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Today’s Devotional – March 22nd

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The Deal of All Deals!

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Can you imagine what would happen if a new car dealership put an ad on TV saying that they would take in your broken-down old jalopy of a car, in trade for a brand-new deluxe Rolls Royce limousine?

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And you wouldn’t even owe them one nickel extra!?

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Well, as you can imagine, there would be a mob surrounding that dealership, in less than ten minutes, frantically trying to make that straight-across trade!

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But who would be crazy enough to do such a thing?

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Rolls Royce 200EX ‘Ghost’ – Flickr – The Car Spy – cropped image – Wikimedia Share-alike license

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GOD IS DOING JUST THAT!

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Well, in essence, that is exactly what God is offering each and every person on this worn-out old planet!

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Yes, that’s right!

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God is offering to anyone, a chance to trade in this worn-out, broken-down, utterly hopeless old jalopy-of-a-world, for a world that will never wear out!

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Exclamation Mark – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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A BRAND-NEW JOY-EVERLASTING WORLD!

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Yes, the Lord has been offering us a really great deal!

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That’s right, God wants us to trade-in this horrible, worn-out old jalopy-of-a-world, in a straight-across trade, for a world which is just the mirror-opposite of this world!

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And in that soon-coming world, there won’t be any wars. Nor will there be any murders, or rapes, or addictions, or homelessness, or thefts, or perversions, or religious/political persecution, or any of the really awful stuff that goes on in this old world!

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Thomas Cole-Pilgrim of the Cross at the End of His Journey – Wikimedia – US public domain

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A LAND FLOWING WITH MILK & HONEY

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And that Promised Land awaits our arrival!

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And it is a good land!

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A land flowing with milk and honey, and orchards and vineyards and hills and valleys, and rivers and trees, and children playing, without worry and without danger!

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And the really wonderful thing is, that this coming world will never grow old! And we will be forever young!

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River of Water of Life – H. Melville – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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HARDLY ANY TAKERS!

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But in order for us to make that trade, we have to trade-in this world of selfishness.

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And that’s just too much for most people to part with! That’s right! We love our selfish little ways! We covet our comfortable life. We don’t want to give up our self-indulgences in order to follow Jesus! We are like that rich young ruler, who didn’t mind keeping some rules, as long as he could retain his selfish opulence. But like him, we just don’t want to “go and sell what you have, and give to the poor, and ye shall have treasure in Heaven, and come and follow Me”.

We don’t want to trade-in this old jalopy-of-a-world!

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Rich Young Ruler Hoffman complete and entire surrender of this world, in order to gain Christ– Wikimedia Commons – US public domain

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“OLD WILY’S” CAR LOT!

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And so, like that rich young ruler, who walked away from Jesus’ invitation, we too turn away!

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But then we spot a car-lot across the street! Yes, just over there is another car dealer! And he tells us that we can have that same deluxe Rolls Royce, and keep our old jalopy too!

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Yes, that wily serpent-of-old, makes us believe that we can serve God, and still hang on to our old selfish idols too! And the Devil tells us that we can have both worlds! “Only believe”, he says! “You don’t have to give up all your idols! You can keep the less-offensive idols! God’s grace will allow you to have Heaven and this world too!” 

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Yes, Old Wily promises that beautiful shiny new limo…“Someday”. And in the mean time, you can keep your selfish old jalopy-world, too!

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“Just believe”, he tells you, “and someday you’ll be driving that shiny new limo (everlasting life)!

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But it’s all just a lie! 

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

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ALL ABOARD! 

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But the really Good News is this: God still stretches out His hands, in offering His incredible deal! Yes, we can still make that trade! That brand-new, deluxe joy-everlasting world is still waiting for us and for our family too! We don’t have to make this dying world our final resting place! We can make that trade, if we so-choose!

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And the Gospel Ship is still waiting for its final departure! And there is room aboard, for anyone willing to make that trade!

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This dying world, for an exciting and intriguing world which will never grow old!

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An adventurous world of joy-everlasting, and beauty incomprehensible!

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Where the roses never die, nor fade away!

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

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TO READ PART 2, CLICK HERE…

SEPTEMBER 30 (Deal of All Deals, Part 2: “No Man is an Island!”)

Island of Chichimen, Cuyos Limones, Guna Yala, Panama – the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

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“Dear Lord, Help me to really see what a great trade that God is offering. And let me not be deceived into thinking that I can have both worlds! But like the apostle, Paul, let me lose all things, that I might win Christ…

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Revelation 12 Woman & The Narrow Gate Stars (Orion’s Gate to Heaven)” or you can also read… “(It’s a throw-away world!)“

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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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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AT THE CROSSROADS OF LIFE…

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As we all know, life is made up of one decision after another. Some are of little consequence. Others are more important. And then there are those times which require life-changing decisions.

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The Bible speaks of the Valley of Decision…“Multitudes, multitudes in the ‘Valley of Decision’…for the day of the Lord is near in the ‘Valley of Decision’.” Joel 3:14. Of course, this valley is a spiritual concept and not a literal place.

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But God has inscribed this very truth in the heavens. It is called “The Valley of Decision” Constellation. It speaks of that valley that each person must walk through.

