORD God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again. Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.” 1st Kings 18:36

.

But the point of all this is, that we weren’t to be casting stones at those deluded ones in the Christian Community. The point is that as the Christian saw these things occurring more and more in the Church-World, there came a point when it had to be admitted that truly, these signs and wonders occurring, must be the workings of Satan.

.

Elijah and the two altars -1st Kings 18-38 – www.thebiblerevival.com – Public Domain

.

MODERN-DAY APOCRYPHA

.

What most failed to understand was, that the test for direct revelations from God was infinitely higher, than for some newly-proposed doctrine. In other words, a newly-proposed doctrine is merely an idea from a man, and must be in total harmony with all the rest of Scripture, in order to be accepted. And even then, it is subject to scrutiny and re-examination.

.

But for someone to claim that he or she has received a direct word-for-word revelation from God, necessitates that revelation to be scrutinized as if it is the very Word of God! In other words, that direct revelation is equal with the Bible, and must be considered apocryphal in quality.

.

IS GOD STILL WRITING SCRIPTURE?

.

The Bible declares that “But He answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4.

.

So if Man is to live by “EVERY WORD which proceeds out of the mouth of GOD”, then that would obviously include these so-called modern-day revelations. And if you have ever heard some of these so-called modern-day “revelations”, it is simply impossible to, even for one moment, consider these to be the Word of God!

.

And anyway, the Bible was a completed Book 2,000 years ago. So God is no longer speaking the Word outside of the Bible, as He once did, while writing the Bible.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Holy Bible – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Lic.

.

“IN THE DAY…WHEN THE TOWERS FALL”

” And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.” Luke 21:20-22

The point is, it seemed as if we had reached that day, as Scripture states, “in the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall.” Isaiah 30:25.

.

No, there was not a literal slaughter. And no, it was not speaking of literal towers. But by searching the Scriptures, comparing spiritual things with spiritual, it is discovered that “towers” represented the churches and congregations (“O daughter of My people…I have set thee for a tower and a fortress among My people,” Jeremiah 6:26, 27). And spiritually speaking, the towers (churches) had been spiritually fallen.

.

September 11 Photo Montage – by UpsateNYer & cropped image – Wikipedia share-alike lic.

.

BLESSINGS NOW ON MOUNTAINS

.

Now if a person wished to attend church, knowing this, the Lord did not stop him or her from doing so. But that person may just have discovered that the Gospel of Jesus Christ had been replaced with, “another Jesus…or…another spirit…or another gospel” 2nd Cor. 11:4. And that person may have found that the worldliness was steadily increasing.

.

That is why this passage states… “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.” Isaiah 30:25.

.

God here was telling us in spiritual terms, to “flee to the mountains”. And God was telling us here that He has provided the water of life on those hills and mountains. And yes, for those who choose to flee, they may no longer enjoy all the times of fun and friendship that they had in the days when they believed the towers had not yet fallen. Nevertheless, God will provide everything necessary for us, “upon every high mountain, and upon every high hill”, to attain rich fellowship with Him and spiritual victory in our lives.

A Family of Deer in a Landscape with a Waterfall wikipedia public domain

.

CHURCHES WERE A HOUSING FOR THE WHEAT

.

“And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in Thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for Thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.” Revelation 14:15

.

Now we were not to consider the idea of churches as a big mistake. No, the churches were provided by God as a safe-housing for the wheat, until the time of the harvest. The churches were like the “husk” for wheat. And even though the history of Christianity was filled with violence and corruption for many centuries by the apostate churches in Europe, God still ordained the churches to be the safe-housing for His people. It’s just that God’s people had to worship in the mountains of Europe, far above the apostasy in the cities and villages below.

.

The Bible repeatedly compares God’s dealings with His Church to a harvest. And God has patiently worked with His people through the centuries. But there came a time when the harvester had to separate the wheat from its housing. This was done on a windy day, when the breeze would carry away the chaff, and the wheat would fall to the ground.

.

Avvakum-burned-1682_by_artist-Myasoyedov-1897-Wiki.-Pub-Dom..jpg

.

TIME OF HARVEST

.

And so the time came for the great harvest of the end. The winds of various false ideologies began blowing, and the apostate portion of the Church had been carried away with many false doctrines. God’s servants began calling God’s people to vacate the Babylonish churches. The wheat was to be put into the garner where it was to be milled, so to speak.

.

Listen… “For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; The daughter of Babylon is like a threshingfloor, it is time to thresh her: yet a little while, and the time of her harvest shall come.” Isaiah 51:53

.

Winnowing Vannage_du_riz,_Uttarakhand,_India wikimedia share-alike lic.

.

JOHN THE BAPTIST

John the Baptist came preaching a message of repentance to God’s people. His fiery warnings resonated with the people, partly because he put things in terms that the people could understand.

.

Listen… “…but He that cometh…Whose fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly purge His floor, and gather His wheat into the garner; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” Matthew 3:11, 12

Then came Jesus. And He embellished on John’s theme concerning the harvest of God’s people.

.

Just listen to Jesus… “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.” Matthew 13:39, 40.

And so, this concept of the separation of the wheat from the chaff at the harvest was pointing forward to the time of the end, when God was to finish His Salvation program by a separation of His True-Worshippers from the False-Brethren. Listen to Revelation…

.

“And he ( the False Prophet of Revelation 13) causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” Revelation 3:16, 17.

.

Saint_John_the_Baptist_and_the_Pharisees_-_James_Tissot wikipedia public domain

.

WHAT MOUNTAINS WERE WE TO FLEE TO?

.

“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. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.” Psalm 3:19

.

So the above verse speaks of a vastly different concept than the world can ever know: to walk upon the heavenly mountains…in one’s heart and mind.

.

There are many, who had the idea that the Church would have to literally flee into the mountains and live in caves, and hide from black helicopters and bloodhounds. Because during the Dark Ages, many Christians were so persecuted, that they had to literally flee to the mountains! Such groups as the Waldenses, lived for centuries in the Alps, away from the persecuting power of the apostate and corrupt dominant church of Europe.

.

The story of the persecuted Church during the Dark Ages is well documented by various men, such as The History of Protestantism by James Wylie. Another much shorter history might be found in Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, and many others.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: WALDENSES HUNTED BY THE ARMIES OF ROME courtesy gutenberg.org public domain

.

THE BIBLE IS A SPIRITUAL BOOK

.

“Which things are an allegory” Galatians 4;24

.

But we have a very different situation today. For one thing, our society has all but outlawed anyone who would literally flee to the mountains. God has permitted our governments to make it illegal to literally live up in the mountains, to a great extent. You would probably have to get permission from private land owners to do that!

.

Nevertheless, we must not despair. God has not forgotten us! We just need to dig a little deeper into Scripture in order to rightly understand what God has in mind for us in the trial before us.

.

Let’s remember the Biblical rule, “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14. We must compare “spiritual things with spiritual” in order to rightly understand how we are to flee to the mountains.

.

“For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched…But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem…” Hebrews. 12:18, 22. So here we see that God speaks of a heavenly Sion! A heavenly Jerusalem!

.

Martin, John-The Plains of Heaven-1851-1853 wikipedia public domain

.

MOUNT ZION IS THE “HOLY MOUNTAINS”

.

“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.” Isaiah 30:25

.

The above passage promises that there will be “upon every high mountain, and upon every high hill, rivers and streams of waters” in the Day of the Lord. And so, by comparing spiritual things with spiritual, is this next passage offered as a proof text. Just listen…

“His foundation is in the holy mountains. The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God…And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the Highest Himself shall establish her. The LORD shall count, when He writeth up the people, that this man was born there….all My springs are in thee.” Psalm 87:1-3, 5-7 (condensed for clarity).

.

So here it says that God’s people are born (again) in God’s Holy Mountains of Zion. But it also says that “all my springs are in thee.” But also, this Psalm further clarifies just which mountains that God is speaking of, when He says “flee to the mountains” It is Zion to which God’s people must flee. And if all God’s “springs are in thee” (Heavenly Sion), then this is obviously where God’s people are to flee to!

.

But God says, “flee to the mountains” in the plural. So how is this reconciled? Simple. Just listen… “As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.” Psalm 125:2.

.

So God here, is comparing Himself to mountains, in the plural sense. And just one more passage to nail down this concept of mountains being a metaphor… “Thy (God’s) righteousness is like the great mountains;” Psalm 36:6

.

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

.

THE HEART…THE TREASURE CHEST OF THE MIND

.

So from the above verse, “For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched…But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem…”, we now begin to see that the next verse must likewise be understood spiritually and not literally.

.

**Listen… “And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with Him an hundred forty and four thousand, having His Father’s name written in their foreheads.” Revelation 14:4.**

.

Do we really believe that God is going to have 144,000 with tattoos on their foreheads? Of course we don’t! God is painting a heavenly picture of His faithful ones. The “name” of God is His Word. And it is His Word that we, His Elect have been hiding in our hearts.

.

**Listen… “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.” Psalm 119:11.**

.

So obviously, God knows where our brain is located. That is to say, this verse, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart” concerns our brain…our mind. This is where God’s name is to be found on a Believer. In the Believer’s mind. That is where our heart is. And it is this treasure chest called the heart, which is where God’s Word is kept safe.

.

HEAVENLY ZION

.

Likewise, to stand on Mount Sion (Zion) does not refer to that hill over there in Palestine. It refers to the same hill spoken of in Hebrews… “For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched…But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem…” Hebrews 12:18, 22.

.

Isn’t God’s Word so marvelous!? God makes it so easy for us to understand these things…if we will just “rightly divide the Word of truth”. Obviously, we are to flee to Mount Sion; Heavenly Sion, that is! Another clue as to just what is Mount Zion, is found in this Psalm… “They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.” Psalm 125:1.

.

Here we see that those who trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion. And this Mount Zion abides FOREVER, as the above passage states. Do you trust in the Lord? Then this verse applies to you too!

.

ABOVE SKETCH: Flee To The Mountains: A concept picture, and not a true star-chart.

.

HINDS’ FEET UPON MY HIGH PLACES…

.

Now there are other verses which tell us just how and to where we must flee. Let’s take for instance this passage from Habakkuk…

“Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth…And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it….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.” Hab. 1:4 & 2:2 & 3:19. So here we see that Habakkuk is a really simple book in one respect…

.

1. It tells us the problem: the wicked are surrounding God’s people, causing them to err.

.

2. It tells us what to do about the problem: “Run!”

.

**3. And it even tells us “where to run”. Listen again…**

.

“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.”

.

Thunderstorm in the Rocky Mountains Albert_Bierstadt_wikimedia US public domain

.

SO WHERE ARE “MINE HIGH PLACES”?

.

So where are the “mine high places” in which we are to run? Listen to Scripture…

.

“and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth” Is. 58:14. Tie this verse together with this next verse… “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.”

.

So again, from this passage, we see this same theme of escaping to the mountains. But that doesn’t answer our question of just where are “mine high places”?

.

But the above verse gives us a clue as to just what are “mine high places”. It tells us that there will be a place of refuge in the day when the towers fall. What towers? The towers of the wicked. Those are the towers which will fall. But what about God’s towers? Will they fall too? No, no!

.

Just listen… “The God of MY ROCK; in Him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, MY HIGH TOWER… He makes my feet like hinds’ feet: and sets me upon my high places.” 2 Samuel 22:3, 34.

.

A_Family_of_Deer_in_a_Landscape_with_a_Waterfall-wikipedia public domain

.

CHRIST THE SOLID ROCK!

.

So God is our “Rock” and He is our “High Places”. God is the Mountain we are to flee to. He is the spiritual Mount Zion. Just listen… “As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.” Psalms 125:2.

.

So God is comparing Himself to the mountains round about His people. So now we’re getting closer and closer to the real meaning behind God’s admonition to “flee to the mountains”.

.

And here’s another passage… “And I will make all My mountains a way, and My highways shall be exalted.” Isaiah 49:11. So again, God is using mountains to symbolize the place of refuge for His people.

.

Here is just one more verse… “But they that escape of them shall escape, and shall be on the mountains like doves of the valleys, all of them mourning, every one for his iniquity” Ezekiel 7:16.

.

This verse is very prophetic and will have a dramatic fulfillment in these last days, as God’s Elect, who have departed from Babylon, will take refuge in those spiritual mountains, and mourn for our sins like doves of the valleys.

.

*“HIDE THYSELF…UNTIL THE INDIGNATION BE OVERPAST”***

**“A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.” Proverbs 27:12**

.

But let’s explore a little deeper, just where we ought to be in that Great Day of God Almighty. This above proverb gives us a big clue, as to just where God’s people need to be, prior to the soon-coming storm. The prudent (the wise) are not deceived by all the modern-day “peace & safety” preaching, telling them that they don’t need to worry, because the Church will be raptured away prior to the soon-coming time of trouble. Yes, the wise are preparing themselves for the great tribulation! The foolish “are at ease in Zion”! But there is much more on this subject.

.

Listen to this… “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…” Isaiah 26:20, 21.

.

So now we see that we are to hide ourselves in our “chambers”. And we are to stay in our chambers till the indignation be over-past, when “the Lord comes out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth”. Now is God speaking of literal chambers? Here again, is a perfect example just how often God speaks metaphorically. The obvious answer is, of course not! Well, maybe we are to hide in our spiritual storm-shelter!

.

ABOVE PHOTO: Hide Thyself – inspired by Tornado Over Kansas by Curry

.

“SPIRITUAL THINGS SPIRITUALLY DISCERNED”

1st Corinthians 2:14

.

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

.

We need to dig into the Word just like some Sherlock Holmes might do when trying to unravel a mystery. “It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.” Proverbs 25:2. God has written so many parabolic stories and spoke so many metaphorical statements in the Scriptures, which the “unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” 2nd Peter 3;16.

.

So it is well, if we do not see God’s Word in parabolic metaphors, that we beg and plead for God to open the eyes of our understanding (“Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law.” Psalm 119:18). And then we need to get out our “magnifying glass” and begin our detective work to solve these Bible mysteries.

.

So having said all this, let’s take a look at one more very revealing verse about being hid…

.

magnifying glass – wikimedia – share-alike license

.

HIDING OURSELVES IN THE DAY OF WRATH

.

“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.

.

But let’s look at this next verse… “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.” Zep 2:3.

.

He is here speaking to His true children. Well, who else besides His true children can be called “meek”, which “have wrought His Judgment”? But God here tells these meek and just ones that they must do more… “seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD’S anger.” Zep 2:3.

.

So God is exhorting us here to really, really strive to be more Christ-like. This verse is exhorting Christians to not just walk, but run…to flee. But if you are like most of us, then how do you run, when you can hardly walk the Christian race?

.

Well this next verse gives the answer… “I will run the way of Thy commandments, when Thou shalt enlarge my heart.” Psalm 119:32.

.

So this verse tells us that running the Christian Race requires a larger heart. And this verse from Psalm 119 is an exhortation to pray for such a blessing. And Signs Of Heaven website is dedicated to revealing the things which will put us into a right position to receive such an enlarged heart.

.

**But just how are we to become more Christ-like? And just what chambers is the Lord speaking of here, when He says… “Come, My people, enter thou into thy chambers?**

.

ABOVE PHOTO: Hide Thyself – inspired by Tornado Over Kansas by Curry

.

“THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS WITHIN YOU”

.

The chambers which the Lord is speaking of here, are best illustrated by the following passage… “Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall THE CHAMBERS be filled with all precious and pleasant riches. A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength. For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Proverbs 24:4-6.

.

So here is the big payoff to where this entire article was taking us. This verse above pinpoints just where are the chambers that we are to hide ourselves. We are to flee to the chambers of our sanctified heart. This is where God is, if we are a true worshipper.

.

Listen… “The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:20, 21.

.

THE CHAMBERS OF THE HEART

.

No, we are not to become some withdrawn monkish introvert! Rather, we are to joyfully fill those chambers with God’s Word. And we are joyfully to let our inner light shine out to all with whom we come in contact with. The chambers of the heart: these are the chambers where we fight the good fight. These are the chambers from which we pray and have communion with God. These are the chambers in which the Word of God comes back to our remembrance, at just the time we need Divine guidance. And even if we are, say, a quadriplegic, we may still carry on our warfare against the forces of darkness. It is in the heart that we may possess an arsenal of artillery more powerful than any nation does possess. That man or woman, locked in a wheelchair or bed, can marshal vast armies through the humble prayer of faith.

.

Blue lightweight wheelchair – wikimed ia – creative commons license

.

THE MOST HOLY PLACE IN THE HEART

.

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1st Corinthians 6:19, 20

As this above passage states, God’s people are the Temple of the Lord. But God wants us to have the heart and mind of Jesus. And the Most Holy Place, containing the Ark, which contained the Law, was a picture of God’s heart, wherein was His Law (that is, His Word). The Most Holy Place in the Old Testament Temple was a picture of, not only the heart of God, but also it was a picture of the heart of Man, who is the Temple of God.

.

After all, we have been chosen to be priests unto God, just as it is written… “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness…And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” Revelation 1:5, 6

.

You are encouraged to read the Signs Of Heaven article, “Ark of the Covenant Constellation, Pt. 2: Entering Into The Most Holy Place”

.

Priesthood – the Holy of Holies – www.thebiblerevival.com – Public Domain

.

AN ARMY OF ONE

.

And as we listen to God’s Word on our MP3 player or memorize a verse out of a pocket Bible, the chambers of our heart will become filled with all precious and pleasant treasures of wisdom knowledge. And our heart will become an extension of God’s Most Holy Place in Heaven. And then, with our heart filled with God’s Word, we may too be filled with that “peace of God, which passeth all understanding” Philippians 4:7.

.

This previous passage (“the kingdom of God is within you.”), unlocks the secret to our featured verse… “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:” Matthew 24:15, 16.

.

So, putting these two passages together, we get closer to where God is wanting us to go… This is where God is. “…behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:21.

.

When God’s people finally realize that they cannot keep compromising with the world, there will be a revival this world has never seen. When God’s people cast their idols of silver and gold…well… let’s just let Scripture speak…

.

“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.

.

This passage from Isaiah is a prophecy concerning today.

.

“COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM”

Unfortunately, the churches, to a great extent, had been fatally infected with the ungodly influence of the spirit of the world. The holiness of Christ had been all but lost sight of. And in His stead, the “nice” behavioral standard of the world had been substituted: back-slapping, joking, partying, giddiness, mundane conversations, and the like, were erroneously thought to be acceptable to a holy and reverent God. Nothing could be further from the truth! And we have all been guilty! And the Lord understood how powerful was the ungodly influences both in the world and in the Church….

.

“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

But many Christians feel that they cannot do without their local congregation. They understand that the current standards are very low. But they feel they and their children would be lost without that connection. But many other families already have rich fellowship at home. They already have morning worship. And perhaps the children are home-schooled. Such families will not be so stressed when it comes time for them to leave the churches.

.

But those families who do not have that worship time, and maybe both parents are working and the children attend public or semi-public church-schooling, this will be a great tribulation in itself. Such situations require heavenly wisdom and a complete surrender of self. But these kinds of unruly family situations may ultimately prove to be a great blessing, because they are the kind of cudgel often needed for the Believer to make that entire surrender of self.

.

Casting out Money Changers – Carl Bloch – wikipedia – US public domain

.

DON’T BE LIKE LOT, NOR LIKE HIS WIFE!

.

But when God told Lot to flee, Lot also felt that he could not flee to the mountain. Listen… “I cannot escape to the mountain, lest some evil take me, and I die:” Genesis 19:19.

.

Many Christians had the same problem that Lot had. They felt that they would spiritually die if they left their church. And like Lot’s wife, they looked back. But God wants us to have a rich personal relationship with Him. We need to lean completely on Him, and make Him our refuge during this coming tempest.

.

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.” Psalm 27:5. God promises to provide springs of living water on every high hill, during this time before us.

.

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

“TRULY OUR FELLOWSHIP IS WITH

.

THE FATHER, AND WITH HIS SON…”

.

But the Bible says… “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.

.

But at any time in history, the Christian should not have been dependent upon church attendance in order to have fellowship. The Christian can and must be in direct fellowship with the Father and with the Son throughout his or her day, through the power of Christ’s Spirit of holiness. Through prayer and meditation upon the Bible, the Christian can enjoy rich communion with God, at home, at work, at recreation time, even in bed, or confinement.

.

And as the Christian separates his or her self from all unnecessary un-Christ-like influences, that Christian will become ever increasingly in-tune to that guiding gentle breeze, known as the Spirit of Holiness, who ever-so-softly guides the Believer through his or her day. And this is how a Believer is to lead in the home, as well: as a gentle guiding breeze. Not a gale force wind!

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

.

KINGDOM RESTORED

.

“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;” 1st Corinthians 10:5

.

From the above passage, it becomes clear that God’s ultimate goal is to restore the human heart back to the condition it was, prior to the fall of Man (“bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ”). All worldly graffiti (worldliness) must be washed off the walls of the soul temple. The human heart must be converted back into the Most Holy Place it was designed to be. The candlestick must be re-ignited, by the return of the Spirit of Holiness. All the worldly idols must be removed, and cast away. The golden bowl (our heart) must be refilled with Heavenly Manna (God’s Word). The Law must become written “upon the fleshly tables of the heart”.

.

This is the work before us. It is a work which will require total dedication. There’s no more time for my selfish little desires & pursuits. Only those who are willing to forsake all, and follow Jesus, will victoriously overcome the world! Salvation is by grace alone. But grace is not alone. It is followed by works. God’s works upon the human heart.

.

“TIME OF JACOB’S TROUBLE”

.

“Ask ye now, and see whether a man doth travail with child? wherefore do I see every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in travail, and all faces are turned into paleness? Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.” Jeremiah 30:6, 7

.

But don’t begin to think this will become some group effort. The Time of Jacob’s Trouble is now fully come. But it will grow even more intense. Yet even now, it is a one-on-one wrestling match between the Christian and his or her God: “Mono-y-mono” as the popular phrase goes. It will be a time when God’s fruit will be brought to perfection, within the heart of the wrestling Christian. And God’s Church, His Elect must give birth to Christ. This will be those labor pains, which prophecy foretold would come. Every man’s hands (and every woman’s too) shall be upon his loins (the heart & mind). This will be an excruciating experience, to say the least.

.

But then, finally will come the dawning of the day. Then shall that Daystar, the Sun of Righteousness arise in our hearts. Then shall the Church give birth to Christ. And afterward, our great sorrow will turn to joy, after deliverance has been accomplished, and “Mazzaroth (Christ) will have been brought forth in His season.” Job 38:32, 33.

.

Jacob – Wikimedia-US – Public-Domain

.

THE END

.

THE ABOMINATION IN MY OWN HEART

.

Well, we’ve discussed the issues of the Abomination of Desolation in the Holy Place (the Church). But there is another Holy Place that must be addressed. The Holy Place of the heart. At least it should be a Holy Place! But is it? And is there a possibility that the Abomination of Desolation is standing in my own personal Holy Place? Well, that is the topic to be explored in Part 3 of “Fleeing to the Mountains”

.

.
.

A HEAVENLY HOBBY

.

“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

ABOVE PICTURE – Starry Night at La Silla – cropped and altered image – Wikimedia – Share-Alike license

The above verse is a plea from God to look up at the Heavens and behold Who has created these things.

.

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.

.

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.

.

The Christian wants nothing to get in the way of running that Christian Race.

.

New York Times Square – terabass – cropped image – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

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

.

“AND WHEN YE SEE THESE THINGS…

LOOK UP, LIFT UP YOUR HEAD”

.

**But having said this, there is one hobby which every ‘Noble Berean’ may take up, which only compliments the pursuit of the heavenly Prize.**

.

**Yes, Signs Of Heaven becomes a wonderfully rewarding hobby which, unlike many less meaningful hobbies, pays off with rich, heavenly rewards. Everlasting rewards!**

.

And unlike the person in this photo with equipment, all you need is fairly good vision, and a dark, starry night.

.

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.

.

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.

.

Astronomy Amateur – cropped image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

“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

.

ABOVE CHART: Summer Constellations with Doves (Sagittarius) & Woman (Ursa Major)

.

FIRST FIND ORION & 7 STARS

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).

.

These two constellations represent Christ (Orion), and His Church (7 Stars).

.

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).

.

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.

.

Then, once you are comfortable finding these two constellations, you can begin to locate the next closest constellations, and so on.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Orion the Soldier and the Revelation 12 Dragon (Hyades & Pleiades, etc.) – winter constellations – www.signsofheaven.org – not for commercial use

ABOVE PICTURE – 7 Stars Constellation as the Cross (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses

.

ANOTHER HEAVENLY HOBBY: PRAYER-WALKS

.

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…

.

Why not combine star-watching with prayer, as you walk? What a great way to draw closer to God!

.

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!

.

(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.

.

And for those who are in confinement, one can view these starry signs on the Internet, or simply listen to Scripture on audio.

.

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!)

.

Starry Night at La Silla – cropped and latered image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

THRICE-DAILY PRAYERS

.

**Now of course, the Bible commands us to, “pray without ceasing“. The Christian is to constantly talk with our Heavenly Father throughout the day.**

.

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.

.

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.

.

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.

.

Marines at Prayer by Alex Raymond – Wikimedia – public domain

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on The Abomination in the Church, Part 2

Fleeing to the Mountains: The Abomination in the Church, Part 1

By admin On August 22nd, 2013

THIS ARTICLE IS EXTREMELY LONG.

.

AND THE READER IS ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN READING THE DAILY DEVOTIONALS, WHICH ARE COMPARATIVELY MUCH SHORTER.

.

CLICK HERE TO BEGIN READING THEM

THE ABOMINATION IN THE CHURCH

part 1

“When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:” Matthew 24:15, 16

.

**So, it says here in the above passage, that when “ye…shall see the Abomination of Desolation standing in the Holy Place”, those who are in Judea should flee to the mountains.**

.

This photo is of the mountains of Judea.

.

But is this where we should flee to? Or is there a deeper meaning to this passage?

.

The fact is, the Bible is a spiritual book, and the Bible plainly says, “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Ghost teaches; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” 1st Corinthians 2:13.

.

Judean Hills Panorama from beth meir – wikipedia – share-alike license

.

TRUTH HIDDEN WITHIN ALLEGORIES

.

God has purposely hidden many truths in the Bible, by simply speaking in metaphors. Yes, the Bible is filled with many parables, or allegories: an earthly object, situation, or truth which can be translated into Heavenly, spiritual truth and/or wisdom.

.

But now God is giving a message written in the heavens.

.

And yet, that heavenly message only directs back to the Bible. And this article will explore the heavens, that the heavens may declare, just what the Bible has to say about this very important warning.

.

So come along, and see if these things are not in harmony with the Bible.

.

La Bible, Notre-Dame – cropped image – wikimedia -share-alike license

.

A QUICK LOOK AT HISTORY

.

Now in order to rightly understand just what is the Abomination of Desolation, it is necessary to understand a little about history. This is because Satan wasted no time (after Christ’s ascension back to Heaven), in waging war against God’s Church…

.

Listen… “For the mystery of iniquity doth already work:” 2nd Thessalonians 2:7

.

And listen to this also…“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

.

These two passages reveal that Satan (the “mystery of iniquity”) wasted no time infiltrating the Church, right after Christ’s ascension. So let’s take a very quick glimpse at the history of the Church, and see just how this “mystery of iniquity” has been working through history.

.

Book Burning – Santo Domingo y Los Albigenses – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

THE 1st BEAST RISES

.

“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,

and upon his horns ten crowns,

and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.”

Revelation 13:1

.

ROME FINALLY EMBRACES CHRISTIANITY

.

Now after Christ’s ascension, persecution against Christians began. The Roman government as well as the unbelieving Jews both began to make life difficult and sometimes even bloody for Christians.

.

But around 320 A.D., the emperor of Rome, Constantine (see this painting), had a supposed “change of heart”, and began to embrace Christianity. And while peace is nice, this embracing of Christianity by the Romans had its deleterious effects, in the form of worldly compromises. False doctrines and pagan celebrations were gradually introduced into the Church, causing the Church to grow increasingly corrupt, ultimately becoming desolate of God’s Spirit.

.

Rules and ceremonies replaced a faith-filled communion with God and His Bible.

.

Hence, the apostate European churches, using the civil governments as their “strong-arm”, became the Mystery Babylon Harlot riding the Beast (picture, right), as spoken of in Revelation Chapters 17 and 18.

.

Constantine’s conversion by Rubens wikipedia US public domain

.

“FLEE TO THE MOUNTAINS”

.

And as those early centuries progressed, the apostate European churches eventually became the persecutors of Christians. And so began a long 1260 year tribulation (forty-two prophetic months: Revelation 13:5) in which the apostate churches of Europe made life difficult, and sometimes even very bloody for God’s people.

.

At first, many Christians simply kept quiet about their love for the Bible. But as the centuries passed, many Christians had to literally flee to the European Alps, and begin life anew in the safety of those mountain strongholds.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: WALDENSES HUNTED BY THE ARMIES OF ROME courtesy gutenberg.org public domain

.

REFORMATION FINALLY BEGINS

.

Yes, at first, God’s people simply retreated to the mountains from society below.

.

But then, in the 1300’s, began the great Christian Reformation. God raised up men like Wycliffe, Huss, Jerome, Tyndale, Luther, and many more, who would fearlessly stand up to the priests and prelates of the apostate and tyrannical Church.

.

Of course, Satan, the true ruler of those apostate churches, likewise began his retaliatory attacks against the Reformation; and this battles between Heaven and Hell continued on, for centuries. Oh yes, at various times there was peace for the Christians. God mercifully allowed them such intervals of rest. But after some time, the blood of martyrs once again was spilled.

.

And also, the Bible was a much hated book by the apostate churches, and copies were burned, and that Book of books was eventually outlawed. Satan tried relentlessly to obliterate the Bible out of existence.

Martin Luther – 95 Theses – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

book burning Santo_Domingo_y_los_albigenses-detalle wikipedia public domain

.

BIBLE WAS THAT SWORD

.

This Protestant reformation continued on, combating those religious and civil authorities, who were torturing, imprisoning, banishing and even killing God’s people, at various times throughout the Dark Ages.

.

But when the 1260 year prophetic time-clock ran out, this first Beast finally received a deadly wound: a deadly wound by God’s glittering sword, the Bible.

.

Listen… “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.

.

**Yes, God’s glittering sword, the Bible, finally delivered a deadly wound to the Dragon in the sea-of-nations, that is, Satan.**

.

You see, when the printing press was invented, an underground movement began to publish and distribute as many Bibles as possible. Soon, many printing presses were producing Bibles in mass numbers.

At this point, the apostate European churches could no longer suppress God’s Word: the Word they attempted to obliterate from existence was at last going out into all of Europe, delivering this 1st Beast (i.e., Satan’s antichrist world-system), his deadly wound by a Sword (the Sword of God’s Word).

.

**For those who have a thirst for reading, The History of Protestantism by James Wylie. Another much shorter history might be found in Foxe’s Book of Martyrs.**

.

Caxton Showing the First Specimen of His Printing to King Edward IV at the Almonry, Westminster – Wikipedia – US public domain

.

SECOND BEAST RISES

.

“And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth;

and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke as a dragon.

And he exercises all the power of the first beast before him,

and causes the earth and them which dwell therein

to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.”

Revelation 13:11, 12

.

At this point, Satan had to employ a new stratagem against Heaven. And Satan had a radically different plan this time. And so came the hour for the second Beast to make his appearance on the world-stage: that first Beast having received his deadly wound.

.

But this wound would be healed, as is written… “And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.” Revelation 13:3

.

And so, at the same time that the first Beast was seemingly dying, this second Beast was arising up out of the Earth. This second Beast took over for the badly wounded 1st Beast. In worldly terms, you could say it was “a hellish tag-team”!

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Satan, The False Prophet who offers a world-loving gospel – www.signsofheaven.org

.

WHY THE SECOND BEAST?

.

Now why did God even speak of a second Beast? Why did He not just speak of this first Beast?

.

Well, the answer to this question is quite simple! You see, after his ruthless first Beast received its deadly wound by God’s glittering Sword, Satan knew he had to put an entirely “new face” on his hellish war-machine. The 1st Beast was so ruthless, and had such a horrible and bloody reputation, it was virtually impossible for this beast to have any more favor with society. Not to mention that the Bible was now being read by the great masses in Europe, which only exposed the totally unbiblical doctrines of that apostate church.

.

So an entirely new and different strategy had to be employed. This new Beast was a “kinder and gentler beast”, as the saying goes. After all, False Prophets have to be nice, to a certain extent.

.

And this was prophesied of in Daniel… “and by peace shall (he) destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.” Daniel 8:25

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Satan, The False Prophet who offers a world-loving gospel – www.signsofheaven.org

.

“AND (HE) BY PEACE SHALL DESTROY MANY”

Daniel 8:25

.

Yes, these two beasts had a vastly different modus-operandi from each other! They had two entirely different strategies to wage their war against Heaven: the first by blood and torture and famine and war. But the second Beast would employ just the opposite: prosperity, materialism, false ideologies and world-loving gospels.

.

One beast derived its power-source from the sea-of-nations, using human authorities to rule, while the second Beast derived its power from the earth: material wealth, earthly inventions, and carnal lusts.

.

Now, the pendulum was about to swing the opposite direction. And Satan was going to make sure it would swing much too far in the opposite direction!

.

Wealth, pleasures, peace and safety, and time-consuming diversions, false miracles in world-loving churches, were just some of the weapons of war which this 2nd Beast, the False Prophet would employ against God’s people in these last days. The first Beast was all about scarcity, while the second Beast was about opulence.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Satan, The False Prophet who offers a world-loving gospel – www.signsofheaven.org

.

FROM FAMINE TO FEASTING

.

“Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny Thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.” Proverbs 30:8, 9

.

This above verse lays down an important principle: that neither extreme (riches nor poverty) are healthy. And so, this above passage seems to be a hidden prophecy concerning the two periods of the New Testament history: “give me neither poverty (the first Beast) nor riches (the second Beast)”. Proverbs 30:8

.

This 2nd Beast was a new and improved beast! No longer did Satan need to kill, torture and banish Christians. Nor did he need to confiscate and burn Bibles. No, this new and improved Beast would simply flood the Christian nations with every pleasure and pursuit, and material good, and false ideology conceivable! (“And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth;” Revelation 13:11).

.

This 2nd Beast’s power was from the earth! And truly, this beast arose out of the Earth: because earthly Mammon and excess was what this 2nd Beast was all about!

.

Mall Market culture – Jakarta – Wikimedia – share-alike-lic.

.

LOOK-ALIKE IDEOLOGIES

.

And in addition to this, Satan has turned his efforts to persecute God’s people by means of false ideologies and quasi-biblical counterfeits. And with all these, he has flooded the world with every pleasure, pursuit, ideology, and false gospel conceivable.

.

He no longer needs to imprison and torture Christians in man-made dungeons. He would simply flood the world with all the, “lusts of the flesh, lusts of the eyes and pride of life”, to the point that Christians were so preoccupied with worldly Mammon and watered-down prosperity gospels, that they had little time and little inclination to devote themselves to ceaseless prayer, and to the serious study of God’s Word, and to the purification of the heart.

.

Yes, this false Prophet successfully captivated the hearts of God’s people, and greatly stunted the growth of God’s Church, by means of earthly Mammon, and wretched excess, and worldly gospels!

.

“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.

.

This above verse really encapsulates Satan’s stratagem in these last days: to preoccupy God’s people to the point that we are attempting to serve two masters!

.

People on Times Square – cropped image – Wikimedia Commons – Share-Alike License

.

THE CURSE OF BALAAM

.

“But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication…He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches;” Revelation 2:14, 17

.

The story of Balaam was also a picture of the 1st Beast, but also, this 2nd Beast. Balaam could not curse God’s people. What began as a curse, turned into a wonderful blessing for God’s people. And this corresponds to the 1st Beast, who actually made Christianity even stronger because of his physical violence and persecution against Christians.

.

But later on, Balaam told the wicked king of Moab to send in whorish women in the Hebrew camp. And this strategy proved far more effective in placing a curse on God’s people.

.

So it is with this 2nd Beast. Because all the persecution and bloodshed by the 1st Beast, only strengthened the Reformation and emboldened God’s people.

.

But this 2nd Beast is using Balaam’s strategy of bringing in spiritual harlotry, in the form of earthly mammon and various and many worldly compromises into God’s camp. And this proved greatly effective in the deterioration and ultimate destruction and desolation of the church-world.

.

tissot – balaam prophesies the glory of israel – US public domain

.

THE GREAT APOSTASY

.

So when the 1st Beast of Revelation received his deadly wound, then churches no longer suffered persecution. The great tribulation had ceased!

.

Or did it?

.

No it didn’t stop! It just changed its form and location! Not only did Satan’s persecution change in form, but also in location! Yes, Satan and his fellow evil angels packed their bags, so to speak, and moved to the New World, which was rich in natural resources: the perfect place to serve as headquarters for his new assault against, not only God’s people, but also against the whole world!

.

And, as already stated, Satan had simply changed his modus-operandi. Now when Satan came as the 2nd Beast, the False Prophet, and began filling society with every conceivable pursuit: various pleasures, inventions, material possessions, pleasure-machines, television/Internet/radio, clubs, sports, hobbies, ideologies, careers, houses, lands, gardens, resorts, prosperity-churches, and every other conceivable diversion he could possibly create.

Yes, all these seemingly innocent pursuits and pleasures and pastimes would be used by this False Prophet to divert God’s people from a 100% devotion to overcoming Satan’s world.

.

And so, even though the physical persecution had ceased, a far greater persecution had begun. Satan merely stopped all violence to Christians and to the Bible, and instead, created an atmosphere of “peace and safety”. And by so-doing, he did what the 1st Beast could not accomplish. Satan, by this 2nd Beast, also called the False Prophet, had created an atmosphere which completely put the Church at ease.

.

Mayflower Harbor by William Halsall 1882 wikipedia US public domain

Times Square – New York City – Wikimedia – Creative Commons 2.0

.

THE “FREE-WILL” gOSPEL

.

Another abomination which entered the Church during the early 1800’s was the so-called “Free-Will” gospel. It was first conceptualized by Jacobus Arminius (picture left), but Charles Finney (picture right) really started the ball rolling in this movement, but was followed by many others.

.

This totally unbiblical doctrine was based on the idea that humans have free-will to choose to serve God or Satan. Of course the Bible never ever teaches that lost souls have free-will. Just the opposite!

.

Charles G. Finney – Wikipedia – Public Domain

Jacobus Arminius – by Hieronymus van der Mij – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

SATAN’S PRISON-HOUSE

.

Listen to Paul telling of mankind’s blindness and hopeless condition… “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” 2nd Corinthians 4:3, 4

.

So here we see that mankind has been blinded by Satan. We have no free-will! We are blinded by Satan, and held captive by him…

.

Listen again to Paul, as he reveals how a person becomes saved… “In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” 2nd Timothy 2:25, 26

.

And so it is here revealed that true repentance is the gift of God! Man cannot conjure up repentance for his or her own self! And this truth stands in stark contrast to the “free-will” gospel, which believes that there are certain persons who possess enough innate goodness to choose Jesus, while others do not.

.

MAN’S HOPELESS CONDITION

.

Listen to Paul’s assessment of the human condition… “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes.” Romans 3:10-18

.

This totally hopelessly lost condition was the state of Paul when God gave him a new heart. And it is the lost and hopeless state of all mankind!

.

And so, Salvation must be given as a gift. Nowhere in the Bible does it say that unsaved humans have “free-will”! That was lost when Adam & Eve chose to disobey God. And it is only regained by receiving the gift of a “new heart”, that a lost sinner can become saved, receiving the gift of repentance….

.

Listen again… “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Galatians 2:8, 9

.

Those who teach the “free-will” gospel do not realize that the only reason that a man chooses to serve Christ is because God first choose that man, as is written… “Ye have not chosen Me (Jesus), but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit,” John 15:16

.

Paul Converted – www.thebiblerevival.com

.

**THE “I CHOSE GOD” MENTALITY**

.

One of the abominations that came forth from this “free-will” gospel, is that it created the idea that because, “I chose Jesus”, therefore I can remain in my semi-diseased condition. But the evidence that a man, woman, or child has truly become saved, is that they dedicate the remainder of their earthly life to being fully engaged in heart purification!

.

Listen… “And every man that hath this hope in Him (of meeting Christ in peace), purifies himself, even as He (Christ) is pure.

.

There are many who have been deceived by this “free-will” gospel, placing their trust that, because they responded to an altar call, or said “The Sinner’s Prayer”, or were water-baptized, that these human works saved them. But only those who seek after the Lord’s holiness on a daily basis, give true evidence of Salvation.

.

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – public domain

.

MANY FURTHER ABOMINATIONS

.

**And so, during the so-called, “2nd Great Awakening”, revival, this “Free-Will” doctrine became the progenitor of many unbiblical doctrines, which also gendered many unbiblical ministries.**

.

Now, to avoid naming any of those organizations, let it just be said, that the Bible lays down the model of proper ministry. Such books as Acts, and the other books and epistles of the New Testament define just how we are to evangelize the world. And as we look around today, we can see that there are many specialized ministries, which combine secular and worldly elements with Christianity, to form a sort of do-it-yourself gospel, based on the premise that we humans have the power to save souls by our own efforts.

.

Paul the Apostle – Artist – Valentin de Boulogne or Nicolas Tournier – circa 1500s – Wikipedia – public domain

.

A GRACE+WORKS GOSPEL

.

But this “free-will” gospel became a man-centered force in which the focus was now on various evangelists and their charismatic charm and abilities. And the thinking was that God’s grace would meet man’s free-will on some middle ground. And as a result, such things as “altar-calls”, and “The Sinner’s Prayer”, and loud preaching, joking, and an obvious air-of-arrogance, which brought multitudes into the Church who were still unconverted. But the thinking was, “Well once they get into the pews, then we can convert them”.

.

And of course, this was a fatal error, allowing Satan to fill up the churches with carnally-minded Antichrists, who required the churches to entertain them. And so, this began a snow-ball effect which only increased the apostasy of the church-community.

.

Sunday preaching – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

“WE WRESTLE NOT AGAINST FLESH & BLOOD”

Ephesians 6

.

And so, with this in mind, the rest of this article explains what has happened to the Church, since this 2nd Beast, the False Prophet, has been doing his deadly dance with the Church.

.

So please read on, and let’s remember that the Church is not the “bad guy”. Satan is the “bad guy”. Satan is the true Abomination of Desolation. And we have all been deceived to a great degree. So none of us can throw our, “holy rags around us”, and point the finger of indignation at anyone else!

.

As Paul so aptly stated… “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.

.

Paul correctly saw that his own once-unsaved heart was as wicked and deceitful as any other. But he said, “this is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptance”, meaning that you and I can likewise make this same statement about our own wicked hearts: only by grace are we delivered from evil and kept pure!

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Satan, The False Prophet who offers a world-loving gospel – www.signsofheaven.org

.

“OPEN THOU MINE EYES…”

.

“Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law.” Psalm 119:18

.

**Perhaps it’s time to take a short pause from this discussion of the Abomination of Desolation, in order to lay down a basic principle about Bible interpretation.**

.

There are many things in the Bible, which are clear as noonday; The deity of Jesus; His death on the Cross; the call to repentance; judgment to come. These are just some of those biblical concepts which God has stated plainly in Scripture. And God has made the way of Salvation clear enough, so that none need stumble.

.

But there are many other concepts which are not so easily seen. The above verse from Psalms is a prayer for understanding what Scripture refers to as, “Hidden Manna”, that is, enshrouded Bible truths, which are like precious gem-stones scattered and concealed between the lines in God’s Word, just waiting to be discovered… “Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law.” Psalm 119:18.

.

And so, this verse reveals that there are certain Bible truths which are hidden, that only God can reveal, if He so chooses.

.

magnifying glass wikimedia share-alike license

.

“MANY THINGS HARD TO BE UNDERSTOOD”

.

Peter’s epistle likewise agrees with this concept, as he makes the declaration that the Apostle Paul wrote of some things which are hard to understand… “As also in all his (Paul’s)epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” 1st Peter 3:16

.

But why would God do this? Why not just write these truths in such a way that makes them plain to understand? Well, the answer to this puzzling question is found here in several passages which address this subject.

.

First, Proverbs makes this statement… “It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.” Proverbs 25:2.

.

**Since Scripture makes clear that we are kings (see Revelation 1:6), then God is speaking to Believers, as kings, who search out what God has concealed.**

.

Paul the Apostle-Artist-Valentin de Boulogne or Nicolas Tournier- circa 1500s wikipedia public domain

.

MANY PARABLES AND ALLEGORIES

.

The second reason why much of the Bible is hard to understand, is found in Jesus’ words as to why He spoke in parables… “Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:” Matthew 13:13, 14.

.

The deeper truths of the Bible will not be understood by many, simply because God has hidden many truths within parables and allegories.

.

Third, as already mentioned, Peter declares… “As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” 1st Peter 3:16.

.

There are many who are unlearned in the Scriptures. But just who are the unstable?

.

Well, listen to James… “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.

.

So an unstable man is a double-minded man. And as Jesus said… “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

.

And so, some of the concepts in this article are those which are not readily seen in the Bible. But by comparing spiritual things which spiritual, these difficult truths may begin to shine upon our upward heavenly pathway. But let not those who are double-minded, think that they will discover these deeper truths! Because, as these passages point out, those who are still seeking after the things of the world, have not yet entered in to God’s Everlasting Rest.

.

HOW CAN YOU SEE SATAN?

.

“And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,” 2nd Thessalonians 2:8, 9

.

**But back to the subject of the Abomination of Desolation.**

.

The big problem is, how can we see Satan? After all, it says, “When ye therefore shall SEE the Abomination of Desolation” How can you SEE the Abomination of Desolation? After all, Satan is an invisible spirit being! He is described as “Prince of the Power of the Air”.

.

Just listen… “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.

.

Now during the Dark Ages, it was easy to see Satan. He came through the Antichrist people of the world-loving churches, as they controlled the civil authorities to persecute God’s people. It was very easy to see demon-possessed men and women as they, “came out with swords and staves”, to destroy God’s people. After all, they were burning both Bibles, and Christians too! And they were torturing many in dungeons. So it wasn’t so hard to know just who one’s enemies were!

.

Snakehandling – wikipedia – public dom.

.

MAN OF SIN TO BE REVEALED

.

But in the 20th Century, it was not so easy to see Satan. God’s people were no longer being physically persecuted as was the Church during the Dark Ages (except in Muslim nations, of course!). Both the churches and societies now had a form of godliness (see 2nd Timothy 3:5). Christians now were enjoying peace and prosperity, to a great extent. But if we examine the above Bible passage from 2nd Thessalonians, we find the answer to this dilemma.

.

Let’s look at it once again…. “And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,” 2nd Thessalonians 2:8, 9

.

**It says here that “And then shall that Wicked be revealed“.**

.

Laying_on_of_hands – wikipedia – public domain

.

LYING SIGNS & WONDERS

.

OK, so now it becomes apparent that this Abomination of Desolation will be performing “all power and signs and lying wonders”.

.

Now here is something we can see! And tie this passage together with this next one… “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” Matthew 24:24.

.

Now we are beginning to get a picture of how the Abomination of Desolation was revealed. And never before in history, had there ever been a time in which the apostate churches were performing signs and lying wonders as they were in the Twentieth Century. Never before in history, did we read of any world-wide movement of signs & wonders as we were seeing in this 20th Century generation. And the more lawless and apostate that congregation was, the more interest they had in signs and wonders. Or so it seemed.

.

Falling Backwards – cropped and altered image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Share-alike License

.

ALL POWER, SIGNS, AND LYING WONDERS

.

“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” Matthew 24:24

.

There are many who are jealous for their own congregation…and rightfully so! They know so many faithful fellow-members, and even witness new-comers being baptized, and proclaiming a new life in Christ. So how in the world could God not be working mightily in their congregation?

.

Well, the above verse reveals that false prophets will, if possible, deceive even the very elect. Notice in the above verse, that the words, [it were] are in italics, and so these two words are supplied words by the King James Bible translators. It should actually read… “if possible, they shall deceive even the very elect.”

.

Now obviously none of the truly Elect will be deceived to the point of losing their Salvation. That’s not possible!

.

Sunday preaching – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

VERY CLOSE COUNTERFEITS

.

But on the other hand, false prophets may deceive the very Elect into believing that these “lying signs and wonders” are from God. Yes, during the era of the congregations, Satan may have given compelling sermons. He may have caused people to give up bad habits, or to give generous offerings, or even to behave differently. Satan had the ability to perform, “ALL power, signs and lying wonders”.

.

In other words, Satan had the ability to completely counterfeit every aspect of Christianity. He even had the power to create religious excitement. He had the power to compose wonderful sounding worship songs. He even could present uplifting Bible studies. He had “ALL power, signs and lying wonders”.

.

Yes, the 20th Century witnessed a type of Christianity, which was filled with great power and seemingly with great light and religious fervor. But it was a false light and a counterfeit power and fervor! “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked…” Revelation 3:17

.

Audience hands – cropped and altered image – Public Domain

.

But first, before we proceed any further,

let’s introduce the hostess of this article:

The Revelation 12 Fleeing Woman…

.

REVELATION 12 WRITTEN IN HEAVEN

.

“And there appeared a great wonder (or sign) in heaven; a woman…And there appeared another wonder (sign) in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads…And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God…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 12:1, 3, 6, 15

.

PICTURE – Constellation – Woman of Revelation 12 flees to the mountains – Mark 13:14 – This is not a star-chart, but merely a concept picture

.

Below is a sketch of this Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12. This is the Winter Constellations of Signs Of Heaven. Besides Orion and his Horse, we also see pictured in this sketch, the Dragon of Revelation 12.

.

This Revelation 12 Woman Constellation is fleeing. 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. This wave of water represents Satan’s lies, and his false teachers who tell those lies.

.

GOD’S MESSAGE: FLEE!!

.

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: that His Church is to flee! But what are they to flee from? Well, you can go to the article titled “The Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation”

.

WINTER CONSTELLATIONS-SEEN IN FALL: This sketch to the right is how this constellation group appears in the eastern sky in fall. This is the four primary constellations of the Winter Constellations. They can be seen in this position, in the late fall above the eastern horizon. The Woman of Revelation 12 is commonly called Ursa Major or The Big Dipper and appears in the north. Orion the Soldier is the at the bottom is to the south of the Woman. The The Dragon of Revelation Constellation’s mouth isThe Hyades Cluster, and the tip of his tail is Pleiades, and his Wave of Water is primarily the Auriga constellation. The Glorious Horse Constellation head is of Perseus Constellation and his rear end is Cassiopeia Constellation.

.

SHE’S FLEEING TO THE MOUNTAINS

.

But beside the dragon, is she fleeing from anything else?

.

The opening verse in this article, is a passage which is found in three of the gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

.

Here is that passage again… “But when ye shall see the Abomination of Desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:” Mark 13:14.

.

OK, so God’s people are to flee from the Abomination of Desolation. But what is the Abomination of Desolation? And how does this wave of water coming out of the Dragon’s mouth tie in with the Abomination of Desolation?

.

FLOODS OF UNGODLY MEN

.

But just what does this Wave of Water Constellation represent in Scripture? Listen… “When the waves of death compassed me…THE FLOODS OF UNGODLY MEN made me afraid. The sorrows of Hell compassed me about;” 2nd Samuel 22:5.

.

So this passage (and others too) equates flood waters with the sorrows of Hell, with ungodly men, and with waves of death. And so then, by comparing Scriptures dealing with flood waters, it begins to be seen just what this Woman of Revelation 12 is fleeing from, as she flees from the water which the the Dragon is spewing.

.

And so, by looking at various related Scriptures, it becomes clear just what this wave of water represents. This Revelation Ch. 12 Woman is fleeing from ‘waves of death’, from ‘sorrows of Hell’, and from ‘floods of ungodly men’.

.

Just listen to Isaiah… “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.” Isaiah 59:19. So the Bible very quickly unlocks the hidden meaning of the word, “flood”.

.

WINTER CONSTELLATIONS-SEEN IN FALL: This sketch to the right is how this constellation group appears in the eastern sky in fall. This is the four primary constellations of the Winter Constellations. They can be seen in this position, in the late fall above the eastern horizon. The Woman of Revelation 12 is commonly called Ursa Major or The Big Dipper and appears in the north. Orion the Soldier is the at the bottom is to the south of the Woman. The The Dragon of Revelation Constellation’s mouth isThe Hyades Cluster, and the tip of his tail is Pleiades, and his Wave of Water is primarily the Auriga constellation. The Glorious Horse Constellation head is of Perseus Constellation and his rear end is Cassiopeia Constellation.

.

WATER OF THE GOSPEL,

…OR…

WATER OF FALSE GOSPELS

.

But exploring the word, “water”, it is found that water represents the cleansing God’s Word.

.

Listen…“That He (Jesus) might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,”

.

Now what does this have to do with the Dragon’s floodwaters?

.

Listen…“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. Notice that all of a sudden, this Dragon is referred to as the “serpent”. Here is a reference to the Garden of Eden, when Satan came as a serpent, and deceived the woman with his words.

.

And so this wave of water coming from the mouth of the serpent has to do with deception. After all, what else but lies and deception could come forth from Satan’s mouth? Oh yes, Satan often cloaks his lies in much truth. But as we all know, the best lies are usually made of 80% or 90% truth.

.

So God’s Word cleanses, but Satan’s words deceive. And this wave of water represents all the ungodly, whom the Devil uses to bring false doctrines and temptations, in hopes of sweeping God’s people away in his floodwaters.

To explore this concept of Satan’s floodwaters, just click here… “Flood Waters of Satan-Introduction”

.

THE ZODIAC CONSTELLATION NAMES

It is not the purpose, nor the desire of www.theheavensdeclare.net to give any validity or recognition to the Zodiac or any pagan deities. But unfortunately, the common names of many constellations (such as Scorpio or Sagittarius, etc.), must be given, solely for the purpose of locating them on star-charts.

