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

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Floodwaters of the False Prophet: Socialism/Humanitarianism (Continued)

To read part 1, click here… “Floodwaters of the False Prophet: Socialism/Humanitarianism”

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WHAT IS TRUE LOVE?

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(CONTINUING FROM PART 1, CLICK HERE TO READ)…But true love is not a pick-n-choose buffet, in which we merely take what we like and refuse the rest! No, to use a modern-day expression, love, true love is a, “package deal”. Love is a holistic virtue. It encompasses our whole life! It rules our entire heart! It is an entire spectrum of different virtues!

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In 1st Corinthians 13, Paul explains this holistic concept to the Corinthians, who merely desired the miraculous gift of speaking in “other languages”, and yet had little inclination for the deep indwelling of Christ’s love…

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Listen to Paul… “But…show I unto you a more excellent way! Though I speak with the tongues (other languages) of men and of angels…And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity (love), it profits me nothing!

“Charity (love) suffers long, and is kind; charity envies not; charity vaunts (forces) not itself, is not puffed up, Does not behave itself unseemly, seeks not her own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil; Rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Charity (agape love) never fails:” 1st Corinthians 12:31-13:8

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This above passage begins to give us a picture of true love, showing that it transcends the mere outward acts of self-sacrifice! True love is a lamp which shines brightly within the heart. True ‘agape’ love actuates every aspect of the life. It cannot truly exist where the heavenly virtues of the heart do not exist!

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Patience, contentment, humbleness, selflessness, meekness, faith, long-suffering, humility, purity, kindness, gentleness: these are among the accompanying virtues which must be present at all times, for true love to exist!

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And the fact is, most persons who attempt to become humanitarians do not possess such an all-encompassing self-sacrificing love of Jesus. Our personalities are still infected with sin: impatience, harshness, pride, faithlessness, wantonness, commonness, lust, intemperance, greed, and other similar qualities. And so, our acts of giving are tainted by these aforementioned sins, thus spoiling any true ministry of love to others…

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Listen again… “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity (love), it profits me nothing!” 1st Corinthians 13:3

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

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

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THE WIDOW’S TWO MITES

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Socialism must exist where there is financial prosperity. And so, Satan knew that it could not exist on a mass scale, prior to the industrial age. He realized that during the earlier centuries, people just barely survived financially, and were in no mind to be supporting others on a large scale.

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In other words, most people only give out of their abundance. This reality is showcased in the Bible’s account of the Widow’s Mite… “And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.” Mark 12:41, 42

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Jesus used this incident to be a teaching moment, about just what is true generosity. In other words, to merely give without self-sacrificial love is not true generosity. And this is the futility of most of today’s socialism. Today’s socialism requires no true love. It merely taxes wealthy people, and then, for the most part, just gives that money to its recipients (withholding the majority of the collected taxes for bureaucratic expenses, etc…. )

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Listen to Jesus, as He summarizes this encounter with the widow and her two-mite offering… “And He called unto Him His disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.” Mark 12:43, 44

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God takes very little pleasure in superficial giving. Because God does not measure generosity by dollar amount, but by the ‘agape’ love which springs forth from the heart!

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But there are so many today, who pay their tithes and offerings, withholding enough to continue living in pleasure and wantonness! All such giving is mere an exercise in futility!

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Tissot – The Widows Mite – Brooklyn Museum – US Public Domain

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WORLDLY APPLAUSE

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As most people know, the Kingdom of Heaven is not about being high-profile! No, just the opposite!

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Listen to Jesus… “Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward.” Matthew 6:1, 2

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This above passage was spoken by Jesus in His famous, Sermon On The Mount.

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Here is presented a common problem seen in so much of today’s humanitarianism. Far too many businesses get involved in charities, merely for the purpose of promoting their company. And this hypocritical “charity” is quite often the motivation for individuals, as well.