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LOCATING THIS CONSTELLATION GROUP…

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Look eastward in the early summer through fall. Find the Cassiopeia Constellation. Cassiopeia is the Mount of Blessing. In the sketch, it is the farthest mountain to the left. In the sky, it is the northern-most of these three mountains when facing eastward. It resembles a pyramid. Then find the next pyramid to its right (south). Then go a little further south to the next third pyramid. The third snow-cap is the Destroying Mountain Constellation. These three pyramids are the snow-capped portion of these three mountains in this sketch. (of course, you won’t see the snow-caps in the sky. They are just an embellishment in this sketch to present a concept-EDITOR).

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“Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the Word of the LORD from Jerusalem.” Micah 4:1, 2

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “The ‘Valley of Decision’ Constellation” or you can also read… “Babylon…O Destroying Mountain”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW:

” March 23rd (1st Beast of Revelation 13)”

ABOVE ENGRAVING: Whore – Babylon – Burgkmair – 1523 AD – this old engraving shows that the Church once realized that the Babylon Mother of Harlots was actually the apostate churches – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

 

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

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

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Today’s Devotional – March 21st

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Pilgrim’s Progress:

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“Passion & Patience”

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In John Bunyan’s incredible allegorical tale, Pilgrim’s Progress, he tells how the main character, Christian, was shown various symbolic people: people who represented some important aspect of the Gospel.

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

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PASSION AND PATIENCE

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One such person, or rather, two such persons were two young boys.

 

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Listen… “I saw, moreover, in my dream, that the Interpreter took him (Christian) by the hand, and had (directed) him into a little room, where sat two little children, each one in his chair. The name of the eldest was Passion, of the other Patience. Passion seemed to be much discontent, but Patience was very quiet. Then Christian asked, ‘What is the reason of the discontent of Passion?’ 

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“The Interpreter answered, ‘the Governor of them would have him stay for his best things, ’till the beginning of the next year; but he will have all now: But Patience is willing to wait.’

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“Then I saw that one came to Passion, and brought him a bag of Treasure, and poured it down at his feet; the which he took up and rejoiced therein, and with-all laughed Patience to scorn: But I beheld but a while, and he had lavished all away, and had nothing left him but rags.

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

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AM I ‘PASSION’ OR AM I ‘PATIENCE’?

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And so, the question comes down to each of us: “Am I more like Patience? Am I willing to patiently wait for my Heavenly reward? Am I willing to walk like Jesus in this world, waiting for all those spiritual treasures of wisdom and love and purity and joy everlasting?”

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Or “am I more like the boy, Passion? Do I want to live my life out in self-indulgent little pleasures? Am I willing to sell out the self-sacrificing Jesus, for the treasures and pleasures of this world?”

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Well, God holds out this same choice to each and every human who comes into the world. “Which world do you want? This present world of selfish pursuits, or the everlasting world-to-come?”

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HOW DO I SPEND MY TIME?

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Now just because a man, woman, or child attends church each week, or reads their Bible and attends prayer-service, is not evidence of Salvation!

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That’s right, the real evidence is seen, in how the rest of the week is spent… “Do I return to my life of self-indulgence? Or do I keep contemplating what I have studied in the Bible? Do I keep praying through my day, or do I simply forget my moment-by-moment relationship with the Lord, only to return to pursuing the cares and pleasures of life?”

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Well, only those who live to purify their hearts into Christ’s image, are in the same camp as “Patience”.

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

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BROAD & NARROW WAYS IN CHURCH

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The fact is, there are two divisions within Christianity in this world!

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There is one division that caters to all who are like “Passion”: those who want the temporary treasures and the carnal pleasures of this selfish world! And the other division, the true Gospel, which is for those like “Patience”, who are patiently waiting for the everlasting joy and love of the world-to-come.

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And the Broad Way that leads to destruction goes smack-dab through Christendom! And many self-deceived ones unknowingly walk that downward pathway, all the while thinking they are on the upward pathway to Heaven! They attend church. They pay their tithes. They even live a moral life! But their hearts are entwined by the seductive tendrils of selfishness, which bind their hearts to this present world.

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GET ON BOARD THE GOSPEL SHIP!

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But there is some very Good News in all this doom and gloom!

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Yes, there is still time for all the Passion’s of the world, to become like Patience!

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And God is just now making a last call for anyone who wants everlasting life, to get on board that Gospel Ship, which is just about to embark from this earth, to the world-to-come!

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And all those who are willing to trade in this worn-out old world of selfishness, in exchange for the joy-everlasting world-to-come, may get on board this Gospel Ship!

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Reveal the selfishness which lies deep within my heart. Show me the Narrow Way, that I might walk securely on that pathway to the heavenly and eternal City of God…

Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Fleeing to the Mountains, Part 3: The Abomination in My Heart”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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WIDE & NARROW GATES IN THE HEAVENS

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As the opening verse says, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:13-14

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So what are these two gates all about? And how can I choose the right door? Well, just read this article and these questions and more will be answered.

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But before we explore these questions, let’s take a look at why these two sets of stars represent these two biblical gates.

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This sketch, while not 100% accurate, gives a fair portrayal of how this constellation group appears at winter’s end and even into June, when above the western horizon.