.

UNCONVERTED PERSONS IN CHURCH:

THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION…

.

The question should be asked… “What is the Abomination of Desolation, which stands in the Holy Place?” What is needed is a thorough word search into this subject. One clue is what is found in Proverbs, concerning the word, “abomination”. Listen…

.

“These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 1. A proud look, 2. a lying tongue, and 3. hands that shed innocent blood, 4. An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, 5. feet that be swift in running to mischief. 6. A false witness that speaketh lies, and 7. he that soweth discord among brethren” Proverbs 6:16-19.

.

This description almost sounds like your typical Hollywood movie, doesn’t it? And to a great degree, these are the qualities which govern the people of this world. Do we even need to explore these qualities? Is there any doubt that this world loves pride? Pride of dress. Pride of houses and cars, and careers and credentials? Yes, pride is a very important quality of this world. And that’s just the first quality mentioned here!

.

But the other 6 qualities are also very prevalent in society. Lust, violence, greed, immorality, indifference, hatred, etc., are the sins which, not only the people of the world possess, but also the majority of the people of the church world.

.

81st_Academy_Awards_Ceremony – cropped image – Wikipedia – share-alike-license.jpg

.

“SEVEN” = GOD’S NUMBER…

.

“These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 1. A proud look, 2. a lying tongue, and 3. hands that shed innocent blood, 4. An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, 5. feet that be swift in running to mischief. 6. A false witness that speaketh lies, and 7. he that soweth discord among brethren” Proverbs 6:16-19.

.

So it sounds as if we’re simply talking here, about a worldly-minded person. But when God says, “SIX things doth Lord hate: yea SEVEN are an abomination unto Him”, God appears to be hinting, by using the number “seven”, that He is speaking of an unconverted person WITHIN the Church! This is because the phrase “Six things doth the Lord hate” is pointing to Mankind whose number is “six” (“So God created man…And the evening and the morning were the SIXTH DAY.” Genesis 1:27, 31).

.

But when God says “yea SEVEN are an abomination unto Him”, then we’re talking of “Rest”…hence the number “seven”… “And God blessed the SEVENTH DAY, and sanctified it: because that in it He had rested from all His work which God created and made.” Gen. 2:3.

.

And as a further evidence, just look at what is the 7th thing mentioned… “he that soweth discord among brethren”. Right here, God has hidden the key to the understanding of just what is the Abomination of Desolation: “he that soweth discord among brethren”. This is the 7th thing that God hates.

.

And of course, it’s dealing with “among brethren”. And this 7th Abomination has to do with sowing discord “among brethren”. It is those wolves in sheep’s clothing who have entered God’s sheepfold, and are “among brethren”, leading these unsuspecting brethren astray. These qualities are what comprise this Abomination of Desolation.

.

81st_Academy_Awards_Ceremony – cropped image – Wikipedia – share-alike-license.jpg

.

UNCLEAN BEASTS = ABOMINATIONS

.

Doing a word search on the word, “abomination”, it is quickly discovered that God’s people were not to eat unclean beasts which were an abomination to God.

.

Listen to Scripture… “And every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth shall be an abomination; it shall not be eaten.” Leviticus 11:41. God speaks of various types of unclean beasts, fowl, and creeping things, as abominations, just as this above verse does.

.

**But what do unclean beasts have to do with the Abomination of Desolation?**

.

The New Testament, whenever it speaks of unclean beasts, it is made clear that God is referring to unbelievers.

.

Listen to Scripture… “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers…Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you…” 2nd Cor. 6:14-18.

.

Notice it says concerning unbelievers… “come out from among them (unbelievers) and touch not the unclean [thing]”. And this is seen throughout the New Testament. The Bible in both the Old and New Testaments refer to unbelievers and false brethren as unclean beasts.

.

Listen once again… “come out from among them (unbelievers) and touch not the unclean [thing]”.

.

Big-eared-townsend-fledermaus – Wikipedia – public domain-

“Cast Idols to Moles”_mole by Michael David Hill, – wikipedia – share-alike license

.

GOD’S JUDGMENT ON MANKIND…

.

THE UNCONVERTED ARE AN ABOMINATION

.

Now, listen to what Scripture says about Mankind’s behavior, comparing us to beasts…

.

“[Mankind] Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things…Who changed the truth of God into a lie, AND WORSHIPED AND SERVED THE CREATURE…Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, ETC…” Romans 1:22-32.

.

So this is how God sees His people. These are the qualities which exist in the Man’s heart. As one goes through this litany of various sins, it becomes clear that these qualities often times surface in the Christian’s own behavior as well! “My” own behavior may be an abomination in God’s sight, when engaging in such ungodly conduct.

.

antlered figure on the Gundestrup Cauldron – wikipedia – share-alike license.

.

“I WAS AS A BEAST BEFORE THEE (O LORD)”

Psalm 73:22

.

“Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish.” Psalm 49:20

.

“[Mankind] Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things…Who changed the truth of God into a lie, AND WORSHIPED AND SERVED THE CREATURE…Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, ETC…” (See Romans 1:22-32.)

.

But notice that God makes this statement about Mankind’s character, because lost Mankind “serves and worships the creature, instead of the Creator“. And if one thinks about it, animals possess many of these same attributes listed in the above Bible passage. Now they are dumb animals. Animals have an excuse for their bad behavior. But humans don’t have an excuse for such animalistic behavior. Man was created in the image of God. And especially we who are of the Household of Faith, have no excuse for such animalistic behavior. For instance, when we “bite and devour one another” (Galatians 5:15), are we not acting like the beasts of the Earth?

.

Coyote killing sheep – wikipedia – public domain

.

WOLVES IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING

.

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits.” Matt. 7:15, 16

.

Now as to the matter of unbelievers and false brethren in the Church, the Apostle Paul puts it this way… “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” Acts 20:29, 30.

.

So isn’t it amazing that Scripture has this thread running through and through, concerning false brethren in the Church being called unclean beasts? And so does this above verse from Acts! Paul here refers to these impostors as wolves…grievous wolves!

.

And of course, a wolf is an unclean beast, and is an abomination to partake of, even if he does come in sheep’s clothing!

.

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

.

TO KEEP READING ON THIS SUBJECT, CLICK HERE TO OUR COMPANION WEBSITE WHICH OFFERS MUCH SHORTER DAILY DEVOTIONALS ON THIS SAME THEME…“COME OUT OF HER, MY PEOPLE, PART 1”

.

Or you can read part 2 of this article, which is a rather lengthy dissertation, by clicking here…The Abomination in the Church, Part 2

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Fleeing to the Mountains: The Abomination in the Church, Part 1

Planet of Rest: Doctrine of Eternal Torment, Part 1

By admin On August 22nd, 2013

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

Planet of Rest:

Doctrine of Eternal Torment,

Part 1

AS AN ALTERNATIVE, THE READER MAY ALSO CHOOSE TO, INSTEAD, READ A SERIES OF SHORT DEVOTIONALS ON THIS TOPIC… “September 8th (Eternal Torment?)”

***PSALM 37:* *A Psalm of David.***

.

“Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be envious against the workers of iniquity.

.

“For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb…

.

“For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, you shall diligently consider his place, and it shall not be…

.

“But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away…

.

“when the wicked are cut off, you shalt see it….I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree….Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found….

.

“But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.”

Psalm 37:1, 2, 10, 20, 22, 34-36, 38

.

David Playing Harp www.thebiblerevival.com US public domain

.

QUESTION:

.

Is there anything in this above Psalm which presents the idea that the unsaved will suffer eternal torment?

.

As a matter of fact, this Psalm seems to say just the opposite! Read it over again and see!

.

Well, this Psalm and many more Bible passages will be presented in this article, in hopes of discovering a side to God’s character and Salvation plan, which are rarely discussed in the Church today.

.

And so, if you are a “Noble Berean” (having an open-mind, and a truth-seeking heart, see Acts 17:11), then you are invited to come explore and re-examine this long-held Church dogma, known as Eternal Torment.

Question Mark – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

THE DOCTRINE OF “ETERNAL TORMENT”

.

12,000,000,000 OR SO, ARE ETERNALLY ROASTING?

.

So, do you have any loved ones who you suspect are being tormented right now in Hell? Perhaps an aunt or uncle or friend, who died without surrendering their lives to Christ? Does this idea make you wonder if God is not as merciful as we are told by our Bible teachers? Do you have trouble reconciling the merciful Jesus with an angry God who will cast all lost souls into a subterranean torture chamber, to intensely suffer for all time and eternity?

.

And so, how does this church doctrine of eternal torment harmonize with the following verse?

.

Listen… “He (God) retains not His anger for ever, because He delights in mercy.” Micah 7:18

.

Now if 90% or more of earth’s inhabitants throughout the ages are now being tormented in fire for all time and eternity, that makes this above verse from Micah seem more than just a bit disingenuous, wouldn’t you agree?

.

Devil and Hell’s Torment – Polyptyque de la Vanité terrestre et de la Rédemption céleste-Hans Memlin g – cropped image – Photo by Rama for Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 France license

.

JESUS & ANGELS WATCHING

.

And how could Jesus and all His holy angels endure watching this unspeakable horror for all eternity, as is written… “…and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:”? Revelation 14:

.

This seems just too unimaginable to be true! This would make eternal life much too sad for the redeemed!

.

How could loving, merciful Jesus and all His angels watch all this torment and suffering, day after day, year after year, century after century, for all the ions of time and eternity (as this renaissance painting has attempted to depict)?

.

Last Judgment by Jan van Eyck-Diptych – Wikimedia – public domain

.

UNTHINKABLE HORROR

.

“For the Lord will not cast off for ever: But though He cause grief, yet will He have compassion according to the multitude of His mercies. For He does not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men. To crush under His feet all the prisoners of the earth” Lamentations 3:31-34

.

So how does such a doctrine as “Eternal Torment” harmonize with the above verse from Lamentations, Ch. 3, which speaks of “the multitude of His mercies”?

.

And how could this statement be true, concerning “the multitude of His mercies”, if 90% or more of the human race, throughout history, will be tormented in hell-fire…for ever and ever, “in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb”?

Jan van Eyck Diptych Crucifixion Right Detail wikimedia US public domain

.

Just think! That means perhaps, about 12,000,000,000 people or more will be screaming and screaming and begging the ever-watching Savior, Jesus: begging Him for mercy all through eternity; to which the on-looking Savior, Jesus will reply, “Eternal torment for you, because you didn’t believe in Me!”, or some similar statement!

.

And this, all because they rejected God’s offer of Salvation; young people and old alike, tormented in hell-fire for trillions of trillions of years, and that’s just the beginning!

.

Last Judgment by Jan van Eyck-Diptych – Wikimedia – public domain

.

“FOR HIS MERCY ENDURES FOREVER”

Psalm 136:26

.

But on the other hand, there are statements in Scripture which speak of God’s mercy. And speaking of mercy, just listen… “[God], Who gives food to all flesh: for His mercy endures for ever. O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for His mercy endures for ever.” Psalm 136:25, 26.

.

Now this above passage says that God, “gives food to ALL flesh: for His mercy endures FOREVER“. Now how does that statement harmonize with the doctrine of “Eternal Torment”? Does God give daily food to those being eternally tormented? After all, those who subscribe to the Eternal Torment idea, more or less believe that those who are in Hell have bodies. So can you see how this verse presents such a contradiction to the doctrine of Eternal Torment?

.

And so, the question remains to be answered…“How could a God, who claims His mercy is forever, torment 90% or more of the world’s inhabitants, who lived throughout history, for trillions of years in a netherworld dungeon?” It just doesn’t make sense!

.

Hell’s Viewing Gallery- Signsofheaven.org – copyrighted – not for public use

.

ETERNITY NEVER ENDS

.

And that’s just the beginning! After those trillions of trillions of years are finished, then would begin the next trillions of trillions of years…of being tormented in hell-fire, day and night, night and day!

.

Never-ending torment! Ions of ions, of ions of ions, ions of ions of time! Tormented by fire and brimstone… “in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb”!

.

And since Jesus and His holy angels will be witnessing all this endless suffering, then you might come to the conclusion that both Jesus and His angels must enjoy watching all these suffering multitudes! Well after all, it does say here that the Lamb and His angels will be present during all this!

.

Listen again… “and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascends up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receives the mark of his name.” Revelation 14:10, 11.

.

Devil and Hell’s Torment – Polyptyque de la Vanité terrestre et de la Rédemption céleste-Hans Memlin g – cropped photo by this website – Photo by Rama for Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 France license

.

EARTH: PLANET OF REST

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, the Sun corresponding to the 1st Commandment, then Planet Earth would correspond to the 4th Commandment: the Seventh-day Sabbath.

.

And so, on the very planet that corresponds to the commandment that exalts the idea of “peace” and “rest”, there exists very little peace. And very little rest. Ironic, isn’t it?

.

And so the 4th member of our solar system, being Planet Earth, will be the host for this article.

The Earth seen from Apollo_17-NASA & – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

“THE FORMER SHALL NOT BE REMEMBERED”

.

“Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for Thy mercies’ sake. For in death there is no remembrance of Thee: in the grave who shall give Thee thanks?” Psalm 6:4, 5

.

So how does this above passage from Psalm 6 fit into an Eternal Torment scenario? How does this, “For in death there is no remembrance of Thee: in the grave who shall give Thee thanks?”, harmonize with this,“…and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:”?

.

Obviously, there’s a real flaw in such a Church-doctrine as “Eternal Torment”.

.

But just what is that flaw? And why has this doctrine survived for so many centuries? And how could Jesus and His holy angels spend all eternity witnessing the torment of unbelievers, in the light of such passages as this… “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.”? Isaiah 65:17.

.

You cannot insist on the Church-doctrine of “Eternal Torment” without considering such passages as this one from Isaiah! Everything must harmonize!

.

Wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery – Wikipedia – Public Dom.

.

JESUS NOT A TORMENTOR

.

So now it begins to be seen that this verse, (“the smoke of their torment ascending up forever”), just may not be speaking of Eternal Torment. It may just be speaking of the torment which comes on the people who live on Earth at the time of the last Day of Judgment.

.

After all, how could Jesus and His holy angels continually watch people burning, while listening to their never-ending screams for mercy throughout the ceaseless ages, and yet have no mercy? Wouldn’t you agree that this is an impossible idea?

.

So how could this verse concerning, “the smoke of their torment ascending up forever” be saying that people will be tormented endlessly? After all, it just says, “the smoke of their torment ascends up forever”. It doesn’t say that they are being tormented for ever and ever. Wouldn’t you agree, that being tormented endlessly and smoke ascending endlessly, are two entirely different statements?

.

And this article will reveal what the Bible has to say about all this. Because the Bible has much else to say about this idea of “smoke…ascending up forever.”

Jesus Teaching Luke 4:31-32 – Jesus talks about Heaven – www.lavistachurchofchrist.org – Public Domain

.

“ETERNAL TORMENT” NOT A BIBLE PHRASE

.

Quite often, people become confused or don’t understand the difference between Man’s interpretation of the Bible, and what the Bible actually says.

.

And those who are less studied in the Bible, just might have a more difficult time distinguishing between what is God’s Word, and what is Man’s INTERPRETATION of God’s Word. All such are, more or less, at the mercy of their teachers, because they haven’t studied nor have they learned what Scripture actually says about this or that subject. And the only verses they might be taught, are the verses which support the opinions of their Bible teachers.

.

In other words, they might never hear the other passages which support the view that the unsaved will just die, and simply cease to exist, as a result of their unforgiven sin.

.

A LOPSIDED UNDERSTANDING!

.

The fact is, this doctrine which says that unbelievers will be endlessly tormented is not necessarily a Bible doctrine. And “Eternal Torment” is merely an interpretation: an interpretation of what most theologians in mainstream Christianity think that the Bible says about the nature of Hell.

.

But it isn’t necessarily biblical! It may very well be just a mistaken notion by those theologians: because human nature tends to embrace what it likes, and ignores what it doesn’t like.

.

And it would seem that theologians discount or ignore many passages altogether, which speak of death as an unconscious state of nothingness: no memory, no thoughts, no body, and no soul.

.

Simply put, “the wages of sin is DEATH” (Romans 6:23)

.

***SMOKE ASCENDING &* ETERNAL TORMENT: *TWO DIFFERENT IDEAS***

.

Now, it must be mentioned right up front, that Scripture never even once states that the “Lost” from all ages, will be eternally tormented. Let’s repeat that statement: the Bible never says that unbelievers will be tormented for all eternity. Those words are just not found in Scripture!

.

Listen to this next passage… “Behold, all souls are Mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is Mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.” Ezekiel 18:4.

.

Notice it doesn’t say here, “the soul that sinneth, it shall be eternally tormented”. No, the fact is, the Bible is literally filled with such passages as this, which speak of death, not eternal torment. So why then, do theologians skip over and ignore these, in order to prop up this notion of eternal torment?

.

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

.

WHERE IS JESUS NOW?

.

The Bible never says that unbelievers will be tormented for all eternity. Those words are just not found in Scripture!

.

However, what it does say is that the, “smoke of their torment ascends up for ever…”. Yes, there is torment for Mankind, just as there was torment for Jesus, as He paid for the sins of the world, when He hung on that Cross. And on Judgment Day, there will be much wailing and sorrow! Make no mistake about that! But never does Scripture say that this torment will go on forever.

.

What it does say is this… “For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, you shall diligently consider his place, and it shall not be…” Psalm 37:2

.

After all, Jesus didn’t suffer eternal torment, did He? Oh yes, Jesus suffered far more than any of us realize, for the sins of the world! But it was not eternal! Otherwise, He’d still be suffering somewhere in Hell! But He’s not! After suffering on the Cross, and saying, “It is finished!”, He died and arose again on the 3rd day, because death could not hold Him in the grave! But His punishment ended while he was still on the Cross!

.

Nevertheless, according to many, He will be constantly watching countless others suffering intensely for all eternity, even though He wasn’t tormented for eternity! Doesn’t seem to add up, does it?

.

Oh yes, the Bible does say that… “the smoke of their torment ascends up for ever…”. But “Eternal Torment” and, “smoke ascending”, are two vastly different statements! And this “smoke ascending” verse from Revelation, Chapter 14 will also be re-examined in the light of other such passages, which speak of, “smoke rising for ever”.

.

ABOVE STAR-CHART – Sign of the Son of Man – www.theheavensdeclare.net – Not for commercial uses

.

NO ROOM HERE FOR THE CLOSE-MINDED!

.

So if you are one of the fortunate ones who are open-minded enough to be able to re-examine this very ancient church-doctrine with fresh eyes, at the very least, you will come away with an understanding of just why many Christians do not believe in the doctrine of, “Eternal Torment” for unbelievers.

.

And if you are patient enough to endure having your long-held beliefs challenged, well, at the very least you will come away realizing that the Bible allows room for differing opinions on this very complex subject. Yes, there are many Bible passages which directly contradict this Church-doctrine of Eternal Torment. And the Reader might be surprised, when he or she discovers many of these contradicting passages for the first time!

Nicaea icon – Wikipedia – US public domain

.

SOME THINGS IN THE BIBLE ARE “HARD TO BE UNDERSTOOD”

2nd Peter 3:16

As also in all his (Paul’s) epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” 2nd Peter 3:16

Might there be a giant flaw in such a doctrine as, “Eternal Torment“? Because for God to torment someone for all eternity, and together with His holy angels, to watch that torment for all eternity, is such a hideous and unthinkable idea, it would seem that all Heaven might eventually rebel against such tyrannical cruelty.

.

And think about it! Why in the world would God put us through this experiment in sin for the last number of millenniums, so that we could learn about how to be merciful to others?

.

And so then, after learning all about how to be merciful and compassionate, are we really supposed to believe that God will unmercifully make us go through eternity, knowing that He has not one drop of mercy for lost souls!?!

.

And we then must go through all eternity knowing our loved ones are suffering intensely for all eternity, under God’s wrathful torment in fire and brimstone!

.

Something is very wrong here!

.

And so then, after God spends all this time filling our heart with infinite love and compassion, we will be expected to somehow live joyfully throughout eternity, all the while knowing that perhaps our unsaved mother or father or grandparents, or our children and all our unsaved friends are screaming in pain for all eternity in some fiery dungeon!?!

.

So just what is that flaw? The above passage states that some things in the Bible are hard to understand. And certainly, the nature of Hell would fit into that category! After all, there is that one parable which speaks of Hell as a place of torment (see Luke, Chapter 16). But there are many passages that speak of Hell as the grave; and as death and sleep, where all memory is gone. Just look at the following two examples of seemingly conflicting Bible passages.

.

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

Hell’s Viewing Gallery- Signsofheaven.org – copyrighted – not for public use

.

CONFLICTING VERSES?

.

**For instance, how do we harmonize this doctrine of “Eternal Torment” with such verses as this… ‘the wages of sin is DEATH’ (Romans 6:23)? This passage says very** plainly that, “the wages of sin is DEATH”.

.

Death and eternal torment are two very vastly different fates, wouldn’t you agree? And this is just one of many passages that suggest another fate for the Lost, rather than the fate of eternal torment.

.

So in light of this seeming contradiction, why are there so many who are quick to censure those who disbelieve this non-biblical name, “Eternal Torment”? After all, eternity in the grave certainly fulfills the definition of Hell, since the same Hebrew word, “Sheol”, is used for both the English words, “Hell” and, “grave”, in Scripture.

.

G. Dore – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

TWO MORE CONFLICTING PASSAGES?

.

Or what about this verse? Listen… “And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night” Rev. 14:11. Now if one takes this verse out of context, then it would surely seem as though there is everlasting torment. But wait a moment! We are not to form a doctrine, based only on one or two passages.

.

Just listen to this next passage… “For now should I (Job) have lain still and been quiet, I should have slept (in the grave)…There the wicked cease from troubling; and there the weary be at rest. There the prisoners rest together; they hear not the voice of the oppressor.” Job 3:17,18.

.

This passage clearly states that even the wicked cease from troubling; and they have rest in death. This certainly does not appear to agree with the previous verse which states… “And the smoke of their torment ascends up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night”. Just how do we harmonize such seemingly conflicting passages?

These are the questions that will be dealt with, in these series of articles. So please follow along and read and consider this opposing opinion to the commonly held doctrine of “Eternal Torment”.

Calvary Cemetery Queens – Wikipedia – public domain

.

THINGS TOO HIGH

.

“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

.

There is nothing in Scripture which demands that you must accept any man-contrived doctrinal interpretation of Scripture, especially concerning things which God has made, not so clear. In such cases, it would be best, to simply read any and every related verse concerning that subject, and hold fast to those individual passages, and what the Bible actually says, instead of making a faulty-at-best man-made doctrine.

.

Now quite often, Bible teachers may try to frighten us into accepting their interpretations, implying that all dissidents are heretics. But when it comes to scriptural issues which the Bible has not made so clear, it doesn’t hurt one bit to have a differing opinion from the majority. Actually, it might be a sign of spiritual health, to dissent from popular opinion!

.

Nevertheless, as the Bible student really studies ALL these things out, more and more, he or she will come to the ultimate realization, that God’s mercy, indeed, endures forever. And the great commission which God has given His people, is to get to know God, and to gain an ever-increasing knowledge of the Holy One.

.

Listen… “And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.” John 17:3

.

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

.

“YE NEED NOT THAT ANY MAN TEACH YOU”

.

By gaining a thorough understanding of the Bible, you will stand on solid ground. Repeat: you are not required to believe Man’s interpretation, but only the related Bible passages on the subject, leaving the seeming contradictory Bible passages concerning Hell, in the hands of God.

.

Listen to John… “These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. But the Anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same Anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him.” 1st John 2:26, 27.

.

Notice it says here that… “ye need not that any man teach you”.

.

Chaplain reads Bible – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

.

STUDY FOR YOURSELF

.

Why not just let God’s Spirit teach us all things from the Bible and stop letting mere mortal men become our conscience?

.

There are so many teachers out there today desiring to make us their disciples! And consequently, there are far too many church-goers, who are content to let others tell them what to believe.

.

However, it would be better to arrive at some wrong ideas on our own, rather than be deceived by others. By so-doing, at least we will have spent the time and effort to acquaint our own self with the Bible, instead of letting others do our homework and our thinking for us, and become our conscience!

.

Braet von Überfeldt – Woman with bible – 1866 – Wikipedia – US public domain

.

READ THIS OTHER SIDE of the ISSUE

.

Having said all this, the Reader is nevertheless encouraged to read and hear the Bible passages perhaps never considered, concerning this subject.

.

Then having examined the Bible passages concerning the other side of this debate, we can, hopefully, more readily make an informed decision concerning what Scripture actually says, regarding the fate of all those who reject the call to become “Born Again”. And then, we will no longer be helplessly dependent on others to tell us what we should or shouldn’t believe.

.

USMC- prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – public domain.

.

THE READER CAN READ PART 2, THE LAST PART, WHICH IS RATHER LENGTHY…CLICK HERE…ETERNAL TORMENT, PART 2

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Planet of Rest: Doctrine of Eternal Torment, Part 1

The Crown of Revelation 12: What Is “The Time of Jacob’s Trouble”?

By admin On May 18th, 2013

.

“Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it:

it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble;

but he shall be saved out of it.”

Jeremiah 30:7

.

The Crown of Revelation 12:

What Is “The Time of Jacob’s Trouble”?

.

OUR TWO HOSTS

.

GLORIOUS CROWN CONSTELLATION…

.

& THE REVELATION 12 WOMAN

Let us meet our first host: The Glorious Crown of Revelation 12 Constellation!

Corona Borealis Wikipedia Taken from software Perseus

.

**This Glorious Crown Constellation looks like a wreath at first glance.**

.

It has 7 stars, plus another star in the middle.

.

**This Glorious Crown Constellation is commonly referred to as the Corona Borealis Constellation.**

.

This wreath reminds us of the victory wreath given to athletes who won races in the ancient cultures.

.

This was spoken of by Paul as he compared those ancient races to the race that Christians must run…

“Know you all not,

that they which run in a race run all,

but one receives the prize?

So run, that you all may obtain.”

1st Corinthians 9:24 (see also Hebrews 12:1)

.

Corona Borealis – seen in warmer months – cropped photo – Wikipedia – Taken from software called Perseus – All rights by Roberto Mura

Laurel Wreath, Wikipedia

.

“A CROWN OF 12 STARS UPON HER HEAD” …

But upon a closer examination 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.

.

This wreath now becomes a glorious crown of 12 stars!

.

**This goes along with Revelation 12, which tells of a crown of 12 stars upon the head of the Virtuous Woman of Revelation 12.**

.

Just listen to Revelation… “And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman…and upon (or, “over”) her head a crown of twelve stars:” Revelation 12:1.

.

**But this crown is not yet upon the head of the Virtuous Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation (also known as Ursa Major).**

.

It is just over or above her head, as if she has yet to attain it.

.

Of course, the 13th star in the middle would represent Christ (Who is our true “Crown of rejoicing”).

.

Okay, so we have a picture of Christ and His twelve tribes of Israel.

.

But also, we have a picture of Christ and His twelve apostles, which is a picture of His Church.

.

So, this heavenly crown is a multi-faceted concept.

.

Photo: Corona Borealis – seen in warmer months – cropped photo with crown drawn in by this website – Wikipedia – Taken from software called Perseus – All rights by Roberto Mura

.

“THERE IS A CROWN LAID UP FOR ME”

2nd Timothy 4:8

summer constellations with doves & woman

But as far as this article is concerned, the concept to remember is that this Revelation 12 Woman (Ursa Major) appears to be grasping for this 12-star crown.

.

It represents the prize which God has promised to all who finally overcome the world.

.

Wikipedia Star-Chart - Corona Borealis

.

Listen… “To him that overcometh

will I grant to sit with Me in my throne,

even as I also overcame,

and am set down with My Father in His throne.”

Revelation 3:21

.

And so, with this in mind, one can see that there’s a prize to win: a glorious crown!

Wikipedia Star-Chart – Corona Borealis

.

WHAT IS “THE TIME OF JACOB’S TROUBLE”?

.

“ …wherefore do I see every man

with his hands on his loins,

as a woman in travail,

and all faces are turned into paleness?

Alas! for that day is great,

so that none is like it:

it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble;

but he shall be saved out of it….

in the latter days ye shall consider it.”

Jeremiah 30:6-8, 24

.

Such strange language, God speaks in the above passage!

.

How can a man travail in child-birth? And not only so, but God says that… “every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in travail…”.

summer constellations with doves & woman

.

So God is declaring that every man will be laboring in child-birth!

.

And if that’s not enough, God says that “all faces are turned into paleness”.

.

This above passage is not speaking collectively. It is speaking individually to “every man”.

.

But notice it says that Jacob “shall be saved out of it”.

.

Just who is God referring to here, calling him Jacob? After all, Jacob died thousands of years ago.

.

Jacob – Wikimedia-US – Public-Domain

.

“In that day shall the LORD of hosts be for a crown of glory”

Isaiah 28:5

.

**The sketch is of the Revelation 12 Woman Constellation, as she attempts to grasp for the crown of victory.**

.

These two constellations can be seen in the warmer months.

.

And this heavenly scenario is a fitting portrait of the Christian, as he or she struggles to give birth to Christ…

.

…while at the same time reach out for that Crown of Victory which God promises to all who overcome the world.

.

Listen…

…”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 9:25.

.

So here God declares that there is a crown to be won.

.

THE NIGHT OF JACOB’S WRESTLING

.

**The story of Jacob and Esau is the story of two twin brothers (certainly not identical twins!). Both were very flawed individuals.**

.

But the big difference between them, is that Jacob desired to become spiritual while Esau loved the world and only desired the things which the world had to offer.

.

You could say that Esau was a “hairy man”, a man of the flesh, while Jacob was a man of the Spirit. (See Genesis 27:11)

.

Esau desired the things of the world, while Jacob desired the things of Heaven.

.

But Jacob was still unrefined.

.

He still had sin in his life, which caused him to resort to much un-Christ-like behavior.

.

And so, after deceiving his father into giving the long-promised and long-awaited family blessing which rightfully belonged to his elder brother, Esau, Jacob had to flee for his life.

.

And God allowed all this, so that He could bring Jacob through the necessary life-experiences, to cleanse and purify Jacob’s deceitful and distrustful heart.

.

Esau and jacob – Wikigallery – US public domain

.

NIGHT OF TROUBLE

.

But after all the years of suffering at the hand of Uncle Laban, it was now finally time for Jacob to return to his homeland to confront his angry brother,

.

Esau. Jacob had learned many life-lessons during his years serving Uncle Laban.

.

But on this return-trip home, Jacob was accosted by a man, one fateful evening, with whom he wrestled all through that entire night.

.

But at the dawning of the day, the man pleaded with Jacob to let him go.

.

But Jacob refused, saying… “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.” Genesis 32:26.

.

You see, in this early morning light Jacob now could see that this mystery-man was not the enemy, but actually was an agent sent from Heaven.

.

Now Jacob realized he had been wrestling with the Angel of the Lord.

.

And so Jacob refused to let his Lord go until he had God’s blessing.

.

Jacob – Wikimedia-US – Public-Domain

.

JACOB’S PERSEVERANCE PAYS OFF

.

And God did indeed give Jacob the true blessing that he desired. The angel replied…

…”What is thy name?

And he said, “Jacob”.

And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel:

for as a prince hast thou power with God

and with men, and hast prevailed.”

Genesis 32:27, 28.

.

Now that Jacob had prevailed with God, he was no longer known as Jacob, which means “Deceiver”.

.

Now God gave him the glorious name, “Israel”, which means “He strives with God”.

.

And now Jacob realized that the angel of the Lord, with whom he had wrestled through the night was none other than Jesus.

.

This is why he exclaimed… “…for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” Genesis 32:29, 30

.

This was what the Prophet Jeremiah referred to as “The Time of Jacob’s Trouble”.

.

Jacob wrestles angel – wikipedia – US public domain

.

THE OLD MAN & THE NEW MAN

.

But as for Esau and Jacob representing the “Man of Flesh” and the “Man of Spirit”, just listen to this next verse…

“Lie not one to another,

seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

And have put on the new man,

which is renewed in knowledge

after the image of Him that created him:”

Colossians 3:9,10

.

And just as Jacob was trying to escape Esau, so the Christian is trying to flee from his or her own fleshy desires.

.

Oh yes, the Christian wants very much to have a consistent walk in the Spirit.

.

But it seems that so many of us sincere Christians are too often falling into our fleshly lusts: pride, anger, judging, lusting, gluttony, worldliness, and a host of other sins are constantly rising up, making us to doubt our Salvation.

.

James Tissot – Jacob & Esau – The Mess of Pottage – wikipedia – US public domain

.

“RENEWED IN KNOWLEDGE”

Colossians 3:10

.

But let’s not allow the remedy listed in the above passage to escape our notice.

.

Listen once again… “And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him:” Notice that it says that the New Man is “renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him”.

.

So, the New Man is renewed in knowledge after the image of Jesus.

.

WHY DO WE NEED TO WRESTLE?

.

“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

Francken_Hieronymus_the_Younger_-_Parable_of_the_Wise_and_Foolish_Virgins_-_c__1616-wikipedia-pub_-dom_

.

The big problem is found in the above passage from Isaiah, in which the Lord pronounced this sad judgment upon His Church in the very last days.

.

God is revealing here that His people have been laboring in vain.

.

The Church has not given spiritual birth to Christ. We gave birth to wind.

.

We have failed to finish up the work which God gave us to do, and all our evangelistic efforts have been in vain.

.

The inhabitants of the Earth have not fallen in our failed attempt to evangelize the world. They remain more defiant than ever.

.

Francken Hieronymus the Younger Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins – c 1616 – wikipedia – pub-dom

.

WHY THE BREAK OF DAY?

.

Now the question must be asked, “Why did this wrestling match culminate at the breaking of the day?”

.

Just listen to Peter…

…”We have also a more sure word of prophecy;

whereunto ye do well that ye take heed,

as unto a light that shineth in a dark place,

until the day dawn,

and the day-star arise in your hearts:”

2nd Peter 1:19.

.

**So Peter here, speaks of a time called “The Dawning of the Day”, in which the Church will receive a great spiritual blessing.**

.

And this Day-Star, Christ, which will arise in our hearts is the very same concept of which this article is speaking of, howbeit in somewhat different allegorical terms.

.

Through the Old Testament, there are various stories which concern the “dawning of the day”.

.

The conquering of Jericho occurred at dawn. (Joshua Chapter 6)

.

The story of the Levite & His Concubine (Judges, Ch. 19) culminated with the concubine reaching the threshold at dawn.

.

To gain a greater understanding of this, just go to… “Castor and Pollux (Part 2: The Return of Christ & The Dawning of the Day)”

.

Lot Flees that infamously wicked city by Benjamin West- www.christimages.org US public domain

By G. Dore 084 The Levite & his Concubine wikipedia US public domain

.

CAN A MAN TRAVAIL IN CHILD-BIRTH!?!

**Jeremiah shows that Jacob’s night of wrestling was a picture of that time known as “the time of Jacob’s trouble”.**

.

**The question, “Ask ye now…does a man travail with child?” shows that this is speaking metaphorically.**

woman of Revelation 12 In Travail-www.signsofheaven.org

.

Listen to Paul’s language, his strange language regarding a church that’s having spiritual problems…

“My little children,

of whom I travail in birth again

until Christ be formed in you…”

Galatians 4:19.

.

**The churches of Galatia were being leavened by false teaching that propped up the notion that Christianity is just a mere “following rules and regulations”.**

.

JACOB & ESAU: FRIENDS AGAIN

.

At the end of the story of Jacob and Esau, the time finally arrives for the long-dreaded reunion between the two twin-brothers. Jacob, with much apprehension, prepares to meet his angry brother.

.

Jacob and his huge family and flocks are confronted by Esau and his small army.

.

But when the time fully comes, much to Jacob’s surprise, his brother, Esau, hugs Jacob, and greets him in peace and love.

.

In spiritual terms, this seems to be a picture of the time when the tried and tested Believer finally and fully overcomes the world.

.

At that time we will have completely overcome the “Old Man with his deeds” Col. 3:9

.

meeting of jacob and esau – 1844 – wikipaintings – public domain

.

OVERCOMING JUST AS PAUL!

.

That Believer will now have his or her body fully in subjection.

.

And the Believer will now be able to say with Paul…

“But I keep under my body,

and bring it into subjection:

lest that by any means,

when I have preached to others,

I myself should be a castaway.”

1st Corinthians 9:27.

.

Paul kept his body in complete subjection. He had fully mastered his rebellious flesh.

.

And this will be the purpose of the coming tribulation (which has already begun in the lives of God’s tried and tempted faithful ones).

.

The Church will be fully purified by the fiery trial before us. At that time we will have completely overcome the “Old Man with his deeds” Colossians 3:9

.

Paul Shipwrecked – Acts 27:41-44 – www.lavistachurchofchrist.org – Public Domain

.

*“A GREAT WONDER IN HEAVEN…“A WOMAN…TRAVAILING IN BIRTH”***

star-chart ursa major summerr

.

“And there appeared a great wonder in heaven;

a woman clothed with the sun,

and the moon under her feet,

and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:

And she being with child cried,

travailing in birth,

and pained to be delivered.”

Revelation 12:1, 2

.

And so, it now becomes more apparent why God has placed this headless woman with child in the heavens.

.

She is to present that glorious concept: that God’s people are to strive with God, as God has planted the Gospel seed within His people.

.

And striving, as did Jacob, there will finally come that glorious dawning of the day, in which we will be finally victorious.

.

And in our victory, Christ will be fully formed within the hearts of each Believer.

.

And then we will “shine forth as the Sun” to a world still held captive in sin and darkness. Matthew 13:43

.

Ursa Major Star-Chart with woman drawn in by this website – Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

THE END

.

A HEAVENLY HOBBY

.

“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

ABOVE PICTURE – Starry Night at La Silla – cropped and altered image – Wikimedia – Share-Alike license

.

“AND WHEN YE SEE THESE THINGS…

LOOK UP, LIFT UP YOUR HEAD”

.

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.

.

**But having said this, Signs Of Heaven becomes a wonderfully rewarding hobby which, unlike many less meaningful hobbies, pays off with rich, heavenly rewards. Everlasting rewards!**

.

And unlike the person in this photo with equipment, all you need is fairly good vision, and a dark, starry night.

.

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.

.

Thus, will the Christian be able to share this message with others.

.

Astronomy Amateur – cropped image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

“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

.

ABOVE CHART: Summer Constellations with Doves (Sagittarius) & Woman (Ursa Major)

.

FIRST FIND ORION & 7 STARS

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).

.

These two constellations represent Christ (Orion), and His Church (7 Stars).

.

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).

.

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.

.

Then, once you are comfortable finding these two constellations, you can begin to locate the next closest constellations, and so on.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Orion the Soldier and the Revelation 12 Dragon (Hyades & Pleiades, etc.) – winter constellations – www.signsofheaven.org – not for commercial use

ABOVE PICTURE – 7 Stars Constellation as the Cross (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on The Crown of Revelation 12: What Is “The Time of Jacob’s Trouble”?

Babylon, O Destroying Mountain: “Vanity Fair” & The False Prophet (Continued)

By admin On March 23rd, 2013

.

THIS IS A CONTINUATION OF PART 1. CLICK HERE TO READ THE PART 1…““Vanity Fair” & The False Prophet”

.

Babylon, O Destroying Mountain:

“VANITY FAIR” AND THE FALSE PROPHET

(Continued)

.

WANDERLUST IN VANITY FAIR

In John Bunyan’s book, he mentioned that the town of Vanity Fair had different sections: as Bunyan depicts it, “there are the several rows and streets under their proper names . . . Here is the Britain Row, the French Row, the Italian Row, the Spanish Row, the German Row.”

.

Satan, “the god of this world”, does not like to have his loyal subjects to get bored. And so he has designed his world to provide things of interest, things of intrigue, things of mystery! And so he has provided different places to visit, each with their own distinct and special flavor.

.

And as it was in Bunyan’s day, so it is multi-fold more in this high-tech age! In addition to Britain Row, and French Row, and Italian Row, and Spanish Row, and German Row, we now have so many more rows! it is impossible to even list all of them!

.

Sufficed to say, there are so many places to visit; and so many lands of mystery and intrigue to search, that those with the time and means to indulge their wanderlust, can spend a veritable life-time wandering the highways and byways of the world…or should we say, wandering the highways and byways of this Vanity Fair world!

.

Satan wants his citizens to be happy. The last thing Satan, “the god of this world” wants, is a rebellion. And so he has provided many, many amusements and distractions and hobbies and sports and games. And among these many fun and interesting things, is the lust to wander. Hence the name, Wanderlust.

.

Café_de_Flore-coffee-house-wikipedia-public-domain.jpg

Rialto_Gondoliers-by-Saffron-Blaze-wikipedia-share-alike-license-3.0.jpg

Swiss_chalet wikipedia share-alike license

.

A DREAM JUST FOR YOU…

And in defense of those who are caught up in wanderlust, it is probable that many people are discouraged with this world of sin. And so there are those who desperately search for some little piece of Heaven on Earth: God’s little acre, so to speak. Maybe some pristine forest, or mountain chalet, or sparkling clean beach, uncluttered by garbage and masses of tourists.

.

If only these seekers of Heaven-on-Earth would join the pilgrims who are on a pathway that will lead to a most beautiful and pristine world: a world unmarred by sin and sinners, to live for ever and ever! The beauty there will surpass any that this fallen world has to offer!

.

Now again, for those of the world, i.e., the citizens of Vanity Fair, they are perfectly in the right, to eat, drink and be merry. They should go places and do fun things. Grow a garden! Build a cabin in the woods or on a beach! Take lots of nice vacations! Those who are of this world should enjoy as much of life while they can! As Scripture says… “O taste and see that the LORD is good…” Psalm 34:8

.

John Constable – The Hay Wain Cottage by a river – Wikipedia – US public domain

Woman walking nature trail – Eaglecreek – cropped image – Wikipedia – GNU-License

.

TAKING A VACATION NOT EVIL

.

Now of course, taking time for recreation is not necessarily a bad thing. The people of this world should, by all means! And even the Christian, if he or she has an unbelieving family, then there must be a certain amount of worldly amusements, fun, and travel.

.

But for those who have decided to follow Jesus unreservedly, striving for the masteries, and having nothing standing in their way, then to live as Christ lived will be their greatest joy. The Apostle Paul traveled many, many miles on foot. But his travels were not borne out of some sort of morbid desire to see new and exciting places.

.

No, Paul’s only desire and joy and refreshment was to get out the Gospel into as many places as possible! Not to mention that his extremely poor eyesight made sightseeing very difficult.

.

Sunset-at-Huntington-Beach – cropped image – wikimedia – share-alike-license.jpg

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

.

MODERATION IN EVERYTHING

.

Now this doesn’t mean that those who are striving for masteries cannot take a vacation, or engage in recreation. The problem comes in when things are taken to excess, or combined together with all sorts of other worldly endeavors, which begin to eclipse the spiritual life. And this very affluent society affords many to do just that!

.

But the Christian may find that a walk while praying may be the best recreation possible. And of course, as already mentioned, those with families must allow for times of rest and recreation between times of labor.

.

But forget not the words of Paul… “Let your moderation (temperance) be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.” Philippians 4:5.

.

While the world so often goes to excess, the Christian must strive for the proper balance: moderation. But beware, Pilgrim! There are many things which are harmful for the Christian or his spouse, or his children, which the world deems as good. So great wisdom and fervent prayer is required to discern between good and evil.

.

Starry Night at La Silla – cropped and altered image – Wikimedia – Share-Alike license

.

OUT IN NATURE!

.

And seeing that this world is arriving at the end of all things, it may be best to simply deny self, and wait till God’s weary pilgrims get to the other side of all this!

.

But even here, the Christian may wish to get out and enjoy the beauty, poetry, and wisdom found in nature! And to go for a walk and pray, while under the starry canopy of the night sky, or along the beach, or in the woods, can be extremely refreshing! And needless to say, the fresh air and physical exercise can be very beneficial!

Man walking into sun – Cropped and alt ered image – share-alike-lic

.

HOBBIES, AMUSEMENTS, SPORTS ETC…

“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, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;” Hebrews 12:1, 2

company's coming

It is not very wise to criticize things which people love. One is sure to get a black eye from so-doing! But truth is truth!

.

Perhaps an entire book could be written on any one of these sub-sections and topics. But in the interest of brevity, just a few essential remarks should be made, and we’ll do our own further research into these elements: deterrents which the False Prophet, that King of Babylon has employed to deceive and delay God’s people from crossing the finish-line in the race set before us.

.

The above Bible passage from Hebrews makes a bold and dramatic declaration of what God expects from us, who are running the Christian Race…

.

“…let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race..”

.

The False Prophet, Satan, has invented many amusements, to bind the hearts of men, women, and children to this self-seeking world. The industrial nations are filled to overflowing with hobbies and sports and high-tech amusements and games and books and newspapers, and radio, television and adventures and vacations and every other conceivable pursuit.

.

“EAT, DRINK, & BE MERRY!”

.

And for those loyal citizens of Vanity Fair, these amusements are just fine. But for those who are seeking “a better country, an heavenly one”, and have become “strangers and pilgrims” on their upward journey to that celestial city, the above words of Paul are an admonishment and warning for every pilgrim to not get encumbered with the cares and pleasures of this life.

.

Listen to Jesus… “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.” Luke 21:34, 35.

.

This passage warns us to not get too far into the world, lest that Day overtakes us by surprise. Even the cares of life can become a snare to our soul, if we let them.

.

THE MAN OF GOD & THE OLD PROPHET

.

There is a story in the 1st Kings, Chapter 13, of a “man of God” who was given specific instructions to not eat or tarry in the country he had prophesied against, until he was fully back home in his own country. Well, this story has everything to do with us today! We too, are commanded to warn the world of the wrath to come. We are to be like the Apostle Paul in our zeal and dedication to our mission. But the False Prophet has deceived so many of us, by friends and family and television, etc., to relax, don’t worry, be happy! Enjoy the world! Have a good time!

.

OLD PROPHET IS THE FALSE PROPHET

.

And just like that man of God, we listen to “the old Prophet” who tells us to eat drink and be merry. Well God isn’t going to send a physical lion to kill us, as He did to the “man of God”. But Satan, that “roaring lion” will certainly devour us, in a spiritual sense, should we think that we can relax and enjoy this Vanity Fair world. (see 1st Peter 5:8)

.

It makes us want to cry to see loved ones who become deceived by the False Prophet, who tells them to eat, drink and be merry, and enjoy this world. But we pilgrims must continue on that upward pathway out of this City of Destruction, on our journey to the Celestial City of God, even if our family (as did that Pilgrim’s family, in Bunyan’s tale) refuses to come along.

.

We have a mission. Preach the Gospel. Purify our hearts and minds. Fight the Good Fight. Run the Race. We have been chosen to be God’s ambassadors to this planet of rebels. But it’s nevertheless sad to see that our families are part of that rebellion.

Dore – The Disobedient Prophet Slain By A Lion – www.creationism.org – US-public-domain.jpg

.

ROMANCE

In Pilgrim’s Progress, Bunyan lists the many goods and commodities bought and sold at Vanity Fair. And among these various goods which he listed, he also mentioned… “wives, husbands, children”.

.

So how could marriage and families be a bad thing? Actually it’s not. Well, at least, sometimes it not. But with all the divorce and family break-ups and marital infidelity these days, and with all the unhappiness in so many house-holds, it may be wise for the Christian to really consider if marriage is worth all the heartache and headaches. Certainly, the Christian would at least want to be sure his prospective mate is a trusting Believer.

.

Now because Satan is the world’s greatest salesman, he has bottled and packaged romance and lust, and has sold it as a commodity on television, radio, Internet, romance-novels, advertising. Satan has ruined many lives of young people who have been led down the path of destruction by the sensual music, movies, and magazines which sell romance and sensual lust to our young. These productions are so evil, that they quite often ignite the fires of Tophet down to the depths of the human soul, in many of our young.

.

Now this article is not trying to discourage anyone from marriage and family. But Christians should be warned not to allow the “god of this world” to exalt romance to the level of idolatry. Because this is exactly what he has done.

And also it must be mentioned, that for those who are “striving for the masteries” in the Christian life, the soldier of Christ must consider whether or not it is wise to allow such a time-consuming commitment to come between his or her desire to fully serve the Lord.

.

**And considering the lateness of the hour, it may be well for the lover of Christ to set aside all such time-consuming endeavors, “till the indignation be over-past” (see Isaiah 26:20, 21).**

Divorce – cropped image – Wikimedia – the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

Paul the Apostle-Artist-Valentin de Boulogne or Nicolas Tournier- circa 1500s – wikipedia public domain

.

HUMANITARIANISM

“Vanity Fair, where, all year round, such merchandise is bought and sold “as houses, lands, trades, places, honors, preferments, titles,…”

Now here is a real touchy subject that is bound to offend many! Humanitarianism!?! How could that be bad?! How can an organization which helps people in need, be a bad thing?

.

Well it isn’t bad. It isn’t bad…unless of course, Satan mingles sin into it. Continuing on with Bunyan’s description of this world, Vanity Fair, brings us to the ideology of humanitarianism. This ideology came into its own during the 1800’s. And after the rise of atheism, came a number of ideologies, such as evolution, psychology, psychiatry, socialism, and humanitarianism. And these all were embraced by atheism, which, without these ideologies, such a dismal and hopeless ideology as atheism, would never have been accepted by humanity. These ideologies had an appearance of goodness, and gave to atheism, the sparkle and shine which was desperately needed by this otherwise sad and hopeless ideology, which atheism was and still is!

.

For a deeper exploration of these ideologies, please read the article… “Floodwaters of the False Prophet: “Atheism & Psychology”

.

(And while there is nothing wrong with humanitarianism, by itself, nevertheless, the Devil uses it to his advantage, as he does everything else in this world. Satan must add things which have “a form of godliness” to his wicked kingdom. This is how he deceived the angels that fell. And this is how he deceives people today. People are easily deceived by ideologies, if they are intertwined with humanitarian good works. And very few intelligent people would want anything to do with atheism, if there was nothing beneficial about it. Because, the older you get, and the closer to death you get, the more miserable and hopeless you become in such an dead-end ideology as atheism.)

**As Bunyan points out, this world loves its “honors, preferments, titles”. And humanitarianism has much of the “pride of life” attached to it.**

Just think how television has glorified humanitarianism! Satan well knows that if his ideology, atheism, is to thrive, he must give it a form of godliness that humanitarianism can give. He must gild this ideology-made-of-dead-wood, called atheism, with a thin layer of glittering tinsel.

.

And television is the perfect medium, in which such miserable ideologies, such as atheism can be presented with shiny-tinsel-coating.

.

Pilgrims Progress title page third edition – 1679 – wikimedia commons – public-domain

doctors – wikimedia commons – cropped image – share-alike license

Traffic_Cop – cropped and altered image – wikimedia – share-alike license

.

MANKIND GLORIFIED ON TV

.

Television has thrived on humanitarianism, airing all sorts of weekly television shows based on various humanitarian vocations. Doctors, teachers, firefighters, policemen, nurses, etc..

.

Now again, there’s nothing wrong with any of these occupations. Indeed, they can be very beneficial to humanity. The problem is, Satan makes them become a source of pride and fantasy in this unbelieving world. (And Humanitarianism seems to fulfill the need in many humans, to believe they are good and even righteous. There are many who wish to remain secular, and still perform righteous good works.)

.

Free_Food_Distribution_-_Gangasagar Fair Transit Camp_-_Kolkataw cropped image – – Wikimedia – Free-Documentation-License.jpg

.

LARGER-THAN-LIFE TV SHOWS

.

The “pride of life” is one of the three great evils of Satan’s kingdom. And Satan now uses the television to challenge the world to pursue these occupations as a means of gaining public admiration, and even living some sort of charmed existence. Television produces dramas based on such humanitarian occupations, portraying them in a romantic, larger-than-life imagery.

.

Now as already stated, it’s not wrong to pursue a career in any of these vocations. Many enter into one of these professions, quite often with somewhat noble aspirations. But the heart is very wicked and deceitful, and so the true motives of people are often mingled with sinful motives, undetected by that person. In other words, a person can believe that he or she is doing something from purely noble motivations, when in reality, there may be other sinful and selfish motives mingled in, which are not so easily detected. There are many professionals who, if they were to be completely candid, would confess that the “pride of life” was a strong motivation for going into that profession.

.

But of course, it is not our duty to go around finger-pointing and judging this individual or that one. Our duty is to not let our own self get swept away by Satan’s flood of lies which come at us so often, like a tidal wave.

.

So the point to all this is just that John Bunyan was correct to describe Vanity Fair (i.e., The World) in such terms as this… “It is an ancient town named Vanity Fair, where, all year round, such merchandise is bought and sold “as houses, lands, trades, places, honors, preferments, titles…”.

.

Humanitarian_aid_wikimedia-commons-public-domain.jpg

.

“A FORM OF GODLINESS”

Perhaps the greatest problem with all this humanitarianism (and other godly works, too!) is this: when the unbelieving people of the world (and the worldly Church) decide to unite in an effort to conquer evil, it is like trying to open the Ark of the Covenant without God’s approval: there’s a curse attached! When that man in the Bible tried to steady the Ark, God struck him dead (see 2nd Samuel 6:6, 7).

.

When mankind attempts to do righteous works apart from God, they are unknowingly doing evil, by counterfeiting God’s righteousness. And all the supposed good they attempt to do, will ultimately only become a meaningless vain endeavor.

.

“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.” Isaiah 40:6, 7 (see photo below)

.

As this above passage states, Man’s glory and beauty is like the withering grass and the fading flower. And as it says, the Lord blows on our beauty and our glory, and all Man’s good works just seem to wither and fade, and fall away like a dying flower.

.

Uzzah Touches Ark by James Tissot Wikipedia public domain.

Child & Dandelion – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

WORLD GETTING WORSE & WORSE!

.

