There are many today who teach that not all Scripture is to be trusted.
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For instance, those who are seeking after “social justice” or “political correctness”may assert that some portions of the Bible were written only for some local situation back at the time when the Bible was being written.
And so all such portions are no longer relevant, according to them.
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Others who have some doctrinal agenda may try to negate portions of the Bible that disagree with their “pet” church doctrine.
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Still others will insist that the Bible can only be rightly interpreted by the leaders of their own particular denomination.
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And still others insist that the Bible is only the thoughts of God, which the Bible writers merely wrote those thoughts in their own human words.
So here it says that “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God”.
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Now this should take care of the false notion that the words of the Bible (penned in the original texts) were not inspired, but that just His main thoughts of the Bible are inspired, they say.
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Nonsense!
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And, as further confirmation, it should be remembered that much of the Bible is God speaking in the “first-person” context.
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For instance, God says…
“Therefore saith the Lord, the LORD of hosts,
the mighty One of Israel,
Ah, I will ease Me of Mine adversaries,
and avenge Me of Mine enemies:
And I will turn My hand upon thee,
and purely purge away thy dross,
and take away all thy tin:”
Isaiah 1:24, 25.
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So obviously this is more than merely the thoughts of God.
Another proof that the Bible is more than just the thoughts of God, are these words spoken by Jesus, when going through His temptations from the Devil…
“But He (Jesus) 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
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Do you see the point here? Jesus is commanding us to live by EVERY WORD that proceeds out of the mouth of God.
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So this must mean that the words of the Bible are the very words of God!
Now this subject is just too big to tackle in one day’s devotional.
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But what has been discussed in today’s devotional lays the groundwork for the other aspects to our signature passage…
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect,
thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
2nd Timothy 3:16, 17.
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And so, when it says here in our signature passage, that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God”,it really means ALL Scripture! That is why a Bible student can do various word studies using the King James Version, and find a faithful consistency throughout the Bible, that goes beyond human capability. Yes, the Bible is the product of God.
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And that is why God calls it “The Word of God”, and not “The Thoughts of God Written In the Words of mortal Men”.
“Dear Lord, Give me a greater trust in Thy Word. Give me a greater knowledge of Thy Word, because Thou hast commanded me to live by every word that proceeds out of Thy mouth…
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.
ALL‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.
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THIS STUDY #50 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…
In John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, the pilgrim, Christian met up with Mr. Worldly Wiseman, who directed the Pilgrim to the Village of Morality.
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Yes, Worldly Wiseman convinced Christian that he didn’t need to go to all the trouble of going all the way to the Celestial City.
He could just live a nice moral life in this world, without needlessly going through all the trials and sorrows that Christians must endure, as they continue their Heaven-ward sojourn.
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And so, concerning this we read in Pilgrim’s Progress…
“So CHRISTIAN turned out of his way to go to Mr. LEGALITY’S house for help. But, behold, when he was got now hard by the hill, it seemed so high, and also the side of it that was next the wayside did hang so much over, that CHRISTIAN was afraid to venture farther, lest the hill should fall on his head;
wherefore there he stood still, and knew not what to do.
Also his burden now seemed heavier to him than while he was in his way.
There came also flashes of fire out of the hill, that made CHRISTIAN afraid that he should be burned”
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Now the Pilgrim described this great high mountain as Mount Sinai, which biblically represents the condemnation of the Law.
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And this mountain was hanging dangerously over the pathway to the Village of Morality (which symbolized those who attempt to live a moral life, vainly attempting to keep the Law by good works.)
Notice what it says concerning this high hill, “But, behold, when he (Christian) was got now hard by the hill, it seemed so high, and also the side of it that was next the wayside did hang so much over, that CHRISTIAN was afraid to venture farther, lest the hill should fall on his head;”
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So, if I go to Signs Of Heaven and view the three mountains which comprise the Valley of Decision Constellation Group, I notice that the middle mountain, which symbolizes the Mount of Cursing (Mount Sinai & the Law), seems to lean heavily to one side, the side which is toward the Valley of Decision.
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So, it seems that John Bunyan fairly accurately described this middle mountain-constellation, made largely of the Pegasus Constellation.
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Can you see what an impossible climb this middle mountain would be?
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THE MOUNT OF BLESSING
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Now it’s even more interesting that the Pilgrim was ultimately destined for the Celestial City, the heavenly Mount Zion.
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And once again, this Valley of Decision Constellation shows the mountain on the farthest left as the Mount of Blessing, Mount Zion (comprised mostly of the Cassiopeia Constellation).
And notice in this drawing, the Galaxy, Andromeda (which is in the Valley of Decision), appears as if it is making its way up to the top of the Mount of Blessing (Cassiopeia).