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In other words, so many attempt to get involved in some career or humanitarian cause, partly or wholly for the purpose of self-exaltation. Yes, our private, personal lives may be filled with all sorts of selfish desires. And yet, we can still receive public praise by our supposed humanitarian career or charitable volunteerism!

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

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THE PRIDE OF LIFE

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The three great sins of Mankind are listed in the 1st Epistle of John, Chapter 2, verse 16… “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.”

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Yes, the lusts of the flesh, and the lusts of the eyes, are somewhat easy to discern in people. But the pride of life is not so easy to discern. Because it quite often is connected with pursuits that have what the Bible refers to as, “a form of godliness”.

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Listen… “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

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So after naming all these horrible sins, Paul concludes by saying, “a form of godliness”. But godliness without the Holy Spirit is just another form of evil. And it appeals especially to those who are proud in heart!  

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Tissot – HMS Calcutta – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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THE SINS OF THE PHARISEES

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The Pharisees were an elevated class of religious leaders back in the days of Christ’s earthly ministry. They were those who were very moral and correct. And they were well-schooled in theology. And they were held in high-esteem by the common people of that day.

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But the Pharisees were not “born again”. And so, all their correctness, and all their morality was merely an outward goodness. Listen to Jesus, as he rebuked the Pharisees for their outward cleanliness… “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.” Matthew 23:25, 26

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Yes, the Pharisees looked good on the outside, but their outward cleanliness and correctness were merely a pretensive shroud for their inward wickedness!

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

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CHEAP RIGHTEOUSNESS – THE RICH MAN & LAZARUS

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And so, the world (and worldly Christians) engage in what is called “cheap righteousness”, in which we merely give a portion of our time and money to some charitable cause, while at the same time, continuing to live out our selfish, world-loving lives! Oh yes, this is broad-brushing. Yes, there are perhaps a few of those who actually devote their entire life to some charity. And God knows the true motivation of their heart! And we are not to judge any individual! 

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But this concept of giving out of our abundance is illustrated in a parable which Jesus told about a rich man, who, “fared sumptuously every day. And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.” Luke 16:20, 21

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This story applies very well to so much of what is going on today! We who live in this cornucopian super-society, merely toss our proverbial “bread crumbs” at those in need, while continuing to live, “sumptuously every day!”

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So what was the outcome for that rich man in Jesus’ parable? Listen… “the rich man also died, and was buried; And in Hell he lift up his eyes…” Luke 16:21, 22.

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Oh yes, this was merely a parable. But God here, is trying to drive home the point about our meager giving.

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Rich Man & Lazarus – Wikigallery – Public Domain

Brooklyn Museum – The Bad Rich Man in Hell – James Tissot – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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AS AN ANGEL OF LIGHT

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Many have the erroneous notion that Satan is a totally evil entity. Well, yes, Satan is totally evil. But he’s intelligent enough to realize that he cannot sell his poison to humanity, unless he sugar-coats it. And so, Satan must disguise, not only himself, but also masquerade his workers, transforming them into, “those good guys, wearing white hats”!

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

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This above passage let’s us know, in no uncertain terms, that Satan and his people will masquerade themselves, coming to us as, “good guys, wearing white hats”, as the saying goes!

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

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EATING OUR OWN

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There is a little account in which God exposes the hypocrisy of today’s socialistic communitarianism, in what happened in former times.

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Listen… “The hands of the pitiful women have sodden their own children: they were their meat in the destruction of the daughter of My people.” Lamentation 4:10

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In this above account, God reveals that tender, loving mothers actually cooked their own children and ate them, during a time of extreme hunger. And this same unbelievable atrocity has occurred at other various times of extreme famine, throughout history.

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And so, God is showing us that He is not impressed in the slightest, with all our supposed sympathies for our children. It is as superficial as any other so-called “human compassion” which currently goes on in society. In other words, when the economy totally dries up, so will human sympathy, to a great extent.

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And in the days ahead, this same unspeakable cannibalism will probably be repeated!