And doesn’t it seem like, the more Man tries to conquer evil and its consequences, the worse things get in this world? Doesn’t it seem like, the more food baskets we hand out, the more it seems that hunger increases? The more sick people we attempt to cure, the more sick people there are in the world? The more we attempt to control the population, the greater the population increases? The more welfare checks we give out, the more people there are who need a hand-out? The more cultures we try to embrace, the more we are hated?

.

Listen to Paul… “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; HAVING A FORM OF GODLINESS, BUT DENYING THE POWER THEREOF: FROM SUCH TURN AWAY.” 2nd Timothy 3:2-5.

.

So Paul here, after this writing this long list of horrible qualities, names the very last last horrible quality as, “having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof”.

Yes, the False Prophet loves good works, as most false prophets do. And humanitarianism only gives the town of Vanity Fair a better reputation.

Ice Flower – cropped image – wikipedia – share-alike lic.

.

VANITY FAIR EVEN HAS CHURCHES

John Bunyan’s inclusion of the apostate churches in the town of Vanity Fair, depicts how Satan comes as an angel of light and his ministers as ministers of righteousness.

.

And so it is today. Satan understands that his kingdom must have a form of godliness, but which is void of God’s Holy Spirit. And so this False Prophet fills his town of Vanity Fair with churches. Lots of churches! And so the citizens of Vanity Fair can have a one-day-a-week religion to fill the void in their attempt to sooth and still the nagging and wanton conscience. And so, once or twice a week, the citizens of Vanity Fair go to church, sing songs, pay tithes, and hear some nice, soft, non-threatening Bible passages. And when they leave church, they can return to their worldly pursuits.

.

This is the essence of most false gospels: to offer a slice of religion on a full plate of worldly pursuits. And Satan, the False Prophet doesn’t mind that kind of gospel. Well truth-be-told, he invented it!

.

And as the Bible reveals, there are many other Jesus’s in this world. Many there are, who worship a Jesus of their own making: a Jesus who gives a wink and a nod of approval to their selfish and worldly ways; a Jesus whose character resembles Santa Clause, more than the sinless and Holy One, who hates every trace of selfishness. But there is only one true Jesus! And that Jesus is defined by the Bible. And the Bible is the only means that God has given, to define and determine just who the true Jesus really is.

.

Milano Duomo – 1856 – Wikipedia – Public Domain

Santa’s Portrait by T. Nast 1881 – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

VAIN RELIGIOUS DUTIES

.

And anyway, Satan doesn’t mind some humanitarian ministries. He’s happy to keep his town’s people busy as possible! And complicated ministries are usually expensive and time-consuming. And those who pursue employment in such ministries, more often than not, get so caught up in obligations, which often cause them to set aside their personal spiritual pursuits. Thus Satan accomplishes his purpose.

.

Satan doesn’t mind humanitarian projects. Just as long as such persons do not become like Bunyan’s characters, Christian and Faithful, and Hopeful. Just as long as they don’t become “pilgrims and strangers” seeking “a better country”; even a heavenly one.

.

That kind of genuine Gospel is totally unacceptable to the, “god of this world”. One Christian, transformed into the image of Christ, can accomplish more good in the world than a vast army of worldly humanitarian church-goers. And Satan cannot tolerate anyone who is transformed into the image of Christ. He will do his best to make life intolerable for that True-Worshipper!

To explore this concept further, please read… “Fleeing to the Mountains-Part 2: The Abomination In Churches”

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

.

WORLDLY COMPROMISE

.

The False Prophet has successfully created an environment in his churches which lowers the standards to a level that gives the appearance of having a form of godliness. The Pilgrim’s Progress mentioned that Vanity Fair was filled with, “pleasures, and delights of all sorts”.

.

And church is no exception! And this Mayor of Vanity Fair knows that unless he gives them a worldly appeal, he cannot keep his loyal town’s-people entertained, while making them apostate enough, so as to quell and sooth any troubled consciences which may be questioning their relationship (or lack thereof) with God.

.

And so this master deceiver fills each service with nice soothing and fashionable music, very interesting and charismatic speakers, well-timed jokes, lots of social events, and non-threatening sermons. And even when a somewhat threatening sermon is preached on occasion, there are just enough interspersed jokes followed by laughter to quell any troubled conscience, and quiet any alarmed souls in the audience.

.

Church worship music – wikipedia – share-alike license

.

THE WHISPERING SERPENT

.

There are some people who just seem to have the dubious gift of making off-the-cuff quips and jests. What these persons are not aware of, is that just like the serial-gossiper, Satan whispers into the ear of the gossip and the ear of the jester, giving them something to say.

.

A gossip is never lacking in something to say about somebody. And the jester is likewise never lacking a joke or a jest or a quip.

.

But if only the curtain could be pulled back, evil angels would be seen, supplying these foolish talkers with ammunition to liven the atmosphere with some morsel of gossip, or some little joke or jest!

.

SATAN: THE IMAGE-MAKER

“And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.” Revelation 13:15

So Satan is the great image-maker. Through modern media, Satan has enhanced his kingdom a hundred-fold, nay, a thousand-fold! Just as the peoples of the world in Daniel’s day, bowed down to that golden image, when the music started playing (see Daniel Chapter 3), so too, the peoples of the world today are also bowing down to the images which the False Prophet is now projecting to this naïve world, via the flat-screen.

.

Each one of us are born into this world, and by and by, Satan indoctrinates us into the world-system. And as we are enamored by the pride of life, or the lusts of the flesh and eyes, Satan deceives us into believing we can attain some little story-book life. We pursue some earthly “piece of the pie”, so to speak. And then we focus on our worldly pursuits. That’s all we want, most of the time: our own piece of the pie.

TV indoctrination

.

To indoctrinate: this is Satan’s modus-operandi in this high-tech world today, as it becomes indoctrinated by the various modern-media. And Satan and his minions are churning out this mass-indoctrination on a daily basis, increasingly all over the world, 24/7/365!

.

“…UPON ALL PLEASANT PICTURES”

“For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty… and upon all pleasant pictures….Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?” Isaiah Chapter 2: 12, 22.

wikipaintings us public domain

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 deceptive images to draw away 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.

.

Woman in Mediterranian – Wikigallery – US Public Domain

Tissot – HMS Calcutta – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

.

SATAN HAS AN IMAGE JUST FOR YOU

.

Whatever the career, whatever the hobby, whatever the romance, whatever the city, whatever the country, whatever the lake, whatever the river or mountain stream, whatever the mansion, whatever the cottage, whatever the car, or boat, or motorcycle, or plane, or vacation resort… Satan has now an image just for you, and just for me. And he is the master at presenting this world in the most romantic light with his “pleasant pictures”, as Isaiah says.

.

MAN’S GLORY IS AS A FADING FLOWER

.

One great problem is, life never turns out like these pictures promise it to be. These are merely snapshots of elusive moments, which quickly flee away. And eventually, as the flower of the field, which falls away, so do these images.

.

Listen… “As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.” Psalm 103:15, 16.

.

Eventually time and judgment will mar and destroy these images. Eventually things will happen. People lose their earthly riches. Or they get divorced. Or they get bored and leave. Or they get sick. Or they eventually become overweight, or over-burdened, or over-extended, or lose their job or lose their health. But one thing is for sure, they’re all going to eventually die, just as the flower of the field eventually withers and dies.

.

TIME & JUDGMENT COMES TO ALL

.

“…and a wise man’s heart discerns both time and judgment. Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him.” Ecclesiastes 8:5, 6

.

Just look at the pictures in this section, and let’s think through all these elusive snap-shots of life.

.

Perhaps the girl in the bathing-suit with the surfboard gets older and wrinkles from too much Sun exposure. Or she ultimately gets skin cancer.

.

The guy with the sailboat eventually gets bored and sells it, and finally comes down with Dementia, and spends his last few years in a nursing home.

.

The young lady on the ship…well… you can just imagine all the problems she will encounter (and whoever marries her).

.

And the lady in the white dress in the Mediterranean moves back to wherever she came from. Or she gets sick. Or she gets divorced. Or just like so many others of us, she becomes elderly, and wrinkled and a little overweight; and her dream-life eventually fades away like the proverbial flower of the field. “For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever.” 1st Peter 1:24, 25

.

Surfer Girl – Wikimedia – Public Domain

Woman in Mediterranian – Wikigallery – US Public Domain

Tissot – HMS Calcutta – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

.

SATAN’S PLEASANT PICTURES ARE A LIE!

.

Oh yes, Satan always has a few individuals, whom he holds up for his own good advertising purposes. That is, there are a few in the world, who just seem to live a charmed life. It’s just the great deceiver’s normal modus-operandi to do that! That’s just one big way he baits the rest of us (even though most of the rest of us do not end up living anywhere near what could be considered a dream life!)

.

But then again, if you were to ever catch one of those “lucky” ones, in an honest moment, they would probably confess that behind the scenes, life for them was not nearly as charmed as it outwardly appeared!

.

Johann Heinrich Füssli – Woman Sitting, Curled up Google Art Project US public domain

.

THE DAY OF THE LORD

.

Two Turtledoves-Flower of the Field- Cross/Scepter Constellations

.

But as this above passage from Isaiah states (“For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty… and upon all pleasant pictures, etc….”),

.

The God of Heaven is about to wage war upon these lying pleasant pictures. And God will show Mankind that all these pleasant pictures are just a lie! And during the coming time of Judgment, God will expose the truth about this hopeless and horrible and dying world. All humanity will finally learn, that life in this world is like the proverbial Flower of the Field!

For more insight into this Flower of the Field Constellation, please read… “Flower of the Field Constellation”

.

“…TO THE MOLES…AND…BATS”

.

And all those who fear the Lord will finally understand that these pleasant pictures were merely just a lie! And as this above passage states, God’s people will…..well…just listen again… “For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty…AND UPON ALL PLEASANT PICTURES….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 2:12, 16, 20, 21.

.

The Day spoken of here is the Day of the Lord, in which God’s people will finally cast the things of the world to the moles and bats. The moles and bats in this passage represent all those who live in the darkness of sin and unbelief.

.

Dear Christian, that Day has arrived. It’s not for some time in the future. It’s now! (To read more on this subject of casting away idols, just click here… “Woman of Revelation 12 & The Narrow Way Stars”

.

Big-eared-townsend-fledermaus Wikipedia public domain

Close-up of mole – by Michael-David-Hill – wikipedia – share-alike-license.jpg

.

GOD’S PLEASANT PICTURES ARE FOREVER

“…and everlasting joy upon their heads:” Isaiah 35:10

Well, God has His own pleasant pictures. The big difference is, God’s pleasant pictures are forever! Satan’s are like the flower that fades and falls away. God’s pleasant pictures are like the flower which never fades away! In God’s Promised Land we will never grow old. We will never get sick. We will never lose our love for others. We will never grow cranky, or picky, or have to endure the pains and sorrows and loses of old-age ever again! We will never cease to revel in God’s love and nature’s beauty.

But God gives us a choice. We can choose to live in “Vanity Fair”, or we can choose to become “pilgrims and strangers” in this world (see Hebrews 11:13). The Christian can have his cake now, or he can wait, and have it forever!

Hebrews 11 tells of Moses. Truly he had it all! Riches and fame and all the lusts of the flesh and eyes and pride of life. But Moses traded away this world in exchange for the next. He gave it all up to win that eternal prize!

.

Listen… “By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.” Hebrews 11:24-26.

Flower of Heaven Constellation w/leaves

.

Moses gave it all up! He walked away from a charmed life! And in just a few short years, all those who, just as Moses, choose to trade this world in for the world that’s coming, will awaken. And then they will become like the Flower of Heaven in the sketch to the left. Nevermore will they grow old! Nevermore will they sorrow! No more hunger or thirst! No more sickness and death! Listen…

.

“Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” John 5:28, 29. This is the blessed promise of God.

The_Pilgrims_Progress_by_Byam_Shaw-wikimedia-commons-US-public-domain.jpg

. .

.

THEY FORSOOK ALL & FOLLOWED HIM

But Jesus is calling all to, “Come follow Me, and I will make you fishers of Men”. The Disciples of old, “forsook all and followed Him” Luke 5:11. But many today either ignore the call, or are simply too busy pursuing the many of the things that this Vanity Fair world offers.

The question which remains to be answered is this: “Am I willing to forsake all, to follow Jesus? Am I willing to give up all my worldly ambitions and dreams to become a soldier in the Lord’s army? and to be changed into the image of Jesus? Am I ready to forsake all worldly laud and honors, to join the ranks of that despised little company of Christians, who have forsaken this world, just like the pilgrim, ‘Christian’, in Bunyan’s tale, Pilgrim’s Progress? And am I really willing to become a stranger and pilgrim in this world of sin, confusion, and satanic lies?”.

Christ calling His Disciples by Edward Armitage courtesy www.wikigallery.com -public domain.jpg

.

A FORM OF GODLINESS

The Mayor of the town of Vanity Fair has set a standard of acceptable behavior for his loyal citizens, which comes close, but falls short of Christ-likeness. And for Christians to engage in holiness and reverence will most certainly bring the disapproval from the citizens of Vanity Fair.

It is easy to become deceived by the happy-go-lucky, nonchalance, joking and giddiness so often engaged in, by the citizens of Vanity Fair. And the Christian world has become so deceived, that should one remind them that these things are not appropriate, the reprover will suffer ridicule and mocking from church-goers. But the Bible makes it clear…

.

“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ…But…all uncleanness…let it not be once named among you…Neither…foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient (not proper): but rather giving of thanks.” Ephesians 5:1-4.

.

Christians may give approval of this passage. But when confronted on the last verse… “nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient:”, just watch how fast their approving nods turn to anger and rejection.

Unfortunately, as already said, the Church has greatly taken our eyes off Jesus, not realizing that high and holy standard, which God has set for Christian behavior. The Church has the mistaken notion that playfulness, and laughter and joking are good enough to rightly represent Christ.

.

But while Christ had a deep inner joy, and kindness, and an accommodating spirit, He by no means engaged in any worldly or common or cheap behavior. He never once joked, but instead engaged in thankfulness to God, and gentleness toward others.

All we do when behaving as the world, is to confuse others. We must reflect Jesus in every way, to be ambassadors of Christ. But by imitating the world, we actually deny Jesus by our very lifestyle!

Sadducees Question Jesus by Harold Copping www.wikigallery.com public domain

.

WHAT AM I WILLING TO BOW DOWN TO?

“For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:26

The False Prophet, Satan has created the modern media in such a way, that he can sell an image, to cause Christians to turn away from God and bow down to that golden image-maker, the television, (and other media) with all its glittering tinsel-coated dreams. Oh yes, Satan is a dreamer-weaver, and his television is a veritable modern-day dream-machine, now churning out dreams, and visions and false hopes on an hourly basis.

.

Oh this False Prophet might entice with a vision, for example, of walking into an expensive restaurant to meet a client for lunch.

.

Or he might give the dream of becoming a famous teen-idol singer, or some beautiful and graceful dancer, or perhaps to become a Hollywood movie-star.

.

Maybe this dream-weaver will offer the dream of living a story-book life in a little cottage in the country, with a nice family; or in a high-rise apartment in an exciting city.

.

Or he sells on the dream of becoming a financial mogul, or a high-tech wizard, or a straight-shooting, tough-talking cowboy.

.

Or maybe he’ll give a dream of being a missionary in some exotic foreign land helping the poor, or to become a celebrated charismatic preacher.

.

Perhaps he’ll sell the dream of becoming a famous Christian Rock musician, singing to a throng of adoring fans.

.

What dream can this False Prophet sell, that someone is willing to trade his or her soul for?

.

NO CONTRACT TO SIGN…

.

Oh Satan doesn’t make a person sign a contract for his or her soul, like he is seen doing on various television shows. No, no, all a person has to do is just wish for that dream. Just go for it! He’ll help that person achieve it! All this False Prophet requires, is for the Christian to forsake that Upward Pathway: like the man which began up the path that the pilgrim walked, in the Pilgrim’s Progress book, but eventually left the pilgrim’s company, only to come back to live in the town called Vanity Fair.

.

Vanity Fair offers just about any kind of dream one could wish to purchase.

.

Just listen to Jesus warn His disciples… “And when He had called the people unto Him with His disciples also, He said unto them, Whosoever 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; but whosoever shall lose his life for My sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Mark 8:35-37.

.

Yes dear Pilgrim, the cost of following Jesus is to forsake everything of this world, as this above passage points out. But those who persevere will find much, much more of the true riches, and everlasting life and joy and peace! An incomprehensible reward awaits all those who persevere on the pilgrim’s pathway to the Celestial City!

Jesus Discourses with His Disciples – James Tissot – by Brooklyn Museum – by Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

DON’T FALL FOR SATAN’S LIES

Dear Pilgrim. This article is designed to warn against falling for one of Satan’s many
deceptions. If this hellish dream-weaver comes, and paints a most glorious portrait of some earthly dream that we could be living, don’t fall for it. It’s just a lie. He’s just winking and grinning, as he’s spinning his lies! In reality, if we did finally attain to it, we would then find out by experience, that it’s just vanity and vexation of spirit (see Ecclesiastes 1:2). We would then realize that this dream-career (or whatever our “dream” happens to be), is no fairy-tale existence at all! It’s just another prison-cell in Satan’s Vanity Fair.

.

Eve & The Whispering Serpent – Signs Of Heaven – Share-alike License

.

“LET MY PEOPLE GO”

.

That’s right, Vanity Fair, that is, this world, is in reality, Satan’s prison-house of sin and selfishness! Because that’s what Vanity Fair really is: just Satan’s way of holding us as captives in his prison-house of sin!

.

And even if we did attain that fairy-tale dream, our bubble would eventually burst, and we would finally realize, that it was all just a great big lie, by the Father-of-Lies, the Devil: the Great Dream-Weaver of this world: this world which John Bunyan called, Vanity Fair.

.

And just as Lucifer deceived the angels of Heaven, so too, he has deceived us, by promising happiness in a hopeless world of sin and sorrow and death.

.

That’s right, a third of the angels of Heaven, who should have known better, bought into his lie! And so how much more has he deceived us: we who haven’t had all the information that those fallen angels had!

TOUGHING IT OUT ON THIS BALL OF CONFUSION

But to be fair, those fallen angels had not yet seen the woe and misery that selfishness brings. But isn’t it amazing that we, who have experienced living in such a world as this, yet still remain so loyal to this sin-darkened and hideous and horrible world! In a world which has so much suffering, we are so determined and dedicated to remain here and “tough it out”, even though God holds out to anyone who is willing, the chance to live in a world in which there will be everlasting joy!

.

Yes, that world is awaiting, with no sickness, or hatred, or lying, or crime, or anger, or murder, or pushing, or shoving, or, etc., etc……..

ThomasCole-Pilgrim of the Cross at the End of His Journey wikimedia US public domain

.

THE GREATEST GIFT

A gift can come in many forms. There are many gifts a Christian can give to the world. What can you or I give? Perhaps to stop and give money to someone hopeless soul, holding a sign asking for help? Maybe a basket of food to someone who is hungry? Maybe just a visit to someone who is sick or incarcerated? Or maybe to give clothes to some overseas mission? Or toys to needy children at Christmas? Or hand-out tracts or just talking to people regarding Salvation? How about simply being nice and friendly, and even being lovable to everyone? That too, is also a gift one could give to the world! And this website highly endorses all these forms of gift-giving. But there is a much, much, greater gift than all these!

.

There are many, many types of gifts a Christian can give to the world. But, again, what is the greatest gift a human can give?

.

And so, the answer to our puzzling question is simply this: the greatest gift a Christian can give to a needy world is a purified heart and a life transformed into the image of Christ.

.

Oh yes, the world has heard about Jesus. They’ve been told. But what the world needs now, is to see Jesus, as He lives out His holy life of self-sacrificing love, through His believing, trusting Followers. And with hearts purified, “by the Word of Christ dwelling in us richly in all wisdom” Colossians 3:16, we will be a Living Epistle, “known and read of all” 2nd Corinthians 3:2.

.

Then there will no longer be any need for hand-out tracts or television or Internet ministries. God’s faithful ones will shine as the Sun in its brightness (see Isaiah 30:26), to a sin-darkened world, as we bring the most precious gift of all: everlasting life and joy. Then, in whatever occupation we finally choose, whether it be a fireman or a teacher, or a missionary, we will perform that occupation with the gentle patience, and the steadfast kindness, and unwavering honesty, and the purity of heart that can only come from a sanctified soul, transformed into Christ’s image.

Dear Santa Claus – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

Transfiguration – Bloch – cropped and altered image – Wikimedia Commons – US Public-Domain

.

PARADISE RESTORED

“And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal…and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass…And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it…And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” Revelation 21:10, 11, 18, 22 & 22:1, 2

In just a little while, the Lord shall descend from Heaven with a shout, and the people of God will rise from their graves, and so shall they be with the Lord forever in that Kingdom restored. And the former things will have passed away, and God will make all things new. And there shall be no more curse; neither shall there be any more crying or sorrow or heart-aches.

And just as Bunyan’s character, Christian, finally crossed that Black River, and came up on the other side, so will each one, who has decided to go in the Pilgrim’s Way. And then will we stand in Beulah Land. And then will we forever live a life, far, far more wonderful than any of Satan’s fairy-tale “dream” lives, which he promised, but could not deliver.

.

And so, if anyone who reads this has not yet become a stranger and pilgrim and ex-patriot to this lost and hopelessly dying world, he or she is invited to come follow Jesus, and begin to walk that upward pathway, which leads to that celestial city of God. Because unlike the, “god of this world”, the God of that heavenly city can deliver what He has promised us. And He has promised us eternal joy in the world-to-come, if only we will become faithful Followers of Jesus, the Savior.

The Pilgrims Progress – by_Byam_Shaw – wikimedia-commons – US-public-domain.jpg.

.

VALLEY OF DECISION AWAITS A DECISION

And just now God is revealing this Valley of Decision Constellation group in the summer and fall skies. God is letting Humanity know that it’s time to “step up to the plate”, as they say, and make a commitment. “Will I choose life or death?” Choose life, dear soul. Choose everlasting life. Why continue on in this hopelessly dying world? Why not begin the journey on that Upward Pathway? Why stand on the side of Satan and be one of his miserable followers?

By following Jesus, you will embark on a journey, in which you will find yourself growing in brotherly love for lost sinners. You find yourself growing in patience, and kindness, and even in purity of heart. And though you must leave behind the riches of this present world, you will ultimately gain the true riches which will never be corrupted, nor taken away by moth, rust, nor thieves.

The mountain on the left, in this sketch, symbolizes the Mountain of God, the Mountain of Blessing. As you can see, that little galaxy appears to be climbing up that mountain. That galaxy represents all those who have decided to climb the upward Pathway to the Celestial City of God.

.

THE END

.

A HEAVENLY HOBBY

.

“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

ABOVE PICTURE – Starry Night at La Silla – cropped and altered image – Wikimedia – Share-Alike license

The above verse is a plea from God to look up at the Heavens and behold Who has created these things.

.

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.

.

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.

.

The Christian wants nothing to get in the way of running that Christian Race.

.

New York Times Square – terabass – cropped image – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

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

.

“AND WHEN YE SEE THESE THINGS…

LOOK UP, LIFT UP YOUR HEAD”

.

**But having said this, there is one hobby which every ‘Noble Berean’ may take up, which only compliments the pursuit of the heavenly Prize.**

.

**Yes, Signs Of Heaven becomes a wonderfully rewarding hobby which, unlike many less meaningful hobbies, pays off with rich, heavenly rewards. Everlasting rewards!**

.

And unlike the person in this photo with equipment, all you need is fairly good vision, and a dark, starry night.

.

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.

.

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.

.

Astronomy Amateur – cropped image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

“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

.

ABOVE CHART: Summer Constellations with Doves (Sagittarius) & Woman (Ursa Major)

.

FIRST FIND ORION & 7 STARS

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).

.

These two constellations represent Christ (Orion), and His Church (7 Stars).

.

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).

.

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.

.

Then, once you are comfortable finding these two constellations, you can begin to locate the next closest constellations, and so on.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Orion the Soldier and the Revelation 12 Dragon (Hyades & Pleiades, etc.) – winter constellations – www.signsofheaven.org – not for commercial use

ABOVE PICTURE – 7 Stars Constellation as the Cross (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses

.

ANOTHER HEAVENLY HOBBY: PRAYER-WALKS

.

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…

.

Why not combine star-watching with prayer, as you walk? What a great way to draw closer to God!

.

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!

.

(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.

.

And for those who are in confinement, one can view these starry signs on the Internet, or simply listen to Scripture on audio.

.

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!)

.

Starry Night at La Silla – cropped and latered image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

THRICE-DAILY PRAYERS

.

**Now of course, the Bible commands us to, “pray without ceasing“. The Christian is to constantly talk with our Heavenly Father throughout the day.**

.

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.

.

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.

.

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.

.

Marines at Prayer by Alex Raymond – Wikimedia – public domain

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Babylon, O Destroying Mountain: “Vanity Fair” & The False Prophet (Continued)

Babylon, O Destroying Mountain Constellation: “Vanity Fair” & The False Prophet

By admin On March 22nd, 2013

.

Babylon, O Destroying Mountain Constellation:

.

“VANITY FAIR” AND THE FALSE PROPHET

.

PARADISE LOST

When God created this world, it was to be a wonderful garden in which Humanity could enjoy the beauty of nature, and rich and joyful communion with their Creator.

.

**But God, for His own eternal purpose, allowed “that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan”, to tempt Mankind into sin and rebellion.**

.

**At that point, Mankind had traded God away for a new Master…“the god of this world“, the Devil.**

.

Now at that moment, the Earth and all its inhabitants had been taken captive by this master deceiver.

.

Cole Thomas – Expulsion from the Garden of_Eden – 1828 – Boston Museum – Wikipedia – US-public-domain1.jpg

.

DOOR OF MERCY STILL AJAR

.

But in spite of Man’s rebellion, God had left open the door of mercy. Mankind still had the ability to return back to God.

.

But Lucifer, in his jealous hatred, was not content to allow Mankind such an easy access back to God.

.

And so, Lucifer went to work to create his new kingdom, turning it into a place in which fallen Mankind could not and would not find their way back into the door of God’s sheepfold.

.

**And through his own “Workers of Iniquity”, Lucifer worked tirelessly to create his kingdom, the mighty Babylon.**

.

The kingdom of sin and selfishness.

Pilgrim’s Progress Enters The Wicket Gate – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

But before we proceed further,

let’s introduce the host for this article…

“Babylon, O Destroying Mountain Constellation”

.

THE THIRD MOUNTAIN…CHOICE ‘C’…

“Behold, I am against thee, O destroying mountain, saith the LORD,

which destroyest all the earth:

and I will stretch out mine hand upon thee,

and roll thee down from the rocks,

and will make thee a burnt mountain.”

Jeremiah 51:25

These three mountains are called “The Valley of Decision Constellation Group”.

.

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.

Valley of Decision + O Destroying Mountain Constellation Group

.

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.

.

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).

.

**From the Mount of Blessing are heard all the blessings which result from serving God.**

.

**From the Mount of Cursing are heard all the curses which result from disobedience to God’s will.**

.

And those in the valley will listen to both sides, and make up their minds, just who will they serve.

.

A very simple choice, right?

.

Wrong!

.

COUNTERFEIT KINGDOM

.

Now that this basic concept of the first two mountains with two easy-to-understand concepts (Blessings & Cursing) has been presented, it is time to take note of this third mountain; a counterfeit mountain.

Valley of Decision w/names

.

**Oh yes, such a simple choice of life or death is just far too easy for the Dragon (Satan) to accept.**

.

**No, Satan’s main deception in this world is to create counterfeit “look-alike” alternatives; attractive choices.**

.

Satan really knows how to complicate and confuse the simplicity of the Gospel.

.

**Hence the name, Babylon, which means “City of Confusion” (Isaiah 24:10).**

.

A perfect and fitting name for Satan’s kingdom!

.

In Jeremiah 51:25, Babylon is referred to as “O Destroying Mountain”.

.

It is the name of this counterfeit mountain.

.

It is Satan’s kingdom, made up of all Satan’s followers, both humans and evil angels.

.

Satan’s kingdom also includes this fallen world, with all its governments and ideologies.

.

It is that great city…Babylon the Great!

.

**The world! Satan’s prison-house!**

.

SATAN: KING OF BABYLON

.

Also, in Isaiah, the King of Babylon is referred to as Satan…

…”That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon…

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.

.

So, here it says that Lucifer, the fallen angel is called the King of Babylon.

.

And this King of Babylon, Lucifer, is called, in 2nd Corinthians, “the god of this world”.

.

So, the world itself is Lucifer’s kingdom, Babylon.

THE VALLEY OF DECISION CONSTELLATION GROUP. They appear in mid-summer in the eastern skies in pre-dawn hours. These are made of Cassiopeia (mount on left), and various stars from the Andromeda Constellation (valley) Pegasus (Mount of Cursing (middle mount) & Destroying Mount (right)), and Pisces (Broad Way to Hell). The galaxy which appears to be climbing the Mountain of Blessing is the Andromeda Galaxy.

Valley of Decision & O Destroying Mtn. Constellations

.

This chart shows this amazing constellation group as it appears in fall, just prior to the winter constellation group. Actually, these Valley of Decision Constellations appear in mid-summer after midnight. The mountain to the left (AKA Cassiopeia) is the Mount of Blessing (Grace). The middle mountain is the Mount of Cursing (the Law). And the third mountain to the far right is the Destroying Mountain (Babylon). The straight line from the Destroying Mountain to the Dragon is called the Broad Highway to Hell.

Martin_John_-_Satan_presiding_at_the_Infernal_Council_-_1824wikipedia-public-domain.jpg

ABOVE STAR-CHART – Fall Constellations – Valley of Decision & O Destroying Mtn. Constellations – signsofheaven.org – Not for commercial profit use!

.

A QUICK LOOK AT HISTORY

.

Now in order to rightly understand just how Satan has worked in modern times, it greatly helps to understand a little about history.

.

This is because Satan wasted no time after Christ’s ascension, in waging war against God’s Church.

.

Listen… “For the mystery of iniquity doth already work:

only He who now lets will let, until He be taken out of the way.

And then shall that Wicked be revealed,

whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of His mouth,

and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming:”

2nd Thessalonians 2:7, 8.

.

**So, let’s take a very short look at the history of the Church and see just how this “mystery of iniquity” has been working through history.**

.

And maybe this will reveal that “Wicked”, spoken of in the above passage, whom the Lord “shall destroy by the brightness of His Coming”…

.

Jan Hus at the Stake – wikipedia – US public domain

.

THE 1st BEAST RISES

.

“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,

and upon his horns ten crowns,

and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.”

Revelation 13:1

.

Now after Christ’s ascension, persecution against Christians began.

.

The Roman government, as well as the unbelieving Jews, both began to make life difficult and sometimes even bloody for Christians.

.

But around 320 A.D., the emperor of Rome, Constantine, had a change of heart, and began to embrace Christianity.

.

And while peace is nice, this embracing of Christianity by the Romans had its deleterious and devasting effects in the form of worldly compromises.

.

False doctrines were gradually introduced into the Church, causing the Church to eventually become corrupt and desolate of God’s Spirit.

.

Rules and ceremonies replaced a faith-filled communion with God.

.

Constantine’s conversion – by Rubens – wikipedia – US public domain

.

“FLEE TO THE MOUNTAINS”

.

And as those early centuries progressed, the apostate European churches eventually became the persecutors of Christians.

.

This beast power was prophesied of in Revelation 13…

…”And I…saw a beast rise up out of the sea,

having seven heads and ten horns,

and upon his horns ten crowns…

and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months…

And it was given unto him to make war with the saints”

Revelation 13:1, 5, 7 [condensed].

.

This passage speaks of the 1st Beast of Revelation 13, which arose out of the sea (the “sea” of nations, Revelation 17:15), having been given power to make war with the saints of God for a period of 42 prophetic months.

.

But using the day for a year principle found in Ezekiel, 4:6, this adds up to almost 1300 years, in which the saints were persecuted in Europe.

.

And so began a long 1300-year tribulation in which the apostate churches of Europe made life difficult, and sometimes even bloody for God’s people.

.

At first, many Christians simply kept quiet about their love for the Bible.

.

But as the centuries passed, many Christians had to flee to the mountains in the European Alps and begin life anew in the safety of those mountain strongholds.

.

And then, in the 1300’s, began the great Christian Reformation.

.

God raised up men like Wycliffe, Huss, Jerome, Tyndale, Luther, and many more, who would fearlessly stand up to the priests and prelates of the apostate Church.

.

Of course, Satan, the ruler of those apostate churches, likewise began his retaliatory attacks against the Reformation; and this went on for centuries.

.

Oh yes, at various times there was peace for the Christians. God mercifully allowed them such intervals of rest.

.

But after some time, the blood of martyrs once again was spilled.

.

And also, the Bible was a much-hated book by the apostate churches, and copies were burned, and that Book of books was outlawed.

.

Satan tried relentlessly to obliterate the Bible out of existence.

.

Whore – Babylon – Burgkmair – 1523 AD – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

ABOVE PICTURE: WALDENSES HUNTED BY THE ARMIES OF ROME courtesy gutenberg.org public domain

Martin Luther – 95 Theses – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

book burning Santo_Domingo_y_los_albigenses-detalle wikipedia public domain

.

BIBLE WAS THAT SWORD

.

This Protestant reformation continued on, combating these religious and civil authorities, who were torturing, imprisoning, banishing and even killing God’s people, off and on through the Dark Ages.

.

But when the prophetic time-clock ran out, this first Beast finally received the deadly wound by God’s glittering sword, the Bible…

…”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.

.

Yes, God’s glittering sword, the Bible, finally delivered a deadly wound to the Dragon, Satan.

.

When the printing press was invented, an underground movement began to publish and distribute as many Bibles as possible.

.

Soon, many printing presses were producing Bibles in mass numbers.

.

At this point, the apostate European churches could no longer suppress God’s Word: the Word they attempted to obliterate from existence was at last going out into all of Europe.

.

**For those who have a thirst for reading, The History of Protestantism by James Wylie. Another much shorter history might be found in Foxe’s Book of Martyrs.**

.

Caxton Showing the First Specimen of His Printing to King Edward IV at the Almonry, Westminster – Wikipedia – US public domain

.

SECOND BEAST

.

“And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth;

and he had two horns like a lamb,

and he spoke as a dragon.

And he exercises all the power of the first beast before him,

and causes the earth and them which dwell therein

to worship the first beast,

whose deadly wound was healed.”

Revelation 13:11, 12

.

At this point, Satan had to employ a new stratagem against Heaven.

.

And Satan had a radically different plan this time.

.

And so came the hour for the second Beast to make his appearance on the world-stage.

.

The first Beast had received the deadly wound by the sword: God’s Sword, His Word, the Bible!

.

But this deadly wound by a sword would be healed, as is written…

…”And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death;

and his deadly wound was healed:

and all the world wondered after the beast.”

Revelation 13:3.

.

At the same time that the first Beast was seemingly dying, this second Beast was arising out of the Earth.

.

This second Beast took over for the badly wounded 1st Beast.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Satan, The False Prophet who offers a world-loving gospel – www.signsofheaven.org

.

HOW WAS HIS DEADLY WOUND HEALED?

.

Well, perhaps the Reader is wondering, “Just how could a deadly wound be healed?”

.

**Simply put, this tyrannical 1st Beast, was given a second life, to become “a kinder, gentler beast-power”.**

.

His throne continued, even though the Papacy lost most of its power and authority over Europe.

.

John Paul II Brazil 1997 – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Brazil license.

.

PUBLIC SCHOOL HISTORY CLASS CENSORSHIP

.

And another way in which the beast’s deadly wound was healed, was because the public school-systems have neglected to properly teach much of history…

.

…the great masses have been thrust into ignorance concerning the great bloody history of the Dark Ages.

.

People today have little or no idea of the details of Satan’s war against true Christians, nor of the blessed Protestant Reformation!

.

The public school-system simply kept us in darkness concerning true history whenever it concerns Satan’s warfare against Christianity through the past centuries.

.

And such ignorance has given the Papacy time and ability to slowly regain power through the following centuries, “and by peace shall destroy many” Daniel 8:25.

.

Yes, this new kinder-and-gentler 1st beast, by many “good” works and “good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” Romans 16:18

.

Government Censorship – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

WHY THE SECOND BEAST?

.

Now why did God even speak of a second Beast? Why did He not just speak of this first Beast?

.

Well, the answer to this question is quite simple!

.

You see, after his ruthless first Beast received its deadly wound by God’s glittering Sword, Satan knew he had to put an entirely “new face” on his hellish war-machine.

.

The 1st Beast was so ruthless, and had such a horrible and bloody reputation, it was virtually impossible for this beast to have any more favor with society.

.

Not to mention that the Bible was now being read by the great masses in Europe, which only exposed the totally unbiblical doctrines of that church.

.

Thus, an entirely new and different strategy had to be implemented.

.

This new Beast was a kinder and gentler beast.

.

After all, false prophets have to be nice, to a certain extent. And this was prophesied of in Daniel…

…”and by peace shall (he) destroy many:

he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes;

but he shall be broken without hand.”

Daniel 8:25

.

“BY PEACE (HE) SHALL DESTROY MANY”

Daniel 8:25

.

Yes, these two beasts had a vastly different modus-operandi from each other!

.

They had two entirely different strategies to wage their war against Heaven: the first by blood and torture and famine and war.

.

But the second Beast would employ just the opposite…

.

…the 1st Beast came “out of the sea” (the sea of nations)…

.

…which the 2nd Beast arose “out of the earth” (the industrial revolution which brought great prosperity!)

.

The pendulum was about to swing the opposite direction.

.

And Satan was going to make sure it would swing much too far in the opposite direction!

.

Wealth, pleasures, peace and safety, and time-consuming diversions, false miracles in world-loving churches, were just some of the weapons of war which this 2nd Beast, the False Prophet, would employ against God’s people in these last days.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Satan, The False Prophet who offers a world-loving gospel – www.signsofheaven.org

.

FROM FAMINE TO FEASTING

.

“Remove far from me vanity and lies:

give me neither poverty nor riches;

feed me with food convenient for me:

Lest I be full, and deny Thee, and say, Who is the LORD?

or lest I be poor, and steal,

and take the name of my God in vain.”

Proverbs 30:8, 9

This above verse lays down an important principle, that neither extreme is healthy, poverty nor riches.

.

But this passage seems to be a hidden prophecy concerning the two periods of the New Testament history.

.

This 2nd Beast was a new and improved beast.

.

No longer did Satan need to kill, torture and banish Christians.

.

Nor did he need to confiscate and burn Bibles.

.

No, this new and improved Beast would simply flood the Christian nations with every possible pleasure and pursuit, and material prosperity!

.

Truly, this beast arose out of the Earth: because earthly Mammon, lust, and excess was, and is what this 2nd Beast was all about!

.

Mall Market culture – Jakarta – Wikimedia – share-alike-lic.

.

LOOK-ALIKE IDEOLOGIES

.

And in addition to the age of materialism, lust, and excess, Satan turned his efforts to persecute God’s people by means of false ideologies and Biblical counterfeits.

.

He flooded the world with every pleasure, pursuit, ideology, and false gospel conceivable.

.

He no longer needed to imprison and torture Christians in man-made dungeons.

.

He would simply flood the world with all the, “lusts of the flesh, lusts of the eyes and pride of life”!

.

And by so-doing, he would cause Christians to become so preoccupied with worldly Mammon and watered-down prosperity-driven churches, that they had little time and little inclination to devote themselves to God’s work…

.

…ceaseless prayer, and Bible study and contemplation of God’s Word, and to the purification of the heart.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Satan, The False Prophet who offers a world-loving gospel – www.signsofheaven.org

.

So now that this brief explanation has been given, as to just what are the general principles governing Satan’s assault on humanity…

.

…this next section will make brief mention of some of the ways in which this second Beast is assaulting the world and the Church.

**Oh, and by the way, in addition to the Valley of Decision Constellation Group, there is one more host for this article, yet to be introduced: John Bunyan.**

.

**So a moment should be spent in introducing Mr. Bunyan…**

.

.

JOHN BUNYAN & VANITY FAIR

In the book, Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan speaks of an ancient town called Vanity Fair.

.

This town was an allegorical town; a symbolic picture of the attractions of this fallen and sinful world. The hero of this story was named Christian.

.

Listen to a quick synopsis by “Cliff Notes”… “Emerging from the wilderness, Christian and Faithful see before them a town they must enter because the Holy Way passes through it.

.

“It is an ancient town named Vanity Fair, where, all year round, such merchandise is bought and sold “as houses, lands, trades, places, honors, preferments, titles, countries, kingdoms, lusts, pleasures, and delights of all sorts, as whores, bawds, wives, husbands, children, masters, servants, lives, blood, bodies, souls, silver, gold, pearls, precious stones, and what not.

.

“At all times, one can see “jugglings, cheats, games, plays, fools, apes, knaves, rogues, and that of all sorts,” as well as, “and that for nothing, thefts, murders, adulteries, false-swearers, and that of a blood-red color.”

**(For a more thorough synopsis, just click here…Vanity Fair.)**

.

John Bunyan by Thomas Sadler – 1684 – Wikimedia – Public Domain

Pilgrims Progress – wikipedia – public-domain.jpg

.

FALSE PROPHET EXISTED LONG AGO

Reading this account of this town of Vanity Fair, it becomes clear that Satan and his “workers of iniquity” have always been hard at work, making his kingdom attractive to the lost souls in this world.

.

Vanity Fair was heavily laden with attractions and oddities, and amusements and attainments.

.

It had all divers sorts of delusions, to confuse, detract, and deter sinners from seeking after God.

.

It even had counterfeit Christian gospels within its gates.

.

The_Pilgrim’s_Progress_by_Byam_Shaw – wikimedia – public domain

.

PURPOSE OF THIS ARTICLE

.

But Vanity Fair still exists today. Make no mistake about that, O Pilgrim!

.

Satan and his followers are busy, busy, busy, making this present-day world more attractive and alluring than it has ever before been!

.

And so, it is the purpose of this article to discuss our modern-day world…

.

…and take a quick look at a few of the crafty and cunning ways this False Prophet…

.

…this King of Babylon, has worked his deceptive arts to entangle, confuse, captivate and destroy the souls of the unsuspecting people of the world!

.

And even the Church has been deceived to a great extent, as they too, follow after this “Pied Piper” from Hell, called the Dragon, the Devil, and Satan.

.

VANITY FAIR TODAY

Vanity Fair still exists today!

.

But today, Satan has really turned the lights on!

.

Vanity Fair has become electrified!

.

This Mardi Gras, this gigantic Carnival called The World, is getting a grand make-over, as his Satanic Majesty (“the god of this world“) prepares for the great showdown of that Last Day, called, Armageddon, The Day of the Lord, Judgment Day, The Time of Jacob’s Trouble, and even The Valley of Decision.

.

God will lay out His Salvation plan, as He never before has, since Christ walked the Earth. But the Devil will put forth incredible strength, in attempt to thwart God’s efforts.

.

New-york-times-square – terabass – wikipedia – share-alike-license.jpg

.

DRESSING UP FOR FINAL SHOWDOWN

.

Satan is just now putting up lights, and colored banners…

.

…firing up his high-tech devices, and fixing up his slums, and numerous other endeavors…

.

…and all this in effort to make this world as attractive and alluring like it never has been before.

.

And he has amassed great weapons of war to assault anyone who dares trumpet the truth of God.

.

But these weapons are much more than literal weapons: these weapons will be high-tech ones, using fiery verbal assaults, as though they are deadly bullets.

.

And with high-tech abilities, Satan can make life impossible for Christians, once he pulls off his mask, declaring open-season on True-Worshipers.

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

.

TELEVISION: SATAN’S ADVERTISER-IN-CHIEF

Satan has invented television (and Internet, radio, etc…) to become a world-wide advertiser-in-chief for his kingdom of darkness.

.

While television may be a great comfort to the lonely and infirm, yet its grand purpose is to project this world of sin and suffering, in such a way as to make this sad world appear to be beautiful, funny, exciting, intriguing, and inviting!

.

This incredible invention is a great part of what the Bible speaks of as the “image (of the Beast) that speaks” Revelation 13:15. (see the article “Television and The Image That Speaks”)

.

By adding some beautiful music, charismatic characters, some visual enhancements, and a sympathetic storyline, Satan can make even the most hideous and sinful aspects of this world appear attractive and even good!

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Television, the image that speaks – TV – www.theheavensdeclare.net – for non-profit use only – commercial use by permission only – copyrighted by signsofheaven.org

.

O PILGRIM, GUARD WELL YOUR SOUL!

**The Bible clearly declares… “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1st Corinthians 15:33.**

.

The heart of Man is defiled by all the ungodliness which a man or woman or child beholds.

.

The sounds and images which are allowed to enter into the Eye-Gates, or the Ear-Gates, all become like destructive graffiti upon the walls of the human heart.

.

And like graffiti, it is very difficult to get it cleaned off, once it enters the heart and mind.

Satan, the great False Prophet, uses television to indoctrinate young and old alike, ultimately making unsuspecting people into loyal citizens of spiritual Babylon, the great city and kingdom of Satan.

.

THE WHOLE WORLD LIES IN WICKEDNESS

Now this is as good a place as any to present the following concept.

.

And this concept is plainly spoken of in 1st John… “And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.” 1st John 5:19.

.

Yes, that’s right! “The whole world lies in wickedness”.

.

This is a tough concept to accept. “The whole world lies in wickedness”.

.

Not just some of the world lies in wickedness.

.

But the Bible clearly states that, “the WHOLE world lies in wickedness”.

.

And yes, there are many Christians both in liberal and conservative churches alike, who deny this truth.

.

But if one accepts the Bible as the infallible Word of truth, then one can only conclude, that, “the WHOLE world lies in wickedness”.

But this shouldn’t be a surprise. After all, the Bible proclaims that Lucifer is called, in 2nd Corinthians 4:4, “the god of this world”.

.

So, the world itself is Lucifer’s kingdom, Babylon.

Martin, John – Satan presiding at the Infernal Council – wikipedia – public-domain.jpg

.

LUCIFER: A TRUE BRIDGE-BUILDER

.

One great principle that must be remembered, now that we are in the time of the False Prophet, is that he has adorned this evil world with many things which have the appearance of goodness. Innocent amusements.

.

…High-paying careers.

…Interesting hobbies.

…Intriguing sciences.

.

And it gives his Satanic Majesty no greater pleasure than to see Christians walking across the bridge into the world!

.

And so, the-god-of-this-world has constructed a bridge to the world: a bridge which has been built with a lot of seemingly “good, even innocent things”!

.

There are clubs to join, resorts to relax at, restaurants and coffee houses to frequent, sports games to play (or watch), insurance schemes to invest in, dramas to see and hear, stock-markets to invest in, unions to pledge allegiance to, operas, concerts and plays and musicals to dress up for, newspapers to relax and read or TV news to watch, holidays to plan for and celebrate, school events to attend!

.

And before long, as Christians join hands, so to speak, with the world, it becomes increasingly difficult to distinguish the Christian from the world-ling.

.

bridge to nowhere – creative commons license – cropped image – wikimedia

.

SEPARATION FROM THE WORLD

.

But the Bible warns…

…”Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers:

for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?

and what communion hath light with darkness?

And what concord hath Christ with Belial?

or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols?

for ye are the temple of the living God;

as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them;

and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

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 6:14-18

.

Notice that this passage says that separation from the world is a prerequisite to Him being our Father!

.

US Navy – Chaplain Lt. Jason Gregory reads Bible on weather deck – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

.

A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD!

.

“But ye are a chosen generation,

a royal priesthood, an holy nation,

a peculiar people;

that ye should show forth the praises of Him

who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light:”

1st Peter 2:9.

.

Now such a verse as this, calling Christians a royal priesthood, a peculiar people, is an absolutely preposterous idea to many.

.

And let’s face it, most of us don’t like rejection.

.

It is human nature to want to be accepted.

.

And so, many Christians try very hard to blend in.

.

And truthfully, there’s nothing wrong with trying to blend in.

.

The problem comes in when a Christian begins to adorn his or her self with ungodly adornments: un-Christlike conversation, dementing associations, corrupting amusements and compromising places of amusement.

.

And no, we are not to begin wearing uniforms, grow a beard, or speak in “Thee’s” and “Thou’s”.

.

But we need to guard our heart with all diligence, against becoming one in spirit with the world!

.

“DO YA GOT WHAT IT TAKES?”

Now in this Vanity Fair world, television has an undercurrent to it, that is an unspoken challenge to everyone watching it: “Can you do it? Do you really have what it takes?”

.

This unspoken challenge is seen in many comedies, dramas, and even in advertisements.

.

Just think how an advertisement for, perhaps, an automobile, can inspire envy in the audience.

.

A very glamorous lady, or a successful young business man gets into a shiny new car and zooms off into the sunset.

.

Television purposely incorporates such envy and covetousness.

.

This is the pride of life in all its insidious evil, presented to the unsuspecting viewers in the form of “pleasant pictures”. Isaiah 2:16

.

Rolls Royce 200EX ‘Ghost’ – Flickr – The Car Spy – cropped image – Wikimedia Share-alike license.

.

PRIDE-of-LIFE EVERYWHERE

Of course, it’s not just advertisements.

.

Pride is a selling-point for all sorts of programming.

.

If a viewer should place a mark on a piece of paper, every time, “the pride of life” was used on various TV shows, that viewer would probably be amazed by how many marks they would end up with after just one evening!

.

But the “pride of life” is just one great sin. There are actually three great sins in the world: “The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life”. 1st John 2:16.

.

So let these three sins be discussed for a moment…

.

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

.

THE 3 GREAT SINS

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.

If any man love the world,

the love of the Father is not in him.

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh,

and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life,

is not of the Father, but is of the world.

And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof:

but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”

1st John 2:15-17

3 SINS IN THE GARDEN

**When the serpent beguiled the woman in the Garden, it was over these three great sins: “The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (see Genesis 3:6).**

.

SAME 3 SINS WITH JESUS

.

When the Devil tempted Jesus, it was also over these same three sins: “The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (see Matthew 4:1-11).

.

And the Apostle John listed these same three sins as the basis of Satan’s kingdom, the world…. “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” 1st John 2:16

.

Eve – Tizian – Wikipedia – pub-dom

Christ battles satan www.thebiblerevival.com-public domain

.

3 SINS OF THAT “MOTHER OF HARLOTS”…

.

And if one cares to think about it, it is the same three sins which exude from the allegory which God has given, in the portrait of that infamous harlot, “Mystery Babylon, The Mother of Harlots”.

.

These three sins are seen in the mere description of her.

.

**The Book of Revelation, Chapter 18, describes her as a beautiful harlot, who sits as a queen, adorned with purple and scarlet clothes, and decked with precious jewels.**

.

So here again, portrayed in this harlot, are those same three sins: “The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life”.

.

whore-babylon-color-Burgkmair-wikimedia-US-public-domain.jpg

.

TV: THE MERCHANT OF SIN

.

**And Satan uses these three great sins constantly on television, as a selling-point of his kingdom, The World, Babylon, and as Bunyan called it, Vanity Fair.**

.

So again, if someone would just sit down for an evening and just note on a piece of paper, each time one of these three sins are seen or heard on television.

.

Then he or she might understand why this website declares that television is Satan’s Advertiser-In-Chief.

.

CAREERS

“It is an ancient town named Vanity Fair, where, all year round, such merchandise is bought and sold “as houses, lands, trades, places, honors, preferments, titles, countries, kingdoms, lusts, pleasures, and delights of all sorts, as whores, bawds, wives, husbands, children, masters, servants, lives, blood, bodies, souls, silver, gold, pearls, precious stones, and what not.”

Notice in the above passage from Pilgrim’s Progress, that Vanity Fair is a place of

“honors, preferments, titles and TRADES”.

.

Now why would trades be mentioned? Is a job an evil thing? Of course not!

.

But Satan uses all these things for his own evil purposes.

.

And people can make anything into an idol or lesser god.

.

And one can get so attached to his job and the things that a pay-check will buy, that even these good things can and often do become objects of worship.

.

Like never before in history, Satan is creating “careers”. These are not just minimum-wage jobs. These are high-paying jobs only for those with special qualifications. These are coveted professions for those who are seeking after the higher attainments of life.

.

**These careers often are accompanied with “honors, preferments, and even titles”, as John Bunyan declared in the above passage from Pilgrim’s Progress.**

.

And of course, the high salaries which many careers pay, affords these “professionals” with many of the other finer accouterments of life: nicer houses, luxurious cars, finer apparel, 5-star resorts, upscale restaurants, etc…

.

The Pilgrim’s Progress – title page third edition – 1679 – wikimedia commons – public domain

.

CHRISTIANS ENTANGLED

Now for the people of the world, a demanding career is just fine. This advice is not for them. They are of the world.

.

But there are great problems for the Christian who desires to seek after such a career.

.

Quite often, careers can be so demanding and draining upon the body, mind, and soul of the Christian, that the more important duties in that Christian’s life, God, Bible meditation, prayer and family relationships, quite often take a back seat to his or her career!

.

Whereas, if that Christian would only take a less-demanding job, such as a night-watchman, self-employed tradesman, clerk or factory worker, etc., they might be able to devote much more time and energy to the spouse, children and the study of the Bible & prayer.

.

Listen… “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” 2nd Timothy 2:4.

.

God has chosen the Christian to be a soldier in His army.

.

And as this above verse points out, he or she is not to get entangled with the affairs of this life.

.

Neither are they to seek after the riches and earthly Mammon which ensnare the soul.

.

They are to become Christ-like in every way.

.

And as already stated, if the people of the world wish to entangle themselves in an all-consuming career, that’s their privilege to do so.

.

Palmer carpenter – wikipedia – public domain

.

THE DREAM-MAKER of BABYLON

Satan, now coming as The False Prophet, the 2nd beast of Revelation 13, has been very busy giving this world a make-over, turning it into a place where dreams are bought and sold.

.

Yes, Satan is the merchant-seller of dreams.

.