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This Andromeda Galaxy represents all those pilgrims through the ages, who decide to make the Pilgrim’s Sojourn out of the City of Destruction, (i.e., the World), to their ultimate destiny, the Celestial City, the heavenly Zion!
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IN THE VALLEY OF DECISION
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“Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.” Joel 3:14
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Now of course, Bunyan’s character, Christian, ultimately decided to turn away from that foreboding-looking mountain, and from the Town of Morality which sat there right next to that Mount Sinai.
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Yes, this Pilgrim decided to seek “a better country, that is, an heavenly:” Hebrews 11:16.
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This pilgrim decided to continue on his pilgrimage to the Celestial City.
But that Valley of Decision is still awaiting my decision.
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Will I accept a compromised gospel?
Am I willing to merely live a moral life, so that I can still seek after all the self-indulgent pleasures and proud pursuits of this present world?
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Or am I willing to leave this City of Morality, i.e., this present world, and seek for that “better country”, that is, the heavenly Mount Zion, the Celestial City of God?
Now there is much, much more to Bunyan’s account of the Village of Morality, and the high mountain which sat next to it.
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And all are encouraged to get a faithful copy of that book and read it (or listen to an audio version, via the Internet.)
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And there is much, much more to this Valley of Decision Constellation Group, as well! And all are likewise encouraged to read the articles concerning them.
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But of course, the Bible is the best book of all!
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And though it can be very difficult at times, all are encouraged to study it and contemplate it!
No, that wonderful allegory, Pilgrim’s Progress is certainly no replacement for the Bible.
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Nor is it infallible, like the Bible.
But it does bring to light the sojourn which the Christian Pilgrim walks, in such a way, that clarifies just what true Christianity really is all about!
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And like no other man-written book, Pilgrim’s Progress really clarifies just what are the many dangers and deceptions which assail Christians every day, as we journey through this dark and evil world, on our way to that Celestial City, the heavenly Mount Zion!
Thy Word Have I Hid In My Heart – wwwtheheavensdeclare.net – not for commercial purposes
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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH
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ALL‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.
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THIS STUDY #49 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…
In John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, the two pilgrims, Christian and Hopeful, were walking through the Enchanted Ground.
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And as they faithfully progressed toward their desired destination, the Celestial City, they met up with a character named Ignorance.
And though Ignorance was also headed for the Celestial City, he did not begin his journey at the Wicket Gate (which symbolized Christ).
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And of course, Ignorance symbolized those who claim to be Christians, yet are void of the Spirit and destitute of the truth of the Bible.
And it did not take long for the two pilgrims to realize that Ignorance was a pretender.
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And after they angrily parted ways from each other, the two pilgrims began a discourse about just what Ignorance was all about, and where he went wrong in his thinking.
Now one interesting aspect of this encounter, was that in their discussion about why Ignorance had gone astray, they mentioned this: That Ignorance refused to question his own sinfulness (and probably his lack of Salvation), thinking it would be a denial of faith to ever question such things.
Now the reason for bringing this up, is because this very same mistaken notion still exists today within the Christian churches and denominations.
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Yes, there are many popular evangelists and teachers today who teach this exact same error: namely that it is a denial of faith to ever question one’s salvation.
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And this great presumptuous error is not just taught by those crazy gospels, but it is even taught by many of the most conservative and revered radio and TV Bible teachers!
Oh yes, these same “fork-tongued” Bible teachers will sometimes quote this verse, encouraging their parishioners to “examine yourselves”.
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And yet, they will mostly flatter and deceive their rather naïve and unlearned congregation, leading them to believe that they are “signed, sealed and soon-to-be delivered saints”!
This, of course, is a great error/deception by the Enemy-of-Souls, especially considering the pandemic apostasy and decadence in today’s mammon-loving, prosperity-driven church-world!
ALL‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.
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THIS STUDY #48 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…
But the fact is, by depriving their children of a Christian upbringing, such parents will miss out on some of the really big joys, which only Christian parents get to experience.
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Such joys as hearing the child say, “I love Jesus!”
Or the first time that the child joins the family in singing a worship song around the family altar.
Or the first time the child recites a Bible verse.
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And then, as the child gets older, the times of joy continue.
For instance, the first time that parents see the child reading the Bible or praying all by themselves.
Or the joy that parents feel when the child chooses home-schooling over going to a public school.
Or the first time the child makes the choice to read the Bible rather than some secular book.
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Then as the child even gets older and continues to enjoy Christian victories, parents receive great joy from seeing each and every victory as their child chooses to reject sin!
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These are just a few of the countless joys that the Christian parent experiences with their children.