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HOW THE GATES RELATE TO ORION & DRAGON

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This sketch is when these constellations are in the eastern sky in early winter (However, this constellation group can even be seen as early as July, in the pre-dawn hours). In the eastern sky, it’s not so easily seen which gate the Revelation 12 Woman will enter. The Wide Gate is made of the two brightest stars of this Wave of Water Constellation. Satan spews out the deadly water of his false worldly ideologies; which many of these ideologies have a form of godliness, but in some way are not in harmony; or perhaps these worldly ideologies add to the Bible, which is strictly forbidden (see Deuteronomy 4:2).

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On the other hand, the Strait Gate (narrow gate) is composed of the two brightest stars of the Orion The Reaper’s sickle. The true Strait Gate represents Jesus, the Word of God. Listen… “I [Jesus] am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” John 10:9

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Revelation 12 Woman & The Narrow Gate Stars (Orion’s Gate to Heaven)” or you can also read… “Castor and Pollux & The Mystery Ship of Scripture”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW

“March 22nd (The Deal of All Deals!)” 

Exclamation Mark – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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ALL‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.

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THIS STUDY #80 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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

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Today’s Devotional – March 20th

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Shouting Good Words!

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“The words of wise men are heard in quiet

more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.”

Ecclesiastes 9:17

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A lady once made a comment concerning some of the more boisterous evangelists and preachers that are often heard on television today… “I just don’t like people shouting good words at me!”

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And it’s understandable why this lady felt the way she did!

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After all, it’s very easy to turn the channel, only to hear some religious television or radio station, with somebody “shouting good words”!

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Sunday preaching – Wikipedia – US public domain

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ADOLPH ALSO A POPULAR SHOUTER!

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Now obviously, there must be a lot of people who like this kind of preaching, because some of these more boisterous preachers are among the most popular on television and radio!

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But that doesn’t prove anything! After all, during the 1930’s, and 40’s, a whole lot of people also loved to hear Adolph Hitler shout his “good words”.

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Now this is not necessarily to compare these modern-day evangelists to Hitler; but hopefully, to mainly illustrate that having a large following does not necessarily vindicate the practice of shouting at one’s audiences!

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Adolf Hitler – blued image – courtesy of Bundesarchiv, Bild 183-2008-0922-500 – CC-BY-SA – Wikimedia – Share-alike license

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WHAT IS THE CRITERION?

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So just what is the criterion for how a Bible preacher should speak?

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Let’s listen to the Wise-Man…

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“The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.” Ecclesiastes 9:17. This verse seems to have a particular significance in a day in which there is so much shouting, doesn’t it?

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And all this current shouting is quite often accompanied by a lot of prancing back-and-forth, joking and sarcastic jesting, and asking for money.

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Those things should be a tip-off that something’s really wrong!

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Nicodemus – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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WHAT IS THE TRUE STANDARD OF CONDUCT?

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Now just what is the true standard? Just how should a preacher or evangelist conduct himself? After all, there were evangelists, such as George Whitefield, who preached to tens of thousands of listeners at one time!

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But back in those days, there were no microphones, so he, no doubt, had to shout! But today there are microphones. So that’s no longer an excuse!

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But even if some of those great evangelists of days past did shout, they are not necessarily any sort of justification for how we should conduct ourselves, either!

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Mere humans, no matter how famous, are just not the standard for behavior.

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George Whitefield preaching by John Collet – www.wikigallery.org – US public domain

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LOOKING TO JESUS

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So just what is the true standard for behavior?

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Well, in all such puzzling questions, it is best to look to the Bible, as well as to the life of Christ, since He is our great role-model. Listen to Scripture…

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“Charity…is kind…charity vaunteth (to boast) not itself, is not puffed up,” 1st Corinthians 13:4. Now this verse doesn’t directly speak about shouting. But it does speak about boasting, and about pride (“puffed up”). And it is not hard to see that so much of today’s preaching is literally dripping with pride.

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Sunday preaching – Wikipedia – US public domain

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“HE SHALL NOT CRY (SHOUT), NOR LIFT UP HIS VOICE.”

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And so, the question needs to be asked, “Is that how Christ behaved, when speaking publicly?”

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Did Christ prance back and forth, shouting His good words at people? Did He make sarcastic quips? Did He laugh loudly? Did He constantly intimidate His audiences concerning finances?

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Or was He a quiet man? And was He soft-spoken? And was He solemn and reverent?

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Listen…“Behold My servant, whom I uphold; Mine elect, in whom My soul delighteth; I have put My spirit upon Him: He shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not cry (shout), nor lift up, nor cause His voice to be heard in the street.” Isaiah 42:1, 2

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This prophecy from Isaiah in about 700 B.C., foretells of Christ’s future earthly ministry.

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Notice that it conveys the idea of quietness, and not shouting. 

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

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“A SOFT TONGUE BREAKS THE BONE”

Proverbs 25:15

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Listen again to Scripture… “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” Proverbs 15:1.

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No, Christ didn’t need to shout His good words. He knew this proverb very well, because He was the one who gave it to Solomon, in the first place!

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And Jesus knew this next verse as well… “By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.” Proverbs 25:15. Here again is confirmation of the efficacy of speaking softly and euphemistically.

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And just one more… “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” James 3:17.

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Notice that the wisdom from above is, “first pure, then peaceable, gentle…”

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Jesus’ Exhortation to the Apostles 1886-94 – by James Tissot – Wikipedia – Public Domain

 

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IN THE QUIET SOLITUDE OF NATURE

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Just go into a forest and listen to the sounds. The bubbling brook, the songs of birds. The wind’s quiet song it whispers through the trees.