And he churns out dreams for just about anyone and everyone! Some people dream about having an important position in life.

.

Others want that big house and nice car, and expensive vacations, which high-paying careers afford.

.

Still others dream about owning a cottage by a stream of water.

.

Yes, Satan, the False Prophet has inspired jealous envy in the hearts of mankind to lust after that dream which he promises can be theirs to have and to own.

.

But though one person’s dream may not be another person’s dream, nevertheless, the Master-Deceiver has an alluring picture tailor-made for each individual!

.

Yes, Satan is a dream-spinner! And he has a dream just tailor-made for each one of Mankind!

.

**So, to explore further into this Vanity Fair World, and see what other allurements there are in his Kingdom of Lies, which Bunyan called, Vanity Fair…**

.

JOINING UNIONS & OTHER GROUPS

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers:

for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?

and what communion hath light with darkness?….

Wherefore come out from among them,

and be ye separate, saith the Lord,

and touch not the unclean [thing];

and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you,

and ye shall be My sons and daughters,

saith the Lord Almighty.”

2nd Corinthians 6:14, 17, 18

But before leaving this topic of careers, it might be well to spend a moment on the subject of groups and unions.

.

Because this subject has very much to do with Satan’s attempt to ensnare souls.

.

Now for the people of the world, joining a union or other organizations is just fine.

.

But Christians must beware of getting yoked together with unbelievers.

.

One of the great problems with many trades and careers, is that it often requires the Christian to take a pledge on paper, or raise the right hand, and take an oath to support a union…

.

…a union which, frequently has been built on a foundation of sin: using un-Christian tactics, such as verbal, physical, or financial pressure to obtain more money.

.

Listen… “And the soldiers likewise demanded of him (John the Baptist),

saying, And what shall we do?

And he (John) said unto them,

Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely;

and be content with your wages.”

Luke 3:14.

.

Is being content with one’s wages, what unions are all about?

.

**And so now, whether the union member knows it or not, they have become (by taking that oath) a partaker in the sins of that union, whatever they may be.**

.

And the Bible clearly says… “Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.” 1st Timothy 5:22.

.

When a particular union exercises verbal, physical or even financial force to obtain higher wages, then its members are partakers of that union’s sin.

.

Never should the Christian take an oath for the loyalty & support of any worldly organization.

.

Union Labor Strike – cropped and altered image – Wikimedia – share-alike license

.

“EVIL COMMUNICATIONS CORRUPTS”

1st Corinthians 15:33

.

“Anyone who walks with wise people grows wise. But a companion of foolish people suffers harm.” Proverbs 13:20

.

Another big problem with joining groups and unions, is that quite often, the Christian becomes so closely aligned in camaraderie between fellow union or club members, that it becomes nearly impossible to escape the contagious and overwhelming worldliness and sin and social life in that little society.

.

He or she may eventually be swallowed up (spiritually) by that group or union, and then there will be very little difference between the Christian and the world!

.

Much of one’s Christian peculiarity will be simply swallowed up!

.

**Listen…*“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers:***

for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?

and what communion hath light with darkness?….

Wherefore come out from among them,

and be ye separate, saith the Lord,

and touch not the unclean [thing];

and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you,

and ye shall be My sons and daughters,

saith the Lord Almighty.”

2nd Corinthians 6:14, 17, 18

.

God is not merely speaking idle words here.

.

This passage is a strong warning.

.

And if that Christian wants to be the son and daughter of the Lord, he needs to take heed to these words.

.

Because this passage warns that, God being my Father, is conditional on my obedience to this passage.

.

Listen again… “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.”

.

Lunch Break – Wikimedia Commons – Share-alike License

Chicago Tribune 1986 strikebreakers wikipedia share-alike license

.

DARE TO BE A DANIEL

.

There is an old children’s’ song which goes… “Dare to be a Daniel, Dare to stand alone! Dare to have a purpose firm! Dare to make it known.”

.

There are many times in which the Christian finds his or her self alone.

.

There are many sacrifices which the Christian must make in order to win that heavenly crown.

.

And choosing a lower-paying job, to stay away from corrupting influences may just be one of those sacrifices the Christian might have to make.

.

Daniel and lions – wikipedia – US public domain – by Briton Riviere

.

JEREMIAH SEPARATED HIMSELF

.

Listen to Jeremiah, as he proclaimed his separation from an apostate congregation…

…”I [Jeremiah] sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced;

I sat alone because of Thy hand…

And I [the LORD] will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked,

and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible.”

Jeremiah 15:17, 21.

.

This testimony by Jeremiah, is reminiscent of a similar statement by David, found in Psalm 26…

…”I have not sat with vain persons,

neither will I go in with dissemblers.

I have hated the congregation of evildoers;

and will not sit with the wicked.”

Psalm 26:4, 5.

.

Now those who insist that Hebrews 10:25 (“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”) takes precedent over these passages should go to the article… “Fleeing to the Mountains: The Abomination in the Church”

Cry of prophet Jeremiah on the Ruins of Jerusalem – Wikiart – US Public Domain

.

TO CONTINUE READING, JUST CLICK HERE… “VANITY FAIR AND THE FALSE PROPHET, CONTINUED”

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Babylon, O Destroying Mountain Constellation: “Vanity Fair” & The False Prophet

Planet of Rest: “What is the True Sabbath?”

By admin On February 18th, 2013

Planet of Rest: “What is the True Sabbath?”

“If they shall enter into My Rest…

Again, He (God) limits a certain day,

saying in David, To day,

after so long a time; as it is said,

To day if ye will hear His voice,

harden not your hearts.”

Hebrews 4:5, 7

.

THREE SABBATHS!?!

.

There exists a disagreement over which day of the week that Christians are to hold sacred.

.

Now the majority of churchgoers hold to the Sunday Sabbath, or as it is now called, The Lord’s Day.

.

Other groups believe that the 7th-day (Saturday) is the biblical Sabbath.

.

This website will offer a third viewpoint, which many also hold to.

.

But before that third viewpoint is presented, it might be helpful to compare the first two viewpoints…

.

…so that a basic understanding of just what is the argument between 1st-day proponents and 7th-day proponents over which day is the biblical day of rest.

.

Question Marks-At a loss svg wikimedia commons share-alike license

.

WHAT IS THE TRUE SABBATH?

The great majority of Christians congregate together on Sunday, the 1st day of the week.

.

Through the centuries, they referred to Sunday as the Sabbath.

.

And through the centuries, it was regarded as a holy day of physical rest and spiritual endeavors.

.

But the name, “The Sabbath”, is not used too often anymore, and is not so much regarded as a day set apart from the other days…

.

…to a great degree, Sunday is no longer a day for physical rest and spiritual endeavors, aside from church attendance.

.

Nowadays, they use the fact that Jesus arose on the 1st Day of the week, assuming that is what John the Revelator was speaking of when he wrote… “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day…” Revelation 1:10.

.

So, Sunday is now commonly referred to as the Lord’s Day.

.

Church Attendance – www.thebiblerevival.com – Public Domain

.

SEVENTH DAY?

.

The Jews and some Christians still keep the 7th day, according to the Ten Commandments.

.

These will keep the 7th day from sundown on Friday until sundown on Saturday as the Bible Sabbath.

.

Jewish Children with their Teacher in Samarkand – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

So just which day is the correct day to go to church, and to spend with the Lord, as His holy day?

.

Is the 7th day still in force?

.

Or is Sunday truly the Lord’s Day?

.

Just what does the Bible have to say about all of this?

Magnifying Glass – Wikimedia – Share-alike License.

.

But first let’s introduce our host,

for this article…

.

…Planet Earth

.

EARTH: PLANET OF REST

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, the Sun corresponding to the 1st Commandment…

.

…then Planet Earth would correctly correspond to the 4th Commandment: The Seventh-day Sabbath.

.

And so, on this troubled planet which corresponds to the very commandment which exalts the idea of “peace” and “rest”…

.

…there exists very little peace here…

.

…and very little rest.

.

Ironic, isn’t it?

.

And so, the 4th member of our solar system, being Planet Earth, will be the host for this article.

The Earth seen from Apollo_17-NASA & – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

WHY KEEP ANY ONE DAY HOLY?

“Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:

But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God:

in it thou shalt not do any work,

thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter,

thy manservant, nor thy maidservant,

nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:

For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea,

and all that in them is,

and rested the seventh day:

wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day,

and hallowed it.”

Exodus 20:8-11

So the above passage is one of the Ten Commandments, written on the two tablets of stone, which God wrote in the presence of Moses.

.

This 4th Commandment commands that the seventh day is the correct day to keep holy.

“…and all the world may become guilty before God.”

Now, the general consensus is, that the day now called Saturday, is the 7th day spoken of here in Exodus.

.

But those who choose Sunday, make the claim that the 7th-day Sabbath was only for Israel, and was done away in the New Testament.

But defenders of the 7th-day Sabbath point out that in various New Testament passages, it clearly states that the entire world is under the law.

.

One such passage is found in Romans…

…”Now we know that what things soever the law saith,

it saith to them who are under the law:

that every mouth may be stopped,

and all the world may become guilty before God.”

Romans 3:19.

.

So, it states here that the whole world is under the Law of God.

“The Sabbath was made for Man…”

But in addition to the whole world being under God’s Law, 7th day proponents also point out that… “The Sabbath was made for Man, and not Man for the Sabbath:” Mark 2:27.

.

So, the Sabbath was made for Mankind, and not just for Israel.

Tissot – Moses and the Ten Commandments – wikimedia – US-public-dom

.

GOD RESTED ON THE 7TH DAY

.

“…And God blessed the seventh day,

and sanctified it:

because that in it He had rested from all His work

which God created and made.”

.

As stated in the previous little section, the 1st-day advocates attempt to show that the Sabbath was for Israel only, by using this passage…

…”Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath,

to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.

It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel for ever…”

Exodus 31:16, 17 Condensed

.

Proponents of the 7th-day Sabbath also counter the 1st-day proponent’s argument by pointing out that God hallowed the 7th day all the way back in the week of Creation, long before there ever was such a thing as a Jew.

To this, the 1st-day advocates counter by saying, “Well yes, God did hallow that day on the 7th day of Creation Week, but it doesn’t actually say that people began to keep the Sabbath until the Jews began keeping it.”

.

To this argument, 7th-day proponents throw up their hands in disbelief at that comment!

Cole Thomas – Expulsion from the Garden of Eden – 1828 – Boston-Museum – Wikipedia – US-public-domain.jpg

.

“THE LAW WAS OUR SCHOOLMASTER”

.

“But before faith came, we were kept under the law,

shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ,

that we might be justified by faith.

But after that faith is come,

we are no longer under a schoolmaster.”

Galatians 3:23-25

.

Those who support Sunday as being the Lord’s Day use the above passage as one of the proofs that the 7th-day is no longer to be observed as the Sabbath.

.

This above passage clearly states that the Law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ.

.

**But they point out that because “faith is come”, we are no longer under the schoolmaster of the law.**

.

Proponents of the 7th-day Sabbath reply that this is speaking of merely the ceremonial law and not the Ten Commandments.

But again, 1st-day proponents say, “where does it say in Galatians that it is merely speaking of the ceremonial Law?”

.

To this, the proponents of the 7th-day have no substantial counter-argument.

Jewish Children with their Teacher in Samarkand – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

THE LORD’S DAY

.

“I (John) was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,” Revelation 1:10

.

As already stated, the proponents of the 1st-day use the above verse as proof that the Old Testament Sabbath has been changed to a New Testament Lord’s Day.

.

But 7th-day advocates quickly reply that this above verse is speaking of the 7th-Day Sabbath, and not the 1st-day.

.

And for a proof text, they use the words of Jesus… “For the Son of man is Lord even of the Sabbath Day.” Matthew 12:8; Mark 2:28; Luke 6:5.

.

**And so, they say that because Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath day, then the 7th-day Sabbath must be the “Lord’s Day” spoken of by John in Revelation Chapter 1.**

.

Furthermore, the 7th-day advocates remind 1st-day advocates that there’s no Bible passage which specifically connects the 1st-day with the Lord’s Day.

.

But the proponents of the 1st-day quickly point out that the Lord was risen on the 1st-day and the Lord’s Day is to honor the resurrection of Christ.

.

But 7th-day proponents counter this by saying that while it’s true that the Lord was resurrected on the 1st day of the week, you must still make a theological leap in order to connect that to the Lord’s Day.

John on Patmos – Wikigallery – US Public Domain

.

1st DAY OF THE WEEK

.

**The term, 1st day of the week is lauded by 1st day proponents as being proof that the Lord’s Day is speaking of the 1st-day of the week.**

.

**There was a, “breaking of bread”, on the 1st day (see Acts 20:7).**

.

There was also an admonition for the church individuals to, “lay (offerings) by him in store”, on the 1st-day of the week (see 1st Corinthians 16:2).

.

**7th-day proponents are quick to point out that the, “breaking of bread”, also took place on a daily basis by the early church (see Acts 2:46).**

.

“And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made”

Acts 16:13

.

7th-Day proponents also point out that Luke, Paul, and his fellow Christians went down by a certain river, in a non-Jewish nation, on the 7th-day Sabbath, “where prayer was wont to be made” (see Acts 16:13).

.

They then conclude that the New Testament does actually recognize the 7th-Day Sabbath!

.

Prayer by a river on the Sabbath – Acts 16-13 – Bible Illustrations by Sweet Media –

.

Still others are quick to point out that the phrase, “1st day of the week”, is actually translated, “1st of the Sabbaths”, or, “one of the Sabbaths”.

.

**Thus, the phrase, “1st day of the week”, is in reality, a mistranslation by the King James translators.**

magnifying-glass-wikimedia-share-alike-license.png

.

PAUL TAUGHT ON 1ST DAY

“And upon the first day of the week,

when the disciples came together to break bread,

Paul preached unto them,

ready to depart on the morrow;

and continued his speech until midnight.”

Acts 20:7

Many 1st-day proponents use this above passage to not only prove a 1st-day holy day, but also to substantiate the changing of that holy day to a midnight-to-midnight observance.

.

**After all, they say, it says right here, “Paul preached unto them…and continued his speech until midnight.“**

.

But 7th-Day proponents counter by saying, that Paul only quit at midnight because Eutychus fell out of the window at midnight!

.

Listen… “And there sat in a window

a certain young man named Eutychus,

being fallen into a deep sleep:

and as Paul was long preaching,

he sunk down with sleep,

and fell down from the third loft,

and was taken up dead.”

Acts 20:9.

.

So, the only reason the meeting stopped was because the young man fell out of the window!

.

Now just because a man falls out of a window at midnight, is by no means a reason to change the day from sundown-to-sundown, to midnight-to-midnight!

.

It wasn’t because the “holy day” had ended.

.

It was because the young man fell out of the window at midnight!

.

And anyway, after the Lord revived the young man, the meeting continued well into the next day, the second day of the week.

.

Listen… “When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.” Acts 20:11

.

So the meeting was resumed after the young man was brought up again alive, and continued till, “the break of day”.

.

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

Paul raiseth Eutychus to life – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

THE LAW WAS A SHADOW

“Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink,

or in respect of an holyday,

or of the new moon,

or of the Sabbath [days]:

Which are a shadow of things to come;

but the body is of Christ.”

Colossians 2:16, 17

.

So, the proponents of the 1st-day theory use this above passage to say that the 7th-Day Sabbath was merely an Old Testament shadow pointing to Christ as the fulfillment.

.

The 7th-day proponents counter this argument by saying that this above passage is merely speaking of the ceremonial laws and not the Ten Commandments.

.

The 1st day proponents come right back and ask, “Where does this passage say that its limited to only the ceremonial laws?”

.

At this point, the proponents of the 7th-Day Sabbath say that the context of that passage is speaking of ceremonial laws.

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

.

THIRD VIEWPOINT ON THE SABBATH

“Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.”

Romans 14:5

Now the reason that there exists a controversy about this question is because the New Testament does not make any definite statement about which day the Christian should keep.

.

The closest statement that 7th-day advocates can use, is when Jesus declared Himself the “Lord even of the Sabbath day”.

Matthew 12:8; Mark 2:28; Luke 6:5.

.

And though this is a powerful statement, it doesn’t actually command the keeping of the Sabbath for New Testament Believers, as the Old Testament clearly does.

.

But there is a third viewpoint about Sabbath-Keeping.

.

And there needs to be no confusion about this third viewpoint.

.

And this next section will explore that concept…

.

The Earth seen from Apollo_17-NASA & – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

THIRD VIEW: TRUE SABBATH IS A SPIRITUAL REST

“Come unto Me, all ye that labour

and are heavy laden,

and I will give you rest.

Take My yoke upon you,

and learn of Me;

for I am meek and lowly in heart:

and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

For My yoke is easy,

and My burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30

Oh, make no mistake, the 7th-day is the true Bible Sabbath, according to the two stone tablets of the law.

.

The Bible fully supports that idea.

.

But when Jesus came to this world, He began to lay open the spiritual nature of the Bible.

.

There was a deeper meaning to those Old Testament stories.

.

And as Jesus spoke to the people, He laid open many things which the people had only taken literally.

.

The Sabbath being one of those truths which Jesus began to unlock the deeper spiritual message of.

.

This above passage from Matthew lays open a third viewpoint.

.

Jesus now speaks of the Sabbath as a spiritual rest from spiritually-dead works.

.

Bernhard_Plockhorst_-_Good_Shephard-wikipedia-public-domain.jpg

.

“Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me…and ye shall find rest unto your souls.“

orion good shepherd

.

And this passage is why there are many who believe that the true New Testament Sabbath is no longer a one-day-per-week physical rest.

.

But rather, these now believe the New Testament Sabbath to be a spiritual rest and is a 24/7/365 Sabbath rest…

.

…not a rest from physical work, but rather, a spiritual rest from the works of the flesh.

.

Notice that Jesus calls to all those who are laboring under a heavy burden.

.

**This is obviously NOT speaking of having to do physical labor at a job…**

.

**…this rather, is speaking of being a prisoner of Satan, which is a heavy burden to bear (see 2nd Timothy 2:26)…**

.

**…and the “rest” which Jesus offers, is a “rest unto your souls”.**

.

***THIRD VIEW:* *10 COMMANDMENTS: SYNOPSIS OF ENTIRE BIBLE***

“I have seen an end of all perfection:

but Thy commandment is exceeding broad…

…O how love I Thy law!

it is my meditation all the day.”

Psalm 119:96 & 11

This above passage gives a clue to how the Christian is to understand the Bible.

.

**The Bible is one complete unbreakable doctrine…“exceeding broad”.**

.

We just cannot take one verse out of context and form a complete understanding.

.

Bloch-Sermon On The Mount wikipedia public domain

.

***THIRD VIEW:* *EACH COMMANDMENT ENCOMPASSES ENTIRE BIBLE***

.

**And if one would take, say, for instance, the 1st Commandment, “Thou shalt have no other gods before Me”, and really begin to study it out, in the light of the whole Bible…**

.

…one quite possibly would eventually find that every verse of the Bible is connected to that one commandment!

.

And the same goes for the 2nd commandment, and the 3rd, and the 4th, 5th, 6th, and all 10 of the commandments.

.

Yes, it seems quite possible that these 10 commandments expand until they each cover the entire Bible.

.

Your search to understand the 10 Commandments would quite possibly never end!

.

When God says, “but Thy commandment is exceeding broad”, we just cannot fully comprehend the words, “exceeding broad”.

.

And so when God follows up with… “O how love I Thy law! it is my meditation all the day”, He is NOT merely speaking of meditating on a mere little “laundry list” of, “Thou shalt not’s“.

.

No, when God commands us to meditate day and night on the Law, He is actually speaking of meditating on the entire Bible, which is an infinite Book.

.

Those “10 little rules” may actually never end!

.

They are perhaps infinite and eternal, because Jesus, who is the very embodiment of the Law, is infinite and eternal!

.

Ten Commandments Monument – wikipedia – public domain

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – public domain

.

***JESUS, THE INFINITE* *GLORY OF THE LAW!***

.

And when Jesus walked the earth, He gave humanity a glimpse at the true glory of those commandments.

.

He is infinite! He is the eternal and infinite Word of God!

.

And so it is with the commandments.

.

There seems to be no end to them.

.

Oh yes, Jesus is the end of all perfection.

.

He is the end of the Law.

.

But now we see Him only through a “mirror darkly”.

.

Eternity will never exhaust our meditation on the Holy One of Israel, or so it seems!

.

**So when Paul, in Romans says… “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.” Romans 10:4, Paul is not saying that Christ did away with the commandments.**

.

No, Paul is actually saying here that Christ is the fulfillment of the Law.

.

In other words, he is saying that in Christ is seen the Law of God in all its infinite glory!

Transfiguration – bloch – wikimedia commons – US-public-domain

.

***THIRD VIEW:* 4th COMMANDMENT *SPIRITUALLY DISCERNED***

.

When God rested on the 7th-Day of Creation, He blessed and hallowed that day.

.

**Mankind, who were created on the 6th-day (along with the beasts of the Earth), were invited to partake of the 7th-day rest.**

.

Oh yes, it was a literal rest. But it was much more than just a literal and physical rest.

.

It was a picture of the spiritual rest that Jesus offered, when he said… “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest…unto your souls.”

.

Jesus The Good Shepherd – Bernhard Plockhorst – 1825-1907 – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

MANKIND LEFT GOD’S REST

.

But when Mankind rebelled against God, they in essence, left that spiritual, “rest unto your souls”.

.

The world was no longer a place of peace, rest, and tranquility.

.

It was now a world in turmoil.

.

Mankind began to display many of the same attributes which are seen in the animal kingdom.

.

The Bible often describes us as “dogs”.

.

Paul compared his opponents in Ephesus to “wild beasts”.

.

Revelation compares Spiritual Babylon to, “a cage of hateful and unclean birds”. Revelation 18:2

.

**Jesus compared “false brethren” in the church-world to “swine”.**

.

And on and on it goes. Mankind, who were created in the image of God, left that spiritual rest, and largely reverted back to the behavior of beasts and creeping things and fowls of the air.

.

Transfiguration – bloch – wikimedia commons – US-public-domain

.

“SIX” AND “SEVEN”

.

Listen to Paul… “[Fallen Mankind],

who changed the truth of God into a lie,

and worshipped and served the creature

more than the Creator,

who is blessed for ever. Amen.”

Romans 1:25

.

So, when the 4th Commandment speaks of laboring “six” days, there is a spiritual context which must not be overlooked.

.

“Six” is the number of the day in which man and beast were both created.

.

“Seven” is the number of God’s spiritual rest. So the 7th-Day has to do with rest.

.

It is not merely speaking of the 24-hour period we now call Saturday.

.

It means much more than just ceasing from physical labor.

.

And merely ceasing from physical labor cannot make a day holy.

.

But ceasing from our dead-works and entering into God’s spiritual rest will indeed make any and every day holy!

.

Jesus The Good Shepherd – Bernhard Plockhorst – 1825-1907 – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

ENTERING HIS SPIRITUAL REST

.

Listen to Hebrews…

…For He spake in a certain place of the seventh [day] on this wise,

And God did rest the seventh day from all His works.

And in this place again, If they shall enter into My rest…

There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.

For he that is entered into His rest,

he also hath ceased from his own works,

as God did from His.”

Hebrews 4:4, 9, 10.

.

So, here is a very pointed and powerful statement to the effect that…

.

…God here is comparing the 7-Day of Creation, in which He rested, to that spiritual rest that we now are commanded to enter.

.

And so, both the Old Testament and New Testament speak in spiritual terms, concerning the 4th Commandment.

Girl with a Bible – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

.

***THIRD VIEW:* THERE REMAINS A REST *TO GOD’S PEOPLE***

“There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.

For he that is entered into His rest,

he also hath ceased from his own works,

as God did from His.

Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest,

lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.”

Hebrews 4:9-11

This above passage is from a long dissertation by Paul, in Hebrews 3:7 thru 4:11 in which Paul speaks of the spiritual rest which the Hebrew nation, as a whole, did not enter into…

.

…and this rest still remains today.

.

And Christians are being called to enter into this very rest.

.

And just like the call by Jesus, in Matthew 11:28-30, we are called to enter the rest unto our souls (“Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest…unto your souls”).

.

But this passage from Hebrews goes further than Matthew 11:28-30, in that it says that we must “labor” to enter into God’s rest (“…Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, etc…”).

.

Paul-the-Apostle-Artist-Valentin-de-Boulogne-or-Nicolas-Tournier-circa-1500s-wikipedia-public-domain.jpg

.

HOW DO WE LABOR?

.

And how do we do that? Just how does a man or woman or child labor to enter God’s Rest?

.

Hebrews goes into a long dialogue concerning the following…

.

…that it is true belief that will bring a person into the rest.

.

But more than this, the True-Believer will cease from his or her own works of sin and disbelief in God’s promises.

.

And Paul points out that such a ceasing from sin and unbelief is a pre-requisite to entering into that rest…

…”For he that is entered into His rest,

he also hath ceased from his own works,

as God did from His.”

.

But the point to all this is: this is a Sabbath-keeping which remains for the people of God, today.

.

And Adam and Eve left that rest when tempted by Satan to engage in the works of sin.

.

And though Mankind left that spiritual rest on that very day…

.

…there still remains to this very day, the offer for all humanity to enter back into that rest… “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God..”

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

.

***THIRD VIEW:* *PHYSICAL LABOR DOESN’T MAKE A DAY UNHOLY***

.

One big tip-off that the 4th Commandment is not speaking of a once-a-week ceasing from physical labor, is the fact that merely ceasing from physical labor cannot make a day holy.

.

**But to cease from the works of unbelief and sin, and to enter into the, “rest unto your souls”, will most definitely make any day of the week holy!**

.

And this is the great desire of God.

.

There are many of us today, who attempt to keep one day of the week holy, whether it be Saturday or Sunday, by ceasing from physical labor…

.

…and yet our hearts are filled with the works of the flesh.

.

Just listen to Paul…

“Now the works of the flesh are manifest,

which are these;

Adultery, fornication, uncleanness…

…lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft…

…hatred, variance, emulations…

…wrath, strife, seditions, heresies…

…Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings…

and such like:

of the which I tell you before,

as I have also told you in time past,

that they which do such things

shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Galatians 5:19-21.

.

Hunt – Light_of_the_World – wiki – public-domain.jpg

.

***THIRD VIEW:* *WHAT IS HOLINESS?***

.

And this brings us to another important point. Do I actually believe I can indulge in the unholy things such as secular TV, on the weekdays, and then try to keep my Sabbath holy for a 24-hour period? No, it’s impossible to merely keep just one day per week holy! Holiness is not some faucet which one turns on and off. In order to keep one day holy, you must keep the other six days holy as well!

The Sabbath Breaker Stoned by James Tissot, 1900 Jewish Museum, New York

The Bible says, “But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of living; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1st Peter 1:15, 16

The only real holiness is the life of Jesus. His life is the essence of holiness. To think that ceasing from physical labor, or not going into a store is going to make the Sabbath-keeping holy, is to not properly understand just what is holiness.

.

For instance, the story in the Bible about a man who was stoned to death for merely picking up sticks on the Sabbath Day (see Numbers 5:32), were real-life events which were orchestrated by God to present spiritual lessons. Here was a picture of someone who was still laboring in the flesh.

.

Listen to Paul… “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” Romans 8:13.

.

This individual was used by God to present a picture of someone who has not entered into God’s everlasting rest. And picking up sticks symbolizes the works of the flesh, while professing to have entered that everlasting rest!

“The Sabbath Breaker Stoned” by James Tissot, 1900 (Jewish Museum, New York)

.

***THIRD VIEW:* *PRESUMPTUOUS SINS***

“Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.” Psalm 19:13

This above verse from Psalm 19 really nails down the concept of the unpardonable sin: presumptuousness. Those who presumptuously continue on in sin and worldly lusts, are in danger of committing the great transgression. This was the sin which eventually destroyed, “Israel after the flesh“. And it is no less a danger today in Christendom.

Now there are many professed Christians who claim to have entered into that spiritual rest, and yet are still laboring in sin and lust and unbelief in God’s promises.

.

But Paul makes it clear in this statement… “For he that is entered into His rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from His.” Hebrews 4:10.

.

Satan has worked overtime to keep this truth from God’s professed people. Satan has his so-called, “ministers of righteousness”, preaching that Christians are not required to overcome the world with its passions and lusts. So there are very many of us who remain in a defeated, unspiritual condition, not realizing that there is a battle to be fought, and a victory to be won.

But God encourages and warns us to, “Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.” Hebrews 4:11.

.

The work of entering into God’s rest requires nothing less than our full attention. As we grow in faith and in the knowledge of God’s Word, we gain a greater trust and confidence in God. We cannot afford to shirk the responsibility of hiding God’s Word in our heart. This is by far, our greatest Christian duty!

.

ABOVE PICTURE: soldiers of the cross – armor up! – Orion & The Revelation 12 Dragon constellation (comprised of Hyades & Pleiades and other constellations) – www.signsofheaven.org

.

***THIRD VIEW:* *THE SPIRIT VS. THE LETTER OF THE LAW***

“But their minds (the nation of Israel) were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same veil untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which (veil) is done away in Christ.” 2nd Corinthians 3:14

This above verse is from a very amazing 3rd chapter in 2nd Corinthians. This chapter should be carefully studied by all Christians. It reveals that Christ is the fulfillment of the Old Testament Law, and especially the Ten Commandments.

.

This chapter declares that, “(God) also hath made us able ministers of the New Testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which [glory] was to be done away:” 2nd Corinthians 3:6, 7.

.

So here God is calling the Ten Commandments the “ministration of death”. And no longer are we to try to keep the law, as if it is a list of rules to obey. This is because the Law was always pointing to the fulfillment of the Law, Jesus. And now we are to behold the Law in all its glory and beauty, as we behold Jesus.

.

And so this wonderful chapter concludes with how we are to focus on Jesus and how the life of Jesus is the true role-model for our lives, and no longer the letter of the Law.

.

Listen to this concluding verse from this chapter… “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2nd Corinthians 3:18.

.

Here it says that our focus is to no longer be fixed on the 10 Commandments, as was Israel’s focus. But this is telling us that our focus is to be on Jesus, and how the Law was fulfilled in His wonderful life. Now this is not to say that it’s wrong to meditate on the 10 Commandments. But we must remember that the Law was given to condemn us.

.

Yes, the Law was given to convict our hearts of sin. But now all the Law is fulfilled in the life of Jesus. Now, by looking at His example, we can see the Law in all its glory! And now, as this verse proclaims (2nd Corinthians 3:18), we are to constantly behold Jesus. And by beholding Him (through the study and constant meditation on His Word), we become imperceptibly changed into His glorious image.

Transfiguration-bloch-wikimedia-commons-US-public-domain.jpg

.

***THIRD VIEW:* *THE BOOK OF GALATIANS***

“But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.” Galatians 4:4, 5

The entire Book of Galatians deals with the Law and our relation to it. The Galatian church was in danger of backing away from grace, and beginning to keep ceremonies and holy-days. Paul was urging them not to do this. Salvation is a gift. And the Old Testament ceremonies, such as circumcision were shadows pointing to Christ.

.

**But among other incredible statements, Paul made this declaration… “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Galatians 4:14.**

.

Now if we keep reading we come to another declaration… “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” Galatians 5:22-24.

.

So in the Book of Galatians, Paul is trying to get the Galatian church to back away from the letter of the Law, in hopes that they might return to the spirit of the Law, which Paul defined as Love, Joy, Peace, etc..

Paul-the-Apostle-Artist-Valentin-de-Boulogne-or-Nicolas-Tournier-circa-1500s-wikipedia-public-domain.jpg

.

***THIRD VIEW:* *LETTER KILLS, BUT THE SPIRIT GIVES LIFE***

“Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart….Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.” 2nd Corinthians 3:3, 6

One of the big problems with trying to keep the letter of the Law, is that by so-doing, one tends to believe that he or she has fulfilled the letter of the Law.

.

For instance, those who adhere to a one-day-a-week Sabbath tend to think that after resting for a 24 hour period, then it is now time to “play ball”, as they say. In other words, “I did my duty, now I can return to my TV or my sports, or whatever”.

.

And so, by trying to keep the Sabbath by the letter, we tend to be like a sprinter in a 100 yard dash, waiting for the Sabbath to end, so we can return to our worldly pursuits.

.

Now of course, there are exceptions: those who do not keep the Sabbath legalistically. But especially those Christians who have a spouse and children who are not so committed to Sabbath-keeping, will quite often result in having a rebellion on their hands, or having the family eventually despising the Sabbath, and longing for it to end each Saturday night.

.

On the other hand, those who esteem every day to God, tend to make use of every moment of the week, as an opportunity to devote their service to God.

.

Now of course, this is broad-brushing. There are exceptions. But the Bible says here in 2nd Corinthians Chapter 3, that, “for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.”

Starting Gun at 1904-Olympic_sprint-wikipedia-US-public-domain.jpg

.

***THIRD VIEW:* *“TODAY IF YOU WILL HEAR”***

“Again, He limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” Hebrews 4:7

So here we have a very interesting verse: “Again, He limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” Hebrews 4:7 .

.

Now why does God say this? Well the obvious answer is, that God has been calling and calling, day after day, year after year, for His professed people to enter into His everlasting rest. And the rest that God is offering to us, is one we must enter “today”. This kind of rest requires a full surrender.

.

But the fact is, far too many have only wanted to have a one-day-per-week rest. That way, most church-goers simply desire to go to church on Saturday, or Sunday, and then return to serving their worldly gods, the other 6 days.

.

That was ancient Israel’s problem. And that is our problem today, to a great degree. But God will have nothing to do with such a divided service.

.

Listen… “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 (materialism).” Matthew 6:24.

.

New York Times Square – terabass – cropped image – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

.

LOVING OUR WEEKDAY GODS!

.

One great reason why so many insist on retaining the one-day-a-week Sabbath is because it would be reprehensible for the great majority of church-goers to, “instantly serve God, night and day”, seven days a week. We love our pleasures! We love our careers! We love our hobbies and sports!

.

To meditate day and night upon the Word of God would be, “the savor of death-unto-death”, for most in the church, today. To urge another church-goer to pray or meditate on the Bible without ceasing, would be a sure way for you to get a “black eye”, so to speak. So, a once-a-week Sabbath, is as much religion as most people can or will endure, besides maybe a quick devotional in the morning.

.

But God still holds out the invitation… “To day if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts….if they shall enter into My rest:”

.

THE APPEAL OF A ONCE-A-WEEK SABBATH

.

The great mistake of the Old Testament Church was that they saw the Law as if it were a laundry-list of rules. And if they could only keep those rules to obey. And if only they could just follow those necessary rules, then they could resume their earthly pursuits. So a once-a-week Sabbath was perfect. If I just keep that one day holy, then I can continue to pursue my weekday gods!

.

But when Christ came, He quickly dispelled all of that nonsense… “Ye must be born again!”

.

“Crucify the flesh with its affections and lusts”.

.

“Whosoever he be…that forsakes not all that he has…cannot be My Disciple.”

.

“Go and sell all you have, and give to the poor, and come follow Me, and ye shall have treasure in Heaven!”

.

“Oh how I love Thy Law (God’s Word), it is my meditation all the day”.

.

“I am crucified with Christ”

.

It was such admonishments as these which caused the people of God (us) to put Christ on the Cross; we hated these concepts, and so we destroyed the One who brought to us these life-giving truths!

.

Nicodemus – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

I’LL GIVE YOU 1 DAY, LORD

company's coming

.

After all, I don’t mind going to church once a week… “But don’t take away my fun! Don’t take away my remote! My little selfish pleasures! My dreams of bigger and better things! My career ambitions! My sports! My wanderlust! My radio show! My hobbies! My coffees with the boys! My luncheons with the girls! My video games! My self-indulgent delights! My this! My that!” And on and on and on it goes…

.

“And Lord, let me just keep that little laundry-list of rules! Don’t make me pray day-and-night! Don’t make me meditate on the Bible through the day! Don’t make me do those duties I don’t like!”

.

This was the great sin of the Old Testament Commonwealth of Israel. And this is the great sin of today’s New Testament Commonwealth of Israel (the Church)! We love our many little pet indulgences. And the “natural man” can tolerate a once-a-week Sabbath. But holiness all through the week? “No way!” To be crucified to the flesh? “Not on your life!” To live the self-sacrificing life of Jesus? “Are you kidding!?!”

.

Now this is not the attitude of every Christian. Obviously, there are some who keep a one-day-a-week Sabbath, who also live the self-sacrificing life of Christ throughout the entire week!

.

***THIRD VIEW:* *ISAIAH CHAPTER 58***

“Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD?” Isaiah 58:5

.

This entire chapter of Isaiah 58 is proclaiming that the Christian life is much, much more than merely reserving this day or that day as a day to honor God. This chapter is declaring that the Christian life is a life of service; a life of dedication to God; a life of overcoming evil and renewal of one’s soul.

.

But as the chapter ends, it specifically addresses the Sabbath Day…

.

Listen… “If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour Him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.” Isaiah 58:13, 14.

.

Now those who are proponents of a one-day Sabbath are quick to point this passage out as proof of a one-day-a-week Sabbath. And it’s true. These qualities do apply to a one-day-a-week Sabbath.

.

But if one ever-so-carefully reads these qualities mentioned here, it becomes apparent that these very same qualities should be the Christian-standard for any and every day of the week!

.

In other words, we should not be doing our own pleasure on any day of the week! We should not be speaking our own words any day of the week! We have been bought with a price! We have been chosen to become Christ-like! We have been elected to become Christ’s ambassadors to a lost and hopeless world. Our life now belongs to God! We should be, “instantly serving God day and night” (see Acts 26:6, 7)!

.

So Isaiah Chapter 58, by no means should be confined to only speaking of a one-day-a-week Sabbath. It also applies to a 24/7/365 service which is performed by those who have truly died in Christ. It is the very life and the very essence of what Christ and what Christianity is all about!

The Prophet Isaiah (Bible Card from 1904) – Wikipedia – public domain

Tissot – Isaiah – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

***THIRD VIEW:* *THE LIFE OF JESUS IS OUR TRUE REST***

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

.

As we behold the life of Jesus, as revealed in the Bible, we see the Law in all its beauty and glory! The life of Jesus was a busy life. He constantly pushed Himself. His Sabbath days were filled with spiritual activity. He was healing! He was teaching! He spent nights in prayer!

.

If we would only keep our minds stayed upon Jesus, and strive to be contemplating the Word of God and unceasingly praying: our lives would begin to conform to His life. And by so-doing, our days would all become part of the rest that, “remains unto the people of God”.

**But nobody should ever get the idea that being in God’s Rest means to be in a state of inactivity… “Go to the ant…consider her ways, and be wise:” Proverbs 6:6.**

.

The Christian can enjoy being in the very atmosphere of Heaven, even while at work, or at recreation with one’s family, or while in incarceration, or while sick in bed. In other words, God’s everlasting rest is portable, so to speak. We are to take it with us everywhere we go!

.

Jesus_Discourses_with_His_Disciples_James_Tissot-by-Brooklyn-Museum-by-wikipedia-public-domain.jpg

.

OLD TESTAMENT & NEW TESTAMENT SHADOWS

.

“Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.” Colossians 2:16, 17

.

It would seem that many of both the 7th-day proponents and the 1st-day proponents entirely miss the point of this above passage. The Bible uses earthly things to illustrate heavenly concepts. The Psalmist David, when leading his followers in the wilderness, asked the priest for the consecrated bread from the temple service. David understood that this bread (and the temple itself) was merely being used to symbolize a great heavenly truth. And that is why God allowed David to take that bread for his men, and did not reprimand David for so-doing.

.

And so it is with the 1st-day, mentioned repeatedly after Christ’s resurrection. The 1st day represents “resurrection”. God uses that day to present a heavenly truth, regarding us New Testament Believers living the resurrected life. God is merely using the 1st-day to present that spiritual concept.

.

**And so it is with the 7th-day. The 4th Commandment was ultimately given to present the concept of a “rest unto your souls“. God uses the 7th day to present a heavenly concept.**

.

The Bible is a spiritual Book. And as the Believer finally rises above his or her carnal nature, he or she will see more and more of the true spiritual nature of the Bible. The life of Christ, with all His glory and virtue is to be our ultimate pursuit. And Christ never ceased to worship God on any day! For every day, and every moment of each day, He meditated on the Word of God, and continued instant in prayer.

.

And when the Believer begins to live this same type of heavenly existence, as Jesus did, the one-day concept begins to lose its luster, and the Believer begins to fulfill the true meaning of the Sabbath Rest and the true meaning of the resurrected life on a 24/7/365 basis, whether at work, or with family, or at rest.

.

The White Cross Vukovar Croatia wikimedia share-alike license

.

ONCE-A-WEEK WORSHIP WASN’T ENOUGH

.

“And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Acts 2:46, 47

.

Notice in this above passage that the Church was congregating daily. And God was bringing in people daily. It is too bad that the Church for most of the past two millenniums has chosen to congregate only once a week, for the most part. History shows that this once-a week worship has been a disaster! The Church, to a great extent, has been very spiritually weak and very worldly. About the only time that it wasn’t, was during the times when God’s people suffered persecution, and mostly had to work secretively, outside the apostate orthodox congregations.

.

torture devices – the wheel – Calas Chapbook – wikipedia – US public domain

.

HISTORY BEARS RECORD

.

And so, if anyone is trying to hold up a once-a-week holyday (whether Saturday or Sunday) as being the solution to our problems, really needs to examine what history shows as being just the opposite case! And the worldliness and apostasy today is perhaps even worse than even in the days of the Dark Ages.

.

What would have been better, would have been for God’s people to imitate the early Church… “And they, continuing DAILY with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church DAILY such as should be saved.” Acts 2:46, 47.

.

If the Church had fulfilled this passage from Acts 2, we might have seen a vast difference from the dismal history of the New Testament Church!

.

Mall_Market culture_jakarta75-wikimedia-share-alike-lic..jpg

.

CONCLUSION

“One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it.” Romans 14:5, 6

But God nevertheless, is not firm about these things. God knows that each person has been given varied degrees of spirituality and varied degrees of understanding, and differing life-circumstances.

.

This above passage lets us know that God is allowing each person to decide for his or her self, just how one is going to keep the Sabbath. God, in His divine wisdom, has purposely obscured the details of the New Testament Sabbath. And just because I decide how I am going to keep or not keep one day above another, doesn’t give me the right to judge another man’s Sabbath-keeping. Notice that God is admonishing each person to be, “fully persuaded in his own mind”.

.

Whether one holds to a once-a-week holyday, or not, “let each be fully persuaded in his own mind.” And until that person is no longer confused about this issue, he should take what he feels is the safe course. He should do nothing that is going to violate his already weak conscience. But in the mean while, he should keep diligently studying the Bible on this issue. And hopefully the day will arrive, when he is no longer confused about it.

.

So let each of us live by the conviction of our own conscience regarding the Sabbath Rest.

.

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

.

SABBATH, A GREAT BLESSING FOR MANY!

.

For a family in this busy busy, work-a-day world, down through history, the Sabbath has been a blessing in many cases.

.

If rightly observed, it was a day in which the family spent their time doing spiritual things. And with small children, the mother and father could teach the importance of holiness and the sacred love of God.

.

To set aside one day per week for spiritual endeavors had proved to be a wonderful time for children and parents alike, which provided many beautiful lasting childhood memories for those fortunate enough to have grown up in such a home dedicated to the Lord!

.

Family Prayer Before Meal – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

.

A DAILY SABBATH-KEEPING

.

But far superior to a once-a-week Sabbath-keeping, would be for the mother to stay at home, schooling her children daily in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. And if such a situation is at all possible, it would be far better to sacrifice all the modern conveniences, to make such an everyday Sabbath a reality!

.

No, we don’t need to join some organization or denomination, to accomplish this! We simply need to turn our individual family members to the Lord’s everlasting rest unto our souls!

.

Amish Family Niagara Falls wikipedia share-alike license

.

“LET NO MAN DECEIVE YOU”

.

But whether a Christian esteems one day above another, or all days alike, one thing is for sure. Each and every Christian must fully enter into that spiritual rest which Paul declares in Hebrew 3 & 4. True Salvation is a much deeper experience than most church-goers realize.

.

Listen… “And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” Galatians 5:24.

.

No doubt, there are countless preachers, who can preach for hours on why we don’t need to crucify the lusts and affections in order to belong to Christ. And this is no doubt why the Church today, is in such a dismal condition… “O My people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.” Isaiah 3:12.

.

We have been deceived by the apostate portion of the Church into accepting a much lower standard than just what the Bible standard is. And unless the Christian rises to the true Bible-standard of total holiness, then whatever day that Christian tries to keep holy will be merely a vain attempt at Sabbath-keeping.

.

Listen… “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” Hebrews 12:14.

.

Notice it says here, “…and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” Sad to say, there is a great big group of us, who call ourselves Christians, and yet our behavior is quite often less than Christ-like!

.

A GOD OF REST

.

Beware of extremes. There are some of us whose zeal for obedience exceeds our stability in Christ. And Satan takes advantage of our lack of knowledge and experience, and leads us into a cyclonic whirl of activity.

.

We must remember that God loves to give us rest. And it would be far better for those zealous ones to slow down and spend lots of time reading God’s Word, and praying for wisdom (but not to let go of our mandatory duties).

.

To use the Sabbath Day, to take a walk in nature, praying for mercy and grace and peace, would be an excellent way to spend our day of rest…

.

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

.

To sit on a park bench and observe the beauty of Creation. To pray and simply contemplate God’s love, wisdom, and Bible verses. These blessings are far more important than all the supposed “good works” that we might be compelled to do.

.

In The Meadow by Claude Monet www.wikigallery.org public domain.

.

MODERN-DAY GODS

.

“Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto Me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting….And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide Mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before Mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” Isaiah 1:13.

.

This passage is not just for Old Testament Jews. It is for you and it is for me! If our Sabbath-keeping is followed by a return to the TV and to various sports and pleasure-seeking, then this passage quite possibly applies to us. If we bow our heads one-day-a-week, only to spend the other 6 days seeking and serving the gods of this world, then this passage is definitely for us. And there are many gods today: we live in a very materialistic and idolatrous world today!

New-york-times-square- cropped image – terabass-wikipedia-share-alike-license.jpg

.

ONE MORE WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT

.

This has been a very light treatise on this subject. And the reader is encouraged to further deeply explore the passages given herein, 2nd Corinthians, Chapter 3, plus the entire Book of Galatians, Isaiah 58, Hebrews 3 & 4, and everywhere else in the Bible concerning these things. After all, anybody who truly values his or her Salvation will naturally want to know any and every thing of such great concern to one’s Salvation.

.

Listen to Jeremiah… “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy Word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by Thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16.

.

Is God’s Word the joy and rejoicing of your heart and of my heart? Well if it’s not, then we really need to plead to God to make it so.

Jeremiah-at-the-Potters-House-Wikigallery-US-public-domain.jpg

.

THE END

.

A HEAVENLY HOBBY

.

“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

ABOVE PICTURE – Starry Night at La Silla – cropped and altered image – Wikimedia – Share-Alike license

.

“AND WHEN YE SEE THESE THINGS…

LOOK UP, LIFT UP YOUR HEAD”

.

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.

.

**But having said this, Signs Of Heaven becomes a wonderfully rewarding hobby which, unlike many less meaningful hobbies, pays off with rich, heavenly rewards. Everlasting rewards!**

.

And unlike the person in this photo with equipment, all you need is fairly good vision, and a dark, starry night.

.

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.

.

Thus, will the Christian be able to share this message with others.

.

Astronomy Amateur – cropped image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

“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

.

ABOVE CHART: Summer Constellations with Doves (Sagittarius) & Woman (Ursa Major)

.

FIRST FIND ORION & 7 STARS

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).

.

These two constellations represent Christ (Orion), and His Church (7 Stars).

.

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).

.

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.

.

Then, once you are comfortable finding these two constellations, you can begin to locate the next closest constellations, and so on.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Orion the Soldier and the Revelation 12 Dragon (Hyades & Pleiades, etc.) – winter constellations – www.signsofheaven.org – not for commercial use

ABOVE PICTURE – 7 Stars Constellation as the Cross (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Planet of Rest: “What is the True Sabbath?”

The Flower of Heaven Constellation

By admin On February 15th, 2013

.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

.

which…hath begotten us…To an inheritance incorruptible,

.

and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in Heaven for you,”

.

1st Peter 1:3, 4

.

***THE FLOWER OF* HEAVEN *CONSTELLATION***

REVELATION 12 WOMAN ON ALTAR AND FLOWER OF HEAVEN

Flower of Heaven Constellation w/leaves

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

.

This constellation appears in mid-winter (in the pre-dawn hours, looking west), through late-spring (in after-dark hours).

.

As you can see in this sketch, the Altar/Ark **Constellation is also known as Leo Major , and the stem or vine of the flower…**

.

**…is made of stars of the Virgo Constellation, and the flower itself is made of the Corvus Constellation.**

THIS STORY BEGINS WITH A FLOWER

THE FLOWER OF THE FIELD CONSTELLATION

Two Turtledoves-Flower of the Field- Cross/Scepter Constellations

**The story which God has written in the heavens begins with a flower: The Flower of the Field Constellation (sketch right).**

.

This constellation speaks of fallen humanity, whose glory is as a fading flower of the field which soon falls away in death.

.

One very awesome aspect to the Signs Of Heaven is that these constellations rotate through the night, and change in such a way, as to present a Biblical concept.

.

**And this Flower of the Field is no exception.**

.

You see, as fall approaches, this flower begins to bend down, as if it’s dying.

.

And just as that constellation flower appears as if it is bowing down at summer’s end, so too, mankind eventually bows down and stoops, and finally dies, and once again returns to dust.

.

ABOVE STAR-CHART – summer constellations – Two Turtledoves (Sagittarius) -Flower of the Field (Scorpio) – Cross/Scepter Constellations (stars from Ophiuchus & Serpens cut) – www.theheavensdeclare.net – Not for commercial profit uses!

ABOVE STAR-CHART FROM WIKIPEDIA: Flower of the Field Constellation commonly known as Scorpio – seen in spring through summer

.

MANKIND BOWS DOWN

"Ark of the Covenant" and "Flower of the Field" Constellations (Autumn) Public Domain-www.signsofheaven.org

.

Oh yes, Man has his day in the Sun, so to speak.

.

And like the pretty little flowers of the field, so bright and beautiful, mankind rejoices in its youthful strength and beauty.

.

But as time goes by, gravity begins to pull all vessels of clay back to the Earth.

.

And finally a generation passes away, and a new generation arises.

.

Listen… “Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher,

vanity of vanities; all is vanity.

What profit hath a man of all his labour

which he taketh under the sun?

One generation passeth away,

and another generation cometh:

but the earth abideth for ever.”

Ecclesiastes 1:2-4

ABOVE PICTURE: “Ark of the Covenant” (aka Sagittarius) and “Flower of the Field” (aka Scorpio) Constellations ( in the autumn) PROPERTY OF www.signsofheaven.org

STORY ENDS WITH A FLOWER

.

Now as just stated, this story begins with a flower.

.

But it also seems to end with a flower…this Flower of Heaven .

.

**But this flower is not springing up from the Earth, as the Flower of the Field Constellation appears to.**

.

**No, this flower of Heaven seems to be hanging down from Heaven**

.

**The statement this Flower of Heaven seems to be making is this: God came to this world, a planet in rebellion.**

.

**He came to fallen humanity, symbolized by that Flower of the Field.**

.

**He came with a Gospel of Salvation to a dying planet, symbolized by this Flower which bows itself down in death at the end of summer, as flowers generally do.**

.

ABOVE STAR-CHART – late winter – Woman on the altar & Flower of Heaven Constellation w/leaves

ABOVE STAR-CHART FROM WIKIPEDIA: Flower of the Field Constellation commonly known as Scorpio – seen in spring through summer

.

“COME FOLLOW ME”

.

God called to anyone, and everyone, to come follow Him on a Heaven-ward journey, symbolized by the Summer Constellations of Signs Of Heaven.

.

God then led His followers through the battle between good and evil, symbolized by the Winter Constellations.

.

**Then, after the battle was over, and the Revelation 12 Woman (The Church) victoriously swerves toward the Narrow Gate Stars (Gemini stars, picture to right)…**

.

…it begins to be seen that she is rising as incense from the Altar/Ark Constellation.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Revelation 12 Woman (Ursa Major) on Altar w/ Flower of Heaven Constellations (without leaves)This constellation almost appears as a vine, as it projects out from the Altar/Ark Constellation . This constellation appears in mid-winter (in the pre-dawn hours, looking west), through late-spring (in after-dark hours). As you can see in this sketch, the Altar/Ark Constellation is also known as Leo Major , and the stem or vine of the flower is made of stars of the Virgo Constellation, and the flower itself is made of the Corvus Constellation.

.

GOD’S PURPOSE FINALLY UNDERSTOOD

.

**And finally is seen this Flower of Heaven, suspended as a vine from this Altar/Ark.**

.

So now we understand the Lord’s intent.

.

Now we see what God was doing all along.

.

Yes, God has been severe.

.

Yes, He has brought Humanity through a very horrific experience.

.

**But alas, He took a dying flower (Humanity), and through a long process, He revived this dying flower.**

.

And in the end, God, through Christ, gave new life to this dying flower: new life which shall never ever perish.

.

And this flower no longer springs up from the Earth.

.

**But now is suspended from this Altar/Ark, which is located in Holy Mountain of Zion…God’s eternal throne.**

.

**But as we look at this Flower of Heaven Constellation, it also reminds us of something almost romantic.**

.

**This last scene from Signs Of Heaven almost reminds us of a love letter, written by God to Humanity, with a single rose, placed upon that letter, just waiting for anyone to read it.**

A FRUITFUL VINE

“Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD;

that walketh in his ways.

For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands:

happy shalt thou be,

and it shall be well with thee.

Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine

by the sides of thine house:

thy children like olive plants round about thy table.

Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD.”

Psalm 128:1-4

.