But the greatest joy that Christ-loving parents will experience is on Resurrection Morning, when they see their son or daughter also rise up from the grave, to meet Jesus!
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And an equally wonderful joy will be when they get to see their son or daughter throughout all eternity, experiencing the never-ending joys that God has in store for all those who were redeemed from this lost and hopelessly dying world.
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This is the greatest joy that any parent could ever experience, and is worth more than all those supposed sacrifices that Christian Pilgrims make in Jesus’ name.
Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”
Mark 8:36, 37
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So perhaps the question to be asked is this: is it worth trading away all the everlasting joys for both me and my children so that I can enjoy a few selfish years of miserable pleasures here on earth?
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This above passage recounts the very words of Jesus Christ, and is directed to each and every one of us!
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And none of those little earthly pleasures and joys can ever compare to the great joy that awaits all those who are willing to walk the Pilgrim’s Way to that heavenly city!
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“And the ransomed of the LORD shall return,
and come to Zion with songs
and everlasting joy upon their heads:
they shall obtain joy and gladness,
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”
Isaiah 35:10
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Yes, gladness and joy will be the everlasting reward of the redeemed ones!
An easy way to find Arcturus is to follow the arc of the handle of the Big Dipper, in the spring through fall (these are the months in which Arcturus is visible).
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SUMMER CONSTELLATIONS: (Sketch to right: constellations span the heavens (Ark in south, 7 Stars in north), and travel from east to west through the night.
This sketch is of the Summer Constellations as they appear when in the western half of the night sky.
ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.
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THIS STUDY #47 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…
are changed into the same image from glory to glory,
even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
2nd Corinthians 3:18
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In yesterday’s devotional (click here), this above verse was showcased, and the wonderful concept it proclaims, that by steadfastly beholding Jesus in the mind’s eye, each true believer imperceptibly and gradually becomes changed into His glorious and holy image.
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And this is a wonderful and joyful truth!
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Perhaps it is the greatest truth in the Bible, second only to the truth of Salvation!
Now it is evident that the Jesus of the Bible is the very savor of all that is good, and the very essence of all that is true, and honest, and pure, and purely lovely, and all that is holy and righteous.
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Yes, Jesus is love, in the truest sense of the word!
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And as already discussed in yesterday’s devotional (click here to read), by steadfastly beholding those things which are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and etc., we become changed into that very same image.
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Listen once again…
“But we all, with open face
beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord,
are changed into the same Image
from glory to glory,
even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
2nd Corinthians 3:18.
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So, the trick then, is to steadfastly behold the things which exemplify the characteristics of Christ.
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And such a wonderful ability can only become reality by a full surrender to Jesus, forsaking this selfish world to follow Him, as one of His disciples. (see Luke 5:11 & Luke 14:33)
But also, it is likewise true, that if I behold the other things in life, which are not of these godly qualities, then those unwholesome qualities will enter into my heart, causing me to become imperceptibly changed into the image of evil.
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Yes, by beholding the qualities which rule in this world, I become changed into the image of the world: into the image of an Antichrist!
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And this truth is confirmed with such Bible passages as this… “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1st Corinthians 15:33.
(Some of the modern versions say to the effect… “Don’t be deceived! Bad company corrupts good character!”)
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Notice that this verse begins with “Be not deceived!”
So here, God is warning us that Satan will use others to persuade us that evil communications won’t actually corrupt good behavior.
But the Bible says otherwise!
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Yes, the Bible says that every unwholesome association will only corrupt our hearts.
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SHUN ALL NEEDLESS EVIL
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Now of course, it is impossible to live in this world and NOT witness evil. You don’t need to go far to see sinful selfishness!
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But that’s no excuse for me to voluntarily behold evil!
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Listen to the Psalmist… “I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes:” Psalm 101:2, 3.
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Here again is a Bible passage which only confirms the course which every Heaven-bound pilgrim must pursue…“I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes!”
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Now this statement doesn’t allow for any compromise with sin, does it?
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And of course, “no wicked thing” would also include the television, etc., wouldn’t it?
#2 HEAVENLY SPHERE & #2 COMMANDMENT… As discussed elsewhere in this website, the Sun seems to correspond to the First Commandment. Likewise, Mercury, which is the second heavenly sphere in our solar system, seems to correspond very nicely to the Second Commandment.
Both the second heavenly sphere (Mercury) and the Second Commandment (no images) are closest to the ‘Sun’.
That is to say, just as planet Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun, so is the Second Commandment right next to the First Commandment (God compares himself to the Sun many times in Scripture).
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Jesus says to us today…“I am the light of the world: he that follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 8:12
IMAGES, WITNESSES, AND REFLECTIONS, AND THE NUMBER “TWO”… It seems there is a very good reason for God choosing this “image” Commandment to be the 2nd Commandment, and not making it the 3rd or 4th Commandment.