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Yes, the good things in nature are a reflection of God’s character. And even though there is a time for thunder, yet the morning returns with sounds of healing and quiet renewal.

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Eaglecreek – Wikipedia – GNU License

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WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?

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“He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.” 1st John 2:6

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Now in these turbulent and perplexing times, there are many gospels blowing through Christendom, from every-which direction! And it is a veritable Babylon of confusion these days, to say the least!

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Many true worshipers of God have been misled by Satan and are the unwitting victims of modern-day deceptions.

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But this above verse from 1st John is a great acid-test, when deciding who to listen to: to walk, even as Jesus walked!

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Is their life in harmony with Christ?

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Can you envision Christ living their lifestyle?

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Are they a fit representative of Christ?

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Have they been changed into the image of Christ?

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Yes, Jesus Christ is our great heavenly role-model. Jesus says… “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life…” John 14:6

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USMC prayer before study – Wikimedia – Public-Domain

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“Come out of her, My people” 

Revelation 18:4  

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Well, today’s devotional gives just one more evidence that the current-day church-world has devolved into a “Babylon of confusion”. And this is one more reason why God is calling His people to, “Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” Revelation 18:4  

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

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To read part 2, click here…

APRIL 14 (Shouting Good Words! Part 2: Emotionalism)

Sunday preaching – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, I have been misled in many ways in the past. But help me now to be like Jesus in every way. Help me to use words wisely and sparingly…

Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “The Holy-Ghost-Rider Constellation” or you can also read… “Ark of the Covenant Constellation, Pt. 2: How To Enter The Most Holy Place”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

 

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THE HOLY GHOST RIDER CONSTELLATION

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

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It is primarily comprised of the Camelopardalis Constellation (head and upper back), plus about 5 stars from the Cassiopeia Constellation (his leg), plus some random stars. It appears as an outline of a rider. Only the back of his head is detailed. And his back and the back of his legs are also detailed. Both sides of his arm are visible, and his hand is gripping the horses mane, and that is detailed by three stars (which are also part of the horse’s mane). The rider is in a position vaguely similar to a race-horse jockey. The two brightest stars in this constellation, are from the Cassiopeia Constellation, and are part of his leg. All the rest of the stars are very faint, and must be viewed on a very starry night.

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

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A GENTLE BREEZE

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“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” James

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Yes, as this above passage indicates that the Holy Ghost works so imperceptibly in the lives of Believers, that His presence is mostly impossible to detect. (Now those who are of a signs & wonders gospel might just say just the opposite: that the Holy Ghost is very detectable even to the point of having a powerful presence.) But the Lord is just not an In-your-face God, to say it in a popular vernacular. He’s just the opposite. “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” Isaiah 30:21.

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Snakehandling – Wikipedia – public dom.

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ANOTHER JESUS

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There are many today, who use this above passage to justify the fact that they are hearing an audible voice in their head, claiming to be God. But read this verse carefully. It says, “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee”. People today are not hearing an actual voice with their actual ears. But in the signs & wonders gospels, they are hearing a non-descript voice in their head, which claims to be Jesus. And so this verse must be taken spiritually signifying that we hear God in our conscience. God doesn’t literally speak with an audible voice. We don’t hear Him with our literal ears. And God certainly doesn’t actually say the words, “This is the Way, walk ye in it” in an audible voice, every time we tend to swerve off the heavenly pathway! Nobody is even claiming that! They are hearing a voice in their head which gives them advice.

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But God comes to us in a still small voice in our conscience: a conviction which prompts us to do this, or don’t do that.

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Braet von Überfeldt woman with bible 1866 – Wikipedia – US public domain.

 

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READ MORE…

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

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW:

“March 21st (Pilgrim’s Progress: Passion & Patience)”

patience and passion pilgrim’s progress

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

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

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Those who are interested in using photos on this page may click on provided link below each photo, to get to Wikimedia Commons for various licensing details & tags, and all other necessary information on any particular photo.

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Today’s Devotional – March 19th

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As the Flower of the Field!

Today’s devotional are excerpts from this website’s article… “Flower of the Field Constellation”

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“The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness,

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Prepare ye the way of the LORD,

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make straight in the desert a highway for our God….

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The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry?

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All flesh is grass,

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and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field:

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The grass withers, the flower fades…

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but the word of our God shall stand for ever.”

Isaiah 40:3, 6-8.

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Poppy Field in Argenteuil, oil painting by Claude Monet – Wikimedia – public domain

flowers of field Weskus_Nasionale_Park wikipedia public domain

 

 

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This above passage from Isaiah speaks of the “voice of one crying in the wilderness“, proclaiming to us of the “vanity (meaninglessness) and vexation of spirit” of this fallen world.

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That is, the “one crying in the wilderness” proclaims to the world of the worthlessness and destruction which results from a life void of the love and simplicity of Christ.

John the Baptist by Harold Copping – www.wikigallery.com – US public domain

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“THE VOICE SAID CRY…‘WHAT SHALL I CRY?'”

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To the Jews of his time, this voice was merely a call to repentance. 