In many places in the Bible, God complains about His bride, comparing her to a harlot…

…”Son of man, cause Jerusalem to know her abominations…

thou didst trust in thine own beauty,

and playedst the harlot because of thy renown,

and pouredst out thy fornications on every one that passed by;

his it was.”

Ezekiel 16:2, 15.

.

Grape vines – cropped image – Wikimedia commons – share-alike-license

.

GOD DIDN’T GIVE UP

.

Signs Of Heaven website, to a great degree is a story of God’s love for a rebellious and hard-hearted people, who wanted nothing to do with God.

.

But in God’s infinite mercy and grace, He refused to give up on this rebellious planet.

.

James Tissot – Jesus carrying the Cross – www.joyfulheart.com – US Public Domain

.

PSALM 128: WONDERFUL PROMISE!

.

The opening passage of this little section is from that wonderful, 128th Psalm.

.

And it begins with an amazing promise to anyone who, with child-like faith, refuses to give up on his disobedient family.

.

God states… “Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine

by the sides of thine house:

thy children like olive plants round about thy table.

Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed

that feareth the LORD.”

.

What a promise!

.

**And Jesus, though His own bride-to-be has been very stubborn and rebellious, refused to give up on her.**

.

He has tenderly sought her, and has tried to woo her back into His loving arms.

.

**But alas, the Signs Of Heaven presents a portrait of the Virtuous Revelation 12 Woman finally choosing to enter the Narrow Gate.**

.

Revelation 12 Woman & Orion's Gate & Wide Gate

“ENTER AT THE STRAIT-GATE”

.

And as a result, this heavenly love story ends with the final scene of this Woman veering towards the Narrow Gate Stars.

.

But also, as we see her in the western skies, she now appears to be rising as incense from the Altar/Ark Constellation.

.

**But in addition to all this, there appears this vine coming out of this Altar/Ark, with a flower at the end.**

.

So all these nuances of this constellation group, seem to present the message of victory for Christ, and victory for His bride, the Church.

.

This Flower of Heaven vine symbolizes the fulfilled promise from Psalm 128… “Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house”.

.

ABOVE PICTURE late winter – Revelation 12 Woman & Orion’s Narrow Gate (Castor and Pollux of Gemini Constellation) & Wide Gate (two stars of the Auriga Constellation)

.

CHURCH FINALLY LEARNS

The Strait Gate is the Narrow Way and the broad way is the Wide Gate

.

Finally, the Church in these last moments of time, decides that the things of this world are nothing in comparison to the great gift of Salvation.

.

**Finally the Church decides to enter the Narrow Gate, which is far too narrow for all the pleasures and pursuits and materialism of this fallen world.**

.

**And as this Revelation 12 Woman finally veers toward the Narrow Gate, she becomes that fruitful vine by the side of this Altar/Ark, which symbolizes God’s eternal house.**

.

Wonderful victory!

.

The Church has become a worthy bride for her Husband…

…”Let us be glad and rejoice,

and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come,

and His wife hath made herself ready.

And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white:

for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

And He saith unto me, Write,

Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb.

And He saith unto me,

These are the true sayings of God.”

Revelation 19:7-9

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

.

THE END

.

A HEAVENLY HOBBY

.

“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

ABOVE PICTURE – Starry Night at La Silla – cropped and altered image – Wikimedia – Share-Alike license

.

“AND WHEN YE SEE THESE THINGS…

LOOK UP, LIFT UP YOUR HEAD”

.

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.

.

**But having said this, there is one hobby which every ‘Noble Berean’ may take up, which only compliments the pursuit of the heavenly Prize.**

.

**Yes, Signs Of Heaven becomes a wonderfully rewarding hobby which, unlike many less meaningful hobbies, pays off with rich, heavenly rewards. Everlasting rewards!**

.

And unlike the person in this photo with equipment, all you need is fairly good vision, and a dark, starry night.

.

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.

.

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.

.

Astronomy Amateur – cropped image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

“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

.

ABOVE CHART: Summer Constellations with Doves (Sagittarius) & Woman (Ursa Major)

.

FIRST FIND ORION & 7 STARS

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).

.

These two constellations represent Christ (Orion), and His Church (7 Stars).

.

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).

.

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.

.

Then, once you are comfortable finding these two constellations, you can begin to locate the next closest constellations, and so on.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Orion the Soldier and the Revelation 12 Dragon (Hyades & Pleiades, etc.) – winter constellations – www.signsofheaven.org – not for commercial use

ABOVE PICTURE – 7 Stars Constellation as the Cross (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on The Flower of Heaven Constellation

Sign of the Son of Man in Heaven Constellation

By admin On February 12th, 2013

.

***“Immediately* *after the tribulation of those days***

shall the sun be darkened,

the moon shall not give her light,

and the stars shall fall from heaven,

and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:

And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven:

and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn,

and they shall see the Son of man coming

in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”

Matthew 24:29, 30

.

STRETCHED FROM SKY TO SKY

.

In 2012, this constellation was revealed.

.

It is comprised of all the other constellations on this website, as they appear in the night-sky.

.

The only way to really see this constellation, is to become very totally familiar with this website.

.

This is because this incredible constellation spans both the summer and winter skies.

.

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.

.

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…

.

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.”

.

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.

.

And little did this “insane” man realize, that God had actually written His love and inscribed that love on the scroll (of the sky).

.

And God had actually stretched that picture of love from sky to sky, just as the song-verse said.

.

And now God has revealed this heavenly portrait of the Son of Man, writhing in pain for a planet who cares very little for Him.

(These constellations span both summer and winter sky, and this constellation in this picture to the right actually appears much more curved in the sky.)

.

And just like the Bible, God has made these signs in such a way, that they are true enough for the Believers to believe; but doubtful enough for the scorners to scorn.

.

Listen to this revealing passage…

…”With the merciful thou wilt show thyself merciful;

with an upright man thou wilt show thyself upright;

With the pure thou wilt show thyself pure;

and with the froward (crooked) thou wilt show thyself froward (unsavory).

For thou wilt save the afflicted people;

but wilt bring down high looks.”

Psalm 18:25-27 (parenthetical explanations from concordance)

.

SERPENT ON A POLE

The_Brazen_Serpent WIKIPEDIA PUBLIC DOMAIN

.

The head of this Son of Man Constellation is comprised of the Dragon Constellation.

.

In Revelation 12, this Dragon is also referred to as a serpent.

serpent on a pole

.

This would make sense of this Son of Man Constellation, since Jesus was referred to as a serpent on a pole, as He hung on a Cross.

.

Listen… “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness,

even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

That whosoever believeth in him should not perish,

but have eternal life.”

John 3;14, 15.

.

Yes, for God’s own purpose, He has chosen this unlikely symbol to represent the symbol of saving grace.

.

The Brazen Serpent – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

LOOK UNCEASINGLY AND LIVE

.

Many teachers mistakenly teach that one look is enough to save a soul, and then that soul can once again turn his or her gaze back on the attractions and attainments and aspirations of the world.

.

But perhaps, one of the main teachings of this website, is that genuine salvation causes the true worshipper of God, to gaze ceaselessly at this serpent on the pole, for all time and eternity.

.

Listen… “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace,

whose mind is stayed on thee:

because he trusteth in thee.

Trust ye in the LORD for ever:

in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:”

Isaiah 26:3, 4.

.

GAZING THROUGH ETERNITY FUTURE

.

Yes, this is the secret to victorious Christianity!

.

To keep my eyes upon Jesus continually through my day, will bring that peace which surpasses all understanding.

.

And this will not stop in eternity future.

.

Just listen… “And as for me, Thou…settest me before Thy face for ever.” Psalm 41:12

James Tissot – As seen from the cross – Wikipedia US public-domain

.

THE END

.

A HEAVENLY HOBBY

.

“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

ABOVE PICTURE – Starry Night at La Silla – cropped and altered image – Wikimedia – Share-Alike license

.

“AND WHEN YE SEE THESE THINGS…

LOOK UP, LIFT UP YOUR HEAD”

.

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.

.

**But having said this, Signs Of Heaven becomes a wonderfully rewarding hobby which, unlike many less meaningful hobbies, pays off with rich, heavenly rewards. Everlasting rewards!**

.

And unlike the person in this photo with equipment, all you need is fairly good vision, and a dark, starry night.

.

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.

.

Thus, will the Christian be able to share this message with others.

.

Astronomy Amateur – cropped image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

“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

.

ABOVE CHART: Summer Constellations with Doves (Sagittarius) & Woman (Ursa Major)

.

FIRST FIND ORION & 7 STARS

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).

.

These two constellations represent Christ (Orion), and His Church (7 Stars).

.

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).

.

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.

.

Then, once you are comfortable finding these two constellations, you can begin to locate the next closest constellations, and so on.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Orion the Soldier and the Revelation 12 Dragon (Hyades & Pleiades, etc.) – winter constellations – www.signsofheaven.org – not for commercial use

ABOVE PICTURE – 7 Stars Constellation as the Cross (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Sign of the Son of Man in Heaven Constellation

The Glittering Sword Constellation

By admin On February 12th, 2013

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

THE GLITTERING SWORD CONSTELLATION

“So He (God) drove out the man; and He placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life”

Genesis 3:24

The above verse speaks of a “flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life”.

.

**Mankind was expelled from their paradise in the Garden of Eden. And a flaming sword “turned every way” to keep Man from re-entering that garden paradise.**

.

Now amazingly, there is a great constellation of a sword which turns in a circle through the span of a year, each and every year!

constellation of signs of heaven in upright position

“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

.

Glittering Sword Constellation

.

This constellation is made of most of the constellations in this website. 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 only way that this constellation can be seen, is to become totally familiar with all the constellations on this website!

.

ABOVE STAR CHART: Summer Constellations of Signs Of Heaven.org

.

That is because this constellation is made of the many constellations on this website, as they appear in the heavens.

.

ABOVE STAR CHART: Wikipedia star-charts with winter constellation in West with Orion (these constellations drawn in by this website)

.

THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT

.

Glittering Sword Constellation

.

“And take the helmet of Salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God:” Ephesians 6:17

.

The Heavens Declare website is made of signs in the Sun, Moon, and Stars. But these signs point to the Bible, which is the only stronghold of pure truth, which we have in this world. But the point is, this giant sword which spans the heavens is engraved with the various constellations, much like the swords of this world which are often engraved with various writings and pictures.

.

But this Glittering Sword in the heavens represents God’s Word. And these constellations tell the story of the Gospel. (These constellations span both summer and winter sky, and this constellation in this picture to the right actually appears much more curved in the sky.)

.

“If I whet My glittering sword, and Mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to Mine enemies, and will reward them that hate Me.” Deuteronomy 32:41

.

Yes, God’s “Glittering Sword”, the Bible, will indeed render vengeance to His enemies!

.

THE END

.

A HEAVENLY HOBBY

.

“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

ABOVE PICTURE – Starry Night at La Silla – cropped and altered image – Wikimedia – Share-Alike license

The above verse is a plea from God to look up at the Heavens and behold Who has created these things.

.

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.

.

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.

.

The Christian wants nothing to get in the way of running that Christian Race.

.

New York Times Square – terabass – cropped image – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

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

.

“AND WHEN YE SEE THESE THINGS…

LOOK UP, LIFT UP YOUR HEAD”

.

**But having said this, there is one hobby which every ‘Noble Berean’ may take up, which only compliments the pursuit of the heavenly Prize.**

.

**Yes, Signs Of Heaven becomes a wonderfully rewarding hobby which, unlike many less meaningful hobbies, pays off with rich, heavenly rewards. Everlasting rewards!**

.

And unlike these people in this photo with equipment, all you need is fairly good vision, and a dark, starry night.

.

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.

.

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.

.

Astronomy Amateur – cropped image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

“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

.

ABOVE CHART: Summer Constellations with Doves (Sagittarius) & Woman (Ursa Major)

.

FIRST FIND ORION & 7 STARS

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).

.

These two constellations represent Christ (Orion), and His Church (7 Stars).

.

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).

.

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.

.

Then, once you are comfortable finding these two constellations, you can begin to locate the next closest constellations, and so on.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Orion the Soldier and the Revelation 12 Dragon (Hyades & Pleiades, etc.) – winter constellations – www.signsofheaven.org – not for commercial use

ABOVE PICTURE – 7 Stars Constellation as the Cross (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses

.

ANOTHER HEAVENLY HOBBY: PRAYER-WALKS

.

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…

.

Why not combine star-watching with prayer, as you walk? What a great way to draw closer to God!

.

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!

.

(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.

.

And for those who are in confinement, one can view these starry signs on the Internet, or simply listen to Scripture on audio.

.

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!)

.

Starry Night at La Silla – cropped and altered image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

THRICE-DAILY PRAYERS

.

**Now of course, the Bible commands us to, “pray without ceasing“. The Christian is to constantly talk with our Heavenly Father throughout the day.**

.

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.

.

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.

.

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.

.

Marines at Prayer by Alex Raymond – Wikimedia – public domain

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on The Glittering Sword Constellation

Orion the Soldier Pt. 2: “The Weapons of Our Warfare”

By admin On January 16th, 2013

.

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

.

ORION the SOLDIER &

THE WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE

.

“Then said Jesus unto Peter,

‘Put up thy sword into the sheath:

the cup which My Father hath given Me,

shall I not drink it?'”

John 18:11

.

There is a current debate going on right now, regarding whether or not the citizenry of this society should give up their weapons, if the government decides to take them away.

.

Now, this controversy is not only tossed about in secular circles, but is likewise being hotly debated in the Christian community. Even many ministers of the Gospel are reaching back into the Old Testament for Biblical justification for the Christian to own and use guns; and even to refuse to give them up, in an act of civil disobedience. And many ministers are citing the Constitution as justification.

.

And also, our nation’s forefathers are also being cited by Christians as justification for keeping and bearing arms.

.

Now, of course, an unbeliever can do whatever he or she thinks is best. Since the people of the world have no faith in Jesus, then one would only expect them to armor up with carnal weapons.

Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel Leutze, MMA-NYC, 1851 – Wikipedia – US Public Domain.

WHAT ABOUT CHRISTIANS?

But what about Christians? Are there certain situations which call for carnal weaponry? The fact is, the Bible doesn’t come right out and make a clear and concise statement about this issue. And so, God has left this question up to each Christian to make up his (or her) own mind about what God’s will is, in this question.

.

So what does the Bible have to say on this subject? Actually, the Bible has much to say, directly, and indirectly as well. So let’s explore this subject together, and let the pure Word of Truth be the guide on this very controversial subject…

.

Question Marks-At a loss svg wikimedia commons share-alike license

.

SCRIPTURE SPEAKS OF ORION

.

First, let’s quickly introduce the Host of this article, Orion, the Soldier.

.

God spoke several times of Orion, in Scripture. His question to Job was a very mystifying question, to say the least… “Canst thou…loose the bands of Orion?” Job 38:31. Such a strange question, indeed! How could a constellation have its bands loosed, much less, even have bands?

.

Puzzling, puzzling!

.

But now, He is revealing this bright and beautiful constellation in a way that has never before been seen. God Himself is loosing Orion’s bands, as He is just now unraveling this age-old mystery. And we are beginning to understand that this most infamous of all constellations is nothing less than a remarkable metaphor concerning Jesus.

.

7 MAJOR STARS OF ORION…

The Orion Constellation can best be seen all winter (but even in August in the pre-dawn hours of morning in eastern skies) traveling east to west through the night, in mid-sky. To find the seven major stars of Orion (one star on each shoulder and one star on each foot, plus the three stars which make his belt), you can locate on just about any clear night regardless of the blackness of the night. To find Orion’s other stars, you need more star-visibility…a darker, moonless night, and possibly away from city lights.

.

LEFT: Orion-guide dark – Wikipedia – Share-alike & GNU free doc. license

RIGHT: Betelgeuse in Orion (with annotations) – Wikimedia – Share-alike Lic.

.

WHAT ARE OUR WEAPONS?

.

Listen to Paul’s exhortation… “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (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 10:3-6

.

This above passage from Paul’s letter, really places a foundation for much of the Bible. So many Bible stories begin to make sense, when filtered through this passage. With this passage in mind, we begin to understand that the Old Testament stories were allegories about faith. And all the killing and warfare of the Old Testament, though all actual, historical accounts, were nevertheless orchestrated by God to present a picture of our own battles; personal battles that all Christians must go through, as we climb up the Narrow Pathway to Heaven.

.

Paul the Apostle – Artist – Valentin de Boulogne or Nicolas Tournier – circa 1500s – Wikipedia – public domain

.

OLD TESTAMENT ALLEGORIES

.

And so all the killing in the Old Testament by God’s people contrasts the New Testament in which absolutely no killing occurred by God’s people, really begins to make sense in the light of this 2nd Corinthians passage by Paul.

.

Listen again… “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (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 10:3-6

.

Gideon and His Three Hundred (Bible Card) www.thebiblerevival.org – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

PETER’S SWORD

.

Listen to the words of Jesus, to His disciples… “Then said He (Jesus) said unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in Me, ‘And He was reckoned among the transgressors’: for the things concerning me have an end. And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And He said unto them, It is enough.” Luke 22:36-38

.

This passage has been the chief Bible passage is often cited by gun advocates to justify Christians to keep and use weapons for self-dense.

.

Yes, Jesus plainly exhorted His Disciples to armor up for the coming conflict. Jesus exhorts to “buy a sword”.

.

But was Jesus really speaking literally or was He speaking metaphorically? Obviously, Jesus was speaking metaphorically! This too, like the Old Testament stories, was presenting a spiritual concept.

.

In the first place, Jesus knew that two swords were not nearly enough to withstand that throng of persons coming for Him!

.

Peter Smites Off the Ear of Malchus – www.joyfulheart.com

.

SWORDS, AN ALLEGORY

.

**Secondly, the Bible is the, “sword of the Spirit”. This had to be the sword which Jesus was referring to.**

.

But why “two” swords? The most probable answer is that the hour of Christ’s Crucifixion was at hand. The Old Testament was drawing to a close. The New Testament era was just a few hours away. So those two swords represented the Old and New Testaments, which were both, just now reaching their climactic fulfillment with the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus just a few hours away.

.

Had the Disciples been prayerfully and carefully studying the Scriptures, they would not have been in such despair and darkness, concerning the events just now taking place. It was the “Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” that these 11 men truly needed. And it is only a careful and prayerful daily study of God’s Word, which will prepare us to stand through the great crisis, just before us. This is the sword we will need for the time before us: God’s Word!

.

Peter attacks with sword – The capture of Christ – 1674 – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution

.

“HE THAT LIVES BY THE SWORD

SHALL DIE BY THE SWORD”

.

But perhaps the most telling statement came when Peter cut off the ear of Malchus. Did Jesus say, “Good going Peter!”? No, Jesus gently restored the ear of Malchus, and rebuked Peter. Just listen…

.

“And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest’s, and smote off his ear. Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He shall presently give Me more than twelve legions of angels?” Matthew 26:51-53

.

This above passage let’s us know that Jesus had no intention of fighting. But Jesus went beyond, and actually used this occasion to present to us a principle: that God does not wish for Christians, or non-Christians to be warring.

.

Listen again… “Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.”

.

Peter was merely defending Jesus and the disciples, and yet Jesus warned Peter that Peter’s violent defense was, “living by the sword”. And Jesus warned that… “for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.”

.

Peter with sword – José Joaquim da Rocha – Wikipedia – Public Domain

James Tissot – The Healing of Malchus’ Ear – www.joyfulheart.com

.

AM I WILLING TO DIE BY THE SWORD?

.

Are those who are ready to use guns in order to defend themselves, prepared to die by the sword? Are they willing to perhaps lose a loved one by violence? When God makes a statement in the Bible, that statement is true… “…for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.”

.

So don’t think that this above warning is a toothless promise, or an idle threat by God.

.

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

.

A VERY SAD NEWS STORY

.

A few years back, there was a news report; perhaps one of the saddest reports to ever come across the wires. A father and mother had just returned home from an evening out. They heard a noise coming from the closet. Was this an intruder? The man went to get his rifle. He returned and shot through the door of the closet. The noise stopped. He opened the door, only to discover that his little girl had come home early, and was in the closet, waiting to surprise him and her mother. Well as he held her in his arms, her dying words were, “I love you Daddy”, and then she died.

.

Those who decide to “fight it out” themselves, instead of trust in the Lord, eventually are much more prone to experience personal tragedy from their weapons stored.

.

Wall Closet wikimedia public domain

.

TWELVE LEGIONS OF ANGELS

.

Now Jesus wasn’t a bit worried about this angry mob. Just listen to His statement… “Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He shall presently give Me more than twelve legions of angels?” Matthew 26:53.

.

Don’t you remember all those Old Testament stories of how one angel slew thousands of soldiers? Or how the walls of Jericho came tumbling down without God’s people lifting a finger to fight? Or how God confused the enemy, so that they fought and killed each other instead of killing God’s people?

.

Has God lost His powers? Is He no longer able to defend you?

.

Just listen again to Paul… “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39.

.

It was the greatest joy for Jesus to lay down His life for us. And it should be our greatest joy to lay down our life for Him. God may call us to become a martyr for Jesus.

.

Elisha & Chariots of Fire www.visualbiblealive.com

.

ELISHA’S ARMY

.

“And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the LORD, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.” 2nd Kings 6:15-18

Elisha & Chariots of Fire www.visualbiblealive.com

.

The stories of the Bible are given by God to inspire faith, hope and charity within the hearts of Believers. And this little account of Elisha and his servant, when surrounded by the armies of the enemy, should be of great comfort and strength for every man, woman, and child who strives to become Christ-like.

.

Elisha, having received a double-portion of Elijah’s spirit, was undaunted in the face of danger. Unlike Elijah, who often crumbled under discouragement, Elisha took a ho-hum approach when facing great troubles. Elisha knew that he was surrounded by God’s heavenly armies. Elisha was truly a man of faith. Well, Elijah was too, but only by one-half.

.

Elisha & Chariots of Fire www.visualbiblealive.com

.

GOD IS IN CONTROL!

.

One very important principle that must be considered here is revealed in the following passage… “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

.

So here we see that God is in full control of all that happens in this world! And He uses the events, both big and small for our ultimate good!

.

Listen to this next passages… “Surely the wrath of man shall praise Thee: the remainder of wrath shalt Thou restrain.” Psalm 76:10

.

So this second passage only further confirms this truth about God: that He only allows so much evil to occur in this world. Anything beyond that, God restrains!

.

And just think about it! Even the Bible itself is a testimony to this truth, since everything in the Bible is a witness to God’s glory. And God allowed, even orchestrated together the events in the Bible to be allegories concerning the Gospel.

.

Moses – Burning Bush – Pluchart – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

MATTHEW HENRY ON THE SONS OF ESAU

.

The point of bringing Matthew Henry into this discussion, is to show some substantiation for the lineage of Esau, being warriors. They lived by the sword. Just listen…

.

“That these sons and grandsons of Esau are called dukes, Genesis 36:15-19. Probably they were military commanders, dukes, or captains, that had soldiers under them; for Esau and his family lived by the sword, Genesis 27:40. Note, Titles of honour have been more ancient out of the church than in it. Esau’s sons were dukes when Jacob’s sons were but plain shepherds, Genesis 47:3″.

.

**Matthew Henry was speaking here of the fact that so many Dukes (military commanders) were named in the Bible, being from the lineage of Esau. The family of Esau lived by the sword as the Bible says.**

.

Now why does this fact matter to us? Simple. God uses various tribes and people in the Bible, to illustrate how God sees those who profess to be Christians.

.

Matthew Henry – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

HAGAR & ISHMAEL: A PICTURE OF THE CHURCH-APOSTATE

.

Take Hagar & Ishmael for instance. Galatians, Ch. 4 brings out the fact that Hagar & Ishmael represent the, “Jerusalem which is now, and is in bondage with her Children”.

.

Paul here, wasn’t speaking of literal Jerusalem. He was speaking of Jerusalem, the apostate Church of that time. He was speaking these things to the Galatians, who weren’t even Israelites “after the flesh”. They were Gentiles, and yet Paul was trying to get them to see the danger of going apostate.

.

He was holding before them, the two Jerusalems: “The Jerusalem above, which is the mother of us all”, and he was warning against them becoming, “the Jerusalem which is now, and is in bondage with her children”: these are the two portions of the Church: those who are the true worshippers, and those who sit in the pews each week and yet are merely pretenders: world lovers. They are still in bondage to sin and slaves of the flesh.

.

The sketch to the left shows the Revelation 12 Woman who represents the Church-Faithful. The sketch to the right shows the Harlot of Revelation 17 & 18, which represents the Church-Apostate. These two constellations represent Sarah and Hagar, respectively.

.

Sketch on above left: The Virtuous Woman of Revelation 12 (aka Ursa Major)

Sketch above right: The Harlot of Revelation (aka The Pleiades)

.

“BITTER ENVYING & STRIFE”

.

***“But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.* *This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.” James 3:14, 15***

.

And so it is with Esau. Esau represents the “old man”, as Paul puts it: the man of the flesh (see Romans 4:22 & etc.). And let’s face it: those who are in the flesh do not trust God to any great degree. All such are willing to fight for their rights, when somebody tries to take away their goods, or offends them.

.

This photo of those notorious feuders, the Hatfields, shows the extremes which a family can go to “get even” with trespassers.

.

And yet even Christians can fall into feuds, to a lessor degree of course, with those who are, say for instance, of a different political party. Oh no, there are no guns involved. But feuds within the church over any number of issues can become quite bitter. Or feuds because someone didn’t live up to the expectations of others, to fulfill an obligation. Even little petty disputes like these can possibly eventually split or even destroy an entire congregation.

.

Hatfield Clan – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

MILITARY SERVICE: “TO KILL OR NOT TO KILL”

.

Many Christians are questioning whether or not they should join the military. In Scripture, there is mentioned a centurion, named Cornelius, who trusted God. And should a Christian be called to serve, he or she has the choice of whether or not to shoot to kill an enemy, or choose a non-combat position.

.

The same principle holds true with becoming a policeman. And each Christian must do a lot of praying and Bible study before choosing such careers. No one can really give a definitive answer whether the Christian should choose a career which involves killing others.

.

But whatever side of this issue a Christian falls on, nevertheless, his or her religion should be a big enough religion, so as to allow others to have differing viewpoints on these murky issues. But one thing is for sure: there are many careers that a Christian would not want to take, for one reason or another. So most Christians must bear the Cross, in one way or another, at various times in life.

.

Soldier – Air Force Sergeant on guard duty – Public-Domain

.

JESUS, OUR ROLE MODEL

.

Too many professing Christians eventually lose sight of just who it is we are to imitate. Too many get bored with Bible study and gradually begin to watch TV programs or listen to talk radio shows, which while having some truths, yet bring in doctrines which have little or nothing to do with Jesus Christ. In metaphoric terms, you could say that they no longer eat the “unleavened bread of sincerity and truth”, and are now partaking of the “yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees”.

.

But though we have all been guilty of this sin (of partaking of spiritually leavened bread), yet it is now high time that we prepare the Way of the Lord. It is now time for us to take heed to the words of Isaiah…

.

“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 the terrible the earth. Cease ye from Man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?” Isaiah 2:20-22.

.

God is just now bringing His True-Worshippers to the place where we are called to put away all these worldly ideas, and purify ourselves from everything which is un-Christ-like. The Church is now called to fully reflect the glorious image of Jesus Christ.

.

LET’S THINK THIS THING THROUGH

.

OK, so let’s just say that you are intent on having weapons to defend yourself. Then logically, you should begin to practice shooting; this is because you may have to use your guns on an intruder someday. And what if he is a better marksman than you? Or what if the Devil helps him to aim straight? Or what if you’re out-numbered? Or what if your gun jams? Or what if…etc..

.

After all, you are assuming that God or His angels are going to help you in such a showdown. Did they help Peter? NO! Peter was no doubt attempting to kill Malchus. Peter no doubt slipped and missed his mark in all the excitement and struggle.

.

The trouble with all this, is that those who put their trust in weapons, are not putting their trust in the Bible. There are so many precious promises in Scripture, that God will protect His people. Here is a statement from Peter, the very person who fought with a sword, years earlier.

.

Just listen… “And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?” 1st Peter 3:13.

.

Do you think that Peter still defended himself with carnal weaponry, at the time of his writing 1st Peter? Do you think that Peter fought with a sword at the time of his crucifixion?

.

Or do you think that Peter clung to the above precious promise… “And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?”

.

Do you think that Paul tried to fight his way out of his captivity? Of course he didn’t! Just read Acts. They trusted him so much they simply put him under house arrest, and he honored that commitment. They even allowed him to live in a rented house for two years, as he awaited trial!

.

And so the Christian life is completely different from the way the world operates. Any worldling in Paul’s circumstance would simply wait for an opportune moment and then escape. But Paul considered it an honor to lay down his life as a martyr for Christ.

.

crucifixion-of-Peter-Caravaggio-Martirio-di-San-Pietro-wikipedia-US-public-domain.jpg

Decapitación of Paul – by Simonet – 1887 – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

MANY CHRISTIAN MARTYRS

.

There have been many Christians who suffered at the hand of evil governments, such as Corrie Ten-Boom’s family. These people did not resist evil by violence. By faith, they hid the hated Jews during the Jewish/Holocaust during the Nazi regime, during WWII.

.

After a time, they were caught, and eventually only Corrie survived to tell this horror story. They considered it an honor to lay down their lives for Christ. Their only armor was faith in God’s Word. Their testimony to the world was powerful, because they showed that they really trusted in God’s sovereign power to protect, or to martyr them. As Christians, they resolved not to shoot or knife, or club their way out of government oppression.

Now do you suppose they would have made that wonderful movie, “The Hiding Place”, about the Ten-Boom family, had they smuggled in carnal weapons to fight their way out of trouble? Do you think that Corri Ten-Boom would have had any kind of ministry for decades, about faith and trust in God, if she and her family were knife-wielding or gun-toting, shoot-em-up Christians?

.

The Ten-Boom Family – Wikipedia – Share-Alike License.

.

MARTIN LUTHER, WILLIAM TYNDALE, JOHN HUSS, ETC…

.

Jesus gave the supreme example of laying down His life. And He became the Supreme Role-Model for the other Disciples, who, for the most part, eventually became martyrs. And through the very violent and bloody history of the Church, there were many shining lights; some who were martyred and others, like Martin Luther, did not use carnal weapons to protect themselves against Satan’s armies. Martin Luther was totally invincible. Satan and his minions tried, but could not extinguish the light which Luther had to share. Likewise, John Wyclif could not be killed, though they tried. Foxe’s Book of Martyrs tells the secular history of the Apostle John, that they actually put him in boiling oil, but could not kill him.

.

Luther – 95 Theses – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

GROWING IN FAITH

.

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17. As this verse declares, reading and studying the various stories of the Bible will cause the child of God to grow in wisdom and faith. And if ever there was a time when God’s people need great faith, it is in the days just ahead. God will purify His people. We will need the faith to stand on that sea of glass, mingled with fire, as we sing the song of the Lamb. And the only weapon which will be of any use to the child of God, during the soon-coming trial before us, will be the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, (which we will have previously hidden in our hearts.)

.

Burning at the Stake – Wikipedia – Public Domain.

.

WHAT IS OUR GREAT COMMISSION?

.

The general consensus is that the great commission for the Christian world, is to… “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15. Actually, there are two great commissions given to the Christian.

.

The first great and most important work of the Christian is to purify his or her heart, even as Christ is pure.

.

Paul addressed this issue, speaking of his own personal great desire in life… “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…That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death;” Philippians 3:8, 10. So this was Paul’s chief desire: to become Christlike.

.

Paul-the-Apostle-Artist-Valentin-de-Boulogne-or-Nicolas-Tournier-circa-1500s-wikipedia-public-domain.jpg

.

THE AFFAIRS OF THIS LIFE

.

But secondary to Paul’s own personal purification, was to take the Gospel into all the world.

.

Now there are many who teach that the Christian has a civic duty to become interested in politics and by legislative means, to try to make this world into a better place to live. But the problem is, the Bible tells plainly that Satan is, “the god of this world” (2nd Corinthians 4:4).

.

Now it’s true, that God encourages us to pray for the leaders of the land… “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;” 1st Timothy 2:1-3.

.

Oh yes, we are to pray for our earthly rulers. But politics is not God’s chosen means to win the battle against the forces of evil. God is not trying to make Satan’s kingdom into a nice place. He wants to destroy this deceitful kingdom of Satan.

.

Listen to this exhortation by Paul, to stay out of earthly affairs, as far as possible… “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” 2nd Timothy 2:4

.

The Christian has all he or she can do, just to be fully engaged in the purification of the heart, and the proclamation of the Gospel (Not to mention our daily family responsibilities). There is no time or place for earthly politics!

.

For further insight, please read… “Flood Waters Of Satan: Confessions of a Political Junkie”, and you may also wish to read… “How To Be Hidden in the Day of Wrath”

.

politics-March_for_Womens_Lives_detail-wikipedia-share-alike-licence

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – public domain

.

AN AFTER-THOUGHT

.

It’s easy to sit on a computer or behind a microphone and talk faith, or talk tough. But when in the face of life-threatening danger, it is impossible to know how that tough-talking person will react. Likewise, it’s easy to hand out free advice to others. But the fact is, each of us will have to answer for our own self on Judgment Day.

.

Peter boasted that he would never deny Jesus, “even if all should fall away, I (Peter) will never deny Thee!”

.

**Well, that’s exactly what happened: Peter was the only Disciple (beside Judas), who verbally denied Jesus!**

.

Each person must ultimately make up his or her own mind, just how we each will live our own life. The Bible is available to all. Read it and study it for your own self. Know exactly what it says to you. Don’t let any other mortal man do your thinking for you. Because you will have to answer to God for your own self on Judgment Day. Remember the words of 1st John…

.

“These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. But the Anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you:” 1st John 2:26, 27

.

Marines at Prayer by Alex Raymond – Wikimedia – Public Domain

THE END

.
.
.
.

.

A HEAVENLY HOBBY

.

“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

ABOVE PICTURE – Starry Night at La Silla – cropped and altered image – Wikimedia – Share-Alike license

The above verse is a plea from God to look up at the Heavens and behold Who has created these things.

.

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.

.

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.

.

The Christian wants nothing to get in the way of running that Christian Race.

.

New York Times Square – terabass – cropped image – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

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

.

“AND WHEN YE SEE THESE THINGS…

LOOK UP, LIFT UP YOUR HEAD”

.

**But having said this, there is one hobby which every ‘Noble Berean’ may take up, which only compliments the pursuit of the heavenly Prize.**

.

**Yes, Signs Of Heaven becomes a wonderfully rewarding hobby which, unlike many less meaningful hobbies, pays off with rich, heavenly rewards. Everlasting rewards!**

.

And unlike the person in this photo with equipment, all you need is fairly good vision, and a dark, starry night.

.

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.

.

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.

.

Astronomy Amateur – cropped image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

“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

.

ABOVE CHART: Summer Constellations with Doves (Sagittarius) & Woman (Ursa Major)

.

FIRST FIND ORION & 7 STARS

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).

.

These two constellations represent Christ (Orion), and His Church (7 Stars).

.

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).

.

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.

.

Then, once you are comfortable finding these two constellations, you can begin to locate the next closest constellations, and so on.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Orion the Soldier and the Revelation 12 Dragon (Hyades & Pleiades, etc.) – winter constellations – www.signsofheaven.org – not for commercial use

ABOVE PICTURE – 7 Stars Constellation as the Cross (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses

.

ANOTHER HEAVENLY HOBBY: PRAYER-WALKS

.

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…

.

Why not combine star-watching with prayer, as you walk? What a great way to draw closer to God!

.

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!

.

(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.

.

And for those who are in confinement, one can view these starry signs on the Internet, or simply listen to Scripture on audio.

.

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!)

.

Starry Night at La Silla – cropped and latered image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

THRICE-DAILY PRAYERS

.

**Now of course, the Bible commands us to, “pray without ceasing“. The Christian is to constantly talk with our Heavenly Father throughout the day.**

.

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.

.

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.

.

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.

.

Marines at Prayer by Alex Raymond – Wikimedia – public domain

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Orion the Soldier Pt. 2: “The Weapons of Our Warfare”

Orion, The Good Shepherd

By admin On December 29th, 2012

.

ORION, THE GOOD SHEPHERD

.

“The LORD is my shepherd;

I shall not want (lack).

He maketh me to lie

down in green pastures:

He leadeth me beside

the still waters…

I will fear no evil:

for Thou art with me;

Thy rod and thy staff

they comfort me….”

Psalm 23:1, 2, 4

ABOVE STAR-CHART – winter – Orion the Good Shepherd (Orion Constellation and rod made of Gemini stars) – www.signsofheaven.org

.

“I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD”

.

“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” John 10:11

.

By the infallible pen of Divine inspiration, God has forever connected Himself with the concept of a shepherd with his sheep.

.

The above verse from John’s Gospel portrays Jesus as the Good Shepherd.

.

With His sacrifice on the Cross, Jesus truly fulfilled the above prophecy, giving His life for His lost sheep.

.

ABOVE WIKIPEDIA STAR-CHART – winter – Orion the Good Shepherd (Orion Constellation and rod made of Gemini stars) – www.signsofheaven.org

.

LOVE STORY IN THE STARS

,

But Scripture isn’t the only place where God has presented this concept of the Good Shepherd, Jesus.

.

God has written His heavenly love story in the Sun, Moon, and Stars, as well, as is written…

“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.

And these Signs Of Heaven are a second witness to what the Bible declares.

.

ABOVE WIKIPEDIA STAR-CHART – winter – Orion the Good Shepherd (Orion Constellation and rod made of Gemini stars) – www.signsofheaven.org

.

ORION, THE GOOD SHEPHERD

.

This star-chart from Wikipedia, has Orion sketched in by the editor of this website.

.

With the addition of a single star, Theta Geminorum (the left hand of the Castor twin of Gemini), the sickle in Orion, the Reaper’s hand, now extends the blade, thus transforming that sickle into the hook of a shepherd’s rod and staff.

.

And so now this little Gemini star becomes the tip of Orion’s Shepherd’s rod & staff.

.

**Thus, with this additional star, Orion the Reaper Constellation now becomes the 5th personality of Orion: The Good Shepherd (sketch below right).**

.

**Theta Geminorum is a class A3, 4th magnitude star, which means it is much fainter than either of the stars, Castor or Pollux.**

.

But faint as This little star may be, it nevertheless presents a giant concept, turning Orion’s sickle into a shepherd’s rod.

.

**And this is a very wonderful and beautiful Bible truth: namely, that Jesus is the Good Shepherd, as is written…**

.

ABOVE WIKIPEDIA STAR-CHART (with Orion drawn in by this website) – winter – Orion the Good Shepherd (Orion Constellation and rod made of Gemini stars) – www.signsofheaven.org

.

“As a shepherd seeketh out his flock

in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered;

so will I seek out My sheep,

and will deliver them out of all places

where they have been scattered

in the cloudy and dark day.”

Ezekiel 34:12

.

And so God has placed this Starry Shepherd in the winter-night heavens to remind us of His great love for a planet which has wandered away: just like sheep that wandered to where the grass looked greener.

.

ABOVE WIKIPEDIA STAR-CHART (with Orion drawn in) – winter – Orion the Good Shepherd (Orion Constellation and rod made of Gemini stars) – www.signsofheaven.org

.

SHEPHERD CARRIES US

.

Just think of the Good Shepherd looking high and low, and finally finding that one lost sheep.

.

Does He hit the sheep?

.

Does He yell at the sheep?

.

No, He lovingly places the sheep upon His broad shoulders, and joyfully carries it home. And that sheep, no doubt, enjoys the ride all the way back home.

Brooklyn Museum – The Good Shepherd Le bon pasteur – James Tissot wikpedia – US-public-domain.jpg

.

SHEEP WITH NO SHEPHERD

.

“But when He [Jesus] saw the multitudes,

He was moved with compassion on them,

because they fainted,

and were scattered abroad,

as sheep having no shepherd.”

Matthew 9:36

.

In the above verse Jesus was going through the cities and villages, preaching the Gospel.

.

But Jesus looked upon the very people who were chosen by God long before, to be the people of God.

.

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

.

A REST UNTO THE SOUL

.

“Come unto Me, all ye that labour

and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me;

for I am meek and lowly in heart:

and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

For My yoke is easy,

and My burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30

.

The Good Shepherd stands at the door and knocks.

.

Just listen to the call of Jesus to the Laodiceans…

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock:

if any man hear My voice, and open the door,

I will come in to him, and will sup with him,

and he with Me.”

Revelation 3:2

.

THE END

.

A HEAVENLY HOBBY

.

“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

ABOVE PICTURE – Starry Night at La Silla – cropped and altered image – Wikimedia – Share-Alike license

The above verse is a plea from God to look up at the Heavens and behold Who has created these things.

.

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.

.

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.

.

The Christian wants nothing to get in the way of running that Christian Race.

.

New York Times Square – terabass – cropped image – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

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

.

“AND WHEN YE SEE THESE THINGS…

LOOK UP, LIFT UP YOUR HEAD”

.

**But having said this, there is one hobby which every ‘Noble Berean’ may take up, which only compliments the pursuit of the heavenly Prize.**

.

**Yes, Signs Of Heaven becomes a wonderfully rewarding hobby which, unlike many less meaningful hobbies, pays off with rich, heavenly rewards. Everlasting rewards!**

.

And unlike the person in this photo with equipment, all you need is fairly good vision, and a dark, starry night.

.

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.

.

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.

.

Astronomy Amateur – cropped image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

“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

.

ABOVE CHART: Summer Constellations with Doves (Sagittarius) & Woman (Ursa Major)

.

FIRST FIND ORION & 7 STARS

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).

.

These two constellations represent Christ (Orion), and His Church (7 Stars).

.

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).

.

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.

.

Then, once you are comfortable finding these two constellations, you can begin to locate the next closest constellations, and so on.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Orion the Soldier and the Revelation 12 Dragon (Hyades & Pleiades, etc.) – winter constellations – www.signsofheaven.org – not for commercial use

ABOVE PICTURE – 7 Stars Constellation as the Cross (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses

.

ANOTHER HEAVENLY HOBBY: PRAYER-WALKS

.

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…

.

Why not combine star-watching with prayer, as you walk? What a great way to draw closer to God!

.

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!

.

(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.

.

And for those who are in confinement, one can view these starry signs on the Internet, or simply listen to Scripture on audio.

.

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!)

.

Starry Night at La Silla – cropped and latered image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

THRICE-DAILY PRAYERS

.

**Now of course, the Bible commands us to, “pray without ceasing“. The Christian is to constantly talk with our Heavenly Father throughout the day.**

.

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.

.

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.

.

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.

.

Marines at Prayer by Alex Raymond – Wikimedia – public domain

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Orion, The Good Shepherd

Parable of the Sheep & Goats: The Greatest Gift

By admin On December 9th, 2012

.

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

.

THE GREATEST GIFT

.

“For I was an hungered, and ye gave Me meat…

.

I was thirsty, and ye gave Me drink…

.

I was a stranger, and ye took Me in…

.

Naked, and ye clothed Me…

.

I was sick, and ye visited Me…

.

I was in prison, and ye came unto Me.”

.

Matthew 25:35-36

.

A gift can come in many forms. There are many gifts a Christian can give to the world.

.

Perhaps to stop and give money to someone holding a sign, asking for help. Maybe that would be the greatest gift.

.

Or giving a basket of food to someone who is hungry. Could that be the greatest gift?

.

Or what about visiting someone who is sick or incarcerated?

.

Or maybe to give clothes to some overseas mission?

.

Or toys to needy children at Christmas?

.

Or hand-out tracts, or talking to people regarding Salvation?

.

How about just being nice and friendly, and even being lovable to everyone? That too, is also a gift one could give to the world!

.

Dear Santa Claus – wikimedia – US public domain

.

BUT WHAT IS THE GREATEST GIFT?

.

There are many, many types of gifts a Christian can give to the world…

.

And some of those gifts are more precious than others!

.

But this article is all about the greatest gift one can give to the world (Of course, this website highly encourages the above list of varieties of gift-giving, too!)

.

But there is a gift far more precious that you and I can give to this needy world…

.

More precious than even talking to them about Jesus!

.

So, what gift could that possibly be?

.

Santa’s Workshop – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

THE MOST PRECIOUS GIFT

.

Well, it may surprise you, as to just what this most precious gift is! So come along and read about the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats. Because the Lord has hidden a special message into that parable. And this secret message holds the answer to this very puzzling question!

.

If you will read this article, you will find out all about this hidden message. But be warned! This parable will surprise you, when you discover its true meaning!

.

And it will change you, if you dare take it to heart!

.

Gifts Christmas – Wikimedia – GNU License, Version 1.2

.

“When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory:

.

And before Him shall be gathered all nations: and He shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats….

.

…and these (goats) shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous (The sheep) into life eternal.” Matthew 25:31, 32, 46

.

PARABLE OF SHEEP & GOATS

.

So this parable of the Sheep & Goats seems very straightforward: The world will be judged, and separated into two groups: the sheep and the goats.

.

To the one group, the sheep it will be pronounced… “Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungered, and ye gave Me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave Me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took Me in: Naked, and ye clothed Me: I was sick, and ye visited Me: I was in prison, and ye came unto Me.” Matthew 25: 34-36

.

Judgment of Sheep & Goats Fra Angelico Wikipedia Public Domain

.

TO THE GOATS

.

Now listen to what Jesus will say to the goats… “For I was an hungered, and ye gave Me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave Me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took Me not in: naked, and ye clothed Me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited Me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we Thee an hungered, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto Thee? Then shall He answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to Me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” Matthew 25:42-46

.

And so comes the pronouncement to the whole human race: either Heaven’s commendation, or Heaven’s condemnation, depending on how each person lived his or her life. Those who gave to the needy, and those who did not, but lived selfishly.

.

THE GREAT CLUE

.

However upon closer examination, there is a tiny discrepancy in Christ’s words. And this tiny discrepancy changes the entire meaning of this parable! And this is the big clue which unlocks the true meaning of this parable.

.

You see, the big clue is found by how Jesus answers the sheep, and how He answers the goats. Listen to how Jesus answers the sheep… “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren”. Notice that Jesus says to the sheep, “the least of these, My brethren”. But to the goats, Jesus omits, “My brethren”.

.

Now listen to His response to the goats… “as ye did it not to one of the least of these.”

.

So Jesus is speaking to the sheep as being faithful to help the, “least of these My brethren”.

.

**Now why would Jesus say the, “least of these My brethren”, to the sheep, but not to the goats?**

.

The answer to this puzzling omission can be found by discovering just who God considers, “the least of these My brethren”.

.

And in answering the goats, it likewise must be discovered just who God considers to be, “the least of these”. And it must be discovered why Jesus omitted the word, “My brethren”, when speaking to the goats. And so the next section below will try to begin to unravel this mystery.

.

Rich Young Ruler – Hoffman – Wikimedia Commons – US Public Domain

.

WHO IS THE LEAST?

.

“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.” 2nd Timothy 1:15

.

First of all, it must be established just who it is, that Jesus considers as the, “least of these My brethren”.

.

The above verse from 2nd Timothy, is by Paul, who considered himself to be the chief of sinners. That’s right, the great evangelist, the Apostle, Paul, considers himself to be the chief of sinners!

.

**But notice he says that this statement is, “worthy of ALL acceptation”. So this little statement is saying here that each Christian should also take this same attitude that Paul took.**

.

In other words, each person should likewise consider himself to be the chief of sinners! (And the fact is, the longer a Christian serves the Lord, the more painfully aware he becomes, of how far short he falls to his Lord.)

.

The Lord proclaims through Jeremiah… “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9.

.

Here is the sad and decrepit condition of the human heart: “deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked!”

.

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

.

Incredible! Try sharing that above verse with a psychologist! Chances are, you will be asked to leave his office! After all, the psychologist makes a living by trying to understand the human mind.

.

But the above verse states that the human mind is, “deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, who can know it?”

.

Paul the Apostle – Artist – Valentin de Boulogne or Nicolas Tournier – circa 1500s – Wikipedia – public domain

.

UNACCEPTABLE TO THE WORLD

.

And furthermore, the world cannot accept such a sweeping condemnation of itself. That would be far too hopeless for those without Christ! But the Christian well knows he or she is innately evil, and only the grace of God in the heart can be accounted of any good.

.

Listen again to Paul… “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing…” Romans 7:18.

.

Paul well knew that without the Holy Spirit he would simply revert back into his wretched past. He needed that constant connection with the Vine (Christ), if he was to remain a fruitful branch.

.

Jesus also had something to say regarding this kind of self-abnegation.

.

Listen… “When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room…But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; Luke 14:8, 10.

.

Jesus here is counseling us to go and sit in the lowest room! This is the very same concept that Paul expressed in the previous verse from Romans 7:18, howbeit it in different language!

.

.

I AM THE LOWEST

.

Now Paul really nails down this concept, with the next verse… “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” Philippians 2:3.

.

So if I esteem others as better than myself, then the result is, I am the least!

.

And just one more statement by Paul… “Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;” Ephesians 3:8.

.

Here Paul is calling himself the least! So whether Paul is calling himself the least of all saints, or the chief of sinners, the conclusion is the same!

.

CHRIST’S GREAT CONDESCENSION

.

And remember that Jesus left the glory of Heaven, to become the lowest of the lowest in this world! So it should be the Christian’s privilege to follow in His footsteps and do the same.

.

Listen…. “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the Cross.” Philippians 2:5-8.

.

At the time of Christ’s crucifixion, to die on a Roman cross was as low as a human could go. And in this above passage, God is counseling us to let this same mind be in us!

.

James Tissot – Jesus carrying the Cross – www.joyfulheart.com – US Public Domain

.

But the next question is, “OK, OK! So I am the least! But just how do I visit MYSELF in prison? And how can I be naked, when I have a closet full of clothes? And how can I be considered hungry, when I’m 20 pounds overweight? And how can I be sick, when I am well? And how can I be in prison when I am free?”

.

Well just keep reading…

.

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

.

BUT I’M NOT IN PRISON!!

.

“In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” 2nd Timothy 2:25, 26

.

Now most people of the world would have no idea what you were talking about, if you told them that they were in prison. But the Bible says exactly that! This above passage really reveals just what is the spiritual condition of the world (and the worldly Church). The world has been taken captive by the Devil.

.

But how about the followers of Jesus? Are we too, the prisoners of sin? Well, listen to Jesus address those who professed to believe in Him.

.

Listen… “Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:34-36.

.

Those of us who profess to be free in Christ, yet who are still in bondage to our cravings and earthly desires, are, in the words of Jesus, “the servant of sin!”

.

Pilgrims Progress_15_p45_man in an iron cage wikipedia pub dom

.

BUT I AM RICH!

.

“Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” Revelation 3:17

.

So the above verse defines the actual spiritual condition of many Christians who profess to abide in Christ. We are spiritually naked! We are spiritually poor! We are miserable! We are in bondage to the Devil! And as Isaiah points out, God’s people are sick!

.

Just listen… “Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity… the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.” Isaiah 1:4, 5.

.

And Jesus knows just who it is that is naked. Just listen… “I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” Revelation 3:18.

.

The Lukewarm Christian does not realize that he or she is spiritually naked. And what is needed is to be clothed in the garments of Salvation.

.

Listen… “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels.” Revelation 3:5.

.

And so, the Christian is commanded to overcome the world. This is the requirement that every true worshipper of God will achieve.

.

No, overcoming is not the means to Salvation, but is the result of Salvation! It is the outworking of the Holy Spirit; it is a desire and life-pursuit which wells up within the Believer via the indwelling Spirit of Holiness.

.

tissot -As seen from the cross-wikipedia US public domain

.

JESUS, THE GREAT SUBSTITUTE

.

So also, in that parable of the Sheep & Goats, Jesus knows very well just who it is that is poor, and hungry, and sick, and in prison. And as Jesus suffered on the Cross, He was in our place. Yes, Jesus was in prison and sick and poor and wretched and naked and hungry and thirsty on behalf of the whole human race! And whosoever will put on the Lord Jesus Christ will be healed; will be made rich; will be cleansed; will be clothed; will be fed, and will drink the life-giving water of the Gospel!

.

Oh yes, the Christian is commanded to go out into the world, and heal the sick, and feed the hungry, and clothe the naked, and give sight unto the blind, and make others rich. But first, the Christian must himself be healed, and fed, and clothed, and given sight, and buy gold tried in the fire.

.

Cross of Jesus Christ – cropped photo – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

.

***GOOD WORKS USELESS* *WITHOUT CONVERSION***

.

“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

.

There will be many church-goers who will hang their heads on Judgment Day, after hearing these words of Jesus… “depart from me, ye that work iniquity!”

.

They always thought they were, “rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing;” They were deceived by the Devil; they didn’t realize they were actually… “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.”

.

If only they had taken to heart the words of Paul… “(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 Corinthians10:4-6.

.

They didn’t understand that they had a battle to fight, and a war to win. They were told by their teachers that they were safe and secure, and didn’t need to do anything but enjoy, enjoy! Oh, perhaps they had been warned by their pastor. But the warnings seemed empty and hollow because the lives all around them bore not the testimony of a self-sacrificing Savior! Their church was filled with otherwise nice people, but who were worldly and carnal.

.

LESS-THAN-USELESS EVANGELISM

.

And the sad fact is, that for church-goers to become involved in evangelistic efforts, and yet neglect to thoroughly evangelize our own heart: all such evangelism is worthless: even worse, because we will only be unknowingly working in conjunction with evil angels to bring more Antichrists into the Church. Only a soul which has, “forsook all, to follow Jesus”, with be blessed in good works.

.

Listen… “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple. ” Luke 14:33.

.

In the verses preceding this verse, Jesus explains (in parabolic terms) that in order for a man or woman to become a victorious Christian, requires a total dedication to Christ. A divided heart will always ultimately fail of overcoming this world.

.

Listen… “For let not that man (a double-minded man) think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.” James 1:7.