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Cannibalism in Russia and Lithuania 1571. – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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THE CROSS PLANTED ON WICKED SOIL

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“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” John 3:19

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When Jesus came to this earth, His mission was to show the universe an example of what true agape love is. The Cross is a symbol of what it means to give all, for our fellow-man! Unselfish love came down in the form of man, and walked amidst this selfish world.

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And the light and glory of this kind of total goodness exposed our own superficial goodness to the point, that we tried to exterminate Him, and get Him out of our sight!

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

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TOUCHING THE ARK

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When the people of the world attempt to have “a form of godliness”, we do not realize that we are tampering with forbidden things. In other words, to want to be righteous, without surrendering to God, is a very dangerous thing.

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Listen… “And when they came to Nachon’s threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.” 2nd Samuel 6:6, 7

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In this above passage, God is perhaps presenting a giant concept about becoming a “do-gooder”, by our own human strength. Uzzah presumed to think that God needed his help in steadying the Ark. Uzzah should have either allowed the Ark to fall, or not fall.

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And so it is with Mankind. We have chosen to rebel against Heaven’s government of Love. So then, why are we trying to retain some of that love, and yet reject the only source of true love…God? It can’t be done!

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Uzzah Touches Ark by James Tissot Wikipedia public domain

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WORLD GETTING WORSE AND WORSE!

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And doesn’t it seem like, the more Man tries to conquer evil and its consequences, the worse that the situation becomes in this world?

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For instance, doesn’t it seem like, the more food baskets we hand out, the more 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? The more we attempt to stop violence, the more violence there is in the world?

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Yes, Mankind, by attempting good works, while remaining in rebellion against Heaven, is attempting to touch the Ark of God, just like presumptuous Uzzah! But God is not allowing us to get away with it! By all our vain attempts at “good works”, we are only bringing a greater curse on this planet!

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Yes, the False Prophet loves good works, as false prophets usually do. It gives him an air of righteousness. And of course, Satan is that False Prophet spoken of in Revelation 13.

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ISIL – Execution of man – September 2014 – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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“STRENGTHEN THE HAND OF THE POOR”

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When scolding His people, the Lord compared them to “Sodom”, saying… “Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister “Sodom”, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.” Ezekiel 16:49

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Notice here that one of God’s complaints was the “Sodom” did not strengthen the hand of the poor. And so, God knew it was important to do more than merely hand out money and food to the poor. The best thing to do, would be to teach the poor various work skills. But with welfare and food stamps, the poor have little incentive to enter the workplace. This is just human nature.

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Drunk Panhandler-wikipedia-public-domain-e1440775159124

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BETWEEN A ROCK AND HARD SPOT!

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There is an old saying, “Being caught between a rock and a hard spot”. And this saying applies very well to the place which society is in today! There really is no good answer to our dilemma, as far as this world is concerned. In other words, there an increasing number of people in the world today, who are really hurting and desperately needy! And so, just what can we do?

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By continuing to try to solve the great issues of the world situation, we are only “adding fuel to the fire”, so to speak. That is, by attempting to do good without God’s Spirit, we are only bringing even more judgment down upon our world.

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But how can we just sit by and let all those millions of needy souls go hungry, or thirsty, or sick?

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

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GOSPEL CHANGES LIVES

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Actually, there is much that a Christian can do! Listen to James… “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:16

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To pray for and to financially support ministries that preach the soul-saving Gospel of Christ to the world, is the very best way for those of us living in affluent nations, to help this hurting world! Yes, when a man, woman, or child becomes Born-Again, that soul teams up with all the resources of Heaven! And God promises wisdom and power to every child of Jesus. So our finances are much better spent to send forth the Gospel, than to merely supply food and clothing!

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Mall witnessing, Panama City, Panama

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FULL SURRENDER A MUST!

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This horrible world condition isn’t going to get any better! It’s only going to get worse! And we can try to relieve the suffering in the world. But until the day when the whole human race is ready to fall to our knees and confess our sinfulness and rebellion, this nightmare, called Planet Earth, is only going to get worse!