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But in truth, the voice of one crying in the wilderness, is an appeal for Mankind to simply stop…pause…and ask ourselves the question: “Why am I running to and fro after worldly riches and earthly pleasures on such a hopelessly dying planet? And why am I focusing my affections so much on this lose-lose world, when there is something so much better, and so much more lasting…even everlasting!?”

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The Flower of the Field Constellation Signs Of Heaven.org

Girl – Depression by Danielzanetti for Wikimedia – cropped image – C.C. Share-alike License 3.0

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“THE GRASS WITHERS, THE FLOWER FADES”

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Why is Mankind content to live only a few short decades and then just die?

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Our glory is as that fading flower!

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Just listen again to that voice in the wilderness…

“The voice said, Cry.

And he said, What shall I cry?

All flesh is grass,

and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field:

The grass withers, the flower fades:

because the spirit of the LORD blows upon it:”

Isaiah 40:6, 7

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The Flower of the Field Constellation Signs Of Heaven.org

John the Baptist by Harold Copping – www.wikigallery.com – US public domain 

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“THE FLOWER FADES…BECAUSE…THE LORD BLOWS UPON IT”…

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If you go out in the springtime, your lawn may be full of those pesky little yellow flowers commonly known as Dandelions. And yet, if it were not for the weeds that follow, those little yellow flowers would no doubt be very welcome additions to our lawns.

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The Dandelion does well for a short time. And for a few days it is bright and beautiful.

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But when a hot blast from the east blows upon it, it quickly dries up, turning into spindles.

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This reminds us of the Bible verse at the top of the page where it says…

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“The grass withers, the flower fades: because the spirit of the LORD blows upon it: surely the people is grass.”

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

Dandelion_sun – Wikipedia & avmaier share-alike license

Child & Dandelion – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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“For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion”

Ecclesiastes 9:4

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This above verse serves as a reminder that “All is vanity (meaningless)” (Ecclesiastes, Ch.1).

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Just think about all those great and notable celebrities who went before us! Just think of all those famous kings and queens, statesmen, inventers, musicians, movie-stars, authors, athletes, etc… who achieved world-wide fame, success, and riches! Where are they now? Merely “dust in the wind”! Yes, a living dog is truly better than a dead lion!

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And even a poor, beggarly street person is better than the greatest and richest king who now lies dead in his grave! Especially if that living beggar chooses to follow The Good Shepherd into Life Everlasting!

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Yes, even the beggar has hope that he or she might turn and be saved…“For to him that is joined to all the living, there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion” Ecclesiastes 9:4

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Yes, to all the living there is still hope! In that sense, “a living dog” is, INDEED, far better off “than a dead lion”!

Drunk Drinkers – Jacob Jordaens – The Feast of the Bean King – Google Art Project – US Public Domain

Old Man Street-Preaching – Wikipedia – Courtesy of BeenAroundAWhile at en.wikipedia – Share-alike License

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HOPE FOR MANKIND…

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Yes, Mankind is like a flower of the field, which fades away.

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Yes, we are born into this world and we grow until we are about 20 years old.

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And then, we gradually begin to deteriorate. By 35 we have noticeably deteriorated. We’re like that flower of the field that begins to lose its petals. Another 10 years pass, and we have lost more petals. By the time we reach 60 years, we’ve lost most.

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And eventually we simply wither away and die. And someone else is born, and we are like the grass that is mown down…

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Picture on Christian Bible Devotion – Wikipedia – US public domain

Maes Old Woman Dozing – Wikipedia – public domain

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Is that all there is to life?

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To merely spend a few years under the Sun?

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And then just wither away and die? 

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Our glory is like that fading flower, and our life is as the grass which is mown down?

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Child & Dandelion – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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

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A WAY OF ESCAPE!

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But it doesn’t need to be that way. There is a way of escape, you know!

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You see, God has given us the “fountain of youth” so to speak.

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And the Bible is that fountain of the “water of life”! (see Revelation 21:6, 22:1, 17)

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain 

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FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH NOW AVAILABLE…

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So then, every human who has come into this world, has been given the opportunity to drink of that fountain.

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And whosoever does drink of that fountain of life, his or her soul begins to flourish.

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And though the body eventually withers away and dies, that person will be raised anew to live forever… forever in a place much more beautiful and far more wonderful than this waterfall photo to the right. 

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“But whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” John 4:14

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ABOVE STAR-CHART: Flower of the Field Constellation commonly known as Scorpio – seen in spring through summer (Flower drawn in over Wikipedia star-chart)

Photo of waterfall by Benjamin D. Esham / cropped image – Wikimedia Commons share-alike license.

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DEAR READER. PLEASE SCROLL DOWN THIS PAGE TO READ ABOUT THIS FLOWER OF THE FIELD CONSTELLATION…

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TO READ PART 2, CLICK HERE…

“May 2 (As The Flower of the Field, Part 2: The Price of Dust)”

soil dirt – Happy silage bale – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic licens

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Make me to know the shortness of life. Let me not be like the flower that clings to the earth. But let me also be a follower of Jesus, as He leads His people on that upward, Heavenward sojourn…

Girl Praying – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Flower of the Field Constellation” or you can also read… “Flower of the Field Constellation: Part 2-”All is Vanity””

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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FLOWER OF THE FIELD CONSTELLATION…

 

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This constellation group can best be seen in spring through summer in the southern sky just above the horizon. Like all constellations, it slowly moves westward through the months, appearing a little earlier each night. It also appears to move through the sky westward each night. It can be easily seen under any degree of darkness. In other words, you don’t need a very dark night. In the sketch to the right, the ‘Flower of the Field’ Constellation `is in the lower part of the screen, directly under the Cross/Scepter Constellation. The sketches in this site are approximate, and not 100% accurate. The individual stars have different brightness than seen here. But these sketches are close enough in order to find them in the night sky.