The number “two” has a great biblical significance.
The number “two” is the number of ‘witness’ in the Bible…
“And I will give power unto my two witnesses,
and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days,
clothed in sackcloth.”
Revelation 11:13
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Jesus sent out the twelve Apostles to proclaim the Gospel, “two and two”…
“After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also,
and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place,
whither he himself would come.”
Luke 10:1
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Or what about this verse? Just listen… “In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every matter be established.” Matthew 18:16
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“TWO SHALL WITHSTAND”… Solomon speaks of the number “two”.
He speaks of the strength and comfort and agreement of the number “two”.
Listen to what he says…
“Two are better than one;
because they have a good reward for their labour.
For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow:
but woe to him that is alone when he falls;
for he has not another to help him up.
Again, if two lie together, then they have heat:
but how can one be warm alone?
And if one prevail against him,
two shall withstand him.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
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Mercury – NASA – Public Domain
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MIRROR IMAGES…
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The number ‘two’ seems to be the number that speaks of “reflection”. (Just like this giant globe photo to the right.)
As this mirror globe reflects the images of the people around it, so too, we each reflect an image to the world around us (whether we like it or not.) When you look in the mirror, there becomes two images;
1. You, and…
2. The reflection of you… in the mirror…
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“Can two walk together except they be in agreement.? Amos 3:3.
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To “be in agreement”, as this verse says, with another person, seems to speak of one person reflecting the opinions of another.
They are an “image’ one of another, as far as their viewpoints.
As the Moon reflects the light of the Sun, the Moon shines just like the Sun (not as brightly though).
And as Mercury (the second solar-system body) reflects the light of the Sun, it too becomes a light as well (seen by us only during a solar eclipse, they say).
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WE ARE A MIRROR… But as this mirror globe in the above photo presents an image of these people, we humans reflect an image to the world.
And our image is a product of our life-experiences; we are a ‘mirror’ so to speak of the people and things which have influenced us.
ALL‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.
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THIS STUDY #46 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…
are changed into the same image from glory to glory,
even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
2nd Corinthians 3:18
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Mirrors have been around since the days of Adam & Eve.
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Yes, mankind has had a long history of desiring to behold our own image.
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The very first mirror, no doubt was merely the reflection seen, when one looked into a pool of still water.
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Later, metal craftsmen made mirrors from highly polished metals.
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But in 1835, the German chemist Justus von Liebig created the first silvered-glass mirror, by a chemical process.
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And this led to our modern-day process of mirror-making, which has perfected mankind’s love-affair with the mirror! (info from Wikipedia on, “the mirror”)
But God, through Paul, also has another wonderful passage for us!
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Perhaps one of the most joyful verses in the Bible!
And it is found in 2nd Corinthians 3:18…
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
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Now what could be a more pleasant truth than this above verse?
And this passage makes reference to a mirror (or glass).
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What could be more wonderful than to behold the image of Jesus?
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Well, the above verse is infinitely more wonderful!
Because it tells me, that not only should I constantly behold my precious Lord Jesus, but by so-doing, I will be more-and-more changed into His glorious image, day-by-day, week-by-week! Month-by-month!
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Now that’s not only wonderful, but it’s almost unbelievable!
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Just think of it! To be changed into Christ’s image (by God’s Spirit)!
Well, when kids went skiing together, it was quickly learned that one could make really rapid improvement by simply following behind a really great skier!
And whatever you saw him do, you would merely try to imitate whatever he did!
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And this is exactly what Jesus wants us to do, as well!
Yes, just like those disciples of old, Jesus calls us to “Come and follow Me”.
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And so, by keeping my thoughts on Jesus, throughout my day, and asking myself, “What would Jesus do”,at every turn, I can more and more behave, even as Jesus might behave.
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Now this is not some one-day accomplishment!
No, this is the work for my remaining days on earth!
To use computer language, this should be my “default mode”.
This should be my “modus operandi”.
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To just let Jesus guide me through each and every little situation of the day.
When God created the Moon and the stars, He ordained them to “rule the night” (Genesis 1:16).
The Moon, especially when it is full, can light your pathway through the night, as it reflects the light of the Sun.
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So too, the Christian is to be a light to the world: to this sin-darkened world.
But as the Moon must reflect the light of the Sun, in order to be a light to the world, so also must the Christian reflect the light of Jesus, to be a spiritual light to this planet in rebellion.
Listen…
“Ye are the light of the world…
Let your light so shine before men,
that they may see your good works,
and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16
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However, during an eclipse, the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, preventing that sunlight from shining on the Moon’s face.