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But we cannot wait until there’s a mass repentance around the world! No, it is up to you and to myself, to “fall to my knees”, and plead with God for His mercy and grace! As one person put it, “a church revival begins in the mirror!”

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David’s sorrow – Wikigallery – Public Domain

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ISAIAH’S COUNSEL TO FEED AND CLOTHE OTHERS

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“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily:” Isaiah 58:6-8

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Here is a passage which most people look at, and immediately take literally. But scripture must be compared with scripture and spiritual things with spiritual, to rightly understand. For instance, just look at Jesus. Did Jesus ever clothe a naked person, in his ministry? Not one! So how did Jesus fulfill this command to clothe the naked?

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Listen… “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness” Isaiah 61:10

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So Jesus has clothed the spiritually naked with His “robe of righteousness”

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

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VISITING THE PRISONERS

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Now do we ever read of Jesus visiting those in prison? Well, when Jesus heard that John had been cast into prison, did He go and visit him? No He didn’t!

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But listen to this… “The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me; because the LORD hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;” Isaiah 61:1

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Again, Jesus has freed those who are locked up in Satan’s prison-house of sin and selfishness.

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Now does this make it wrong to literally go visit someone in prison? Of course not! By all means, go and visit those who are incarcerated. But we must keep in mind that the whole world is locked up in prison: Satan’s prison.

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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

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And so, whoever will receive the Gospel of Salvation, and continues in Christ’s Word, will be freed from sin and Satan! 

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Pilgrim’s Progress 15 p. 45 – There Sat A Man In An Iron Cage – wikipedia – public domain

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FEEDING THE HUNGRY

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We actually never see Jesus feeding the hungry! Oh yes, twice he fed those who came to hear Him preach. But even though they were indeed hungry, they were not like those in Africa, who are living in extreme famine and/or poverty. No, those whom Jesus fed were in a similar circumstance as those partaking of an after-church potluck.

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So then, just how did Jesus feed the hungry?

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Listen… “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst.” John 6:35

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So the bread that Jesus gives, feeds and satisfies the hungering soul. So is it wrong to give a food basket to the hungry? Of course not! But just make sure that you yourself are not starving for lack of the bread of life for by spending copious amounts of time studying/contemplating upon God’s Word, the Bible!  

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Unleavened bread from Jerusalem wikipedia share-alike license

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TAKING THINGS TOO FAR

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There are many who read such verses as James, and decide to make this the centerpiece of their gospel.

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Listen to James… “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” James 2:14-17

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Yes, of course we are to help out those who are in physical need. But we need to keep our priorities straight. The Gospel of Salvation is to be our main ministry. But quite often, humanitarian ministries are more concerned about physical needs than they are about Salvation.

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

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LITTLE CONCERN FOR SALVATION

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There are many who have a great desire to engage in some form of humanitarianism, but have little regard for Salvation. But, because they have never personally experienced the great joy of Salvation, they do not know how priceless and wonderful is that Heavenly gift! And so, when they look out at the great needs of humanity, they do not feel the great need of Salvation for the lost souls all around! They are more concerned for the temporal need, than for the eternal need.

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Oh yes, Jesus was concerned for the physical needs of humanity. But He saw a much greater need: Salvation!

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Christ and the blind Pauper – Mironov – cropped image – Wikipedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

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YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN!

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There are many in the Church who have never truly become a disciple of Jesus. And as a result, they cannot enjoy any meaningful communion with Him. Nor do they have a love for Bible study. And so, the one thing they can do, is to volunteer for some religious duty. Thus is their guilty soul comforted, but only just a little. 

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And they figure that some good works might please God. And such a sad situation is the catalyst for their volunteerism.

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Nicodemus – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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DAVID’S BRUSH WITH HUMANITARIANISM

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King David had a brush with humanitarianism, when he sought out a lone survivor of King Saul, to show kindness to. Finally, David found one crippled man, Mephibosheth, and brought him into the king’s court to live out the rest of his life, eating daily at the king’s table. A pretty nice humanitarian thing for David to do, wouldn’t you agree?