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This constellation presents one of the most beautiful verses in Scripture. And yet that Scripture presents one of the most repugnant concepts (which unsaved Mankind has tried to elude for millenniums). And that concept is, that Mankind is like the grass that withers, and his glory as the wildflower that fades away. But God’s Word and those that love it will go on forever and ever!

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ABOVE STAR-CHART – Summer Constellations with Two Turtledoves (Sagittarius) & Flower of the Field (aka: Scorpio) & The 12-Star Crown (aka: Corona Borealis) & The Cross-Scepter (aka: Ophiochus & Serpens) & Revelation 12 Woman (Ursa Major) & Arcturus Star – www.theheavensdeclare.net

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FLOWER CONSTELLATION BOWS DOWN…

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AUGUST 28TH, 2011

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It has become apparent, on this date, that as summer draws to a close, this “Flower of the Field” “Constellation appears to bend almost completely down. This occurs as it travels into the western skies. It somehow rotates in order to produce this effect. This is a very wonderful phenomenon…and Biblical too! After all, the Bible says “the grass withers and the flower falls away”. And that’s exactly what this flower seems to do. It almost seems to be bowing itself…in the direction of that bright and beautiful star, “Arcturus” (which represents Jesus). This would make sense. After all, Scripture states…

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“…unto me (the Lord), every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear… Bel bows down, Nebo stoops… They stoop, they bow down together… Listen to me… all you remnant of the house of Israel (God’s people)… which are carried from the womb: And even to your old age I am he… even I will carry, and will deliver you.” Isaiah 46″1-4 (condensed)

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READ MORE…

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

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW:

“March 20th (Shouting Good Words!)”

Sunday preaching – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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ALL‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.

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THIS STUDY #78 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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

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Today’s Devotional – March 18th

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Nature’s Witnesses,

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Part 3:

“God’s Numbers in Nature!”

To read Part 1, click here…January 25th (Part 1: Nature’s 7 Witnesses)

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“The heavens declare the glory of God;

and the firmament showeth his handiwork.”

Psalm 19:1

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As the above verse reveals so well, all the heavens declare God’s glory!

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But this planet is also part of “the heavens”! And since we too are a member of Heaven, God’s glory is likewise declared throughout nature, all around us!

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Yes, all we need to do, is just look around, and it won’t be long until we see something that speaks of Heaven!

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sheep – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0

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THE NUMBER “TEN”

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For instance, just count your fingers or toes.

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Most of us have ten fingers, and ten toes. So, just what do they remind you of, spiritually? What does the number “Ten” remind you of, in the Bible?

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The Ten Commandments? Do your ten fingers and ten toes remind you of the Ten Commandments?

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Well if you’re fortunate enough to have ten fingers, it reminds us that our hands should be doing things in harmony with the Ten Commandments.

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And if you’re fortunate enough to have ten toes, it should remind you to always walk in a way that glorifies God’s Commandments.

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Hands – cropped image – Wikimedia – share-alike license

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Well, God’s Law is also written everywhere else in nature!

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Exclamation Mark – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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NUMBER “7”: THE BASIC NUMBER IN MUSIC

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For those who know about the laws of music, this principle can also be seen.

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For instance, all harmonic music operates by law and order. And those laws are very biblical.

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Take for instance, the major scale has 7 notes.

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Of course, the number “7” is found all through the Bible.

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It is perhaps the most important number in the Bible. (Count the 7 white notes on the keyboard picture. This particular section of a keyboard is a major scale in the key of “C”. This 7-note major scale sequence repeats itself  all the way up the keyboard.)

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Piano Keyboard – Wikimedia – share-alike license

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THE TWO PRIMARY NOTES!

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And one of the basic laws that music professors teach, is that the “1st note” of those 7 notes is called the “dominant note” in the major scale, and is the most important note.

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And the next most important note, is the “5th note”, which is called the “sub-dominant note”.

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And so, these two notes, the 1st note (the dominant) and the 5th note (the sub-dominant) are the very foundation on which harmonic music is built.

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If you look at this piano keyboard picture, you will notice that it is the section of the piano keyboard of the “C” scale.

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There are 7 white keys, which are the 7 notes of the major scale in the key of C.

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These white notes, from left to right are the “Do, Re, Mi, Fa, So, La, Ti” which we have heard so often. And these repeat all the way, from the bottom to the top of the piano keyboard.

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Piano Keyboard – Wikimedia – share-alike license

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THE TWO FUNDAMENTAL COMMANDMENTS!

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Well, what biblical significance is there in all this complicated information?

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You see, in the Ten Commandments, the 1st Commandment represents God: “Thou shall have no other gods before Me”.

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And the 5th Commandment has to do with family: “Honor thy father and mother”.

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Yes, the 5th Commandment is all about children honoring their parents.

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And so, this 5th Commandment represents not only our earthly family, but also reminds us of the family of God: the Church! And this is what the Gospel of Jesus is all about! God and His family.