This is an incredible object-lesson about when the child of God allows the world to come between him and his Lord.
Like the eclipse, that person no longer reflects the light of Jesus, because his or her love of this dark world of sin has eclipsed the light from the “Sun of Righteousness” (see Malachi 4:2).
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And so, this is just one of the many poetic truths seen in the Moon. (For more on this subject of an eclipse, you may link to the article… “Lunar Eclipse & Spiritual Eclipse”)
magnifying glass on puzzle – Wikimedia – Share-alike license
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20 MINUTE+ AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH
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ALL‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.
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THIS STUDY #45 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…
But here’s a real interesting aspect about this book!
You see, upon reading this little allegorical tale, it is only mid-way through the book, until this heavily burdened Pilgrim comes to the Cross, where he finally unloads that heavy-laden burden.
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But that’s not where this story ends.
No, Pilgrim (Christian) keeps progressing on his pilgrimage.
He’s headed to the Celestial City.
But as he journeys onward, he meets many different characters and encounters many different dangers and experiences along the way.
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Some of these try to discourage him.
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Others are for his encouragement and strengthening.
And so, here’s the point of today’s devotional: Just like Pilgrim, those who truly lay down their burden of sin and guilt at the Cross are to continue on in our pilgrimage.
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Oh yes, the Cross is where the Christian receives everlasting life.
But the Cross is really just where the road divides.
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“What road?”,you ask?
Well as we all know, there are many who come to the Cross, yet not in sincerity.
These are the pretenders!
These are the false brethren!
Coming in the spirit of antichrist!
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But those who truly receive forgiveness will take the same path that the Pilgrim took.
The Spirit in them causes them to go forward and upward!
And this is the upward path that leads to full surrender: to become crucified from self, and transformed into His divine image.
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But those who are pretentious will take that other path.
Oh yes, Bunyan repeatedly presented this same concept throughout the book, yet in different ways.
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For instance, there was one character, Mr. Worldly Wiseman, who directed the Pilgrim to the Village of Morality.
This, of course, is the place where people can merely be moral and even with a degree of religiosity, without that genuine crucifixion from self!
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And here is where many churchgoers end up.
Oh yes, they have become baptized, and they attend church, and even pay their tithes.
But they mistakenly believe that being water-baptized and going to church one or two days a week and giving 10% of their income to the church will somehow allow them to continue seeking after the pleasures and pursuits of this selfish world.
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And so, in effect, these self-deceived ones veer off to that other pathway from that which the Pilgrim traveled.
Oh yes, these erring ones may quit their bad habits, and live a moral life.
But they have absolutely no intention of giving up this world!
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No, they figure as long as they pay their tithes, they can still withhold the rest to pay for a pleasurable life of worldly pursuits.
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“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
But those who truly walk the Pilgrim’s pathway, go on to a greater and greater devotion and a deeper and deeper death-to-self!
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Yes, those who truly fix their gaze on Christ, will ever-so-gradually be “transformed into Christ’s image, from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of Holiness”.
This is the true Pilgrim’s Pathway! (2nd Corinthians 3:18)
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Listen… “Concerning the works of men,
by the Word of Thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.
Hold up my goings in Thy paths,
that my footsteps slip not.”
Psalm 17:4, 5
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Notice that this above passage speaks of two paths?
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Yes, as this old picture depicts, there are two paths in this world: The Narrow Way and the Broad Way.
Yes, the Bible speaks of a time when God will separate the wheat from the tares.
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This is spoken of in Matthew’s Gospel…
“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.
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When this separation time comes, that is when…
“ye (shall) return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked,
between him that serveth God
and him that serveth Him not.”
Malachi 3:18.
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Yes, there is coming the day (and even now is here!) when God’s people will be able to easily discern between the Believers and those who are merely vain deceivers.
And though many false shepherds will constantly tell us, “Don’t ever question your Salvation! That’s a denial of faith!”,yet we must scrutinize and examine ourselves, whether or not we have become reprobates; and we must do this in spite of their presumptuous words!
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Listen to 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
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Yes, we need to find that old Heaven-sent mirror that we have misplaced somewhere along the way, and once again gaze into that reflection of “Christ and me”!
And as we prayerfully gaze at ourselves in His light, we will begin to see the work ahead for us.
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And by searching His Word, we can retrace our mis-steps back to the true pathway which leads to the Celestial City of the Lord.
“Dear Lord, Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23, 24
This most amazing phenomenon is seen throughout the winter.
Although it can be observed most of the winter, it is seen best when it is the western part of the sky, at winter’s end (The end of winter being the final scene of this heavenly Gospel story).