.

Rich Young Ruler – Hoffman – wikimedia commons – US public domain

.

RABBIT TRAILS TO DESTRUCTION!

.

The Devil hates one thing above all else! To see a Christian study his or her Bible, with the desire to get to know Jesus is more than the Devil can tolerate! And so, this Master Deceiver will attempt to derail the Christian from such introspective Bible study!

.

And if he cannot pull the Christian back into the world, he will then attempt the next best thing: to lead the Christian down some rabbit-trail! Revelation seminars which focus on history books and newspapers, instead of Christ! Health and wealth seminars! Creation/evolution seminars! Church politics! Even evangelism!

.

Yes, the Devil will tolerate just about anything, rather than see the Christian fully engaged in the purification of the heart!

.

Now, to study Bible prophecy can be a good thing, if it is done properly. And there is a time for history books. And taking care of our health is good. And evangelism is good. But when any of these begins to eclipse one’s personal heart-purification, then those good things become evil!

.

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

.

There will be many energetic church-goers, who on Judgment Day will hear the following words… “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

.

Yes, there are many church-attendees who devote their lives to various aspects of the Christian life. And yet they neglect that one thing, which is paramount to all other concerns of life: the purification of the heart, and transformation of the life into the image of Christ!

.

Juvenile-Alice-in-Wonderland-White-rabbit-believed-to-be-public-domain

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

.

ISAIAH’S CONDEMNATION OF A WORLDLY CHURCH

.

Those who try to serve God and also serve the world, are not to think that we will receive anything from the Lord!

.

Listen to Isaiah’s assessment of a worldly-minded Church… “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.

.

Notice that it not only describes God’s people as having given birth to the wind (instead of giving birth to Christ), but it also says that we have… “we have not wrought any deliverance in the earth”.

.

To not have wrought any deliverance in the Earth means that the Church has not saved anyone, even its own self! And to say that, “neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen”, reveals that the Church has failed to convince the world that it must repent.

.

It’s not that the Christian must work for his or her Salvation. But only those who truly have Salvation will go on to fight for and ultimately win the Prize of a personal victorious life in Christ. But all those who have only a spurious-salvation, are mere pretenders, and will eventually be overcome by the world.

.

Tissot – Isaiah – wikipedia US public domain

.

TIME TO FLEE!

.

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.

.

In the Church of God, the wicked became as swift as leopards, via the modern technology. Instant communications allowed Satan and his host much easier access into the lives of God’s people. The great images of wickedness even held the exalted place in the living rooms of the Christian community.

.

To a great extent, the following passage was largely ignored… “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23.

.

Christians greatly polluted our Heavenly soul-sanctuary, by allowing so much of the world into our hearts via our ungodly friendships and high-tech communications with unholy channels of darkness.

.

A WORLDLY AND IRRELEVANT CHURCH

.

The Church of God, during this last century, allowed the wicked to move in and take the reins, so to speak. The accepted norm was to behave giddy, vain, and worldly.

.

Yes, we have all been careless, worldly, and negligent to perform our duties!

.

But now, God tells us to hide ourselves!

.

Listen again… “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.

Notice it says, “It MAY BE ye shall hid!” God’s people must not presumptuously think that we are a “shoe-in” to be hidden in that Day! But humbly must we beg and plead for God to drive out all pride and presumptuous self-confidence, so that we just might be hidden, while the storm passes by in that Day!

.

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

.

“A MAN IS HIDDEN”

Proverbs 28:12

“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,” 2nd Corinthians 6:17

.

Like never before in history, is it imperative for the Christian to hide in Christ… “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.” Isaiah 26:20

.

Hide Thyself in thy Chambers- inspired by Tornado Over Kansas by Curry

.

TO THE MOLES AND BATS…

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.

.

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”?

.

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.

.

And so we are now able to see where we are heading…to the Narrow Gate…and into the Promised Land which lies just beyond that Narrow Gate!

.

Big-eared-townsend-fledermaus Wikipedia public domain-

“Cast Idols to Moles”_mole by Michael David Hill, wikipedia share-alike license

.

BEGGING & PLEADING FOR RESTORATION

.

And so, we Christians living in this age of apostasy must seek the Lord with deep contrition and humility. The following passage from James, speaks especially to we who are living in this time of great apostasy in the Church!

.

Listen… “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…Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up.” James 4:4, 8-10.

.

There are many who will tell us that we New Testament Church must never beg and plead for God’s mercy! But this passage from the New Testament Book of James tells us different!

.

But this old painting of King David presents to us an example of Israel’s most exalted human crouched in humble prostration before God, as if he was a little child begging for forgiveness and restoration!

.

And so, let us not think that God does not want us to assume the same contrition and godly sorrow because of our worldliness! And do not think that should we refuse to humble ourselves, that God cannot raise up someone else who will.

.

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

CHRIST IN THE HEART

.

“My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,” Galatians 4:19

.

In the above verse, Paul complains to the Galatian churches that they were falling away, back into a “works gospel”, but really needed to die to self in Christ. This church was in the process of laying down their weapons, and turning to useless ceremonies.

.

What that church needed was to prepare a place in the heart for Christ to reign and rule. The Soul-Temple must be cleansed from every trace of defilement. They were commanded to bring, “into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ”.

.

Paul was pleading with the Galatians that they needed Christ to rule in the heart of each and every Galatian.

.

And they must heed the following words by Paul… “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,” Philippians 3:8.

.

And every Christian today, likewise must take heed to these words of Paul. The Christian battle is not something the Christian does once a week at church. It is a 24/7/365 battle that must be fought. And God will give strength and joy to go about one’s daily duties, while carefully guarding the heart from the attacks of the enemy of souls.

.

HEART PURIFICATION

.

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

.

The above verse tells just what is the work that every man who looks for Christ to return, will joyfully take up: the purification of the Soul-Temple! All worldliness; earthly dreams and desires: and fleshly lusts: all these have no place in the heart and only defile the temple of God!

.

Listen… “Thus shall ye separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness; that they die not in their uncleanness, when they defile My tabernacle that is among them.” Leviticus 15:31.

.

The Christian must keep in mind the he (or she) is a Priest for the Most High and Holy God. And as such, the Christian is to purify the heart from all unchristlike behavior.

.

And by thus doing, the world will take note that Christ is dwelling in that child of God! But the frivolous, lightness and giddy behavior of the world will have no place in the words or behavior of the child of God! Christ is to reign supreme in the heart of each and every one who takes the name of Jesus upon his or her lips!

.

the Holy of Holies – www.thebiblerevival.com – Public Domain

.

“MY YOKE IS EASY…”

.

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

.

**Now how could the Christian Fight be an easy yoke and a light burden, as this above verse states? Simple. The Lord fights our battles for us!**

.

Listen… “For the LORD your God is He that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.” Deuteronomy 20:4.

.

Our part is to allow God to work in us. Our job is to praise God as He brings us into various tribulations, in order to purify us. Our duty is to meditate day and night upon His Word (see Psalm 1), filling our Heart Sanctuary with His beautiful Words.

.

Our great commission is to separate ourselves from every ungodly influence, lest we be defiled by evil communications (see 1st Corinthians 15:33).

.

Our joy is to pray throughout our day, as we work, as we walk, as we lie down and rise up.

.

And even these duties are really just from the inspiration of God.

.

.

SOUL-TEMPLE RESTORED

.

“Trust ye not in lying words, saying, ‘The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, are these’. For if ye thoroughly amend your ways and your doings…Then will I cause you to dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers, for ever and ever.” Jeremiah 7:4, 5, 7

.

This above passage from Jeremiah is a warning against church-goers presuming to be the temple of God. Christians are exhorted to, “thoroughly amend your ways and your doings”. Those who claim to love and serve God must raise the standard back to its rightful place. Christ is that standard. Nothing short of that standard is acceptable.

.

And so, with this in mind, one can plainly see, that we each have a work to do, which requires nothing short of a complete dedication, in our striving to win Christ. And when God’s people finally cast every last little cherished idol to the moles and bats, and run to the eternal rocks to hide ourselves in God’s Word, then and only then will the Church begin to shine as the Sun!

.

THE CHRISTIAN: A WALKING TABERNACLE

“…for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,” 2nd Corinthians 6:16, 17

Just as the Jews moved the Tabernacle from place to place during their wilderness-wanderings, so too, the Christian today is to do the very same thing. We are the Temple of the living God! We are God’s tabernacle in our own wilderness-wanderings.

.

Wherever we go, whatever we do, we are on-duty 24/7/365 as priests for the Most High God! And just as Abraham set up an altar in different places during his travels, we have an altar in our heart. And wherever we go, we take that altar with us. This is the kind of worship that God is desiring from His people.

.

When the Samaritan woman at the well (see John Ch. 4) asked Jesus if Jerusalem was the correct place to worship, Jesus answered her… “Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe Me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father….But the hour cometh, and now is, when the True-Worshippers shall worship the Father in Spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him….God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in truth.” John 4:21, 23, 24.

.

So to worship God in Spirit and truth does not require a building or even a certain denomination. It only requires a heart that is filled with the Spirit and with the truth of God. And so we spiritually enter into our “portable” Most Holy Place of the heart; and by faith, silently cry out to our Heavenly Father, fulfilling our priestly duties, even as we carry out the mundane duties of our day.

.

THE GREATEST GIFT

.

And so, dear truth-seeker, the answer to our puzzle is simply this: the greatest gift a Christian can give to a needy world is a purified heart and a life transformed into the image of Christ. Oh yes, the world has heard about Christ. They’ve been told.

.

But what the world needs now, is to see Jesus, as He lives out His holy life through His believing, trusting Followers!

.

And with hearts purified we will be a Living Epistle, “known and read of all!” 2nd Corinthians 3:2.

.

Then there will no longer be any need for hand-out tracts or television or Internet ministries. God’s faithful ones will shine as the Sun in its brightness, to a sin-darkened world! And we are now just standing before that dawning of that day!

.

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

***EPILOGUE:* *THE UNPARDONABLE SIN***

.

‘Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.” Matthew 12:31, 32

.

The above verse presents a most fearful concept which has plagued many serious-minded church-goers over the centuries since it was first penned in Matthew’s Gospel. And upon first examination, it would appear that merely saying something evil about the Holy Spirit is the unpardonable sin.

.

In the book, “Grace Abounding To The Chief of Sinners”, author, John Bunyan was plagued by Satan over this very same issue. Prior to Bunyan’s full conversion, the Devil was playing games with Bunyan, tempting him over and over with the thought to sell out Christ. The Devil put the thought within him… “Sell Christ for this, or sell Christ for that; sell Him, sell Him, sell Him.”

.

Well, this kept up until, in Bunyan’s own words… “At last, after much striving, even until I was almost out of breath, I felt this thought pass through my heart, “Let Him go if He will.” I thought also that I felt my heart freely consent to this. Oh, the diligence of Satan! Oh, the desperateness of man’s heart! Now was the battle won, and down I fell, as a bird that is shot from the top of a tree, into great guilt and fearful despair. Now I was as one bound; I felt myself shut up into the judgment to come. Nothing for the next two years would abide with me but damnation and an expectation of damnation.”

.

Bunyan was not alone! Many serious-minded Christians have likewise fallen into this same devilish plague. But for those who persevere in God’s Word, they eventually discover that this passage from Matthew needs to be compared with other similar passages.

.

John Bunyan by Thomas Sadler – 1684 – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

SHEEP: UN-PRESUMPTUOUS SELF-DISTRUST

.

The Parable of the Sheep & Goats gives some insight concerning this. Notice that the sheep were very unsure of themselves, when confronted by Christ… “Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we Thee an hungered, and fed Thee? or thirsty, and gave Thee drink? When saw we Thee a stranger, and took Thee in? or naked, and clothed Thee? Or when saw we Thee sick, or in prison, and came unto Thee?” Matthew 25:37-39.

.

**Here is seen the humble self-distrusting UNpresumptuous attitude of True-Worshippers. God had already driven out their presumptuous pride, leaving them as meek as the man, Moses (see Numbers 12:3).**

.

Judgment of Sheep & Goats Fra Angelico Wikipedia Public Domain

.

GOATS: PRESUMPTUOUSLY SELF-ASSURED

.

But this parable reveals the presumptuous attitude of the goats, having just the opposite attitude of the sheep.

.

Listen… “Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?” Matthew 25:44, 45.

.

Notice that in this hasty response, the goats were surprised that they had been accused by Jesus. “When did we not do this? When did we not do that?”

.

Now this presumptuous attitude reminds us of Psalm 19, in which David prays the following… “Who can understand his errors? cleanse Thou me from secret faults. Keep back Thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Psalm 19:12, 13.

.

Goats – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

.

THE UNPARDONABLE SIN

.

“Who can understand his errors? cleanse Thou me from secret faults. Keep back Thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Psalm 19:12, 13.

.

This passage seems to capture the true nature of the unpardonable sin: presumptuously thinking that I am OK, when in truth I have “secret faults”.

company's coming

.

Now of course, as long as we live, there is a chance to repent.

.

Listen to John’s Epistle concerning “sin unto death”… “If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and He shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death. We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.” 1st John 5:16-18.

.

And though anybody has the opportunity to repent, as long as he or she lives, nevertheless the Devil will strive to keep a person in an undone condition, right up until the day of death, when all hope is gone.

.

And he does this by giving a person this same presumptuous attitude which the goats displayed in this parable.

.

“EXAMINE YOURSELVES”

2nd Cor. 13:5

.

Now the big point to all this is that the attitude of the sheep was one of self-distrust, while the goats displayed presumptuousness and self-confidence about their salvation on the Day of Judgment.

.

And so, as we now stand on the threshold of Judgment Day, it is imperative that we urgently take account of ourselves, so that we do not end up in a bankrupt spiritual condition on Judgment Day, only to hear the words… “Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the Devil and his angels:”

.

Goat Eating Weeds – Wikimedia – Public Domain

sheep – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0

.

THE END

.

SHEEP & GOATS

.

25:31 When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of his glory: 25:32 And before Him shall be gathered all nations: and He shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: 25:33 And He shall set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left.

.

25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on His right hand, Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 25:35 For I was an hungered, and ye gave Me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave Me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took Me in: 25:36 Naked, and ye clothed Me: I was sick, and ye visited Me: I was in prison, and ye came unto Me.

.

25:37 Then shall the righteous answer Him, saying, Lord, when saw we Thee an hungered, and fed Thee? or thirsty, and gave Thee drink? 25:38 When saw we Thee a stranger, and took Thee in? or naked, and clothed Thee? 25:39 Or when saw we Thee sick, or in prison, and came unto Thee?

.

25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me.

.

25:41 Then shall He say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the Devil and his angels: 25:42 For I was an hungered, and ye gave Me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave Me no drink: 25:43 I was a stranger, and ye took Me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited Me not.

.

25:44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? 25:45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to Me. 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” Matthew 25: 31-46

.

Bernhard_Plockhorst 1825-1907 The Good_Shephard wikipedia public domain

.

.
.
.
.

A HEAVENLY HOBBY

.

“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

ABOVE PICTURE – Starry Night at La Silla – cropped and altered image – Wikimedia – Share-Alike license

The above verse is a plea from God to look up at the Heavens and behold Who has created these things.

.

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.

.

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.

.

The Christian wants nothing to get in the way of running that Christian Race.

.

New York Times Square – terabass – cropped image – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

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

.

“AND WHEN YE SEE THESE THINGS…

LOOK UP, LIFT UP YOUR HEAD”

.

**But having said this, there is one hobby which every ‘Noble Berean’ may take up, which only compliments the pursuit of the heavenly Prize.**

.

**Yes, Signs Of Heaven becomes a wonderfully rewarding hobby which, unlike many less meaningful hobbies, pays off with rich, heavenly rewards. Everlasting rewards!**

.

And unlike the person in this photo with equipment, all you need is fairly good vision, and a dark, starry night.

.

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.

.

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.

.

Astronomy Amateur – cropped image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

“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

.

ABOVE CHART: Summer Constellations with Doves (Sagittarius) & Woman (Ursa Major)

.

FIRST FIND ORION & 7 STARS

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).

.

These two constellations represent Christ (Orion), and His Church (7 Stars).

.

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).

.

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.

.

Then, once you are comfortable finding these two constellations, you can begin to locate the next closest constellations, and so on.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Orion the Soldier and the Revelation 12 Dragon (Hyades & Pleiades, etc.) – winter constellations – www.signsofheaven.org – not for commercial use

ABOVE PICTURE – 7 Stars Constellation as the Cross (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses

.

ANOTHER HEAVENLY HOBBY: PRAYER-WALKS

.

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…

.

Why not combine star-watching with prayer, as you walk? What a great way to draw closer to God!

.

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!

.

(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.

.

And for those who are in confinement, one can view these starry signs on the Internet, or simply listen to Scripture on audio.

.

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!)

.

Starry Night at La Silla – cropped and latered image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

THRICE-DAILY PRAYERS

.

**Now of course, the Bible commands us to, “pray without ceasing“. The Christian is to constantly talk with our Heavenly Father throughout the day.**

.

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.

.

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.

.

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.

.

Marines at Prayer by Alex Raymond – Wikimedia – public domain

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Parable of the Sheep & Goats: The Greatest Gift

Ark of the Covenant Constellation, Pt. 2: How To Enter The Most Holy Place

By admin On November 24th, 2012

.

“One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after;

.

…that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,

.

…to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple.

.

…For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion: in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me…”

.

Psalm 27:4, 5

.

A Prayer… by Frederick Daniel Hardy – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

THE MOST HOLY PLACE

.

“LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?” Psalm 15:1

.

**The above passage asks a very odd question: “…who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?” Psalm 15:1.**

.

Now why would God ask such a ridiculous question? After all, for most of the past 2,000 years, the temple lay in ruins. So how can a Christian abide in God’s tabernacle?

.

Holman The Tabernacle in the Wilderness wikipedia US public domain

.

THE ARK

.

**The Ark of the Covenant was the centerpiece of the tabernacle sanctuary, during the years of the wilderness wanderings of the children of Israel, prior to their entering into the Promised Land.**

.

The Signs Of Heaven presents a constellation, seen in the summer skies, which represents the Ark of the Covenant. There is also a constellation which represents the Golden Altar in the winter skies, which likewise was in that same tabernacle. But just what is the relevance of all this?

.

Tissot – Moses and Joshua in the Tabernacle – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

PROPHECY RIGHTLY INTERPRETED

.

Well, let’s explore just how the Christian can fulfill all these Biblical concepts. Because God wrote the Bible in such a way, so that all these things can and will be very relevant to each and every Christian. But in order to fully understand these concepts, the Scripture must be rightly divided (correctly interpreted). But this article will attempt to lay the foundation of these wonderful and awesome concepts.

.

So please come along and read about these mysteries revealed by comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

.

Above sketch: the Ark, Flower of the Field, and Cross/Scepter Constellations

.

THE HOLY AND MOST HOLY PLACE

.

“And thou shalt put the Mercy Seat upon the Ark of the Testimony in the Most Holy Place.” Exodus 26:34

.

The Tabernacle in the wilderness was a picture of God. Just listen to Revelation… “And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.” Revelation 21:22.

.

So, instead of dwelling upon all the fine points of the earthly tabernacle, let it suffice to be said, this earthly tabernacle is merely a metaphor of God Himself. And the Most Holy Place is the heart of that temple, and upon the Ark, represents God’s throne, as is written…

.

“And David arose…to bring up from thence, the ark of God…the LORD of hosts that dwells between the cherubims.” 2nd Samuel 6:2.

.

So, if, as it states here, that God dwells “between the cherubims”, then this is speaking of the Mercy Seat over the Ark. But even though it speaks thus, we need to keep in mind that the temple itself, represents God Himself, as is written… “And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.” Rev. 21:22.

.

Holy Place & Most Holy Place wikipedia public domain

.

ARK SEEN IN HEAVEN

.

“And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.” Revelation 11:19

.

The above verse from Revelation, speaks of God’s Temple in Heaven being opened. But this great constellation, the Sagittarius Constellation is actually the constellation of the Ark of the Covenant. So these two events go hand in hand simultaneously. The Ark Constellation, as sketched into this Wikipedia star-chart, is a representation of the heavenly Ark, as God begins to open up the spiritual concepts of that true Ark to our minds.

.

Star-chart from Wikipedia (this Website has taken the liberty to sketch in this Ark Constellation)

.

QUEEN ESTHER

.

“And the letters were sent by posts into all the king’s provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day…and so will I (Esther) go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.” Esther 1:10-12, 4:16 (condensed)

.

The above passage is an extremely abbreviated description of Esther as she went uninvited into the king’s throne-room, to plead for the doomed Jews.

.

It is also the story of today’s Church as we are called to enter the Most Holy Place with Christ. And just as Esther boldly and fearfully (but not presumptuously) entered the king’s throne-room, so too must God’s Elect enter boldly, but with trembling, God’s Throne-Room by faith, to plead for God’s people, who are now under God’s judgment.

.

Esther by Jacopo del sellaio, esther e assuero 1400’s wikimedia public domain

.

WHO ARE TODAY’S PRIESTS?

.

Listen to that fiery little Book of Joel… “Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?” Joel 2:17.

.

Now this verse is concerning the Day of the Lord. And yet it speaks of priests and of the sanctuary. Well just listen to Peter’s Epistle… “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light:” 1st Peter 2:9

.

And how do we accomplish this? Well, that is what theheavensdeclare.net is all about. For a good start in comprehending this big subject regarding how God’s Elect relate to Esther, you can go to such articles as… “The Revelation 12 Woman & The Narrow Way”.

.

Joel the Prophet – www.wikipaintings.com – Public Domain

.

WE TOO MUST ENTER THE KING’S THRONE ROOM

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

Both the story of Esther as well as this constellation group in the summer skies ring out the same startling message. Do you see this heavenly woman reaching for that Cross/Scepter? It was placed in Heaven by God, to remind us of the story of Esther. Esther went into king’s throne-room and took hold of the king’s scepter.

.

WE MUST ENTER TOO!

.

God is wanting His people to enter into His Throne Room…the Most Holy Place in Heaven. But though we are encouraged at any time to, “come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16, there is a further calling. Once we are saved, we are not to be content to remain in our wretched and worldly condition.

.

We are commanded to be… “leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection” Hebrews 6:1.

.

As the Apostle John puts it… “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” 1st John 5:4.

.

Most Christians are not aware that just because they have been called into the Gospel does not mean that they can lay down their armor. Rather, the battle has just begun. Only those who are truly the Chosen and Faithful, will overcome the world. This is what separates the Believers from mere “Make-believers”, so to speak.

Tissot – Moses and Joshua in the Tabernacle – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

“Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary”

Psalm 77:13

And so, as New Testament priests, we are called to live by faith within the Most Holy Place. Just listen… “And (God) hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: ” Ephesians 2:6.

.

This verse declares that we are to be seated together in Christ in the heavenlies. This is an awesome concept, to say the least! Christ is currently in the Most Holy where, as Hebrews 7:25 says, He “ever liveth to make intercession” for His people. And so are we to ever live to make intercession for God’s people. That Mercy Seat in the Most Holy Place is where we are also to be seated together in Christ Jesus! Incredible? Oh yes! Very incredible! And amazing too!

.

Starry Night at La Silla – cropped and altered image – Wikimedia – Share-Alike license

.

HEAVENLY ZION

.

“For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched…But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,” Hebrews 12:18, 22

.

This above passage speaks of a heavenly Zion; and it speaks of this in the present tense! Of course, Mount Zion is the place of God’s Temple. When we become True-Worshippers of God, this is when we are come to heavenly Jerusalem, and spiritual Mount Zion.

.

Oh yes it is true, the Old Testament was the Gospel of Christ, veiled in types and shadows. And so, here is a fulfillment of some of these earthly types and shadows.

.

And so now, with this revelation from Hebrews, concerning spiritual Zion, there begins to be a clarity about such passages as this next one… “For the Lord hath chosen Zion; He hath desired it for His habitation. This is My rest for ever: here will I dwell; for have desired it. I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread. I will also clothe her priests with Salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.” Psalm 132:13-15.

.

So God is speaking here of Heavenly Jerusalem and spiritual Zion, as His everlasting resting place.

.

Tissot Solomon Dedicates the Temple at Jerusalem – Wikipedia – US Public-Domain

.

“THOU ART A PRIEST FOREVER”

.

But it doesn’t stop merely with heavenly Jerusalem, and spiritual Zion! As if that’s not incredible enough, God reveals more to us! That is, just who are these priests, whom God here refers to Spiritual Zion? Who will be ministering before the Lord forever? Because, the Lord here, while speaking of eternal Zion, is also speaking of her priests. But it must be remembered that Christ will be an eternal Priest, as is written… “The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.” Psalm 110:4.

.

And finally, this next verse really nails down just what will be the role of all those who are chosen to be priests and kings in the Lord’s service, along with Jesus, the eternal High Priest.

.

Just listen… “The priests the Levites, and all the tribe of Levi, shall have no part nor inheritance with Israel…For the LORD thy God hath chosen him out of all thy tribes, to stand to minister in the name of the LORD, him and his sons for ever.” Deuteronomy 18:1, 5.

.

So we are those sons of Levi (Jesus). After all, we have been chosen to be priests unto God, just as it is written… “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness…And hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” Revelation 1:5, 6.

.

The Holy of Holies- www.thebiblerevival.com -public domain

.

A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD

.

So if the sons of Levi are God’s chosen priestly line, to minister before Him forever, then it must be speaking of New Testament Believers as well…“Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” 1st Peter 2:5.

.

Not only will we be the living stones of that temple, but we will be the royal priesthood of that temple as well. And so all this must be speaking of spiritual things, since we obviously will not be literal stones forever. That would be a ridiculous idea!

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Most Holy Place – Signs Of Heaven

.

***HOW DO WE RELATE* *TO GOD’S TEMPLE?***

.

^“For the Lord hath chosen Zion; He hath desired it for His habitation. This is My rest for ever: here will I dwell; for have desired it. I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread. I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.” Psalm 132:13-15

.

The above passage speaks of Zion as God’s everlasting resting place. And of course, Mount Zion is where the Temple was in Old Jerusalem, and that’s where it will be in the New Jerusalem. So how do we, God’s people relate to that Temple? Well, just listen to the following passage… “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” 1st Peter 2:5

.

So now it becomes apparent that this true Temple is a spiritual concept, rather than a brick-n-mortar structure in Heaven. We are the “living stones” of that Temple. And yet God Himself is the Temple. Very confusing concepts, wouldn’t you agree?

.

Above picture: Heavenly Mount Zion Constellation (aka Cassiopeia)

.

GOD & HIS PEOPLE, THE TRUE TEMPLE!

.

So now it becomes apparent that this true Temple is a spiritual concept, rather than a brick-n-mortar structure in Heaven. We are the “living stones” of that Temple. And yet God Himself is the Temple. Very confusing concepts, wouldn’t you agree?

.

Well, the following passage just might shed some light for us… “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me. And the glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are one: I in them, and Thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me.” John 17:20-23.

.

Now, it is impossible for anyone to really fully understand this passage, although some may try. Just how this incredible relationship between the Believer and his or her Lord actually is carried out is truly a mystery! But it is evident that this concept really speaks of the heavenly Temple, which will exist for all time and eternity. And of course, as already stated, God and the Lamb are the true Temple. And if God dwells in us, then that Temple likewise dwells in us.

.

Transfiguration – Bloch – cropped – Wikimedia Commons – US Public-Domain

.

WE ARE THE TRIBE OF LEVI

.

“But who may abide the day of His coming? and who shall stand when He appeareth? for He is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.”

.

The above passage is speaking of the Coming of the Lord. Now whether this is speaking of His first Coming or the second Coming, one thing is for sure: it cannot be speaking of earthly priests. This has to be speaking of Believers; because at His first Coming, the earthly priesthood came to an end…forever! So this must be understood spiritually.

.

Listen even once more to Peter… “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” 1st Peter 2:5.

.

We are the royal priesthood. We are the Sons of Levi, spiritually speaking. We are those whom the Lord will purify… “to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” 1st Peter 2:5

.

High Priest – www.thebiblerevival.com -public-domain

.

A LIVING SACRIFICE

.

And what spiritual sacrifices are we to offer? Listen… “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:1, 2.

.

Incredible!! Paul really said a mouthful in that passage, didn’t he? It is amazing, that such passages as this can be ignored by so many, who insist on remaining worldly and common in the world.

.

Listen to this… “Give unto the LORD the glory due unto His name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness…and in His temple doth every one speak of His glory.” Psalm 29:2.

.

Here is revealed the speech which is heard in God’s Temple: “and in His temple doth every one speak of His glory.” In the beauty (and joy) of holiness, God’s people continually speak of His glory. And how can I become a part of this glory? The more a Christian closes his or her self in with God; the more he shuts out all unnecessary noise and clamor of the world, he (or she) will become shut-in with God in His holy temple within his hearts.

.

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

.

PETER SAID IT PLAINLY…

.

Peter said it more bluntly!

.

Listen… “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?….Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless.” 2nd Peter 3:11, 12, 14.

.

Well this passage certainly raises the bar for Christian conduct, doesn’t it? Peter says here that we are to be…“be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless.”

.

And of course, the language which Peter purposely uses here is the very same language used by God when speaking of sacrificial lambs.

.

Listen… “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things…But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:” 1st Peter 1:18, 19.

.

And so, just as that sacrificial lamb in the temple service represented Jesus, the great fulfillment of a sacrificial lamb, so are we to be also, as we joyfully lay down our lives on the altar of service to God.

.

Rembrandt van Rijn – St Peter in Prison The Apostle Peter Kneeling – Google Art Project – wikimedia – US-public-domain.jpg

.

THE SOUL, OUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION

.

“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:36

.

Of all the possessions that a human can have, the soul is by far the most important. And it is remarkable how lightly esteemed the soul is. After all, we the people of the world go on our merry way, mostly never even giving a thought for our most valuable possession!

.

The above verse puts the importance of the human soul in proper perspective… “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”

.

It is more valuable than all the riches this world can offer, as the above verse alludes.

.

Listen to the Psalmist… “A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.” Psalm 37:16

.

If your soul lives eternally, you have everything; more than the richest person on Earth! If not, well then, in respect to eternity, you are little more than a beggar, though you may possess vast earthly riches.

.

The soul is what makes you, you, and me, me. So if you lose your soul, then there is no more “you”. You simply will no longer exist. Now on the other hand, if you die being a true worshipper, God promises to safely keep your soul.

.

Listen… “Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O Thou my God, save Thy servant that trusteth in Thee.” Psalm 86:2.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Battle for the heart – www.signsofheaven.org

Matthew Henry – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

WHAT DID HENRY HAVE TO SAY?

.

That great theologian of yesteryear, Matthew Henry, had a thing to say, concerning the preciousness of the soul.

.

Listen… “Observe what the jewel is which he is in care for, “The safety of my soul, my darling; let that be redeemed from the power of the grave, Father, into Thy hands I commit that, to be conveyed safely to paradise.” The psalmist here calls his soul his darling, his only one (so the word is): “My soul is my only one. I have but one soul to take care of, and therefore the greater is my shame if I neglect it and the greater will the loss be if I let it perish. Being my only one, it ought to be my darling, for the eternal welfare of which I ought to be deeply concerned. I do not use my soul as my darling, unless I take care to preserve it from every thing that would hurt it and to provide all necessaries for it, and be entirely tender of its welfare.”

.

.

SILENCE ON THIS SUBJECT IS DEAFENING!

.

But of course, as far as those of the world are concerned, the soul is mostly regarded as worthless!

.

On TV or Radio, you might hear a commercial about physical or mental health or safety just about every 10 or 15 minutes or so. But do you ever hear an advertisement about the value of a soul? Do the various TV dramas ever deal with the preservation of the soul? No, why would they!?! After all, the “god of this world” wants you to lose your soul! So you’ll never hear the citizens of this world ever obsess or commiserate over the care and nurture of the soul! And if you ever do, it will probably be done in a mocking or negative manner.

.

TV icon novela svg. – Wikimedia –

.

THE REAL BILLIONAIRES!

.

Those who neglect the care of their soul, are indeed, the poorest of the poor. They will simply wither away and die, and be no more. But on the other hand, those who value, and care, and nurture their soul, are among the richest of the rich, though they may be poor in earthly wealth. After all, who would you rather be: a billionaire, who eventually withers away and dies, or a poor person who will live forever in a joyful and beautiful universe? No, the real billionaires are those who love their own soul, and care for it and nurture it.

.

Listen… “There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches. The ransom of a man’s life are his riches:” Proverbs 13:7, 8. This passage leaves little room for debate on the subject of true riches. And yet it is perhaps one of the most little regarded of all Bible passages.

.

Homeless man reading Bible – Wikimedia – share-alike license

.

“ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS”

.

John the Baptist, is perhaps one of the most striking of all Bible characters. And the above Bible passage seems to be the mantra of John’s life.

.

**Listen again… “There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.“**

.

John certainly made himself as poor as one could possibly be in the eyes of the world. And yet he was considered as spiritually rich as any other Bible hero.

.

Listen to the assessment of Jesus, concerning John… “Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist:” Matthew 11:11.

.

John the Baptist – by tissot – wikimedia commons – us public domain

.

JOHN’S SEPARATION

.

John knew the value of his own soul, and he did not want to contaminate the purity of his soul by the constant contact and intermingling with humanity, with all its debauchery and worldly obsessions. John did what the nation of Israel neglected to do. John took heed to the constant counsel of God, for His people to separate themselves from the contagiousness of evil influences.

.

And God used John as a role-model, as to what heights a human could attain to, by taking heed to these warnings of God.

.

Listen again… “Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist:” Matthew 11:11.

.

Yes, because John took heed to God’s warnings to Israel, and separated himself from the great wickedness in Israel, God blessed John above all men on the face of the Earth, as this verse indicates.

.

John the Baptist by Harold Copping – www.wikigallery.com – US public domain

.

THE BOOK OF HABAKKUK

.

John knew the Scriptures. John had read the Prophet Habakkuk. He understood the great message from that ominous Book (As well as other Old Testament books). Listen… “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.

.

This was the great message of the Old Testament. This was what all those Old Testament wars were about! And yet only a few amongst the children of Israel paid any attention to these warnings.

.

Listen to God’s warning… “But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell. Moreover it shall come to pass, that I shall do unto you, as I thought to do unto them.” Numbers 33:55, 56.

.

This strong warning from God went mostly unheeded. And as we know, the Israelites did not drive out all the heathens from their land, and are still suffering the bitter results today.

.

Habakkuk by James Tissot – wikimedia commons – US public domain

.

GOD LIKEWISE WARNS US TODAY!

.

Now obviously, God is probably not calling us to go out to the desert, like John. But this warning still goes out to Christians today, to separate from evil influences, as far as possible!

.

And yet, we Christians today allow ourselves to freely mingle with worldly influences, not even caring or realizing just how contagious sin really is! And because of our disregard of God’s warnings, our Christian nation today will suffer the same results which the nation of Israel suffered. For God still warns us today…

.

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

.

This New Testament warning has a promise attached: if we will separate, God will become our Father, and we will be His sons and daughters! But if we do not separate, will God still be a Father to us? So this passage from 2nd Corinthians has a blessing attached to it, but also an implied curse. If we want God to be a Father to us, then we must separate, as far as possible, from all unnecessary ungodly influences.

.

TO PREACH, BUT NOT TO YOKE TOGETHER

.

And while we are commanded to go preach the Gospel to every creature, we are nevertheless warned not to be yoking up together with unbelievers in secular friendships. As already said, sin is very contagious. And our secular friendships won’t convert anyone to Christ, but will almost certainly convert us to the world!

.

To read more on the subject of separation, just go to… “Fleeing to the Mountains-Part 2: The Abomination In Churches”

.

Mall witnessing, Panama City, Panama

.

“BE YE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY”

.

The world has rejected God’s standard of behavior, and has gone about to establish its own standard. But God has chosen each Christian to be a peculiar people and a holy nation. God wants us to be distinctly different from the world. And He has given us His Son to be our role model for God’s standard of acceptable behavior.

.

The world has replaced holiness and reverence for a counterfeit righteousness: giddiness, joking and jesting, loud and boisterous laughing and back-slapping and common and cheap talk are just some of the ways in which the world has been, “going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God” Rom. 10:3.

.

Christians, to a great degree have been deceived by the world, and have joined in with such lower standards.

.

Transfiguration – Bloch – Wikimedia Commons – US Public-Domain

.

IMITATING THE WORLD

.

And so it is not uncommon to hear Christians behaving much like the world. But
Christians need to keep in mind their high and holy calling. The world sees through our façade. They instinctively know that we’re imitating them. They even have a saying… “Imitation is the highest form of praise”.

.

Christians need to take courage, and imitate Christ in all that we think do and say. Then will our efforts to evangelize the world will be blessed by God.

.

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

.

JESUS, SEPARATE FROM SINNERS

.

listen to the following statement about Jesus… “For such an high priest became us, (Jesus) who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;” Hebrews 7:26. Jesus was separate from sinners, even though His priestly duties were to pray for them.

.

Oh yes, we will be mocked and scorned and derided by the world (and by worldly Christians). But we must not fear being different. And we must not think that holiness requires us to speak King James English, or wear robes or uniforms. But an intelligent reverence and holiness will require much wisdom and Christian maturity and much prayer and Bible study.

.

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

.

GRAFFITI IN MY HEART

“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life” Proverbs 4:23 NLT

Have you ever tried to remove spray-paint from a wall or side of a building? Not too easy. But everyday, we Christians allow Satan to write his own graffiti on the walls of our heart. How? By allowing ourselves to listen to sensual music, or watch unchristian TV, or read exciting novels, buddying around with non-Christian friends, or reading non-Christian magazines, or Internet, or talk-shows, or whatever else the Devil has dreamed up, in hopes of destroying our soul and dominating our thoughts and pre-occupying our life.

.

And just think about it. If our heart is an extension of the Most Holy Place, then it is akin to taking spray-paint and writing profanities on the walls of the Most Holy Place. And if we are the Priest of our own heart, what will the High Priest, Jesus Christ, think when He comes into our Most Holy Place to minister together with us? Just something to think about.

Graffiti on walls – Bodeguita del Medio, Havana – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

.

PRIESTS AND KINGS”

“And (God) hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” Revelation 5:10

God has called us to be priests together with Christ. We are to be co-laborers with Christ, pleading for the people. Scripture commands us to… “Pray without ceasing.” 1st Thessalonians 5:17. As a Christian goes about his or her day, they are constantly praying and thanking the Lord, and interceding for others.

.

Listen again to this great encouragement… “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light” 1st Peter 2:9.

.

In Scripture, the priesthood was a very high and holy calling. It wasn’t to be taken lightly. It was a life and death matter. An unconsecrated priest could actually be struck dead, should he enter into the Holy Place with unrepentant sin.

.

Prayer – Brooklyn Museum – Saint James the Less – by James Tissot – Wikimedia Commons – US Public Domain

.

SAME REVERENCE REQUIRED TODAY

.

And so the thought of today’s Christian should be exactly like the faithful priest of long ago. He must have a trembling heart at God’s holiness. All presumptuousness and flippancy and worldliness must be banished out of the Christian’s heart.

.

No, the True-Worshipper will not literally be struck dead, like these two in this drawing. But those who enter into the life of a Christian, will never know the deep spiritual and holy things of God, until they enter into this most solemn priestly office, by faith.

.

“And they (God’s priests) shall teach My people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.” Ezekiel 44:23.

.

As God’s royal priesthood, we are to be an example to the Church. And by our godly example, we are to, “teach My people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.”

Tissot – The Two Priests Are Destroyed – Wikipedia – Public Dom.

.

THE BOOK OF JOEL

.

“Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet. Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare Thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?” Joel 2:16, 17

.

The above passage is speaking of the Day of the Lord. But it speaks of the priests. But God is no longer using priests. That was done away with, forever, after Christ went to the Cross! So what is the answer to this perplexing question being made manifest in the Book of Joel?

.

Simple! God is now using Christians as priests. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light” 1st Peter 2:9.

.

Here is a New Testament verse, declaring that we are a royal priesthood.

.

Joel the Prophet www.wikipaintings.com public domain

.

VALLEY OF DECISION

.

Now Joel commands the priests to, “weep between the porch and altar”. This would seem to indicate that we New Testament priests are not to enter into the Holy Place. But as you read on, it will be shown that we are to merely enter the MOST Holy Place, as well.

.

But the point to Joel is that God is pointing us forward to the great day of God Almighty. And we, the royal priesthood, must cry out and mourn and weep for our fellow brethren, who are caught up in apostasy and spiritual disregard. And this little book speaks of the Valley of Decision.

.

Just listen… “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.” Joel 3:14, 15.

.

Joel the Prophet www.wikipaintings.com public domain

.

VALLEY OF DECISION CONSTELLATION

.

God is just now revealing a constellation group in the night-sky, called the Valley of Decision Constellation. And it is no accident that God has chosen this time in history to reveal this constellation group.

.

We are just now standing on the threshold of that great day, spoken of by Joel.

.

But this constellation group and concepts connected with it, are somewhat complex. So the Reader is highly encouraged to read the two articles about this phenomena in the night heavens… “The ‘Valley of Decision’ Constellation”

.

ABOVE STAR-CHART – Fall Constellations – Valley of Decision & O Destroying Mtn. Constellations – signsofheaven.org – Not for commercial profit use!

.

HIDING OURSELVES IN THE DAY OF WRATH

.

“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

.

This above verse speaks of the day which is just before us. God is warning us to take refuge in our chambers, till the, “indignation be overpast”.

.

But let’s look at this next verse… “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.” Zep 2:3.

.

He is here speaking to His true children. Well, who else besides His true children can be called “meek’, which “have wrought His Judgment”? But God here tells these meek and just ones that they must do more… “seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD’S anger.” Zep 2:3. So God is exhorting us here to really, really, strive to be more Christ-like.

.

Hide Thyself in thy Chambers- inspired by Tornado Over Kansas by Curry

.

“THOU ART MY HIDING PLACE!”

.

**But just how are we to become more Christ-like? And just what chambers is the Lord speaking of here, when He says… “Come, My people, enter thou into thy chambers?”**

.

“One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple. For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion: in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me;” Psalm 27:4, 5

.

David Playing Harp www.thebiblerevival.com US public domain

.

CANDLESTICK & THE 7 CHURCHES

.

“The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in My right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.” Revelation 1:20

.

Just as all the other furnishings in the Temple were pictures of spiritual concepts, so too was the 7-tier Golden Candlestick. The above verse makes plain this spiritual concept… “and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.” Revelation 1:20.

.

For those who believe that the New Testament Church is not mentioned in the last 19 chapters of Revelation, should consider that much of the Book of Revelation takes place in the heavenly Temple. And so the Church is mentioned, just not directly. And there are other ways the church is also mentioned as well.

.

Candlesticks of the Holy Place – www.thebiblerevival.com – Public-Domain

.

APOCALYPSE NOW!

.

And so this revelation, that the candlestick represents the 7 churches of Revelation, Ch. 2 & 3 brings the entire Book of Revelation very relevant to God’s Church! And having this understanding, it now begins to be understood just why God urges upon His people the importance of studying that book.

.

Listen… “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. ” Revelation 1:3.

.

Yes, these words were written back around 100 AD. And even then was this book relevant to God’s people. And we today, as the spiritual priesthood, are spiritual Levites. So in more than one way, God connects us to all 22 chapters of that Book.

.

Listen again… Revelation 22:6…“And He said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show unto His servants the things which must shortly be done…

.

Revelation 22:7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book…

.

Revelation 22:10 And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand…

.

Revelation 22:16 I Jesus have sent Mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches.”

.

Not only do these above five verses reveal that the time is at hand, but also that the Jesus Himself testifies here that the book of Revelation was actually “these things IN the churches”. God could not have been more blunt in telling us that Revelation is not merely for the future, but has been for all the church, for all the past 2,000 years.

.

But having said all this, it must also be said that it appears that this book will also have a grand climactic fulfillment in these last moments of time on Earth. So those who look at Revelation to be fulfilled in the future are somewhat correct.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: soldiers of the cross – armor up! – www.signsofheaven.org

torture devices the wheel Calas Chapbook wikipedia US public domain

.

“IN HEAVENLY PLACES”

Ephesians 1:3, 2:6, 3:10

.

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:1-3

.

This above passage really lets us in on a big secret! We don’t have to wait for heaven! We can have it now! Oh, well, we may not physically be there yet. Nor will we literally see it now at this point. But we nevertheless can be there in Heaven with God, spiritually speaking. And the above passage tells us just where it is that Jesus dwells… upon His Mercy Seat, between the Cherubim. And we can be there too! Just listen to this…

“For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and Holy Place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” Isaiah 57:15.

.

This is perhaps, the clearest statement we have, concerning just where the Believer and Christ will be throughout eternity: in the Most Holy Place, as co-laborers together in the Heavenly Temple priesthood.

.

God calls us to come boldly to the throne of grace. Listen… “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16. We are called to come boldly to the Throne of Grace. And there we should be, with unceasing petitions and thanksgiving.

.

(Above photo: Moses and Joshua in the Tabernacle, c. 1896-1902, by James Jacques Joseph Tissot (French, 1836-1902) at the Jewish Museum, New York. Public domain.)

.

EVERLASTING JOY

Perhaps the best-kept secret in the world, is that the Christ-like life of holiness is a life filled with joy. So many people shy away from the Christian life, because they erroneously believe that giving up sin and selfishness will only result in an austere and humorless and boring existence. But what they do not understand is that the Christian life is a joy-filled, and peace-filled life.

.

Yes, God gives the Believer great joy and fulfillment in searching the Bible and meditating on the Bible. The joy that one experiences when searching the bible for hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge is much like the joy that a treasure-seeker experiences when discovering a treasure.

.

And likewise, prayer throughout one’s day is also a great joy. Yes, and the Christian life only becomes more joy-filled as time passes. In a sense, the Christian life is like any endeavor. That is, the better that one gets at it, the more pleasurable it becomes. Take a fisherman, for example. The more that a fisherman excels in that sport, the greater is the pleasure he receives from that sport. It’s no different with Christianity.

.

But one big difference with Christianity is, that the ever-increasing joy never stops. It continues to grow for all eternity. God is infinite. And so is the love of God. It too is infinite.

.

But Paul explains it this way… “As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.” 2nd Corinthians 6:10. This little section of 2nd Corinthians speaks of the paradoxes of the Christian life.

.

US Navy – Chaplain Lt. Jason Gregory reads Bible on weather deck – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

.

THE CHRISTIAN: A PORTABLE TABERNACLE

“…for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,” 2nd Cor. 6:16, 17

Just as the Jews moved the Tabernacle from place to place during their wilderness-wanderings, so too, the Christian today is to do the very same thing. We are the Temple of the living God. We are God’s tabernacle in our own wilderness-wanderings. Wherever we go, whatever we do, we are on-duty 24/7/365 as priests for the Most High God. And just as Abraham set up an altar in different places during his travels, we have an altar in our heart. And wherever we go, we take that altar with us. This is the kind of worship that God is desiring from His people.

.

And so, wherever God’s people travel in the universe, they will be still be priests in the temple of God. It’s like that old song, Rock of Ages…“As I soar to worlds unknown, and behold Thee on Thy throne”.

.

When the Samaritan woman at the well (see John Ch. 4) asked Jesus if Jerusalem was the correct place to worship, Jesus answered her… “Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe Me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father….But the hour cometh, and now is, when the True-Worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him….God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” John 4:21, 23, 24.

.

So, to worship God in spirit and truth does not require a building or even a certain denomination. It only requires a heart that is filled with the Spirit and with the truth of God.

.

Listen… “Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Although I have cast them far off among the heathen, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come.” Ezekiel 11:16

This promise was not only for those Old Testament Hebrews, but it is for us today! God will be to us as a little sanctuary: a sanctuary in our heart!

.

And so we spiritually enter into our “portable” Most Holy Place of the heart; and by faith, silently cry out to our Heavenly Father, fulfilling our priestly duties, even as we carry out the mundane duties of our day: at home, at work, at rest, or even in recreation with our family. In the New Testament, the Believer is a walking, living temple of God. And as such, we need to be very wise in how we conduct our lives.

GOD IS THE TRUE TEMPLE

“And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.” Revelation 21:22

God has created Nature, not only for beauty, and not only for our needs, but also to teach us spiritual lessons. Just look at this water-drop, reminding us of the kingly crown which is promised to those who drink of the “water of life”! And what about the spider and his web? Doesn’t he remind us of how Satan spins his web of deceit throughout the world, in which to take captive and destroy each and every one of us?!

.

But nature is not the only place where God presents spiritual concepts. The Bible is a metaphorical book to a great extent. Just like the metaphors found in nature, the Bible too, is filled with many stories which are allegorical in nature, each presenting spiritual concepts.

.

And likewise, God created the Temple service to teach us lessons about the plan of Salvation. The High Priest represented Christ’s eternal position of High Priest of all the universe. But Christ is more than just the High Priest. He is the Temple itself.

.

The verse above pretty much says it all… “And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.” Revelation 21:22. There most likely is no brick-n-mortar structure in Heaven. This verse makes that abundantly clear. God is that Temple.

.

Listen again to the very words of Jesus… “Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But He spake of the temple of His body.” 2:19-21

.

But there’s more to God’s eternal Temple than that, as if that’s not enough! You see, in God’s infinite wisdom and grace, He has included the redeemed in that Temple: we too are that Temple. The Temple walls are a picture of us, God’s people.

.

Listen… “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” 1st Peter 2:5

.

The various furnishings of that earthly tabernacle were likewise to give us a clearer picture of Christ. The Altar, the Table of Shewbread, the candlestick, and even the Ark of the Covenant with the two tables of the law, were likewise a picture of Christ. And even the Lamb of sacrifice was a picture of Christ. There will be no brick-n-mortar temple in that eternal city of God… “For the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the Temple thereof.”

Water splashes – by Omegatron for Wikipedia – share-alike lic.

Spider – cropped photo – Wikipedia – Share-alike license

Tissot – Solomon Dedicates the Temple at Jerusalem – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

“TEMPLE WAS OPENED IN HEAVEN”

Flower of Heaven Constellation w/leaves

So now that God is revealing this sanctuary message in the night-heavens, we begin to see that this is not merely an obsolete message from the dusty old pages of the Old Testament! As already stated, the Old Testament was merely the Gospel of Jesus Christ, presented in types and symbols. And hopefully, Signs Of Heaven has presented these concepts in a way that will help the Reader to strive for holiness in his or her life.

summer w/ark & woman

.

And whether the Christian is healthy and strong, or frail and bed-fast, or even in confinement, this living-sanctuary message can be a reality in each and every one of us. And though it may require a struggle, and take time to achieve this high and holy calling, we must never give up. For giving up is the only way we may fail to achieve these things. And our tender, pity-filled High Priest well knows that “we are but dust”. And He knows when to give us rest. And before we know it, victory will come.

THE END

A SANCTUARY STORY

Ark of the Covenant Constellation

A Christian evangelist who had years earlier, suffered incredible burns to his face, leaving massive facial scars, recounted the following personal story. He went to visit a young soldier in the hospital, who likewise had suffered massive burns during combat. The burns on this soldier’s face had all but melted his eyes shut, and left him unable to see. And this evangelist, having gone through this same experience years earlier, and knowing just what this frightened boy was probably going through, knelt down to whisper something into this young soldier’s ear. And here is pretty much what the evangelist whispered… “Son, you are the Sanctuary of God. Now you cannot see. But now you are fully closed in with God in His sanctuary of your heart. But God can see you. And He can hear you. And you can talk with Him. You have His full attention, son. You are God’s sanctuary. You can praise His Holy name. You are God’s sanctuary…” Well, these are not the exact words. But this is the heart of that message, given to that frightened young soldier, on that day.

Ark Constellation in Heaven – (aka Sagittarius) – Summer – Wikipedia Star-chart with ark drawn in by this website – Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license

There was a little praise song, written back in the 60’s or so, that went like this…

“Lord prepare me to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true.

And with thanksgiving, I’ll be a living sanctuary for You.

Mold me ( mold me ) what you want me to be (what you want me to be)”

.
.
.
.
.

A HEAVENLY HOBBY

.

“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

ABOVE PICTURE – Starry Night at La Silla – cropped and altered image – Wikimedia – Share-Alike license

The above verse is a plea from God to look up at the Heavens and behold Who has created these things.

.

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.

.

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.

.

The Christian wants nothing to get in the way of running that Christian Race.

.

New York Times Square – terabass – cropped image – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

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

.

“AND WHEN YE SEE THESE THINGS…

LOOK UP, LIFT UP YOUR HEAD”

.

**But having said this, there is one hobby which every ‘Noble Berean’ may take up, which only compliments the pursuit of the heavenly Prize.**

.

**Yes, Signs Of Heaven becomes a wonderfully rewarding hobby which, unlike many less meaningful hobbies, pays off with rich, heavenly rewards. Everlasting rewards!**

.

And unlike the person in this photo with equipment, all you need is fairly good vision, and a dark, starry night.

.

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.

.

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.

.

Astronomy Amateur – cropped image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

“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

.

ABOVE CHART: Summer Constellations with Doves (Sagittarius) & Woman (Ursa Major)

.

FIRST FIND ORION & 7 STARS

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).

.

These two constellations represent Christ (Orion), and His Church (7 Stars).

.

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).

.

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.

.

Then, once you are comfortable finding these two constellations, you can begin to locate the next closest constellations, and so on.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Orion the Soldier and the Revelation 12 Dragon (Hyades & Pleiades, etc.) – winter constellations – www.signsofheaven.org – not for commercial use

ABOVE PICTURE – 7 Stars Constellation as the Cross (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses

.

ANOTHER HEAVENLY HOBBY: PRAYER-WALKS

.

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…

.

Why not combine star-watching with prayer, as you walk? What a great way to draw closer to God!

.

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!

.

(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.

.

And for those who are in confinement, one can view these starry signs on the Internet, or simply listen to Scripture on audio.

.

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!)

.