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And the 1st Commandment is what the first four Commandments relate to: loving God.

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And the 5th Commandment is what the other six commandments are based on: THE HUMAN FAMILY.

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In other words, the first four commandments are about our relationship with God. 

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And the next six commandments are based on our relationship with the human family.

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Ten Commandments – cropped photo – Wikimedia – Share-alike License 4.0

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GOD’S LAW FOUND IN LAWS OF MUSIC

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And so, it just makes sense that the two most fundamental notes in a major scale are the 1st and the 5th notes.

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Yes, the major scale in music also declares the glory of God. And, upon those two notes, all harmonic music is based!

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And musical compositions, even the very elaborate compositions, are based on the 1st note, and secondly on the 5th note.

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All the laws of music, hang upon these two notes!

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And the goal of a musical composition is to start with the 1st note, and then go on a sort of “musical journey”, which eventually returns to its final resting place…back to the 1st note…God.

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And so music, when rightly done, carries this message within its very core: God and His people, which finally return back home to Him.

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Now there are many other biblical truths, also found in the countless laws of music.

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And those who wish, can explore many of the other biblical numbers associated with music.

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people praying – by Sergei Frolov – Wikipedia – share-alike license

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ORION AND THE 7 STARS: CHRIST & HIS CHURCH

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Now this same principle can be seen up in the Heavens.

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Yes, if you will look in the night heavens, you find the two most easily identifiable constellations: Orion and the 7 Stars (aka “The Big Dipper”).

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And these are the two primary constellations and they likewise represent God and His people!

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And also notice that Orion is made of seven primary stars.

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But also notice that the 7 Stars Constellation (AKA, The Big Dipper) is likewise made of seven stars.

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So, when you explore the many wonders of nature, you will no doubt also see these biblical numbers written in the various creations found in all of Nature.

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And with such knowledge, you can joyfully declare with the Psalmist…

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“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament sheweth His handiwork!”

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“For the invisible things of Him

from the creation of the world are clearly seen,

being understood by the things that are made,

even His eternal power and Godhead;

so that they are without excuse”

Romans 1:20

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

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TO READ PART 4, GO HERE…

October 11 (Nature’s Witnesses, Part 4 “5th Witness, Love!”)

Little Girl with puppy dog – cropped – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Open my eyes, that I may behold Thy glory, in all of nature. Let me learn the wisdom which abounds in Thy wonderful creation…

The Christian Martyrs Last Prayer

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… November 9 (Where Did All The Laws Come From?), or you can also read… December 11 (The Moon, a Heavenly Object Lesson

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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7 STARS IMITATE THE CROSS OF ORION

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Peter let down his Lord by denying him thrice. But God allowed this to happen, knowing that Peter would repent, later to become one of the zealous Followers of Jesus. Probably many Christians have let their Lord down in a big way in the past. And like Peter, they have repented, likewise to become even more ardent Followers of Jesus.

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The Church, in these last days, has been flooded with every device that Satan could possibly conjure up, to cast across our pathway, and lead God’s sheep astray. And though the Church has been greatly hindered, God is about to purify His sin-laden people, who will finally lift up the Cross of Christ with such power and glory, as this world has never before seen.

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And the Reader may just discover the way that he or she might also help lift that Cross up.

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And God has inscribed in the heavens, a picture of how the Church lifts up the Cross, as they imitate their Lord. So please read this very important article. And though it may take 30 minutes or so, it will be well worth the read.

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crucifixion of Peter-Caravaggio-Martirio di San Pietro – Wikipedia – US public domain

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LOCATING THESE TWO CONSTELLATIONS

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

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This Wikipedia star-chart has this Orion Constellation sketched in. You must locate Orion, when it is mid-sky, between east and west. You’ll be facing southward most likely, unless you are far south. Try to imagine it as a Cross on a steep hill. The 3-star belt of Orion becomes the crest of the hill. The 3 very faint stars that make up Orion’s head become the very top of the Cross.

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Next, locate the 7 Stars Constellation. This 7 Stars Constellation is seen by facing northward. It stands upright a little later in the night. Eventually, Orion will lay down and no longer be seen as an uplifted Cross! Beginning in November, the 7 Stars (AKA Big Dipper) can be seen as a Cross a little bit later in evening.

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When you are comfortable in locating Orion & The 7 Stars Constellations, then show a friend. This can be a great witnessing tool!

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ABOVE CHART: The Cross of Orion Constellation star-chart – wikipedia star-chart with orion drawn in by this website – not for commercial use

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READ MORE…

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

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW: March 19th

(As the Flower of the Field!)

ABOVE STAR-CHART: Flower of the Field Constellation commonly known as Scorpio – seen in spring through summer (Flower drawn in over Wikipedia star-chart)

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

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

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Today’s Devotional – March 17th

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Why Doesn’t My Christianity Work?

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Part 2:

“Finances”

This is a continuation of the February 4th devotional… Why Doesn’t My Christianity Work? Part 1

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Are you asking yourself the question, “Why doesn’t my Christianity work? Why can’t I study my Bible more? Why is my prayer-life so anemic?”

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Do you sit in church each week and smile, pay tithes, and bless, and sing, and pray, all the while knowing that your Christianity just isn’t working?