Orion , the Dragon, and the Glorious White Horse are beginning to descend into the western horizon (sketch to right is Winter Constellations descending into western horizon.
This can actually be seen as early as December, in the pre-dawn hours).
But the Wide Gate Stars are composed of the two brightest stars of the Auriga Constellation, known as the star, Capella, and the star, Menkalinan.
The two stars, Castor and Pollux, make up the concept of the Orion’s Narrow Gate Stars.
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This can even be observed into June in the western sky (for a short time just after dark).
While a dark night is best for seeing the Woman Constellation, the 4 stars which comprise the Narrow Gate/Wide Gate Stars can be seen even under mediocre conditions.
It begins with the Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation (AKA Ursa Major) going towards these two doors.
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The sketch to left shows, the two doors are each composed of two bright stars.
The two bright stars that comprise the Narrow Gate are the two brightest stars of the Orion the Reaper’s sickle.
The two stars that comprise the ‘Wide Gate’ Stars are the two brightest stars of the wave of water that comes out of theDragon Constellation’s mouth (for explanation of “Wave of Water”, just click here).
The stars that make up the ‘Narrow Gate’ are about half the width of the Wide Gate (see sketch below left).
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(For more information on Orion’s sickle, just click here,“Orion The Reaper”.)
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Editor’s note: These sketches on this page are merely sketches.
The stars are not in their exact place.
However, they are close enough to find them in the night sky.
But as with most stars, it takes persistence to finally locate them.
ALL‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.
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THIS STUDY #44 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…
thy children like olive plants round about thy table.”
Psalm 128:3
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In its day, that great allegorical tale, Pilgrim’s Progress, shook the Christian nations of Europe and the colonies of America!
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Not only was it the first of its kind, as a total Bible allegorical tale.
But John Bunyan’s book opened up the spiritual nature of the Bible in a way that put both the Bible and the Christian life in such an amazing light, as never before seen nor appreciated!
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And of course, Bunyan wrote it in such charming old English language, that it immediately captured the hearts of the Christian nations, and has continued to do so for well over 300 years!
The story is of a man named Christian, who has a great burden on his shoulders.
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And after unsuccessfully trying to persuade his family to flee from the City of Destruction, and come along with him (they thought him “touched” in the head for such a crazy notion), he set out by himself, on a personal pilgrimage to unload his heavy burden from off his back.
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And on this amazing allegorical journey through the countryside, Pilgrim encounters various interesting characters, and experiences, and dangers, and giants, and setbacks, and etc….
Now the reason why Pilgrim’s Progress is the subject of today’s devotional, is actually because of the sequel to that book.
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You see, at the end of the first book, Christian, the pilgrim, finally crossed the river into Beulah Land, the Celestial City, Mount Zion.
But though Pilgrim arrived safely in the Celestial City, his family was still back home in the City of Destruction!
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Now John Bunyan was finally released from his twelve-year jail sentence, and soon arose to international fame because of his book’s almost universal laud and overwhelming acceptance.
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Yes, copies of Pilgrim’s Progress were now rolling off the printing presses and encouraging Christian pilgrims both here and abroad!
But his book, as beloved as it was, did not have complete closure.
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Oh yes, the pilgrim made it safely to the Celestial City. But the pilgrim’s family was still back in the City of Destruction!
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And so, in God’s divine providence, John Bunyan was once again arrested and thrown back in the Bedford jail for another six-month stint.
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And as many assert, during that time, Bunyan wrote the sequel, in which the Pilgrim’s wife, Christiana, decided to follow after her husband, Christian, taking her children along with her.
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And so, the sequel tells of her adventures as she and her four children also followed her husband’s footsteps on their way to the Celestial City.
Now one big difference between Christian’s journey and his wife’s journey, was that her journey seemed to be much more protected.
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In other words, whenever a dangerous situation arose, something or someone just happened to rescue her and her children, safely passing over the situation altogether, making her sojourn much more smooth and pleasant and trouble-free than was her husband’s experience.
But here’s the great point that today’s devotional is trying to make.
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There are many, who, like this pilgrim, have decided to follow Jesus. And, more often than not, such pilgrims also must go-it-alone, without their family.
And though these pilgrims do not actually leave their home and family, as the pilgrim did in this allegorical tale, they nevertheless find themselves walking that spiritual upward pathway without their family’s approval or participation.
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Oh yes, they still live under the same roof.
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But they are often, seemingly, in two separate worlds, as the saying goes.
Now, needless to say, this can be very distressing and even sad and lonely at times for the Christian!
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After all, the Christian’s great hope is for his family’s Salvation! And that Christian will often try to plead to his or her spouse and children to also come along on the heavenward journey.