Starry Night at La Silla – cropped and latered image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

THRICE-DAILY PRAYERS

.

**Now of course, the Bible commands us to, “pray without ceasing“. The Christian is to constantly talk with our Heavenly Father throughout the day.**

.

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.

.

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.

.

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.

.

Marines at Prayer by Alex Raymond – Wikimedia – public domain

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Ark of the Covenant Constellation, Pt. 2: How To Enter The Most Holy Place

How Shall The Moon Be Turned Into Blood?

By admin On November 12th, 2012

.

“And I will show wonders in the heavens,

.

and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.

.

The Sun shall be turned into darkness,

.

and the Moon into blood,

.

before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.”

.

Joel 2:30, 31

.

“THE MOON SHALL BE TURNED TO BLOOD”

.

APOCALYPSE ALWAYS… If you ever have read the Book of Joel, then you are familiar with just what a fiery little letter that it is.

.

It’s all about war!

.

It’s all about The Day of The Lord!

.

It’s all about battle trumpets sounding!

.

And Joel is a warning to God’s people to turn back to the Lord in sorrow and mourning and repentance!

.

And such admonishments as this, though addressed to the Old Testament people of God, are just what today’s Christian needs, because of our spiritual apathy and lukewarmness.

.

This book is like a cold shower on “the morning after”, for such a spiritual drunkard as me!

.

It is a sobering experience for the Christian, when he or she has been quickened by the Spirit of God!

.

The Book of Joel is for our day!

.

**Listen…*“Sanctify ye a fast,***

call a solemn assembly…

…and cry unto the LORD.

Alas for the day!

for the day of the LORD is at hand,

and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come!”

Joel 1:13-15 (Condensed)

Joel the Prophet www.wikiart.com public domain

.

“YE THAT PUT FAR AWAY THE EVIL DAY”

.

And so often, we Christians put “put far away the evil day“, not realizing that, in a very real sense, Judgment Day has been occurring, throughout time, in the hearts of “every man that cometh into the world.” John 1:9.

.

Yes, God has been trying every man’s heart, just as Job says… “What is man, that Thou shouldest…visit him every morning, and try him every moment?” Job 7:17, 18.

.

This passage reveals that each human is being judged by an infinite God who sees every thing, as written… “for He (God) knows the secrets of the heart.” Psalm 44:21

.

And along with these verses is another revealing passage from Amos.

.

Listen… “Ye that put far away the evil day…” Amos 6:3

.

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

.

APOCALYPSE SOON…

.

So, Joel tells us that the day is coming, in which “The Sun shall be turned into darkness, and the Moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.” Joel 2:31.

.

Now, just because each person who ever lived has gone through a type of judgment does not negate the fact that a great finale is about to happen.

.

**This worldwide show-down of Judgment Day is also called the Valley of Decision, and The Day of the Lord, and The time of Jacob’s Trouble.**

.

So yes, this grand climax to the great drama of the ages is about to conclude.

.

This will be the Time of Jacob’s Trouble, in which the sorely tempted and tried saints must wrestle with God until they finally will have their garments purified and made white (see Revelation 7:13, 14).

.

BLOOD MOON MAY BE A SPIRITUAL EVENT…

.

So the very first question to be answered, concerning the Moon is: “Just exactly how will the Moon be turned into blood? Will the Moon be turned into literal blood?”

.

Probably very few people actually believe that the Moon will be turned to literal blood.

.

So then, it is manifest that most everyone believes this Bible verse needs to be understood metaphorically, to some extent.

.

The Moon will not need to be turned into actual blood, in order for this prophecy to be fulfilled.

.

So, if you are waiting for a literal fulfillment, you may be one of those few who will be in for a bitter disappointment.

.

And everyone else has pre-determined to settle for an allegorical fulfillment of one type or another.

.

Full moon over 96th St – by ed yourdon – Wikimedia – share-alike license

.

ALLEGORICAL BLOOD-MOON?

.

God lets us know that He often speaks parabolically, so that false brethren and abject unbelievers cannot see these things.

.

Listen… “And the disciples came, and said unto Him, Why speakest Thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven…

.

Therefore speak I to them (false brethren & unbelievers) in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.” Matthew 13:10-13

.

Blood Moon Over Eagle Ridge full moon image

.

“Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.”

Matthew 13:13

.

And so, by speaking in parables, God keeps out all those who try to enter by their own strength or goodness or achievement.

.

And so, only those who live by simple child-like faith will understand.

.

But having said this, nevertheless, Scripture should reveal what the true fulfillment of this will be.

.

There should be some clues in the Bible which may give us insight into this question.

.

So then, just what does the Bible reveal about this puzzling question of how shall the Moon be turned into blood?

.

Blood Moon Over Eagle Ridge full moon image

.

BLOOD AS A COLOR

.

So then, because it would be just too difficult to imagine that God would actually turn the Moon into literal blood…

.

…most everyone has supposed that God would do the next best thing: that God will turn the Moon into the color, red, such as during an eclipse.

.

But the problem with this theory is, that one must have scriptural support in order to arrive at such an allegorical conclusion.

.

So, does Scripture promote such an idea?

.

Harvest moon – cropped image – Wikipedia & roadcrusher – share-alike license

.

THE HEARING OF BLOOD

.

“ Who among us shall dwell with the Devouring Fire?…

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,”

Isaiah 33:14-16

.

This above passage presents a concept which is totally foreign to modern-day thinking.

.

This concept is that blood is spoken of in relation to hearing, as this above passage declares…

…”Who among us shall dwell with the Devouring Fire?…

He that…that stops his ears from hearing of blood”.

.

So, Scripture is now speaking of blood in terms of violence.

.

**And the hearing of violence might just be akin to, say, watching movies with gratuitous violence, or revenge, or abuse, etc…**

.

Even the nightly news makes its bread-n-butter by capitalizing on stories about war and murder and rape, and every other form of violence.

.

ABC-Good Morning America – Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

“JERUSALEM ABOVE” & “JERUSALEM NOW”

.

As this website declares, there are three faces in the Moon: one of a Watchman (to left)…

.

…one of a predator-beast (wolf, etc. ) (to right)…

.

…and one of a field-beast of prey (rabbit or mouse, etc.) (below left).

.

And these three faces represent the church: both the church-faithful and the church-apostate.

.

Secondly, what we do find is, that these three faces in the Moon symbolize the two Jerusalem’s…

.

…1: the “Jerusalem above, the mother of us all”…

.

…2: and the “Jerusalem which is now”.

.

That is, these two Jerusalems represent the Church-Elect, and the Church-Unsaved.

.

This was a horrible and bloody message which has everything to do with the Mark of the Beast.

.

And so, even though the Moon does not have all this information expressly written out in Hebrew or Greek upon its surface…

.

…yet these three faces point to the Bible and what the Bible says about these pictorial images inscribed by God, on the Moon’s surface.

.

For more on the subject of a spiritual eclipse, just go to “Moon Into Blood Trilogy: 1st Face: The Night Watchman”

.

Blood Moon Over Eagle Ridge – 1st Face – full moon image

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

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

.

“MOON INTO BLOOD TRILOGY: THE HEARING OF BLOOD

.

“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

.

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!

.

2nd Face in Moon-wolf-www.signsofheaven.org

1st Face: Night Watchman – full moon looking down

3rd Face in Moon-scavenger-www.signsofheaven.org

.

MARK OF BEAST WRITTEN IN THE MOON!

.

**Now, if the Reader will go to the articles titled, “Moon Into Blood Trilogy”, this most fearful message can begin to be explored more fully and more deeply!**

.

In a very real sense, the Moon is a fulfillment of the following prophecy…

“And the third angel followed them,

saying with a loud voice,

If any man worship the beast and his image,

and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,

The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God,”

Revelation 14:9, 10

Perhaps you could say, that the Moon itself, presents the Message which reveals that bloody “Mark of the Beast” message of Revelation 14!

.

“Good News from a Far Country”…

Proverbs 25:25

.

Okay, so it appears that the Moon turning to blood has a number of different fulfillments.

.

And so it is with many Bible prophecies.

.

But there is some very Good News, to all this doom & gloom information.

.

Yes, the Lord is graciously giving us this message in an hour when there is still just enough time to repent and prepare for the final Judgment!

.

And while most of the world may ignore God’s final warning, yet those who take heed, must begin to put on the full armor of God, so that we will be able to stand in the evil day.

.

THE END

.

.
.
.
.

A HEAVENLY HOBBY

.

“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

ABOVE PICTURE – Starry Night at La Silla – cropped and altered image – Wikimedia – Share-Alike license

The above verse is a plea from God to look up at the Heavens and behold Who has created these things.

.

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.

.

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.

.

The Christian wants nothing to get in the way of running that Christian Race.

.

New York Times Square – terabass – cropped image – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

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

.

“AND WHEN YE SEE THESE THINGS…

LOOK UP, LIFT UP YOUR HEAD”

.

**But having said this, there is one hobby which every ‘Noble Berean’ may take up, which only compliments the pursuit of the heavenly Prize.**

.

**Yes, Signs Of Heaven becomes a wonderfully rewarding hobby which, unlike many less meaningful hobbies, pays off with rich, heavenly rewards. Everlasting rewards!**

.

And unlike the person in this photo with equipment, all you need is fairly good vision, and a dark, starry night.

.

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.

.

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.

.

Astronomy Amateur – cropped image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

“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

.

ABOVE CHART: Summer Constellations with Doves (Sagittarius) & Woman (Ursa Major)

.

FIRST FIND ORION & 7 STARS

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).

.

These two constellations represent Christ (Orion), and His Church (7 Stars).

.

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).

.

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.

.

Then, once you are comfortable finding these two constellations, you can begin to locate the next closest constellations, and so on.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Orion the Soldier and the Revelation 12 Dragon (Hyades & Pleiades, etc.) – winter constellations – www.signsofheaven.org – not for commercial use

ABOVE PICTURE – 7 Stars Constellation as the Cross (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on How Shall The Moon Be Turned Into Blood?

THE REVELATION 12 WOMAN CONSTELLATION: “Martha, the ‘Doer’ & Mary, the ‘Hearer'”

By admin On November 6th, 2012

.

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

The info and pics of the constellations on this site are all taken from Wikipedia and from The Internation Astronomical Union (click here to view their site)

.

THE REVELATION 12 WOMAN CONSTELLATION:

“Martha, the ‘Doer’ & Mary, the ‘Hearer'”

.

GOD PROMISED “A SIGN…IN THE HEIGHT ABOVE”

.

Long ago, God made a promise in the Book of Isaiah, Ch. 7… “Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.”

.

Now just what sign could this be, that was either in the depth or in the height above?

.

Well, Isaiah continues… “Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”

.

Oh, OK. So we know this sign was fulfilled in the depth, with the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. But God also promised this very same sign in the “height above”. So where is the fulfillment of this sign, in the “height above”?

.

SIGN “IN HEIGHT ABOVE” NOW BEING REVEALED

woman of Revelation 12 In Travail-www.signsofheaven.org

.

You see, God has placed in the heavens, the symbol of His bride, the Church-Faithful. In the summer night-sky, she appears as the woman-in-travail. But in the winter, she flips upside down, to appear as the fleeing woman of Revelation 12. But whether this Virtuous Woman is in labor pains, or fleeing to the mountains, she is the heavenly icon of God’s bride, His Church!

.

But no discussion of God’s bride would be complete, without discussing two sisters, Mary of Magdala and her sister, Martha. These two sisters lived in Bethany, just a Sabbath Day’s journey from Jerusalem. And they both had a special relationship with the Lord. But Mary had a closer relationship with Jesus than did her sister.

.

And this article will discuss the reason why she did.

.

So please read this short account of how Mary excelled in her relationship with her Lord, above her sister, Martha.

.

MARY, THE “HEARER” & MARTHA, THE “DOER”

.

One of the most well-known and beloved stories of the Bible is the account in Luke Chapter 10, of Mary and her sister Martha, on the day when Jesus was a guest at their home for dinner. As the story goes, Martha was slaving in the kitchen, while her sister, Mary, was, “sitting at Jesus’ feet, hearing His Word”.

.

This made Martha angry. Listen… “But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to Him, and said, Lord, dost Thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.”

.

Now the Bible makes it very clear, that, “Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, Mary…” John 11:5.

.

**But Mary was definitely a Hearer, while Martha was more of a Doer. Martha, today, might be called a “multi-tasker”, or perhaps a “Type-A personality”, or even a “workaholic”.**

.

Jesus – Johannes (Jan) Vermeer – Christ in the House of Martha and Mary – Google Art Project – Public Domain

.

“THE LORD LOOKETH UPON THE HEART”

.

“…the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” 1st Samuel 16:7

.

Now for most of us it would be Martha we would commend, for her business, and Mary we would scold, for her laziness. This is because our human nature is not so nearly concerned about the spiritual condition of the heart, as we are with good works. Everyone loves an industrious person.

.

But surprise, surprise! It was not Martha, the Doer, which Jesus commended, but it was Mary, the Hearer… “And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art care-filled and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Matthew 10:40-42

.

Jesus – Johannes (Jan) Vermeer – Christ in the House of Martha and Mary – Google Art Project – Public Domain

.

NOT TO STOP GOOD WORKS

.

In this little story, the Bible is not condemning good works. The big point of this story is, that the Lord places a higher value on His people spending much time, listening to the life-giving words of the Bible, than in the performance of good works.

.

Listen… “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path…Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in Thy word.” Psalm 119:105, 148.

.

Now God is not calling for Christians to cease from good works. Good works are not necessarily bad, unless of course, they begin to eclipse a Christian’s relationship with the Lord. But God is saying, that what Mary was doing was the best work. And let’s face it, Martha’s bad attitude about her sister showed, that her good works were mingled with anger, jealousy and pride. Yes, Martha’s bad behavior was proof-positive that she needed a change of heart.

.

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

.

MARY’S FAITH SHOWS

.

Martha’s heart was not right with the Lord, to the degree that Mary’s heart was right. Martha’s anger and judging made clear that her heart was not so right with her Lord.

.

But Mary’s desire to hear Jesus, eventually proved to be a blessing for Mary, as later Biblical events showed. It was Mary, and not Martha who showed faithfulness to Jesus, during and after Jesus’ Crucifixion and Resurrection. And it was Mary, not Martha, who sought for Jesus at His tomb on Resurrection Morning. It was Mary’s faith which beautified her life, above her sister Martha.

.

Just as it is written… “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17.

.

It is the words of the Bible which beautify the life of the Christian, causing faith to grow and flourish, within the heart of the Believer.

.

And beside this, Mary knew the depths from which she came. She knew her unworthiness. And this self-awareness was the catalyst which finally caused Mary’s deep gratitude for the One who came to this sin-cursed Earth to save its lost inhabitants.

.

Johannes (Jan) Vermeer – Christ in the House of Martha and Mary – Google Art Project – Public Domain.

.

THE BEAUTIFICATION OF THE SOUL: OUR HIGHEST PRIVILEGE & DUTY!

.

The Christian has no higher privilege and duty, than to be immersed in God’s Word, throughout the hours of the day and night, allowing that Word to fill even to the deepest recesses of his or her heart.

.

And of all the different aspects of Bible study, the day and night meditation on the Bible is perhaps, the most important part of all. For this is where the words of God become permanently embedded within the heart and mind and life of the Christian!

.

Just as it is written of Mary… “and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

.

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

.

OVERCHARGED HEARTS

.

“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with…cares of this life” Luke 21:34

.

But too often, we get all caught up in many religious aspirations and duties, to the detriment of our Soul. And the Devil doesn’t care how he entangles the Christian: religious or non-religious duties; it’s all the same to Lucifer; the Devil considers anything far better than to have a Christian who actually meditates on God’s life-giving words, through the day and into the night.

.

And let’s face it, good works are often applauded by the world; and so it’s a real temptation for people to perform good works for the praises of Men. Listen… “For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” John 12:43.

.

But God takes no greater delight than to rejoice over a Believer who fills his or her Soul-Temple with God’s Word. Let’s repeat this statement: God takes more delight over one Believer who fills his or her heart with God’s Word, than ninety-and-nine who are busy, busy, to the disregard of this duty.

.

Photo-Shoppers_on_Dundas_near_Yonge-by-Ian-Muttoo-for-Wikipedia-share-alike-license

.

“THE DECEITFULNESS OF RICHES”

.

And so, the Devil works overtime to deceive the child of God into a lifestyle which eclipses a rich communion between that Believer and his or her Lord. And for those who have become so entangled in the affairs of life, and overwhelmed by their own busy-ness, this will most likely take nothing less than unceasing prayer and a daily crying out to God for deliverance from such bondage.

.

**Listen to Jesus, as He explains this excerpt from the “Parable of the Sower”, found in Matthew’s Gospel…**

.

“Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower….He also that received seed among the thorns is he that hears the Word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the Word, and he becomes unfruitful.” Matthew 13:18, 22.

.

All too often, those who begin to attend church, eventually get sidetracked in some earthly enterprise, only to by-and-by lose their love for spiritual things! Oh yes, the Gospel-Seed was planted in their heart. But the cares and pleasures of this world, just like noxious weeds, choked that good seed, making them unfruitful!

.

.

“HEARING HIS WORD”

(see Luke 10:39)

.

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

.

As this above verse proclaims, the Bible is a powerful book. And those who seek to become changed into the image of Christ, will find that life-transforming power.

.

Listen… “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2nd Corinthians 3:18.

.

If our purpose for reading God’s Word, is to get to know Jesus, and make Him our divine Role-Model, then God’s Spirit will open our eyes to behold wondrous things out of the Bible. By hiding that Word in our hearts, and by shutting out the vain words of Man, we will be changed, imperceptibly, into Christ’s Image, by-and-by.

.

Listen… “O how I love Thy Law (Word). It is my meditation all the day” Psalm 119:11.

.

This should be our daily mantra: to go about our day, meditating on God’s life-giving Word, as we work, as we sit down, as we engage in recreation. This kind of a life can only be achieved by the grace of God, and not by mere human effort. And we must seek this as our goal, as though we are seeking for lost treasure!

.

Prayer – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

BUSY, BUSY, BUSY

.

“Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven…Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:21-23

.

This above passage stands as a warning against getting busy with various church duties to the neglect of one’s own Salvation. Such people quite often will be the first to volunteer for various ministries, parties, fundraisers, etc., but have little time for prayer, and the study and meditation upon God’s Word.

.

Multitask – cropped image – Wikimedia – C.C. Share-alike License

.

“THE MULTITUDE OF BUSINESS”

.

“For a dream comes through the multitude of busy-ness;” Ecclesiastes 5:3.

.

This above passage from the wise man, Solomon warns us that when we get too busy with the affairs of life, we can become worldly-minded, worldly-oriented.

.

Yes, and when a Christian becomes over-entangled with duties, it is possible to grieve the Holy Spirit, to the poverty of the Soul.

.

These should take a lesson from Daniel’s example. Daniel, when involved in the business of his office, maintained a rigid habit of kneeling three times daily in prayer. Such a habit would be a great safeguard for all who are overwhelmed with duties. However, many of us get so busy, that we couldn’t stop to kneel and pray thrice-daily, even if we wanted! We must humble ourselves before God, daily, and not stop until this great gift is achieved.

.

Daniel’s thrice-daily prayers. Wikipedia public domain

.

“THE WORDS OF THE WISE

ARE HEARD MORE IN QUIET…”

Ecclesiastes 9:17

.

Most “workaholics” fall into the deception that their many good works are the evidence of their Salvation. And it becomes all but impossible for them to see the poverty of their own soul. And while we are not to sit upon the Judgment Throne against these; it is often difficult not to notice their impatience, judging, coarse conversation, or a host of other fleshly sins, which they are not even aware of; all because they are too busy for self-examination.

.

Listen to what God says through Paul… “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” 2nd Corinthians 13:5

.

And if only they would just slow down, and begin to redirect their focus upon their own undone condition, they just might eventually find their way out of the jungle of Satan’s deceptions.

.

.

“JUDGE NOT!”

.

The child of God should be very sympathetic and prayerful for anyone caught in Satan’s prison-house, remembering the words of God, in 2^nd Timothy…

.

Listen… ”And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” 2nd Timothy 2:24-26.

.

When a person is held fast in chains of darkness, it is very difficult to make them see the error of their ways. Prayer and gentle nudging may be all that one can do, on their behalf. As the above passage says, it’s only God who can open a person’s eyes to their undone condition. And we must also be very humble, because we too might likewise be caught in our own web, not even aware that we too are Satan’s “house-guest”. Sin is very deceitful!

.

“THE AFFAIRS OF THIS LIFE”

3.9.134

.

“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that wars entangles himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please Him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” 2nd Timothy 2:3, 4

.

The Bible warns Christians not to get entangled in the affairs of this life, as the above passage says. And if ever there was a time in history when Christians should maintain a double vigilance against letting ourselves become entangled, it is now! We are standing at the very threshold of eternity.

.

Just listen to Jesus, as He warns all Christians against becoming engrossed with the affairs of this world…

.

“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.

.

This fearful warning by Jesus, against getting too caught up in the duties, ambitions, and pleasures of this world, must be emblazoned upon the heart of every child of God.

.

New York Times Square – terabass – cropped image – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

.

THE FLOODWATERS OF SATAN

.

Satan knows how close we are to that Day, and he is just now flooding the world with all sorts of diversions, hoping to keep everybody busy, just long enough for us to enter that Day of the Lord totally unprepared.

.

Television, computer games, sports, hobbies, careers, romance, vacations, expensive vehicles, needlessly expensive insurance premiums, expensive lifestyles, expensive toys, expensive homes and upkeep, and even many so-called “Revelation seminars”, and a host of other similar earthly Mammon, are all designed by Satan to keep the world and the Church over-committed as long as he can. And among Satan’s chief targets in this assault, are those who profess to love Jesus.

.

.

“WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN AM I STRONG”

.

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

.

Those of us who are low-energy type individuals, or are in a bed-fast condition, or in confinement, often look with envy at those who are industrious. But as that popular saying goes, “Careful what you wish for!”

.

Quite often, those who are considered high-energy people, have little time nor inclination for sitting at the feet of Jesus, and hearing His Word. They are frequently so busy with the affairs of life, that it is all but impossible for them to spend quiet-time with Jesus.

.

Listen to God’s assessment… “He delights not in the strength of the horse: He takes not pleasure in the legs of a man. The LORD takes pleasure in them that fear Him, in those that hope in His mercy.” Psalm 147:10, 11.

.

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

.

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

.

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

.

“BE STILL…”

.

On the other hand, we who have little strength, may use our “handicap” to our advantage. In the quiet hours of our infirmity we can fulfill God’s desire for us… “Be still, and know that I am God:” Psalm 46:10.

.

We can sit at Jesus feet, and spend quiet time in His Word, using our disability or confinement to good account.

.

And so, in that sense, our low-energy or our disability can actually become our greatest asset to our spiritual pilgrimage, as we fill up our heart with the words of life.

.

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

.

Brooklyn Museum-La_Roche Guyon by Theodore Robinson wikipedia US public domain

.

LETTING OUR LIGHT SHINE

.

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 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

.

As the above passage says, when the heart and mind is totally focused upon Jesus, there is a certain holy light which shines forth from the Believer. The following passage from James is not only how God deals with humanity, but likewise is how the Christian should deal with others…

.

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” James 3:17, 18.

.

When Christians become engrossed with the cares and pleasures of the world, it is our Christ-like behavior which suffers. And then, because we have lost the true witness of Jesus, shining out from us, we then want to fulfill our obligation to evangelize others with vain words. We then become like a, “sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.” (1st Corinthians 13:1).

.

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

.

“REPENT AND DO THE 1ST WORKS”

Revelation 2:5

.

But what is truly needed is that we once again return to our, “first love” (Revelation 2:4): to keep Jesus with us every moment of our day, through unceasing prayer and unceasing meditation upon His Word.

.

Listen… “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works;” Revelation 2:4, 5

.

Then and only then will the world behold and take notice, that of a truth, we have been with Jesus! And yes, God knows that the Christian must work and provide for his family. But like busy Daniel, we too can set aside specific times for daily Bible study, meditation and prayer. The secret is to not allow ourselves to take on unnecessary burdens or pleasures, to the detriment of our study-time and prayer-time.

.

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

.

JUST LIKE MARY,

THIS REVELATION 12 WOMAN ALSO EXCELS

.

And so we now have a greater understanding of this heavenly symbol of God’s bride, the Church-Faithful. And though she is best represented by Mary Magdalene, she also is represented by busy Martha. We just need to keep in mind what is our greatest priority as Christians. And to hide God’s Word in our heart is the greatest work that a Christian can do.

.

But whether we are sitting at the feet of Jesus, just like Mary; or we are busy in service to the Lord, like Martha, we should never become so busy that we do not meditate upon God’s Word, as it says in David… “But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in His law doth he meditate day and night.” Psalm 1:2

.

THE END

.

.
.
.
.

A HEAVENLY HOBBY

.

“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

ABOVE PICTURE – Starry Night at La Silla – cropped and altered image – Wikimedia – Share-Alike license

The above verse is a plea from God to look up at the Heavens and behold Who has created these things.

.

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.

.

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.

.

The Christian wants nothing to get in the way of running that Christian Race.

.

New York Times Square – terabass – cropped image – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

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

.

“AND WHEN YE SEE THESE THINGS…

LOOK UP, LIFT UP YOUR HEAD”

.

**But having said this, there is one hobby which every ‘Noble Berean’ may take up, which only compliments the pursuit of the heavenly Prize.**

.

**Yes, Signs Of Heaven becomes a wonderfully rewarding hobby which, unlike many less meaningful hobbies, pays off with rich, heavenly rewards. Everlasting rewards!**

.

And unlike the person in this photo with equipment, all you need is fairly good vision, and a dark, starry night.

.

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.

.

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.

.

Astronomy Amateur – cropped image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

“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

.

ABOVE CHART: Summer Constellations with Doves (Sagittarius) & Woman (Ursa Major)

.

FIRST FIND ORION & 7 STARS

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).

.

These two constellations represent Christ (Orion), and His Church (7 Stars).

.

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).

.

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.

.

Then, once you are comfortable finding these two constellations, you can begin to locate the next closest constellations, and so on.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Orion the Soldier and the Revelation 12 Dragon (Hyades & Pleiades, etc.) – winter constellations – www.signsofheaven.org – not for commercial use

ABOVE PICTURE – 7 Stars Constellation as the Cross (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses

.

ANOTHER HEAVENLY HOBBY: PRAYER-WALKS

.

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…

.

Why not combine star-watching with prayer, as you walk? What a great way to draw closer to God!

.

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!

.

(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.

.

And for those who are in confinement, one can view these starry signs on the Internet, or simply listen to Scripture on audio.

.

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!)

.

Starry Night at La Silla – cropped and latered image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

THRICE-DAILY PRAYERS

.

**Now of course, the Bible commands us to, “pray without ceasing“. The Christian is to constantly talk with our Heavenly Father throughout the day.**

.

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.

.

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.

.

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.

.

Marines at Prayer by Alex Raymond – Wikimedia – public domain

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on THE REVELATION 12 WOMAN CONSTELLATION: “Martha, the ‘Doer’ & Mary, the ‘Hearer'”

Cross/Scepter Constellation

By admin On October 12th, 2012

.

Cross/Scepter Constellation

.

“…there shall come a Star out of Jacob,

.

***and a Sceptre shall* *rise out of Israel….”***

Numbers 24:17

.

Cross/Scepter Constellation

.

What does this ancient prophecy have to do with the stars of heaven?

.

What does this prophecy have to do with us today?

.

Read this article and find out!

.

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

.

WICKED BALAAM & HIS WONDERFUL PROPHECY

.

If ever there was something of comedy in Scripture, it truly would be the story of Balaam: a prophet, who is willing to do just about anything for money.

.

A king that hires Balaam to curse God’s people, but when Balaam opens his mouth to curse, only blessings come out!

.

But here is the point to this story. At the end of these blessings, Balaam finally ends with the very mystifying but wonderful words…

“there shall come a Star out of Jacob,

and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel.”

Numbers 24:7

.

Gustav Jaeger Bileam Engel wikipedia US public domain

tissot-the-seven-alters-of-balaam- www.jesuswalk.com US public domain

.

“ARCTURUS AND HIS SONS”

.

**So, what does this verse, “there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel”, have to do with us today?**

.

After all, this prophecy of Balaam was fulfilled in the coming of the long-awaited Messiah, Jesus Christ!

.

**Well, if a person will go out at night, starting in January (in the pre-dawn hours), and continuing through the warmer months, they might locate the star, Arcturus.**

.

**This star was spoken of in Job… “…canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons?” Job 38:32.**

.

This star is the host star for this Signs Of Heaven website. And the star, Arcturus, also seems to fulfill the previous verse as well…

“…there shall come a Star out of Jacob,

and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel….”

Numbers 24:17.

.

As earlier stated, this passage seems to find a double fulfillment, not only concerning Jesus, but also, as we look into the heavens.

.

This star, Arcturus, just happens to lead an entourage of constellations, which span the spring, summer, fall, and winter skies, telling the beautiful, wonderful Gospel story.

.

And no, this has nothing to do with the Zodiac. Nothing!

.

But this revelation showcases the biggest and brightest constellations in the heavens, revealing an entirely different interpretation of those constellations from that of the ancient Babylonian/pagan-cultures interpretations.

.

Tissot-the-seven-alters-of-Balaam – cropped photo – www.jesuswalk.com US public domain

ABOVE STAR-CHART – Summer Constellations w/ark (aka: Sagittarius) & Revelation 12 Woman (aka: Ursa Major, including The Big Dipper) – www.theheavensdeclare.net

.

A STAR & SCEPTER ARISES IN THE NIGHT SKY

.

“Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of Thy kingdom is a right sceptre.” Psalms 45:6

.

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.

.

But where would the scepter be in this prophecy? After all, it speaks not only of a star rising, but also of a scepter.

.

Sceptre and Orb and Imperial Crown of Austria – Wikipedia – photo by Michal Maňas US public domain

.

NOT THE NORTHERN OR SOUTHERN CROSS

Cross-Scepter Constellation

.

This is not the Northern Cross, nor is it the Southern Cross. This cross is made of stars from both the Serpens Constellation **and the Ophiuchus Constellation. Here is a star-chart from Wikipedia, in which the editor of this site has sketched in this Cross/Scepter Constellation.**

.

**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.**

.

**The sketch below is the Summer Constellations, as seen when looking west. Well, if you look just to the south (south is to the left in this sketch) of Arcturus, you will see this same scepter.**

.

**But notice that this scepter also appears as a Cross. And this constellation has been aptly named, the Cross/Scepter Constellation.**

.

WHEN DOES IT APPEAR?

.

This Cross/Scepter Constellation can be seen in January, in the pre-dawn hours.

.

Each night, it appears a little earlier, as it slowly inches its way westward.

.

Finally, this constellation dips below the western horizon, in the fall, not appearing again till January, back in the eastern sky.

.

Cross-Scepter Constellation – Also known as the Ophiuchus and the Serpens Constellations Website has taken liberty of drawing in this Cross-Scepter Constellation upon a star-chart found on Wikipedia

.

REPRESENTS JESUS & HIS SCEPTER, THE CROSS

.

**Now, as earlier stated, this wonderful prophecy, (“Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of Thy kingdom is a right sceptre.” Psalms 45:6) has its greatest fulfillment in the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ.**

.

Jesus is represented by that glorious Star, Arcturus.

.

And His death on the Cross is truly His scepter of authority. Jesus died to save a world of rebellious sinners.

.

ARK OF THE COVENANT CONSTELLATION

.

This sketch is this same Summer Constellation group, when they are in the west.

.

As you look to the south (to the left in this sketch), you can see this constellation known as Sagittarius.

.

But if you look at it carefully, it begins to appear as a giant box with stars on either side of it.

.

Just to the north, there appears this Cross/Scepter rising out of the Ark Constellation. Now, the Cross coming out of the Ark Constellation represents the essence of the law (self-sacrificing charity towards this fallen world).

.

As this Cross/Scepter heads directly towards the Revelation 12 Woman, it shows that the Scepter represents the direction of God’s self-sacrificing love: His redeemed people, represented by the Revelation 12 Woman Constellation. This scenario of that Woman grasping for it, has great Biblical implications…concerning us!

.

But now, in these last days, the Lord is revealing these symbols in heaven, which proclaim the everlasting Gospel, and lighten the world with God’s glory, as is written…

“And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven,

having great power;

and the earth was lightened with His glory.”

Revelation 18:1.

.

These Signs of Heaven appear to be a fulfillment of this prophecy, as well as this next prophecy…

“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.

.

**These signs in the Sun, Moon and Stars do literally enlighten the world with God’s glory, seemingly fulfilling Revelation 18:1 (But the real true glory emanates from God, Himself!).**

.

The angel coming down from Heaven represents this message found in this website.

ABOVE STAR-CHART – Summer Constellations w/ark (aka: Sagittarius) & Revelation 12 Woman (aka: Ursa Major, including The Big Dipper) – www.theheavensdeclare.net

Ark Constellation in Heaven – (aka Sagittarius) – Summer – Wikipedia Star-chart with ark drawn in by this website

.

“A SIGN OF THE LORD…IN THE HEIGHT ABOVE”

“Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God;

ask it either in the depth, or in the height above…

And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David…

Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son,

and shall call His name Immanuel.”

Isaiah 7:11, 13, 14 (condensed)

Now when God first proclaimed this prophecy regarding a virgin with child, whose name is called Emmanuel, he asked whether He should give a sign, “in the depth, or in the height above”. Signs Of Heaven shows this sign in the heavens of this woman with child.

.

**This Revelation 12 Woman Constellation is of a woman with child, symbolizing the Church giving birth to Christ.**

.

“AARON’S ROD THAT BUDDED”…

“And Moses spake unto the children of Israel,

and every one of their princes gave him a rod apiece,

for each prince one, according to their fathers’ houses, even twelve rods:

and the rod of Aaron was among their rods.

And Moses laid up the rods before the LORD in the tabernacle of witness.

And it came to pass, that on the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle of witness;

and, behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded,

and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds.”

Numbers 17:6-8

Here is seen that Aaron’s rod which budded, symbolized that God put His divine approval on Aaron’s authority to be high priest.

So too, the righteousness of Christ is His scepter of authority.

Likewise, the Cross is a symbol of Christ’s authority.

The Cross is, likewise, the symbol of Christ’s righteousness.

Picture of Aaron’s rod that budded, Wikipedia – US public domain

.

ESTHER ENTERS KING’S THRONE ROOM

The following verse is from Esther, and shows how important was a king’s scepter…

“All the king’s servants, and the people of the king’s provinces, do know,

that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called,

there is one law of his to put him to death,

except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live:

but I (Esther) have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.

And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court,

that she obtained favour in his sight:

and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand.

So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.”

Esther 5:2

.

The story of Esther has to do with these last times we are now in.

.

Just as Esther went into the king’s throne room to plead for her people, so also must God’s people enter into God’s Most Holy Place in these last days as New Testament priests with Christ, to plead for a Church all caught up in Laodicean lukewarmness and worldly affections!

Esther by Jacopo del sellaio, esther e assuero 1400’s wikimedia US public domain

.

WE TOO MUST ENTER THE KING’S THRONE ROOM

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

Both the story of Esther as well as this constellation group in the summer skies ring out the same startling message. God is wanting His people to enter into His Throne Room…the Most Holy Place in Heaven.

.

But though we are encouraged at any time to “come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16, there is a further calling.

.

Once we are saved, we are not to be content to remain in our wretched and worldly condition. We are commanded to be… “leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection” Hebrews 6:1.

.

As the Apostle John puts it… “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” 1st John 5:4.

.

And so, as New Testament priests, we are called to live by faith in the Most Holy Place. Just listen… “And (God) hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: ” Ephesians 2:6.

.

**Christ is currently in the Most Holy where He, “ever liveth to make intercession” for His people. And so are we to ever live to make intercession for God’s people.**

.

Priesthood – the Holy of Holies – www.thebiblerevival.com – Public Domain

.

“GOD IS LOVE”

1st John 4:8, 16

But love does not stop here. It ultimately reaches out to every lost soul…

“For God, in this manner, loved the world,

that He gave His only begotten Son,

that whosoever believes 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.

.

So this verse plainly shows God’s love for a planet of rebels, who have turned our backs on God! This Cross/Scepter is coming out of this Ark in the direction of this Woman of Revelation 12. But it also goes out to any and every soul who is willing to take hold of it. To you! To me!

.

Yes, God is just now sending out His servants into the highways and hedges, trying to compel anyone willing to come to Him, that they might have life…and life-everlasting!

.

ABOVE STAR-CHART – Summer Constellations w/ark (aka: Sagittarius) & Revelation 12 Woman (aka: Ursa Major, including The Big Dipper) – www.theheavensdeclare.net

.

THE END

.

WOMAN OF REVELATION 12 (WOMAN IN TRAVAIL)…

This is a companion article to this above Cross/Scepter article, which you have just finished reading.

.

A HEAVENLY HOBBY

.

“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

ABOVE PICTURE – Starry Night at La Silla – cropped and altered image – Wikimedia – Share-Alike license

The above verse is a plea from God to look up at the Heavens and behold Who has created these things.

.

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.

.

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.

.

The Christian wants nothing to get in the way of running that Christian Race.

.

New York Times Square – terabass – cropped image – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

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

.

“AND WHEN YE SEE THESE THINGS…

LOOK UP, LIFT UP YOUR HEAD”

.

**But having said this, there is one hobby which every ‘Noble Berean’ may take up, which only compliments the pursuit of the heavenly Prize.**

.

**Yes, Signs Of Heaven becomes a wonderfully rewarding hobby which, unlike many less meaningful hobbies, pays off with rich, heavenly rewards. Everlasting rewards!**

.

And unlike the person in this photo with equipment, all you need is fairly good vision, and a dark, starry night.

.

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.

.

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.

.

Astronomy Amateur – cropped image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

“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

.

ABOVE CHART: Summer Constellations with Doves (Sagittarius) & Woman (Ursa Major)

.

FIRST FIND ORION & 7 STARS

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).

.

These two constellations represent Christ (Orion), and His Church (7 Stars).

.

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).

.

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.

.

Then, once you are comfortable finding these two constellations, you can begin to locate the next closest constellations, and so on.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Orion the Soldier and the Revelation 12 Dragon (Hyades & Pleiades, etc.) – winter constellations – www.signsofheaven.org – not for commercial use

ABOVE PICTURE – 7 Stars Constellation as the Cross (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses

.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Cross/Scepter Constellation

Flower of the Field Constellation, Part 3: “Signs of the World’s End”

By admin On September 3rd, 2012

.

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

The info and pics of the constellations on this site are all taken from Wikipedia and from The Internation Astronomical Union (click here to view their site)

.

THE READER MAY WISH TO BEGIN WITH THE INTRODUCTORY ARTICLE… “Flower of the Field Constellation”(click here)

.

“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…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 40:3, 6-8.

.

The above verse is the call of the “voice of one crying in the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord”. It is the cry that “All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field:”

.

In The Meadow by Claude Monet www.wikigallery.org public domain

.

FLOWER OF THE FIELD IN HEAVEN

.

**This Flower of the Field Constellation graces the summer night sky, reminding us of the vanity of this life. The opening verse are the words of the, “voice in the wilderness”.**

Two Turtledoves-Flower of the Field- Cross/Scepter Constellations

.

Listen… “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 40:3, 6-8. This verse tells us that all the glory of Mankind is as a fading flower.

.

These two constellations in the sketch are the Two Turtle-doves (AKA Sagittarius Constellation ) and the Flower of the Field Constellations(AKA Scorpius). The third constellation, which is only partially seen in this sketch, is the Cross/Scepter. They appear in the southern skies, moving from east to west. They are best seen from spring to early fall. This sketch is how they appear in summer, in the northern latitudes. In the southern latitudes they are more tilted. As they move through the night sky, the flower appears to bend down.

.

WHY IS THIS FLOWER POINTING UPWARD?

Do you see the long blade of Grass growing from the base of the Flower of the Field? This is made of the two highest stars of the Lupus Constellation, and the two lowest stars of the Libra Constellation. As this sketch shows, the flower appears to be pointing to Arcturus (not shown in this sketch). Arcturus represents Jesus, as He leads His sons on a spiritual journey up a heavenward pathway, as is written… “Canst you bring forth Mazzaroth in his season? or can you guide Arcturus with his sons?” Job 38:32.

.

As this flower represents the glory of Mankind, then the obvious message is this: even Mankind ultimately points to Jesus, because it withers and falls away. And as humanity considers how fragile life is, then by their sadness and hopelessness and sinfulness, they unwittingly praise the Lord… “Surely the wrath of man shall praise Thee: the remainder of wrath shalt Thou restrain.” Psalm 76:10.

.

So the sinfulness of Mankind praises the Lord. So the following Psalm then begins to make sense… “Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.” Psalm 150:6.

.

Therefore, it’s virtually impossible for any creature not to praise the Lord. Romans makes this concept clear… “…our unrighteousness commend(s) the righteousness of God” Romans 3:5

For instance, the atheist, as he grows old and sad and hopeless, only makes Christianity look that much more appealing to those who are questioning and searching which direction to go in life.

.

ABOVE STAR-CHART: Flower of the Field Constellation commonly known as Scorpio – seen in spring through summer

.

“IN A GREEN TREE…IN A DRY”

“But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for Me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children. For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck. Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us. For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?” Luke 23:28-31

.

This above passage is the words of Jesus, just prior to going to the Cross. And here He speaks of a green tree and a dry tree in relation to the end of the world.

.

Jesus was saying here, that if they crucified Him at a time when the world was relatively young, then, ‘what will they do when the world has reached its end?’

.

Judgment Day – People fleeing – Book of Revelation – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons – Distant Shores Media/Sweet Publishing – Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

.

PEOPLE TOO, CAN BE LIKE DEAD TREES

.

Have you ever seen a dead tree, say for instance, a fir-tree? While it lived it swayed gently and gracefully back and forth in the wind, like this beautiful painting. But when it dies, it is stiffens and becomes rigid (see photo below). No longer does it sway in the wind.

.

And so it is with God’s people. Just listen to the Pen of Inspiration…

.

“And it was told the house of David, saying, Syria is confederate with Ephraim. And his heart was moved, and the heart of his people, as the trees of the wood are moved with the wind.” Isaiah 7:2.

.

So this verse presents the concept of trees swaying in the wind to the hearts of repentant sinners. When Christians are guided by God’s Spirit, they are easily convinced of sin. And they are easily led by the moving of the Spirit of God. This verse uses the metaphor of a tree swaying in the wind, comparing it to a repentant heart. But when church-goers are void of God’s Spirit, they are not so easily convinced of their own sin. They cannot bend. They are rigid, like a dead tree.

.

Redwood Trees, Santa Cruz Mts, Cal (Boston Public Library) – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

UNFORGIVING SPIRIT LIKE DEAD TREE

.

This phenomenon can also be seen among people of the world, to a certain degree. When people are young, they seem to tolerate one another so much better than old folks. So often, old people become rigid and unforgiving of one another. So often they cut themselves off from family members over minor incidents: minor infractions that they would have easily let pass by in younger years.

.

Old Man – Max Handrick – Alter Lastenträger – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

DRY TREE COMPARED TO A NATION

.

Jesus in the above Bible passage from Luke 23, makes a profound statement when He says… “For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?”

.

Being the Creator, Jesus well knew the behavior of Mankind. Jesus saw that nations grow and mature just as individual people do. And likewise, Jesus knew that nations grow old and die, just as do people.

.

SnagTree – cropped image – wikipedia share-alike lic.

.

DRY TREE ALSO COMPARED TO THIS EARTH

.

But Jesus in this statement is also pronouncing a prophecy concerning the world. In other words, Jesus is making a veiled prophecy that this world will go through a growing and maturing.

.

But more than this, Jesus is proclaiming that the world will come to a point in which it will finally grow old and die, spiritually speaking.

.

Oh yes, people are still living and inhabiting this world. Children are being born every second of the day on Planet Earth.

.

But the world is beginning to experience a similar condition as does that fir-tree which finally dies and becomes rigid.

.

Old World Map – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

.

THE PURPOSE OF THIS ARTICLE

.

“Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but My salvation shall be for ever, and My righteousness shall not be abolished.” Isaiah 51:6

.

The purpose of this article is to convince the Reader that this dying condition now exists on a world-wide scale. This world has existed for thousands of years. But just now the world is beginning to show the tell-tale signs of death. Because of sin and its results, this Earth has grown old prematurely.

.

There is a similarity between this world and a dry tree, just as Jesus spoke of… “For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?” Luke 23:31.

.

The above passage from Isaiah clearly states… “the earth shall wax old like a garment.”

.

And this article will show why the earth is ready to be burned up, just as 2nd Peter states… “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” 2nd Peter 3:10.

.

And though this is a less than pleasant subject to discuss; nevertheless it is a part of the truth. And as we all know, “the truth shall make you free.”

.

SnagTree – cropped image – wikipedia – share-alike lic.

.

4TH HORSEMAN OF THE APOCALYPSE

.

“And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.” Revelation 6:8

.

The 4th Horse and his rider are a symbol of this same concept of death. And though these four horsemen are a picture of the four periods of the New Testament Church history, they also seem to be a commentary of the world during this same period.

.

And now that we are at the final stage of the Church in the world, we are now in the time of the 4th Horse and his rider. In a number of ways, we are in this dispensation of death. So this concept stands as a witness to us, that death has come to us: death to wicked. Death-to-self-will of Believers. Death of the churches.

.

And death to a dying planet… “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” 2nd Peter 3:10.

.

In whatever way it occurs, this planet will finally burn.

.

But just as the farmer burns his field at the end of harvest, so also the Lord will make preparations for a New Heavens and a New Earth…“Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” 2nd Peter 3:13

.

Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse_Victor Vasnetsov Wikipedia Public Domain

.

IT’S A BRAINWASHED WORLD TODAY

.

Have you noticed what a brainwashed world we live in today? Television hammers its pet dogmas day and night. Over and over again, we hear the same ideas from morning till night. The radio shouts its ideologies at us day and night, till we become indoctrinated into some political persuasion.

TV: The Ultimate Mind-Control Device

.

And then, on the other hand, if we watch a lot of TV, we become indoctrinated into some other political persuasion.

.

Mankind is not content to allow a person to be an independent thinker. Children’s programs start out somewhat innocent, but the older they get, the more perverted do their TV shows become.

.

It’s certainly a brainwashed world today!

.

Our children go to school now, under the guise of learning the three “R’s”. But more and more, a subtle objective of schools is now becoming to indoctrinate our children into godless philosophies. Any teaching about the Bible is quickly smothered by worldly philosophies..

.

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

.

RELIGIOUS INDOCTRINATION

.

It’s an intolerant world today!

.

Various religions are becoming more and more intolerant of other religions.

.

Don’t we now see a rigidness in our ideologies today like never before?

.

ISIL – Execution of man – September 2014 – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

IT’S A SEXUALIZED WORLD TODAY

.

And have you noticed how sexualized this world is becoming today? When TV first began airing, the moral standards were much, much higher than they are today? Nowadays the children’s programs are often so perverted, it is appalling to think of what your grandkids might someday be watching (should time continue a few more decades.)

.

The Internet is so filled with pornography, and you don’t have to seek it out. It comes looking for you! And seeking for your children too! The songs on the radio are becoming so sexualized today that it is horrifying to realize that these songs are being listened to and even sung by Christians’ very own children!

.

Children are becoming sexually active at younger and younger years. Sexual perversion, which once was only whispered about is now being openly taught to your children in grade-school! Is this world falling apart, or what!?! Are we becoming a modern-day ***Sodom*? It looks like we are!**

.

Betty_Boop-WIKIPEDIA-Public domain

.

THAT NOTORIOUS CITY OF OLD NOW BECOMING A PANDEMIC PHENOMENON

.

“Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom, it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.” Matthew 17:28-30

.

Has there always been sexually perverted societies? Oh yes. But now we are beginning to see this practically become a world-wide phenomenon. “Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves…For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another…” Romans 1:24-28.

.

Notice it says repeatedly, “God gave them up”. When a society becomes sexually perverted, that deviant behavior becomes a final sign that God has given up on that society. And it won’t be long before that society begins to fall apart. But now we are even beginning to see this phenomenon on a world-wide scale. So the obvious conclusion is that God has given up this world to its immoral condition.

.

Truly this is another great sign that we have arrived at the end!

.

Picture–Lot Escapes wicked city-Genesis3- www.thebiblerevival.com offers free Bible clipart-public domain.

.

A SIGN OF THE END

.

It’s not that men-with-men is greater than all other sins. It’s just the last one!

.

No, this sin is akin to adultery or fornication. All three of these are more or less equal in wickedness. Now most Christians understand that their own sins are just as grievous to God as are the sins of the world. And most Christians understand that we are not to be finger-pointing at the sins of others. And Christians are to have humility, considering that we are every bit as big sinners as those whom we might be tempted to scorn.

.

**Listen to Paul… “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” 1st Timothy 1:15.**

.

**This verse is not speaking of just Paul. He says it is, “a faithful saying, worthy of all acceptance”. In other words, we all need to accept this saying! We’re all dirty rotten sinners!**

.

The inhabitants of that infamously wicked city are_smitten_with_blindness-wikipedia-US-public-domain.jpg

.

GOD’S WAKE-UP CALL

.

But we also need to understand that God is using this unnatural sin as a wake-up call, to sound the trumpet, that the end has come. The world is becoming so wicked, that it is impossible to imagine that the world can survive much longer!

.

But in Romans, Chapter 1, God has spoken of this unnatural condition as a sin which occurs when God gives up a nation over to their lusts.

.

Listen… “For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet (just).” Romans 1:26, 27

.

Both history and the Bible exemplifies this sin as a sign of the end. Just look at the great societies in history past, which fell into promiscuity, just prior to their downfall. And of course, the unforgettable account of the destruction of that wicked city stands as a warning against perversity in any society.

.

Parade – cropped and altered image – Wikimedia – GNU Free Documentation License

.

IT’S A DIVIDED WORLD TODAY

.

And have you noticed how divided the world is becoming?

.

People seem as if they are binding themselves into bundles into their own ethnic or ideological groups today. What they call “celebrating our diversity”, is quite often, just a code name for bigotry… “I’m no longer just a member of the human family. I’m a ________”(fill in the blank with what ever ethnic, political, or ideological group you wish)

.

And have you noticed that even the Church World is becoming divided between the conservatives and liberals? And have you noticed the growing animosity between these two groups? It seems that this division is even now beginning to break families apart.

.

We, as a world, are becoming rigid, as is this dead tree photo. Oh yes, there has always been such a rigidity in the world. But now it’s become so much more pronounced in these last few decades.

.

IT’S AN INTOLERANT WORLD TODAY

.

And notice how intolerant people are becoming today. In a society that was founded on the idea of freedom of speech, it seems that a lot of people would like to put an end to freedom of speech which doesn’t agree with their own particular ideology?

.

Someone once said, “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it”.

.

Well whether or not that person actually would have defended to the death my right to say something, things in the world have now deteriorated down to the level of this following statement… “I disapprove of what you say, and I’m going to court to try to stop you from saying it!”

.

Word on the streets is that even some of the giant Internet search engines are merely waiting for the right moment, so they can begin diminishing the search-capability of Internet users to search the Internet for websites which don’t happen to agree with the politically correct politics of that particular search engine company. Unbelievable? Yes, unbelievable! But that’s just the word on the streets! (at the time of the writing of this article, the Internet giants had not yet begun to censor Christian websites, as they are now doing)

.

Freedom of Thought Ben Franklin – cropped image – wikipedia share-alike lic.

.

PEOPLE GETTING TIRED OF FREEDOM?

.

Somebody once said, “Give me liberty, or give me death”. The cry we sometimes hear now is, “If they don’t keep silent, we’ll give them death”. But it seems like the great experiment in freedom called the, “Sweet land of liberty”, is beginning to wane.

.

We now are beginning to see a vast throng which no longer values freedom! They seem to have a Nazi-like mentality. Law upon law is now being enacted to restrict our choices: the food we eat, the things which are said, the places we can go.

.

And when it comes to freedom of speech, many are ready discard the, “the land of liberty”, and all it stands for, merely to silence their political opponents. There has been a movement afoot to restrict political speech on the radio. There is a rigidness which is sweeping through the land, that’s very similar to that dead fir-tree photo. It’s very frightening to see this happening. But it is…happening!

.

Anger during a protest – cropped image – by David Shankbone – Wikimedia – Share-alike-License

.

DIVISIVENESS SPOKEN OF IN DANIEL

.

“And others, tempting Him, sought of Him a sign from heaven. But He, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falls.” Luke 11:16, 17

.

The above passage was spoken by Jesus, as He looked down the corridors of time to this present day. But what does all this rigidness and divisiveness in today’s world have to do with anything? The fact is, not only did Jesus speak of this divisiveness in the world, but the Book of Daniel also spoke of such a time at the end.

.

When Daniel interpreted Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of that giant image representing the future ruling kingdom’s of this world, there was a constant deterioration of the quality of metals which comprised this image. It began with gold as the head, but then turned to silver, then to brass, then to iron, then to clay mingled with iron.

.

Nebuchadnezzars dream – www.christart.com – limited use permit

.

DANIEL EXPLAINS DREAM TO KING

.

To make along story short, when at the very last of this prophetic account in Daniel, it is stated that at the last, just before God’s kingdom comes crashing into Earth, that the clay and iron mingled into the feet of this statue will not cling together… “And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters’ clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay. And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken. And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.” Daniel 2:41-43.

.

So we see that these last day kingdoms and peoples are divided and will not merge together. It was at this point that this great rock from heaven, God’s kingdom, comes crashing into Earth, and fills the whole Earth.

.

http://www.wikigallery.org/wiki/painting_210747/William-Brassey-Hole/Daniel-interprets-the-dream-of-Nebuchadnezzar

.

NEBUCHADNEZZAR’S DREAM FOR TODAY

.