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Well, this went just fine. But later on, David saw a beautiful woman, and committed adultery with her. Then, to cover his shame, David had her husband mudered. Well, news of this spread throughout Israel, bringing even more shame on David.

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The point is, that whatever good that David did to Mephibosheth was more than cancelled out by the evil he later did to Bathsheba’s husband by having him murdered. And so it is with so much of today’s socialism and humanitarianism.

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We want to do some kindness to one group of people, but then we oppress somebody else.

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For instance, the government decides to give money to poor people. But in the end, the poor people lose their desire to work, since they can just stay home and collect free money and food. What those poor people really needed was job training, by which they could have earned a living by honest labor. And so, our socialism became a bigger snare than if we merely provided jobs for the poor.

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King David & Bathsheba Bathing – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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PETER’S HUMANITARIANISM

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The Apostle, Peter, likewise blundered into an act of humanitarianism, when he scolded Jesus for wanting to give His life upon the Cross. And thankfully, Jesus didn’t listen to Peter’s “well-meaning” advice!

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But instead of commending Peter, Jesus rebuked Peter… “But He (Jesus) turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto Me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.” Matthew 16:23

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Satan was actually the force behind Peter’s humanitarian effort.

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Get Thee Behind Me, Satan by j tissot brooklyn museum & wikipedia us public domain

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PAUL, OUR ROLE-MODEL

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The Apostle, Paul was given to be an earthly role-model. Oh yes, Jesus is our divine role-model. But God thought it necessary to provide another lessor example of what He expects out of us.

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Listen to Paul’s exhortation for us to do what we see that he did… “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” Philippians 4:9

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And so, as we examine the life of Paul, we can get a clearer picture of what the Christian life is all about.

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But notice, that when Paul received his commission from God, he did not begin some earthly, humanitarian ministry. Paul did not begin collecting donations for the hungry, or the naked, or those in prison. No, Paul instead, began to preach Salvation to lost souls. He began to raise up churches.

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Oh yes, he did receive donations for some of the poorer churches. But this humanitarianism was restricted to the confines of the churches. And it received only a brief mention in his epistles. But he certainly did not make it into some ongoing ministry, as we see happening today! Salvation of souls, and his own personal heart-purification were at the very top of Paul’s list of everyday priorities.

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

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SATAN’S GREATEST FEAR

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The one thing that Satan fears, more than any other thing, is to see people begin to open their Bibles, with the intent of getting to know Jesus.

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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

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Satan is not so bothered by humanitarianism. As a matter of fact, he likes humanitarianism! It just gives his evil kingdom a nice glossy outward shine!

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And so, it is Satan’s purpose to derail any person from seeking that true saving knowledge of God, which converts hearts and transforms lives into the likeness of Jesus. And whatever possible way he can derail a Christian from seeking that true saving knowledge of Christ, that is his goal. 

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Christian and Apollyon – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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ANTICHRIST WORLD

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And so, in this last few centuries, Satan has attacked the very nations which once lovingly embraced the Christian Reformation, by turning this world into a place with many glittering attractions.

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Yes, this present world is full of many interesting pleasures and pursuits, enough to keep a person busy for a lifetime!

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There are places to go, things to see, books to study, high-tech devices to immerse one’s self in, houses to buy, gardens to grow, careers to pursue, clubs to join, sports-teams to cheer, things to buy, games to play, politics to follow, and myriad more diversions, to keep lost souls busy, busy, busy, until they go down to their graves in a hopelessly lost condition!

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Castle of Disney Wikipedia Public dom

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A PLAN JUST FOR YOU!