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But like Bunyan’s pilgrim, today’s Christian pilgrims quite often meet with ridicule and rejection from their loved ones.
The family just doesn’t have the heart for such an all-consuming life as a stranger and pilgrim merely traveling away from this City of Destruction, i.e., this world.
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People, by nature, merely want to be comfortable and enjoy their lives in this world of selfish pleasures and worldly desires.
So here is the big point to be made. Any Christian who has an unsaved family, should not despair.
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The Bible has promises for us to cling to!
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Just listen to one of those promises…
“Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walks 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
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Yes, this above Psalm, as well as other Bible passages are the “great and precious promises” that each Christian needs to cling to, as we sojourn through this sad world.
And so, as you read Pilgrim’s Progress, you will notice what the pilgrim did to solve his family dilemma: he simply made it to the Celestial City!
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That’s it! The pilgrim crossed that river and came up out of the water on the other side!
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You see, the Christian’s family’s Salvation does not depend on him or her becoming a veritable summer-camp-youth-activities-director!
Nor does it require him to become some sort of “romance-novel-Casanova” with his wife.
Neither did the pilgrim have to resort to forcing his family to live under stringent rules.
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Those kinds of notions come right from the lips of the Worldly Wisemen of this world!
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No, what it takes, is to do exactly like Christian, in Bunyan’s tale!
The Christian must cross that river; to die-to-self; to crucify the “Old Man” with his affections and lusts, so that the “New Man” can live out His life through that Christian!
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This is the great goal of each and every Christian: to be crucified with Christ, so that it’s no longer “self” that lives, but Christ is now living out His life through him…or her!
And “self” no longer calls the shots, as they say.
“Dear Lord, Give me the strength and desire to continue to purify my heart in Thy Word, and in my life. Continue to work in in me, to will and to do of Thy good pleasure…
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.
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Then, after the battle was over, and the Revelation 12 Woman (The Church) (sketch right) 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.
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GOD’S PURPOSE FINALLY UNDERSTOOD
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And finally is seen this Flower of Heaven, suspended as a vine from this Altar/Ark (picture right).
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.
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But as we look at this Flower of Heaven Constellation, it also reminds us of something almost romantic.
This last scene from Signs Of Heavenalmost 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.
ALL‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.
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THIS STUDY #43 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…
And yet in this perfect world, just imagine that the television still existed.
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And yet, the TV still was there in the midst of our cottages.
But it no longer had all the scum and violence and greed and cheap humor and sarcasm and lust and all the other filth that is all-too-often being peddled on TV.
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No, instead of all that, there were only nice and wholesome and happy and pure shows. Everything was G+ rated!
A survey by pollsters found that only a small percentage of American churchgoers actually opened their Bibles each day!
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Of course, they should also have questioned the daily Bible-students on exactly HOW MUCH TIME they study their Bible daily, to get a more realistic idea of the spiritual condition of today’s Church.
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But they didn’t.
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After all, to simply open the Bible and read a verse or two, or to merely read a 3-minute daily-devotional, hardly qualifies one to say that they study their Bible each day!
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And another poll found that most Christians believe that “God helps those who help themselves” is actually a verse from the Bible!
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So, what does this statistic say about today’s biblically-challenged Christianity?
“O how love I Thy law! it is my meditation all the day.”
Psalm 119:97
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Yes, if pollsters had only asked how much time those who said they read the Bible each day, actually contemplated what they studied, they might have found a dismal answer!
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But listen to Psalm 119…“O how love I Thy law! it is my meditation all the day.” Psalm 119:97
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This verse from Psalm 119 states that we should be contemplating God’s Word “ALL THE DAY”!
“The full soul loathes a honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.”
Proverbs 27:7.
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So how does this above proverb apply to every-day life?
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In many ways!
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For instance, one frustrated father kept trying to get his son to eat some really healthy home-made granola.
Now the father loved that granola, but the son was accustomed only to pre-sweetened breakfast cereal, which his mother served.
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Well, one day, when the father and the boy were both at a park, the father also brought along a bag of that unsweetened granola.
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Well, after playing on the Jungle-Gym and running and swinging and jumping a while, the tired, but hungry son came over to the father and asked if he could have some of that granola.
The same granola he wouldn’t normally touch!
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Well now, the hungry boy just couldn’t get enough!
He devoured that unsweetened granola, as if it was the best thing on earth!
And so, because God designed nature to teach us spiritual lessons, the obvious lesson learned from this little granola story, can also be applied to television!
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After all, how can you expect a child who is reared on all the lights, color, music and action from, say, today’s cartoons, to sit down and study the various Bible passages which need to be unlocked, to get the true meaning!?!
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And furthermore, with TV, all you have to do is just turn it on, and sit back and it takes over, and does everything else!