And it seems that today, this is what we are seeing, both in the world, and in the Church: a divided world, and a divided Church. We see this separation going on amongst both Christians and Gentiles.

.

Just listen to Revelation… “And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath.” Revelation 16:19.

.

This prophecy is speaking of the very day we are now living in. The world is divided. The church is divided. Satan’s kingdom is divided. Conditions are ripe for that great stone (of God’s kingdom) to come crashing into Earth!

.

Nebuchadnezzars dream – www.christart.com – limited use permit

.

IT’S AN ANGRY WORLD TODAY

.

“And the nations were angry, and Thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged…And the temple of God was opened in Heaven, and there was seen in His temple the Ark of His Testament: and there were lightnings…voices…thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.” Revelation 11:18, 19 (condensed for clarity & brevity)

.

The above passage from the Book of Revelation speaks about the time of the end. And notice it says that… “…the nations were angry, and Thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged”.

.

Never before in history has it been possible to witness the nations being so angry. Because of the advent of instant communications, the various peoples of the nations can behold the human strife, which now is at pandemic proportions. Oh yes, there has always been war and strife. But the rise of human anger is now becoming global in magnitude.

.

And it’s not just the religious extremists who are perpetuating this strife. There is a growing war between various ideologies. For instance, look at the political wars occurring between Capitalism and Socialism. And look at the wars between morality and sexual-promiscuity. And look at the water-rights-wars going on. And look at the environmental wars. And what about the ethnic wars, right here in our own society, and other places as well? Look at the drug wars. And riots over food prices. And riots over unemployment. And riots over bad governments. And what about the terrorism on a global scale? And the wars between unions and businesses. And the violence on television and in movies. And marital strife and divorce. And senseless, unthinkable murders. And the mass genocide in abortion clinics.

.

And look at the strife and protests in the cities over bankruptcy of the cities and nations (“…the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon (the world & worldly Church) came into remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath.” Revelation 16:19).

.

**Perhaps this verse is speaking of the financial collapse occurring right now in the various cities around the world, when it says… “the cities of the nations fell”.**

.

No, there has never before been such strife and anger that we are able to witness on such a grand scale. The hatred going on among the human family, is truly amazing! And the Bible foretold of this condition in a number of places in Scripture. But the Bible makes the boldest prediction in the aforementioned verse…“And the nations were angry, and Thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged” Revelation 11:18

.

It can truly be said,“It’s an angry world today!”

.

Protest – Anti-Christian rally in Chicago – cropped image – Wikimedia

Millions of protestors in Tahrir Square Wikimedia Commons share-alike license

Algeria slashes food prices amid riots – cropped image – wikimedia share-alike license

.

IT’S A SHAKING WORLD TODAY

.

“Thou hast made the earth to tremble; Thou hast broken it: heal the breaches thereof; for it shaketh.” Psalm 60:2

.

Have you noticed just what a shaky world we live in today? It doesn’t tend to inspire confidence in this trembling real estate, we call Planet Earth, does it? Could it be said that, “Tera Firma is not so firma tera these days?”

.

But it seems that God had this all figured out long ago. Just listen… “Fear, and the pit, and the snare, are upon thee, O inhabitant of the earth…and the foundations of the earth do shake. The earth is utterly broken down, the earth is clean dissolved, the earth is moved exceedingly. The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage” Isaiah 24:17-20 (condensed)

.

The Bible actually compares this world to a woman in labor pains. Just listen… “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.” Matthew 24:7, 8.

.

So then, the 2nd Epistle of Peter gives us the following exhortation… “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation (conduct & lifestyle) and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God…?” 2nd Peter 3:11-13.

.

Vespucio Norte Highway after 2010 earthquake wikimedia commons share-alike license

.

SIGNS OF HEAVEN & TSUNAMI’S SPOKEN OF TOGETHER

.

“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.

.

Notice that Signs Of Heaven is mentioned in conjunction with, “the sea and the waves roaring;”. Tsunamis are becoming a regular occurrence around the world. So the mere fact that both of these signs are just now appearing, should be a wake-up call that the Earth has reached its appointed judgment.

.

This above passage from Peter’s last Epistle, presents a hopeless scenario, as far as this present world is concerned. But for those who are, “Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God”, we have a wonderful promise to cling to. For those who have chosen to renounce this present world, and to follow Jesus, we can look forward to a, “new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.”

.

Indonesia Tsunami Complete public domain wikipedia

.

IT’S AN APOSTATE CHURCH TODAY

.

As the world goes, so goes the Church, as it seems. As the world dies, so is the Church, sadly to say. No, the Jerusalem above, the eternal Church, the Elect and faithful is not dying! But the Jerusalem which is now, the churches and congregations are showing the tell-tale signs of death. We are in the time of the 4th Horseman of Revelation 6. It is the time of death: death of the Earth, as well as, death of the churches.

.

Political correctness has been infiltrating the churches. Worldly entertainment, sensual music, sports, and just plain old worldly behavior has replaced holiness and deep reverence. Laughing and joking and parties of pleasure have replaced godliness and shame-facedness within the churches.

.

Listen… “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. 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 2:10-15.

.

Not too many ministers would keep their jobs, trying to teach this passage to his congregation. We have come to the time in history which Paul speaks of… “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. So the Bible makes clear that the churches would finally come into full apostasy.

.

For more insight , just go to this link… “Flee to the Mountains: The Abomination in the Churches”

.

Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse_Victor Vasnetsov Wikipedia Public Domain

Church music – Singers & Dancers – cropped image – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

.

“IT’S A BUNDLED WORLD TODAY”

.

“Let both grow together until the harvest: and 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 13:30

.

This above verse from the Parable of the Wheat & Tares very much fits what is going on today around the world. We see a certain spirit of jealousy which has pervaded the inhabitants of the world. People around the world are becoming bound in bundles it seems. Each man and woman seems to be separating themselves, either ethnically, or religiously, or culturally. Could this be the fulfillment of the above verse from Matthew? Are the people of the world being bound into bundles?

.

It seems we have reached the time of harvest spoken of in Scripture. People everywhere are being bound in bundles, it seems.

.

A Surrey Cornfield, near Reigate oil on Canvas. wikigallery public domain

.

“THE WORLD PASSES AWAY”

.

"Ark of the Covenant" and "Flower of the Field" Constellations (Springtime)Public Domain-www.signsofheaven.org

.

And so, as we look out upon this terminally ill world, it is giving definite signs that we have come to the end. Oh yes, the very final act has not yet been fully finished. But everything is being set in place for the completion of the final act.

.

"Ark of the Covenant" and "Flower of the Field" Constellations (Autumn) Public Domain-www.signsofheaven.org

.

However, the Lord has given us a sign in the heavens of this falling flower. And this is one of the easiest constellations to locate. So Mankind is without excuse. The message from Jesus is clear… “O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And He left them, and departed.” Matthew 16:3, 4

“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 14:11, 12. So it says here that “EVERY knee shall bow”.

But in the passage that states, (“And even to your old age I am He… even I will carry, and will deliver you.” Isaiah 46:4) there is a precious promise to all God’s true worshippers. That promise is this: Though we will also get old, just like the rest of Mankind…God will carry us, and deliver us. Mankind will perish… “but he that does the will of God will abide forever!”

.

Jesus Teaching Luke 4:31-32 jesus talks about heaven- www.lavistachurchofchrist.org -public-domain.jpg

.

IT’S A PROPHETIC WORLD TODAY!

.

One last, but not least sign that we’re at the end, is the signs in the Sun, Moon, and Stars which God had promised would occur just prior to the end.

.

Listen… “And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;” Luke 21:25

.

Yes, If the Reader will only study out these wonderful Signs Of Heaven as a noble Berean (see Acts 17:11), then the understanding of this message would put the final sealing touch upon this whole question of whether or not we are at the end!

.

ABOVE PICTURE – winter constellations – Orion & Revelation 12 Dragon (Hyades, Pleiades, etc…) seen at Eagle Ridge – Signs Of Heaven.org – Not for profit use!

.

IT’S TIME FOR A MAN TO BE HIDDEN

.

“When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.” Proverbs 28:12

.

We need to be pleading for God to hide us in that Day which is coming. We need to go into our chambers and close the doors about us, and hide ourselves, “as it were, but for a moment, until the indignation be overpast. For the Lord is coming out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the world.” Isaiah 26: & 27:1.

.

No, this isn’t speaking of some fallout shelter. This is speaking of hiding ourselves under God’s protective shelter. This kind of shelter can only come through making an entire surrender and a complete devotion to God.

.

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.

.

And so this above verse gives a giant clue, as to just how a Christian is to be hidden… “seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD’S anger.”

.

Hide Thyself in thy Chambers- inspired by Tornado Over Kansas by Curry

.

THE END

.

NEXT ARTICLE SUGGESTION:

THE ‘VALLEY OF DECISION’ CONSTELLATION GROUP

.

THE ‘VALLEY OF DECISION’ CONSTELLATION…(click here)

valley of decision and false mountain

This constellation group can be seen best in late summer through fall. It speaks of the valley in which every person who comes into the world must walk, at one time or another in his or her life. Read this for sure, and find out how the Andromeda Galaxy concerns us! Hint: The Andromeda Galaxy appears as if it is traveling up the mountain (as the sketch to the right shows). And this is very good news! Read and find out why!

.

A HEAVENLY HOBBY

.

“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

ABOVE PICTURE – Starry Night at La Silla – cropped and altered image – Wikimedia – Share-Alike license

The above verse is a plea from God to look up at the Heavens and behold Who has created these things.

.

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.

.

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.

.

The Christian wants nothing to get in the way of running that Christian Race.

.

New York Times Square – terabass – cropped image – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

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

.

“AND WHEN YE SEE THESE THINGS…

LOOK UP, LIFT UP YOUR HEAD”

.

**But having said this, there is one hobby which every ‘Noble Berean’ may take up, which only compliments the pursuit of the heavenly Prize.**

.

**Yes, Signs Of Heaven becomes a wonderfully rewarding hobby which, unlike many less meaningful hobbies, pays off with rich, heavenly rewards. Everlasting rewards!**

.

And unlike the person in this photo with equipment, all you need is fairly good vision, and a dark, starry night.

.

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.

.

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.

.

Astronomy Amateur – cropped image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

“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

.

ABOVE CHART: Summer Constellations with Doves (Sagittarius) & Woman (Ursa Major)

.

FIRST FIND ORION & 7 STARS

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).

.

These two constellations represent Christ (Orion), and His Church (7 Stars).

.

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).

.

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.

.

Then, once you are comfortable finding these two constellations, you can begin to locate the next closest constellations, and so on.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Orion the Soldier and the Revelation 12 Dragon (Hyades & Pleiades, etc.) – winter constellations – www.signsofheaven.org – not for commercial use

ABOVE PICTURE – 7 Stars Constellation as the Cross (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses

.

ANOTHER HEAVENLY HOBBY: PRAYER-WALKS

.

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…

.

Why not combine star-watching with prayer, as you walk? What a great way to draw closer to God!

.

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!

.

(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.

.

And for those who are in confinement, one can view these starry signs on the Internet, or simply listen to Scripture on audio.

.

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!)

.

Starry Night at La Silla – cropped and latered image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

THRICE-DAILY PRAYERS

.

**Now of course, the Bible commands us to, “pray without ceasing“. The Christian is to constantly talk with our Heavenly Father throughout the day.**

.

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.

.

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.

.

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.

.

Marines at Prayer by Alex Raymond – Wikimedia – public domain

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Flower of the Field Constellation, Part 3: “Signs of the World’s End”

Floodwaters of the False Prophet: “Atheism & Psychology”

By admin On July 31st, 2012

.

“And there appeared another wonder in heaven;

.

and behold a great red dragon,

.

And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle,

.

that she might fly into the wilderness…

.

And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman…”

.

Revelation 12:3, 14, 15

.

ATHEISM AND ITS RELATED IDEOLOGIES

Satan has been the unseen foe, always lurking in the shadows, as the Master Puppeteer: controlling his unwitting agents to do his every bidding, as he stealthily works his woe on the unsuspecting inhabitants of the world.

Since the beginning of the New Testament Church, Satan has persecuted Christians: at first by the secular Roman empire. But as civil Rome deteriorated, a spiritual Romish power arose up in its stead, ruling over Europe in the form of apostate Romish churches, spreading its tentacles, “toward the four winds of heaven.” Daniel 8:8.

.

In other words, this new religious power was no longer a civil Rome power, but a spiritual power, spreading itself in every direction. And in the process of time, these apostate churches, using civil authorities as enforcers, persecuted God’s true worshippers, by violence against the Bible and against those who loved the Bible, throughout Europe, for centuries.

.

Charles Darwin – by John Collier (artist) – www.wikimedia.com – Public Domain

.

ATHEISM & ITS SATELLITE IDIOLOGIES

.

But in these last few centuries, Satan had raised up a new foe: atheism. And along with atheism, came a number of ideologies: evolution, socialism, psychiatry and psychology, humanitarianism, along with materialism and fleshly lusts.

.

These ideologies had become the new battlefront in Satan’s war against the truth. And this article will lightly explore just how and why psychology was such a formidable weapon against Christianity.

.

(For more insight on humanitarianism, see “The 2nd Beast: The False Prophet & His “Vanity Fair” Today”

Sigmund Freud – LIFE – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

This article will touch lightly upon three main ideas:

.

**1. The constellations related to the Dragon and his Wave of Water which he spews out of his mouth.**

.

**2. A brief history of the two beasts of Revelation 13, and how they have worked their evil throughout the New Testament era.**

.

**3. Discuss the ideology known as Atheism, and its related sciences, finally focusing on Psychology.**

So please read this very insightful examination of how Satan is flooding the world with his false ideologies.

.

Charles Darwin – by John Collier (artist) – www.wikimedia.com – Public Domain

.

WHAT DOES THE WATER REPRESENT?

.

***“When the waves of death compassed me…THE FLOODS OF UNGODLY MEN* made me afraid. *The sorrows of Hell compassed me about;” 2nd Samuel 22:5.***

.

So, this passage (and many others too) equates flood waters with the sorrows of Hell, with ungodly men, and with waves of death. And so then, by comparing Scriptures dealing with flood waters, we begin to see just what this Woman of Revelation 12 is fleeing from (the Woman being the symbol of God’s true worshipers).

.

Listen to Revelation, Chapter 12… “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.

.

As you can see by closely examining this sketch, the woman is fleeing from the water which the Dragon is spewing, exactly as it says in Revelation 12. And so, by looking at various related Scriptures, we begin to understand just what this wave of water represents. This Woman of Revelation 12 is fleeing from ‘waves of death’, from ‘sorrows of Hell’, and from ‘floods of ungodly men’, as stated in Psalm 18:4.

.

Yes, the Church-faithful (symbolized by the Revelation 12 Woman), has been the target of Satan’s attacks and deceptions (symbolized by the Dragon Wave of Water), throughout the past two-thousand years!

.

DRAGON’S WAVE OF WATER

.

In Revelation, the Dragon of Revelation 12 is described as having seven heads, ten horns, and seven crowns. However, the Dragon of Revelation 12 Constellation up in the night sky does not. But God has faithfully created this 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 comprised of ten stars.

.

The main body of the wave has seven stars (#’s 1 thru 7, in the sketch), and the tip of the crest of the wave has the other three stars, (#’s 8, 9, 10).

.

So in this wave, we see the same 7/10 numbering found in the Revelation description of the heads/horns/crowns of the Dragon.

.

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).

.

Listen again… “When the waves of death compassed me…THE FLOODS OF UNGODLY MEN made me afraid. The sorrows of Hell compassed me about;” 2nd Samuel 22:5.

.

ATHEISM AND THE NUMBER “6”

And so, without going into a lengthy discussion, let’s just say that of all the 7 heads of Antichrist, the head which most closely aligns with atheism would logically be the 6th head. And why the 6th head? The Bible warns that the Antichrist Beast has a number of 666. And it describes this number as being the “number of a man”. The number “6” in Scripture has to do with “Man”. It is a number which reminds of the 6th Day of Creation; the day in which Man was created. Man being created on the 6th day.

.

And so, Mankind is very much connected with the number “6”

.

And since atheism is the religion which holds Mankind as the supreme ruler of Earth, then the number “6”, being the number of Man, seems to correspond to the 6th head of Antichrist, very well. Now these ideas may not be “written in stone”, as they say. And nothing hinges upon, nor falls apart, with or without these theories. But sufficed to say, there is strong evidence that these concepts have biblical support.

.

And so, this 6th star in the Revelation 12 Dragon’s wave of water, would correspond to the 6th head of the Antichrist Beast. And as already said, “waves” in Scripture, represent the many false ideologies which Satan has flooded the world with, throughout time. So that is why Signs Of Heaven website believes that atheism was the 6th head of Antichrist.

.

But if the reader wishes to explore these things in more depth, please go to “Floodwaters of Satan-Introduction”.

.

FIRST BEAST RECEIVES DEADLY WOUND

.

“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

.

This above verse reveals that Satan wasted no time persecuting God’s Elect. Even as John wrote these above words, there were Antichrist forces at work to deceive and destroy God’s people!

.

And so, after Christ’s ascension, persecution against Christians began. The Roman government as well as the unbelieving Jews both began to make life difficult for Christians.

.

The Christian Martyrs Last Prayer 2

.

SATAN EMBRACES CHRISTIANITY

.

But around 320 A.D., the emperor of Rome, Constantine, had a “change of heart”, and began to embrace Christianity.

.

And while peace is nice, this embracing of Christianity had its destructive effects, in the form of worldly compromises.

.

The Bible warns…“Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” Proverbs 27:6

False doctrines were gradually introduced into the Church, causing the church to become corrupt and desolate of God’s Spirit. Rules and ceremonies replaced a faith-filled communion with God.

.

Constantine’s conversion by Rubens wikipedia US public domain

.

CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION

.

And as the early centuries progressed, the Romish European churches became the persecutor of Christians. And so began a long 1300 year siege against God’s people by the apostate churches of Europe. At first, many Christians simply kept quiet about their love for the Bible.

.

But as the centuries continued, many Christians had to flee to the mountains in the European Alps, and begin life anew in the safety of the mountain fortresses.

.

ABOVE PICTURE: WALDENSES HUNTED BY THE ARMIES OF ROME courtesy gutenberg.org public domain

.

THE GREAT CHRISTIAN REFORMATION

.

And then, after several more centuries began the great Christian Reformation, God raising up men, like Wycliffe, Huss, Jerome and others, who would fearlessly stand up to the priests and prelates of the apostate Church.

.

Of course, Satan likewise began his attacks against the Reformation, and this went on for several more centuries. At various times there was peace. But after some time, blood once again was spilled. The Bible was a much hated book by the apostate churches, and copies were burned, and that Book of books was outlawed.

.

Wycliffe – Cropped pic – Yeames – Lollards – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

BEAST POWER

.

“So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.” Revelation 17:3

.

These words of John the Revelator describe an allegorical harlot woman, riding a symbolic beast, representing how Satan persecuted the Bible and God’s people for 1260 prophetic days.

.

Now if the great reformers and theologians of the Middle Ages were correct, the tyrannical churches of Europe, together under a united leadership, based in Rome, comprised the 5th head of the Antichrist Beast and the harlot church of Revelation. And if you read the preface to the King James Bible, written by the translators of that version, back in 1611 AD, you will see just who they pin-pointed as the Antichrist power over Europe during those centuries.

.

But this very old graphic to the left is just one of many similar graphics, which shows the prevailing viewpoint of the Christian world as to just who was that Mystery Harlot and Antichrist Beast!

.

picture right: commons.wikimedia. public domain Papessa_tiara

.

1st BEAST, A COMPOSITE BEAST

.

And so, this 1st Beast of Revelation Ch. 13 was a symbolic Beast composed of kings and kingdoms.

.

Listen… “And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sits. And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he comes he must continue a short space. And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition. And the ten horns which thou saw are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.” Revelation 17:9-12

.

And as this passage indicates, this Beast is comprised of kings and kingdoms. And for brevity’s sake, this article will not attempt to define each of these components to the Beast of Revelation. One needs only to take a brief look at history, to gain an understanding of the persecuting powers of Christians has been through the ages.

.

picture above left: babylon color Burgkmair 1523 AD wikimedia US public domain

.

ANTICHRIST NOT A DIABOLICAL DR. EVIL

.

So those who are looking for a single Antichrist individual to emerge in these last days and become the ruler of the world, may be bitterly disappointed. This composite Beast of Revelation 13, emerged out of the sea of nations in Europe (see Revelation 17:15), waging war with the saints of God for about 1300 years. This first beast came in the form of the dominant churches of Europe (as already mentioned) combined with the governments of Europe. This beast used physical force to control the peoples of those nations. Blood flowed through the streets at various times during Satan’s tyrannical rule over Europe.

.

But finally the time came for Satan’s Beast power to receive a deadly wound by a sword. “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.

.

**That sword was the Bible, the “sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” Ephesians 6:17.**

.

And along with the invention of Gutenberg’s press, the Old World was eventually flooded with Bibles, and the masses could now read the truth which those apostate churches had so greatly attempted to obliterate for so many centuries.

.

book burning Santo_Domingo_y_los_albigenses-detalle wikipedia public domain

Charles Darwin – by John Collier (artist) – www.wikimedia.com – Public Domain

.

NEW IDEOLOGY IS BORN

.

The first beast continued on through the centuries until its prophetic days came to fulfillment. Then, no sooner than it received its deadly wound by the Sword of God (the Bible), a second beast came up from the Earth (the “Earth” symbolizing materialism, fleshly lust, technology, false ideologies, industry, etc.) This second beast had two horns like a lamb. (This beast is actually a continuation of the 1st Beast in a very real sense.)

.

But this is probably getting very confusing. And so let’s simply talk about this ideology called atheism. Sufficed to say, this 2nd Beast is very much connected with atheism. And so let’s read on and see how Satan has waged his war against Heaven, using this new ideology.

.

Atheism began to emerge about the same time as the decline of the empirical reign of the ruling churches of Europe. It began in Europe, and was hailed as the Age of Reason. Atheism was received, to a great extent, as a welcome alternative to the tyrannical beast-like apostate churches that oppressed Europe for so many centuries. And along with the centuries of violence, perpetrated by the ruling apostate churches, such false doctrines, as “Eternal Torment” and “Indulgences” only added to the disgust of rational minds, making atheism that much more an appealing alternative to the apostate Christianity of Europe.

.

.

THE NEW WORLD: SATAN’S LAUNCHING PAD

.

And so, as those European “Christian” pseudo-religions lost their totalitarian grip upon the European community, Satan wasted no time to launch his brand new assault upon this unsuspecting world, with his new pseudo-religion: Atheism.

.

To a great extent, the fledgling frontier called America, began to spring up, at about the same time that the first Beast of Revelation had received his deadly wound. This first Beast of Europe, was all about force and violence. Europe had suffered under a heavy hand of cruelty and suppression: and that of every sort. Music, art, and literature had been strictly controlled by the Church. Only that which benefited the Church was allowed, to a great extent. And many who were loyal to the Bible were branded heretics, even criminals.

.

Globeblack wikimedia public domain

.

REFORMATION

.

But when the prophetic time-clock had run out for this Church-State Beast, God raised up the Reformation to finally conquer this arch-enemy of Christ. Christian reformers proudly wore the title “Protestant”, as they protested a pseudo-Christian religion which waged war against Bible truth for nearly 1,300 years. And after Gutenberg’s press began churning out Bible after Bible, the apostate European Church could no longer resist the overwhelming tide of opposition, which the Reformation had brought against her.

.

Luther – 95 Theses – Wikipedia – US Public Domain.

.

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL

.

“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. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.” Revelation 13:11, 12

.

But now a new land was discovered. This land across the ocean was rich with natural resources and raw beauty. The 5th head of Antichrist (the apostate European churches controlling civil governments), had no authority in this new land of opportunity (not to mention that this 5th head had just received a deadly wound by a sword. God’s Word was that sword. See Revelation 13:3).

.

Thousands of Europeans fled to the New World, seeking refuge and opportunity from the depleted and battle-worn European society. And America was also a product of the Reformation. It was the mirror-opposite of what Europe had become. This new nation would eventually embrace the concept of freedom of political and religious speech.

.

Mayflower Harbor by William Halsall 1882 wikipedia US public domain

.

SATAN’S NEW BATTLEFRONT

.

But little did those pilgrims understand, that this new frontier was now to become Satan’s new battlefront, to continue his war against Heaven. He and his unseen minions had also “packed their suitcases” so to speak, and moved across the waters to this young and brash society, which cared little for orthodoxy and tradition.

.

But now, Satan needed to put a fresh face on his new dispensation, and America the beautiful was just the right place to do that! God blessed America, giving it a constitution somewhat similar to God’s government: a nation dedicated to freedom of religious and political speech. America had a constitution and organization with biblical root and foundation. It was, no doubt, just the kind of challenge that Satan loves!

.

First Thanksgiving_brascome wikipedia public domain

.

MAMMON & MIND CONTROL

.

“In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” 2nd Corinthians 4:4

.

No longer would he use the dungeons, burning-stakes, and torture devices of the Old World, to carry out his tyranny against Christians. No longer would he burn Bibles (and Christians!), in attempt to obliterate every trace of God’s Word from the face of the planet.

.

While the first Beast depended on force, violence, censorship, burning and torture, this new, improved second beast had a radically different arsenal: flooding those Christian nations with materialism (Mammon), false ideologies, and mind-control.

.

These new weapons were so superior to the old ones, that Satan could now gain control of the populace, without the use of torture and other forms of violence.

.

SATAN’S NEW ASSAULT WEAPONS

.

Now this master-deceiver had devised a new engine of destruction. Materialism, false sciences, and ideologies were now the order of the day for this “angel of light”, Satan, to employ upon the world. These had an air of humanitarianism and goodness about them, which only made them that much more deceptive!

.

Satan had now become the False Prophet of Revelation 13. And combined with the brand new printing press he would now flood the world with such ideologies. Book after book came off the presses, engaging an eagerly awaiting world with countless ideologies and time-consuming reading, both true and fictional stories and histories.

.

And what was Satan’s goal? To lead the world away from the Bible, and down the ever-descending pathway of atheism and secularism, and ultimately into moral corruption and total spiritual depravity.

.

Caxton Showing the First Specimen of His Printing to King Edward IV at the Almonry, Westminster wikipedia US public domain

.

FROM SCARCITY TO EXCESS

.

“…give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny Thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.” Proverbs 30:8, 9

.

This above passage from Proverbs lays down a very basic concept of life, namely this: that scarcity and want, tends to promote desperation, even sinful covetousness, while excess tends to promote self-satisfied complacency and lethargy. The writer of this proverb realizes this concept, and prays to God for neither poverty nor for riches.

.

And Satan well knows this concept, too! And now that he could no longer hold back the “winds of change”, Lucifer would simply flood the Christian nations with wealth and materialism (i.e., Mammon), in hopes of preoccupying the minds of men. He determined, that as long as the pendulum was going to swing the other way, this Master of Deception would make sure it would swing much too far the other way!

.

Now his goal was to keep society (and the Church) so busy with the cares and pleasures of life, that they would have little time nor inclination for devotion to God’s Word. While the first Beast kept people destitute, this second Beast would come in like a flood, bringing various types of cares and pleasures, to the point of wretched excess.

.

New york times square terabass cropped image – wikipedia share-alike license

.

IMAGE THAT SPEAKS

.

“And he (the False Prophet) had power to give life unto the image of the (1st) beast, that the image of the (1st) beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the (1st) beast should be killed.” Revelation 13:15

.

But Satan was not so content with the written word. Oh yes, the printing press worked well his purposes, for the while. But he had a much more powerful medium waiting in the wings. And at the appropriate hour, he launched his ultimate mind-control devices: television, radio, and eventually Internet. The above verse from Revelation speaks about a time when Satan would come as the Second Beast of Revelation: the False Prophet. And working through this False Prophet, Satan would cause the world to make unto themselves an image to the first Beast. And he had power to give life to this image, so that the image could speak. Now throughout time there has never been such an image that could speak. But only in this day and age is that possible (see “Television: And The Image That Speaks”).

.

Listen again to Revelation…“And he (the False Prophet) had power to give life unto the image of the (1st) beast, that the image of the (1st) beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.” Revelation 13:15

.

And with the aid of these new high-tech weapons, he would engage in an assault unlike any other deception ever implemented upon Mankind. Along with the various “sciences” and ideologies, Satan has implemented music and entertainment, via these high-tech devices, as his chosen means to lead the peoples of the world into a downward spiral, and into greater spiritual darkness. And though it might be argued that these inventions have helped Mankind in various ways, nevertheless, they have been greatly used to decay the morality of the world, and indoctrinate Mankind into false ideologies, and to create a general prejudice against the Bible.

.

While Satan’s methods have changed from time to time, nevertheless he has always been at war against the Bible at any time in history. And being the “god of this world”, Satan works through anyone who is not fully consecrated to God.

.

ATHEISM, 6TH HEAD OF ANTICHRIST

.

ATHEISTIC SCIENCES

.

“Six” is Man’s number in the Bible, and likewise, the 6th head of Antichrist is the religion which exalts “Man” as the supreme being of the universe. Atheism holds up fallen Man as supreme ruler of this fallen, sinful planet. In this sense, it is a religion, whose supreme ruler is Man.

.

Satan was now ready to bring in ideologies which had their roots in science. And since the ideology of atheism began to dominate a large portion of the world’s thinking for almost the past two centuries, a number of “sciences” have arisen, including Evolution, Psychiatry, and Psychology.

.

All three of these so-called sciences have greatly challenged the veracity of the Bible. For instance, psychiatry attributes demon possession to chemical imbalance rather than demonic forces.

.

This sounds great, but of course this idea of chemical-imbalanced-insanity remains just a “nice” hypothesis, lacking any real scientific substantiation. Just because people seem to get better on various pills proves nothing, when the fact is considered, that Satan can withdraw his oppressive forces at any time from an individual who takes such “medication”. And by thus withdrawing his demonic forces, the madness dissipates, making the person appear to become “miraculously healed”. And the pills of course, received the glory.

.

pills Photo by Sage Ross (ragesoss.com), from Wikimedia Commons. Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0

.

WAR BETWEEN HEAVEN & HELL

.

What the scientific and medical communities failed to consider, is that this world was the battle-zone between two opposing spiritual forces; Heaven and Hell. Satan has raised up these atheistic ideologies in an attempt to cast discredit upon the Bible. After all, if the Bible speaks of demonic possession and oppression, but “science” attributes madness and lunacy to chemical imbalances, then this would shake the very foundation of Bible truth.

.

But God foresaw all this and wrote His Word to address this false-science. If carefully read, the Bible speaks of each of the major types of so-called mental illnesses, rightfully attributing them to Satanic powers, rather than “chemical imbalances”.

.

**And God has made some general statements as well, such as this one… “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2nd Timothy 1:7.**

.

Here we have a proclamation that fear is actually a spiritual condition, but also that a sound mind is also a spiritual condition. And by keeping our minds fixed upon Jesus, we will have perfect peace (see “Planet of Rest: How To Find Perfect Peace”) .

.

**But there are many other promises in Scripture, such as… “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.” Isaiah 26:3.**

.

Now how can a person have perfect peace and still be in turmoil? These are among the many promises in the Bible, which defy this un-biblical science of psychiatry.

.

Picture: www.thebiblerevival.com

.

MULTI-LEVEL MIND-CONTROL

.

It is truly amazing that in a world which has experienced so much evil from various totalitarian regimes (such as Nazism), that we are now about to enter into an era of world-wide mind-control.

.

This above passage speaks of a false prophet who rises up and forces the world to conform to the image of the First Beast. There is a spirit pervading the world, causing individual societies to implement programs to exert mind-control over the masses.

.

Wouldn’t you think that these formerly oppressed nations, would be the last to ever again want to control the thoughts and intentions of young people!?!

.

Nazi Youth – cropped image – wikimedia commons – share-alike-license.jpg

.

SCHOOLS PART OF SATAN’S ARSENAL

.

**In addition to television, and other social media, the school systems of the world are fast becoming tools in the hand of Satan, to conform the children of the world to the ideologies of Atheism.**

.

Schools are no longer just concerned with merely teaching the basic studies, such as reading and writing and arithmetic. They now are beginning to immerse the children in various ideologies, such as atheism, socialism, psychology, evolution and other Antichrist doctrines, and even now grooming children to embrace sexual perversions!

.

And in addition to these false sciences, the schools are becoming very thin in the areas of true national history, and world history.

.

No, Satan knows well, that a populace who does not understand history, especially Christian history, is much easier to manipulate and control.

.

Headsets – France in XXI Century School – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD”

Psalm 33:12

.

Believe it or not, there was a time when public schools incorporated Bible stories as part of their regular everyday curriculum! Can you imagine that!?!

.

Yes, many public schools in the 1800′s and even into the mid-1900’s, incorporated Bible stories as a major part of their everyday curriculum. But as the nation became more and more prosperous, society began moving away from the Bible. Then in the 19th & 20th centuries, atheism moved in and began an even more aggressive assault against the Bible, until the day when public schools could hardly even make mention of the Bible, much less teach it!

.

Nazi-Stabs-Bible-Wikimedia-commons-US-Public-Domain-2-260×300

.

CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS: THIN SLICE OF BIBLE ADDED

.

But Satan was not content. He has even launched an all-out assault on Christian schools, and on home schooling. Various governments around the world, are more and more exerting control over private Christian schools. He has moved the civil authorities to over-regulate Christian schools with so many secular requirements, that almost no time was left for the study of the Bible. And so, the Christian schools became like a giant sandwich, with only a thin slice of Bible sandwiched in between all the secular studies. Now to be fair, it must be noted that many Christian schools voluntarily inculcate various secular activities, such as sports, into their curriculum. So instead of making the Bible their #1 priority, they have embraced the world in many ways. So can we really blame God for allowing Satan to move in, and assault our Christian schools with secularism? In many cases, we voluntarily opened the door for him to come in!

.

RESPONSIBILITY LIES WITH PARENTS

.

And much of the reason that Satan has gained so much control over our Christian schools, can be traced right back to Christian parents, who allow their children to grow up with TV, and radio, and secular friendships.

.

Now as for home-schooling. Many of those who are home-schooling their children, are encountering more and more opposition by various governments, including the very nations of Europe, who after WWII, should have learned their lessons about the evil of totalitarian control.

.

But the 2nd Beast of Revelation seems to desire totalitarian control over the masses. And naturally he would want to control the education of the young, as part of his war against Heaven.

.

TV – highquality – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons License

.

MANY DEDICATED & CONSCIENTIOUS TEACHERS

.

Now this is not to say that there are not many dedicated and conscientious teachers, even today in the school systems. This controversy is not about people. It’s really all about the ongoing war between Heaven and Hell! And we humans have been born into a world, tossed and turned by the winds of war between these two opposing forces in the Universe: the unseen spiritual armies of Heaven and Hell.

.

As the Bible says… “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 6:12.

.

As this verse points out, the unseen forces in the world are using unsuspecting men and women to carry out a hellish agenda, which the Bible foretold would come to pass in these last days. And we all are being used by those unseen powers, whether we like it or not!

.

FEMA High School Student assists teacher with STEP program Wikimedia public domain

.

NO FENCE-SITTERS! DEVIL OWNS FENCE

.

We are either on the side of Heaven, or we are on the side of Hell, even though we might imagine that we are sitting on the fence, being neutral. But there are no fence-sitters in this world.

.

As Jesus puts it… “He that is not with Me is against Me; and he that gathereth not with Me scattereth abroad.” Matthew 12:30.

.

So this verse dispels any notion that there are neutral people. So, know it or not, and like it or not, we are all useful pawns for higher unseen powers. But the real enemy is the Devil and his evil-angels, not people.

.

2nd BEAST RISES OUT OF THE EARTH

.

“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. And he exerciseth all the power of the first Beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.” Revelation 13:11, 12

.

And so this “new and improved” Second Beast emerged. This New World Beast was the False Prophet likewise spoken of in Revelation Ch. 13. Instead of crushing Christians by force and violence, this second beast deceives the world.

.

“And he (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 [Antichrist] Beast;” Revelation 13:13, 14.

.

In reality, both beasts were actually Satan and his angels who worked through unsuspecting humans, unwittingly doing Satan’s bidding, to deceive the world and oppress God’s people.

.

No longer does Satan need torture chambers. No longer does he need to burn Bibles. This new deception is far greater than those archaic methods. (Oh yes, Satan must still use physical oppression against the middle-eastern nations. Atheism has not been embraced over there as much as it has been here. So Satan is very pleased to further confuse our on-looking world, by engaging in violent oppression within those nations.)

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Satan, The False Prophet who offers a world-loving gospel – www.signsofheaven.org

.

SATAN HAS DECEIVED ALL

.

And so this controversy continues between this Antichrist world and Heaven. The following passage explains just what is Satan’s primary goal in this world… “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” 2nd Corinthians 4:3, 4.

.

It is not that those people who are employed in these sciences are trying to deceive the world. They too are being deceived by Satan. And there may even be sincere Believers among their ranks.

.

Oh yes, it is true, that many evolutionary geologists, at times, have kept hidden some facts about evolutionary research which, if revealed, would shake the very foundations of that atheistic so-called “science”. And so there are many frauds in evolution, which the great masses are unaware of.

.

For instance, most people are not aware that there is a river bed in Texas which has dinosaur footprints probably four or five thousand years old, still active, river bed. But the Bible clearly states, “There were giants in the Earth in those days.” Are we really to believe that this river is 80 million years old? Nonsense! 80 million years would long ago erased both the prints as well as the river itself! Even a mere million years would have erased both these!

.

photo: piece of same riverbed with closeup of intersecting prints.

.

GREATEST LIE MINGLED WITH TRUTH

.

But there is a certain amount of truth to Satan’s false ideologies. And because there are so many truths mingled into these “sciences”, it becomes much more difficult for the casual observer to unravel these clever lies of the Devil. After all, poison only fools the varmint, when it is mingled with 90% oatmeal. And likewise, Satan’s lies are only effective when they are combined with truth.

.

And also, Satan has greatly “covered his own tracks”, so that most people do not even believe there exists such evil principalities, as the Devil, in the world.

.

And Satan always cloaks his lies with a veneer of goodness. Satan knows how easy it is to fool the populace by merely adding some sugar-coating to his deceptions. And so this False Prophet has a humanitarian appeal to it. Food baskets, welfare programs, and many other humanitarian programs gives this False Prophet an air of goodness.

.

But the Bible warns that false prophets will… “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2nd Timothy 3:5

.

Oatmeal copyrighted but permissable for use wikimedia commons

.

HUMANITARIANISM: A FORM OF GODLINESS

.

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2nd Timothy 3:1-5

.

Now why in the world would humanitarianism be considered an assault weapon of Satan? Well, the Bible makes it very clear, as the above passage states, after Paul gave a litany of horrible sins, he finishes with the last sin… “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”

.

**Now why would this be listed among all the rest of these sins? Isn’t godliness a good thing? Actually it says a “form of godliness”. It’s not the real thing! It’s a counterfeit goodness.**

.

Listen… “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” 2nd Corinthians 11:14, 15.

.

Quite often, Satan will masquerade himself as a good angel. And as this passage clarifies, Satan will often cloak evil men and women (any unbeliever is considered evil by God) as “ministers of righteousness”, both in the Church and out in the world.

.

Satan needed to give this new ideology of atheism a shiny exterior, since it is such a hopeless and utterly depressing ideology. And so he has surrounded atheism with these other satellite ideologies, to dress it up a bit, as they say. And people are very easily fooled. All Satan, the False Prophet, has to do, is some charitable good works, and the great masses of Humanity fall for this, his deception!

.

But for more on this subject of humanitarianism, just click here… “The 2nd Beast: The False Prophet & His “Vanity Fair” Today”

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Satan, The False Prophet who offers a world-loving gospel – www.signsofheaven.org

.

“AN ANGEL OF LIGHT”

.

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

.

But Satan was not content to remain in the secular world. His object of jealousy was the Church of God. His ultimate goal was to deceive the entire world, including God’s people.

.

While Satan is far less powerful than our omnipotent Creator God, nevertheless, Satan is a worthy opponent ‘in his own right’. He and his countless minions have devised this masterful deception known as Atheism in such a way that even the Christian community embraced some of these various companion ideologies to a great extent. While evolution only enjoyed a partial acceptance among Christians, Psychiatry and Psychology were greatly embraced by churches.

.

(As this drawing shows, Satan comes as an “angel of light” as the “False Prophet” into the Church-World with a mixture of Heavenly truth mingled with worldly philosophies.)

.

PSYCHOLOGY: COTTAGE INDUSTRY IN CHURCH

.

And the ideology of psychology was unique, because it was well-adapted to conform to the Bible to a great extent. There had arisen Christian psychologists, who merged this ideology with the Bible. And this pseudo-science had grown into a cottage industry within the borders of Christianity.

.

So what’s wrong with that? Plenty! And that is what this article is dealing with. And though this is by no means an exhaustive study, it hopefully lays the foundation of truth necessary to direct the reader to the fundamental Bible truths which refute this rogue ideology which has, “crept in unawares”, into God’s house.

.

And while one of the benefits of the name “Psychology” in the Christian realm is, you could hang your shingle and begin charging money for your services, there is a much greater evil to this look-alike ideology. While Christian Psychology books were big business, plus DVD’s, seminars, and television shows, there were other more subtle evils which stem from this ideology.

.

When listening to Christian radio, or watching Christian television, it probably wasn’t long until a Christian Psychology program or public service announcement was aired. Family or social issues were discussed concerning children, or mothers, or fathers, or work-related, or health issues, or a host of other issues. Well, these were real-life issues! So why could this be wrong? After all, wasn’t the Christian life all about self-improvement?

.

PHILOSOPHY & VAIN DECEIT

.

“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:” Colossians 2:8-10

.

Psychology originally emerged from atheism. And it is the desire to solve Man’s problems, without the acknowledgment of the spiritual realm. And so from the very start, psychology was in trouble. Being an atheistic science, it attempted to explain the human mind, not realizing that unseen spiritual influences, both good and evil were constantly at work in the lives of human beings.

.

So when an individual was experiencing various troubles, he or she might have been in the midst of harassment by evil angels. Or when that same individual was experiencing joy, or peace of mind, it might have been because angels of God had chased away those demonic spirits for a time. Or it might even have been that God’s gentle Spirit was showering that Christian with joy and peace.

.

Listen… “Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.” Acts 14:17

.

So for psychologists to attempt to explain the human mind, without acknowledgment of the spirit realm was an impossible task, to say the least. “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.” Psalm 14:1

.

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

.

TWO DIFFERENT WAYS TO CURE SADNESS

.

Psychology doesn’t take in to account, that God may have been trying to bring an individual into a right relationship with his or her God. Take for instance, a person who was sad. Psychology attempted to diagnose either a physical or mental or social cause and solution for that sadness. In other words, there was no attempt to look to the Bible; no attempt to look to prayer and humbling of that sad person before the Heavenly Father to find the cause & solution for his or her sadness. And so the sad person is counseled that, perhaps, the sadness was due to a lack of exercise, or maybe from a need to become more sociable, etc,.

.

.

GOD AFFLICTS TO CAUSE MAN TO REPENT

.

“But though He cause grief, yet will He have compassion according to the multitude of His mercies…Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.” Lamentations 3:32, 40

.

But what was really needed was consecration, prayer and Bible study. God can take away sadness even from people who cannot exercise, nor have a social life. A bed-confined person can be the world’s happiest person, by the power of God! It’s not that exercise is a bad thing. By all means, exercise, if you’re able! And fellowship with Believers may be a good thing! Yes, fellowship with Believers, if you can find one!

.

A Prayer for those at Sea by Frederick Daniel Hardy wikipedia US public domain

.

TROUBLE CAN BE A BLESSING

.

But psychology usually completely missed the big point. And the big point was this: God may have been allowing that “storm cloud” of sadness to hang over a Christian’s head, in order to cause that Christian to seek a closer relationship with his or her Lord. Psychology’s goal was to get the person happy, ASAP. God’s goal may have been to allow Satan to bring a season of sadness in order that the person fell to his knees in prayer and repentance.

.

The Bible is filled with accounts of all sorts of troubles which God brought on His people to get them to look up! “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness…But though He cause grief, yet will He have compassion according to the multitude of His mercies…Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.” Lamentations 3:22, 23, 32, 40

.

Vincent van Gogh – Old Man in Sorrow (On the Threshold of Eternity) – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

Weeping Woman – Van Gogh – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

.

PSYCHOLOGY: UNBIBLICAL ADVICE

.

But psychology may divert that Christian, by encouraging some daily jogging program, for instance. The Christian may even be encouraged to join some secular jogging club for an enhanced social life, too. And as a result, the Christian may begin to spend more time in this pursuit and less time with Jesus. So now in his new endeavors, the Christian may grow further away from the Lord to an even greater extent, by diverting precious time to running races with unbelievers or worldly Christians.

.

And anyway, true joy is something that can only come from God. It is something that God can even give to unbelievers at times. God’s rain “falls on the just and the unjust” Matthew 5:45, says Scripture. In His mercy, God gives joy to all His creatures. “God is no respecter of persons” Acts 10:34. So for Mankind to attempt to find true happiness apart from God is vanity. We are complete in Christ, and we are to bring nothing into Christianity from the world. We are to keep Christ’s religion pure and undefiled… “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit“ Colossians 2:8.

.

Marathon-New_York_Verrazano_bridge Martineric from Lille, France wikipedia share-alike lic.

.

“BODILY EXERCISE PROFITS LITTLE:

BUT GODLINESS IS PROFITABLE UNTO ALL THINGS”

1st Timothy 4:8

.

And one more word on this subject. If God wishes for the Christian to get more exercise, God may inspire His trusting child to take daily walks, while praying or just meditating on Scripture. So if that Christian had gone to the Lord in prayer, instead of seeking the advice of the psychologist, the Lord may have put that Believer on a walk/prayer exercise program instead of going off in a completely different direction, such as joining a time-consuming running club.

.

“COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM”

.

And let’s not forget that Bible warning… “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers:” 2nd Corinthians 6:14.

.

When the Christian begins to become yoked together with unbelievers, he or she is ignoring God’s warning to… “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 6:17, 18.

.

Here is strong advice from God. And those who ignore such advice are doing so, at the risk of their own soul.

.

Man-walking-into-sun-wikipedia-share-alike-lic

.

“ADD THOU NOT”

“Every word of God is pure: He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him. Add thou not unto His words, lest He reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” Proverbs 30:5, 6

.

One recurring theme in the Bible was that of keeping the Gospel pure. The Lord said it in different ways. For instance, the Mosaic Law forbade the wearing of a garment mingled with two different products… “Thou shalt not wear a garment of divers sorts, as of woolen and linen together.” Deuteronomy 22:11.

.

**Does God care about garments, or was He speaking of a bigger concept? God here was speaking of mingling sacred things with common. And psychology (and psychiatry) is a man-made science.**

.

And to bring psychology and mingle it with the pure and undefiled religion of Christ is definitely mingling the sacred with the common… “Her priests (we too are priests!) have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they showed difference between the unclean and the clean,” Ezekiel 22:26

.

YE ARE COMPLETE IN CHRIST

.

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” John 14:6

.

The world today is filled with all sorts of programs, and ideologies, and various sports and amusements. Many of these seem rather harmless, some even good. But the Christian is to try as far as possible to not mingle with the seed of men. It’s one thing to go from door to door, to spread the Good News, but quite another to engage in unnecessary worldly pursuits. The Christian must work and earn the daily bread. But the Christian is to present to the world the image of Christ, pure and undefiled. That is why the new Christian so often loses old friends, and even some family, perhaps.

.

To the world, we are the off-scouring of all things… “Being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.”1st Corinthians 4:13.

.

Jesus`had no worldly friendships. Neither did John or Paul. Those three were all about business; the business of soul-saving, and self-purification. And those three are our role-models, above all the other characters in Scripture. Paul had absolutely no time for worldly-minded endeavors, beyond working to earn his daily bread.

.

Paul made the following confession… “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth 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. Paul’s greatest desire was that Christ might be made manifest in his body.

.

Paul Shipwrecked – Acts 27:41-44 – www.lavistachurchofchrist.org – Public Domain

.

“KEEP THYSELF PURE”

1st Timothy 5:22

.

The point to all this is, that in order for the world to see Jesus in us, we must separate, as far as possible, from things that taint the purity of Christ. But there are many who think that if they bring in some popular thing into the Church, they will make Christianity more appealing to the “great unwashed masses”.

.

So, today, we see all sorts of worldly things in the Church world: various sports and amusements, cultural traditions, ethnicity, self-improvement devices, popular music, clubs, businesses, money-making schemes, contests… and various ideologies, such as psychology.

.

Psychology doesn’t understand this concept. Psychology’s goal is to achieve peace, happiness, and a harmonious relationship with the world. Psychology wants to make a person “well-balanced” and “normal” according to the world’s standard. Psychology frowns on Christians who separate from the ungodly… “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers…Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,” 2nd Corinthians 6:14, 17.

.

Psychology doesn’t like such passages as this. It looks upon such Christians as fanatics. This is why psychology is such an effective weapon of Satan against God’s people. It is not the worldly Christian who separates from unbelievers. It is the True Worshipper that takes all these things seriously. So Satan’s battle is against the Believer. And psychology is just one of the weapons in his arsenal: howbeit a very important and powerful weapon. And Satan raises up an occasional fanatic or even some cult which perverts true Christian virtues to the point that casts a bad shadow upon dedicated Christians, who are earnestly following the leading of God’s Spirit.

.

WHAT ABOUT THE CHILDREN?

.

At this point, somebody will ask the question: What about our kids? Are we to expect them to just sit around and read the Bible?

.

It’s true, this is an amusement-oriented, hedonistic society. And these are a powerful attraction to the young. Kids naturally want to play. But if a mother and father are both striving to run the Christian Race, then they will want to educate their children to love the things of Heaven.

.

On the other hand, those who have a worldly-minded spouse are probably going to have a difficult time trying to raise the children to love the things of God. Humans naturally gravitate towards worldliness. And children are no exception!

.

So here we are faced with a dilemma. What do I do in order to overcome this mountain of a problem? How do I raise my children to love the Lord, in a divided household?

.

Christian psychologists can provide hours of advice about how to raise children. It often can make a parent exhausted, just listening to all the various tasks, rules, games, memberships, excursions, expenditures, and duties which psychologists quite often enumerate, that we must do, to successfully raise the children!

.

But those Christians in a divided house-hold may be helpless to raise their children in a godly home. All such may simply have to provide a nice worldly atmosphere and lifestyle for their family, and simply pray for God’s mercy, for turning their family to the Lord.

.

Homeschoolers playing Dutch Blitz at picnic gathering – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

.

ALTERNATE PLAN: FORSAKE ALL & FOLLOW JESUS

.

“Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways… Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.” Psalm 128:1, 3

.

But there is another way. The above passage gives a thumbnail description of how to raise one’s family. And while it’s not wrong for the Christian parent to join in playing some innocent games with the very young children, there is a better way to fight the battle of raising children in this decadent society.

.

To put it bluntly, the Christian parent will enjoy far greater success by simply laying his or her entire life on the altar. Christian parents (who are both in spiritual agreement) who now spend much time driving kids from one sporting event to another, might better spend those hours on our spiritual knees, pleading for them (But don’t wait till they are too old, and have become hardened in their selfishness.)

.

By studying the Bible and meditating upon it through the day. By turning off all my secular entertainment. By becoming a servant to others. By becoming a goodwill ambassador to everyone around.

.

In other words, to let God chasten us and purify us, that we can become Christ-like in every way. This is the more excellent way to raise our children. And as we put our entire life on the altar, then God can begin to bless our family.

.

Just listen… “Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in His ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.” Psalms 128: 1-3.

.

Now it must be stated, that God doesn’t work according to our time-table. Such a life of faith requires one to exercise faith and patience. These virtues are God’s attributes, and God purposely allows delay and disappointment as a means of refining the Christian character in His people.

.

morning prayers Ebenezer_Newman_Downard_Morning_prayer_1860 wikipedia public domain

.

“BLESSED ARE THE BARREN”

.

“For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck. Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.” Luke 23:29, 30

.

This world is becoming more evil each and every passing day. Young children today are going to face more temptations than they even now do, it seems. Any parent, no matter how old or how young are the children, has a very grave responsibility in today’s world; this is no time to begin to enjoy the world, with all its many diversions. We must go to war on behalf of our children. We must all die-to-self completely and daily. We must deny ourselves to the point of Christ, that peradventure, God may give our children, “repentance to the acknowledging of the truth”. 2nd Timothy 2:25.

.

Christians must throw their lives and of their children at the mercy of God. It’s getting so bad in the world and what could the future be, but worse! Much worse!

.

But having said all this, many Christians make the same mistake as those antediluvian Believers, who, “saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.” Genesis 6:2.

.

Yes, those pre-flood Believers completely “blew it”, by making unwise choices in their relationships. And as Genesis reveals, this eventually caused God to destroy the world by a flood, because of the total wickedness which resulted.

.

And likewise, all Christians today who place more emphasis on romantic aspects, instead of choosing a Bible-thumping Born-Again Believer for a mate, will experience more trouble and heart-ache than happiness. So this website’s advice for such unfortunate individuals, is to try to make their unbelieving family as happy as possible, while utilizing every quiet moment in Bible meditation, self-purification, and crying out for God’s mercy.

.

THE HEART IS DECEITFUL & DESPERATE

.

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9

.

This above verse from Jeremiah completely shakes the very foundation of psychology… “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9.

.

Understanding the human mind is what psychology is all about! But God says, “Who can know it?”. The heart of Man is wicked and self-deceiving. This truth completely obliterates any notion that psychology has any place in Christianity. And more than this, Scripture goes on to say… “And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.” 1st John 5:19.

.

Now we’re in real trouble! Psychology attempts to differentiate between good and bad. But in a world that lies in utter wickedness, with people whose hearts are deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, and unsearchable, well, what hope is there for psychology?

.