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And Satan has a diversionary attack-plan just tailor-made for each and every man, woman, and child, born into his kingdom of the world. Maybe for one person, he can drown them in alcohol and drugs. Another person, he can mesmerize by television watching. Another person he can immerse in career-pursuits. Still another Satan can divert into politics. This is what today’s world is all about! These, and many more diversions and deceptions, are the way that “the god of this world” will attempt to keep from seeking after a saving knowledge of God.

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And there are many who must be diverted into humanitarianism.

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Chess-game – checkmate – by Friedriech Moritz August Retzsch – Wikigallery.org – Public domain

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HUMANITARIANISM GLORIFIED

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And let’s face it, Satan really tries to glorify humanitarianism! Just look at all the television shows, which over the last fifty years have glorified humanitarianism! Shows about firemen. Shows about policemen, shows about doctors, shows about so many aspects of this world. Yes, television has been used by “the god of this world”, to glorify his kingdom! Satan can take any aspect of this selfish world, and by use of swelling strains of music, colorful lighting, charismatic actors, and a sympathetic story-line, can make even the most selfish people, places and things appear wonderful, even a bit magical!

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And so, we must not be so naive! We need to become “wise as serpents (yet harmless as doves)”, in seeing through the tinsel-like facade of Satan’s many deceptions!

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NOT TO JUDGE INDIVIDUAL HEARTS

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Now every child of God knows that we cannot be pointing the finger at the world, for whatever they do. That’s not our job. And neither do we know what is the source of motivation of the heart, that makes certain people do this or that. No, our job is merely to preach the Gospel, and let the world take care of their own.

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Listen to Jesus as He spoke to His disciples… “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” John 15:19

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“The world would love his own”, as this above verse reveals. The world takes care of worldly needs.

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But our commission from Heaven, is to spread the Good News of Salvation!  

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Mall witnessing, Panama City, Panama

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THE UPWARD PATHWAY

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The Bible speaks of a highway called, “The Way of Holiness” (Isaiah 35:8). This spiritual pathway leads out of this world, and onward and upward to God’s Celestial City, of everlasting life.

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All are invited and encouraged to be a spiritual sojourn out of this world, along this gently ascending highway of holiness. And though our mortal bodies must remain in this world for a few more years, yet our hearts may enjoy a place in heaven right now!

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But we must choose which world we will live for. We can’t have both worlds. We must choose one world or the other!

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Oh yes, the False Prophet, Satan has many counterfeit gospels which offer both worlds. But the one true Gospel is called the Narrow Way! Because only those who forsake this world, with all its glittering tinsel-like treasures and pleasures can enter in through that Narrow Gate, and begin their trek onward and upward, away from this hopelessly dying world, toward the Everlasting Promised Land!

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Oh yes, we must still work and provide for the needs and comfort and contentment of our family. But our hearts will nevertheless be focused upon the glorious Prize which awaits all those who overcome the world!

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A NEW HEART

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This article has tried to impress the importance of receiving a new heart. And as already stated, to engage in “good works”, without receiving an entirely new heart is futile…

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Listen…  “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profits me nothing!” 1st Corinthians 13:3

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Without true love, good works such as humanitarianism are meaningless. Love, true agape love is the sole possession of God. And God only bestows the gift of true agape love upon those who become born again: who receive “a new heart”…

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Listen again… “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put My spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them.” Ezekiel 36:26, 27

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So here above, we see that we must receive a new heart. And this happens when we become, “born again”.  

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Paul Converted – www.thebiblerevival.com

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THE MIND: BATTLEFIELD OF THE SOUL

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There is a battle going on, between the Christ and Satan! But where is this battle occurring? In the mind! And in the treasure-chest of the mind, “the heart”!

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Oh yes, the entire world is Satan’s kingdom. And the deceptions are literally everywhere in this world! But the conflict between the Spirit of Christ and the spirit of Antichrist goes on in the mind!

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EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW

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It appears that the entire human race is on a journey.

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Listen to this prophecy, concerning the Day of Judgment… “for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” Romans 14:10, 11

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So as this above verse reveals, every human who ever lived will bow before Jehovah God, admitting that we were wrong, and that God was right.