Your job is merely to keep your eyes open!
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Yes, even good television shows are like those rich and sugary breakfast cereals.
They spoil one’s appetite for healthy food!
And TV spoils one’s appetite for serious Bible & concordance study.
Television is just too over-stimulating!
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And if television is too stimulating, then what about radio and Internet and cellphones, and all the other high-tech devices?
And even if there are a few “nice” shows, the Devil’s not stupid!
He’s clever enough to throw in a few good shows, just so he can give Christians an excuse to keep their TV, (thus whetting the appetite of the children for more and more and more!)
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So, when we see our children grow up, not having a love for studying God’s Word, will we have anybody else to blame but ourselves, if our past history has been to raise them up to love these modern-day mind-control devices?
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Picture: TV, the Ultimate Mind Control Device
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THE GOOD NEWS!
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But there is good news!
The Christian can begin in his or her own life, by eliminating all ungodly influences and all over-stimulating amusements and begin to purify the heart! (see 1st John 3:3)
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Listen… “For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.” 1st Thessalonians 4:7
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Yes, God calls us to fully engage in the purification of our heart! (see 1st John 3:3) (And by working out my own Salvation, perhaps the Lord will convince my spouse to bring along the children on the upward pathway, too!)
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And so, as Psalm 101 proclaims… “I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes:” Psalm 101:2, 3.
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So, let’s all take heed to this counsel.
And even if we must sit alone at times, let’s remember what’s at stake: our very Salvation!
“Dear Lord, Remove out of my life (and my children’s lives) all things which cause the heart to become over-stimulated, so that I have an appetite for spiritual things…
He hath caused the arrows of His quiver to enter into my reins.
I was a derision to all my people;
and their song all the day.”
Lamentations 3:12-14
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Orion travels through the night skies, starting about late September in the pre-dawn hours.
This 1st office which Orion holds, as an Archer, is fairly easy to see.
His bow is pointed and bent as if ready to shoot his arrows.
But why astronomers have never noticed this Dragon to his left, is truly a puzzle!
It’s so obvious; at least his crocodile mouth is obvious. (Perhaps God is sending the message that Satan (the real Dragon) is so obviously real, and yet so few in this world are ready to recognize him.)
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This Archer-Orion corresponds to the 1st Horseman of Revelation, Chapter 6, speaking of a rider with a bow who goes out conquering.
ALL‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.
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THIS STUDY #41 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…
into the glorious liberty of the children of God.”
Romans 8:17, 19-21
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Now this above passage from Romans is very difficult to understand, as just about any Bible passage about the future is difficult to understand.
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But basically, it says here that God’s Elect have been called to suffer with Christ, so that we may also be glorified together with Christ.
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But that glory is only important because it will be revealed to the world!
And God has subjected the world to vanity (futility), not willingly, but for the reason that, hopefully, the world might be saved, as they see the glory of Christ revealed in His people!
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Listen again to the last line of this passage from Romans…
“Because the creature (or, Creation) itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.” Romans 8:21.
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Now, such a passage as this gives great hope for the future!
Well here below in Isaiah, God speaks of the time when God’s people will finally get tired of trying to have Christ, while we’re still clinging to the world at the same time!
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Listen… “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 2:20-22
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As this above passage reveals, God’s people will finally flee from our idolatry and from our unholy alliance with fallen Mankind.
In that day, God’s people will flee to the clefts of the ragged Rocks of God’s Word, for the fear of the Lord, and for the glory of His majesty!
Oh yes, this will be the day when God’s people will finally cease from mingling with the false brethren in the Church.
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This will be the day when God’s people will do what the false brethren in the Church cannot and will not do!
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And this will be the day when God’s people finally separate from the earthly Mammon which has mired us in idolatry and spiritual mediocrity!
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And this will be the day when God’s true worshippers will finally go all the way in following the Lamb, as He leads His Chosen ones to the top of Heavenly Mount Sion!
“Dear Lord, Help me to use whatever time is left to prepare myself to stand in that Day. So let me immerse myself in Thy precious promises, as I fix my gaze upon Jesus…
Berlin neukoelln – TV satellite dishes – Wikimedia – C.C. Share-alike License
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20 MINUTE+ AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH
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ALL‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.
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THIS STUDY #40 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…
re seeking after “social justice” or “political correctness” may assert that some portions of the Bible were written only for some local situation back at the time when the Bible was being written. 
Jesus, when going through His temptations from the Devil… 
Now here’s one more confirmation.
“Heaven and earth shall pass away: but My words shall not pass away” 
READ MORE…
This self-deceived one, Mr. Ignorance, didn’t realize that his religion was vain. He relied on what his own heart told him.
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