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

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TIME IS SHORT

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For those who have been walking the upward pathway of truth, it is needless to mention that time is short. But none of us know exactly how little time is left. Perhaps in years past, more time could have been devoted to various humanitarian ministries, plus other Christian endeavors.

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But the message of the prophet, Habakkuk is to “RUN!” And the message of Matthew 24:15-22 is to “FLEE!” God is not merely warning us, while at the same time, giving us a wink. No, God is dead serious! We are at the time when all earthly things are about to be burned up.

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Our personal Salvation is of utmost priority! To waste precious time is not an option! We must be fully engaged in the purification of the heart, even as Christ is pure! Bible study, plus 24/7/365 prayer and contemplation of God’s Word is an absolute necessity!  

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May the Lord give us mercy and grace to be watchful unto prayer, and to hurry into the doors of mercy which are about to close!

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ABOVE PICTURE – winter Constellations – Woman of Revelation 12 (Ursa Major) flees to the mountains – Mark 13:14 – Dragon comprised of Hyades, Pleiades, etc…Valley of Decision mountain comprised of Cassiopeia, etc… (This is not a star-chart, but merely a concept picture since this mountain is not in this position, but is actually seen in the fall months)

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THE END

 

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A HEAVENLY HOBBY

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“Lift up your eyes on high, and behold Who hath created these things; that brings out their host by number: He calls them all by names by the greatness of His might, for that He is strong in power; not one faileth.” Isaiah 40:26

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

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

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In this busy work-a-day world, there are many very interesting things which can occupy one’s time and energy: hobbies, and careers, and entertainments and worries, and habits, to name just a few.

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But as the child of God devotes his or her life to God, there should be a jealous guarding of one’s own heart… “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23.

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

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

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

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“AND WHEN YE SEE THESE THINGS…

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LOOK UP, LIFT UP YOUR HEAD”

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

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

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

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And once a person really gets to know these heavenly messengers, it will become very apparent that the message connected with these signs is truly a message to be heeded.

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Thus will the Christian be able to share this message with others. And there are perhaps many nuances and hidden biblical truths to these signs which have yet to be discovered.

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

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“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;” Luke 21:25

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

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FIRST FIND ORION & 7 STARS

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The very first step in finding these many constellations, should be to find the two main constellations: Orion, and the 7 Stars (aka, The Big Dipper).

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

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And just as these are the easiest constellations to find, so too, the first place to begin studying the Bible is the Four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John).

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These four books present Christ and His Church, when He walked the earth, just as Orion and the 7 Stars represent Christ and His Church, as seen up in the heavens.

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

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

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

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ANOTHER HEAVENLY HOBBY: PRAYER-WALKS

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Now if you’re fortunate enough to be able to go on nightly walks, and you live in an area where you can safely view the stars, here is another Heavenly Hobby which Signs Of Heaven endorses…

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

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It cannot be over-stressed, just how wonderful it is to walk under the dark canopy of Heaven, while lifting up one’s heart to our Heavenly Father! There is a closeness to God that cannot be described with words!

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(And even if you cannot safely do this, you can always do such prayer-walks in the daytime, in a safe place, such as a mall, which is every bit as effective, prayer-wise.

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

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Either way, all such may enjoy God’s richest blessings at this very time in which God is pouring out all Heaven’s treasures upon anyone willing to forsake all, and follow Jesus!)

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

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THRICE-DAILY PRAYERS

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

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But the Bible also holds up the godly life of Daniel, who, when captive in Babylon, still set aside three times daily, in which he knelt for special prayer.

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And furthermore the Bible also says… “Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and He shall hear my voice.” Psalm 55:17.

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Even those who are bed-fast or in a prison cell can begin to imitate Daniel in this way. And if one is fortunate to be able to walk, then this thrice-daily prayer regimen can be combined with three walks daily and even nightly.

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Marines at Prayer by Alex Raymond – Wikimedia – public domain