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Does your pastor constantly reassure his flock that you are all on the road to Heaven, and you try to hang on to that reassurance, only to be overwhelmed with doubts?

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Well, you are not alone! Probably most other church-goers, these days, are wondering the very same thing!

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Audience hands – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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STILL EARTH-HUGGING

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Part 1 (click here) dealt with those in the Church who have not yet forsaken all.

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The signature Bible passage was from the Gospel of Luke…“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsakes not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple.” Luke 14:33.

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And so, this verse really clarifies the major reason why so many church-goers do not have a relationship with Jesus.

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Very simply put, they still tenaciously cling to this selfish world in one way or another! 

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SOWING SPARINGLY

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This second part, however, will deal with a somewhat similar problem that many church-goers have.

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And this second part will deal with the question of the giving of finances.

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Yes, the Bible has much to say about money. And there are many Christians who can trace their lack of spirituality right back to their lack of giving!

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Listen to Paul’s proclamation to the Corinthian church… “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” 2nd Corinthians 9:6.

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Yes, as many have found out, the more we cheerfully give, the greater will be our spiritual harvest!

 

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ANANIAS & SAPPHIRA

(see Acts 5:1-11)

 

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The story of Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, is the story of a husband/wife team who thought they could “pull the wool over the eyes” of God, so to speak.

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They made a profession of giving all, and yet held back money for their own personal selfishness.

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And, as this story from the Book of Acts continues, they were confronted and lied, and were struck down dead.

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death of Ananias & Sapphira – www.wikigallery.com 

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MANY ANANIAS’ & SAPPHIRAS TODAY!

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Now there are many today, who make a profession of having “forsaken all” this selfish world, for the love of Jesus!

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But make no mistake! When a person pretends to be a follower of Jesus, and yet still lives for the love of this world, he or she is doing exactly what Ananias and Sapphira did! They are withholding back for the sake of selfishness! And they are lying to the Holy Spirit!

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But God isn’t going to kill them, as He did Ananias & Sapphira.

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No, but He merely gave those two for an example of what spiritually happens to all who pretend to have forsaken this selfish world, to follow Jesus.

 

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death of Ananias & Sapphira – www.wikigallery.com 

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THE CHURCH AT MACEDONIA

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Paul, in trying to convince the Corinthians to loosen their purse-strings, encouraged them by giving the churches at Macedonia, as an example of the right spirit in unselfish giving.

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Listen… “Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;” 2nd Corinthians 8:1-3.

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Yes, Paul used the deeply impoverished, yet extremely over-generous churches in Macedonia as a contrast to the rather well-to-do church in Corinth, who were somewhat fearful of parting with their abundant wealth.

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

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MANY COULD BE GIVING FAR MORE!

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In this very affluent society, Christians could probably give far more than we now do!

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If only we were as generous as those in the Macedonian churches! We might then see God begin to pour out His abundant spiritual riches on us and on our spouse and on our children!

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On the other hand, there are a few Christians in this society who are giving over 50% of their income to various faithful Christian ministries!

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And like the above proverb, they have made themselves poor in the eyes of the world.

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And yet, they are truly rich men in the eyes of Heaven!

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

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PROVIDE FOR THE FAMILY

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Of course, those with families may be unable to give as much as single Christians can, especially if their spouse is not in agreement over such matters.

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Yes, the Christian must supply the needs, and even many of the wants for his or her unsaved household, striving to make their lives pleasant.

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But even in those cases, one could probably give far more, simply by personally living a more self-denying lifestyle, while still supplying for the needs and contentment of his or her family.

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Family eating meal – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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THE BANK OF HEAVEN!

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There are so many Christians who place more confidence in earthly banks and worldly financial counselors, than they do in Christ!

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Yes, they store their gold and silver in institutions that use their money for earthly purposes.

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But there is a heavenly bank, and a heavenly financial Counsellor, who is far more trustworthy and reliable than mere mortal men!

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And by storing up our treasure in Heaven, God’s heavenly bank uses that money for eternal purposes!

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Poughkeepsie Savings Bank building – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-alike Lic.

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PRECIOUS PROMISE!

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Here’s a great promise about giving and receiving.

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Listen… “Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.” Ephesians 6:8.

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Do you see the wonderful promise here? Whatever good thing that any man does, “the same shall he receive from the Lord”.

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So we don’t need to worry about parting with our wherewithal. God will give back in some way or another. And just when we really need it!

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And the Bible promises that “you shall find it after many days” (Ecclesiastes 11:1). And the wonderful thing is, the more you give, the more God returns the blessing, in the form of heavenly spiritual riches, when it’s most needed.

 

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Heavenly riches! Now that’s true riches!

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TO READ PART 3, GO HERE…

March 9 (Why Doesn’t My Christianity Work? Part 3: “Television”

TV – The Image of the Beast – www.theheavensdeclare.net – Not for commercial uses

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to be generous with my finances. Give me faith in your ability to provide for all my needs. Give me wisdom to know how much to give, without putting an undo stress upon my family…

Marine Praying – Wikimedia – USMC Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Revelation 12 Woman & The Narrow Gate Stars (Orion’s Gate to Heaven)”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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WINTER CONSTELLATIONS

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This most amazing phenomenon is seen throughout the winter. Although it can be observed most of the winter, it is seen best when it is the western part of the sky, at winter’s end (The end of winter being the final scene of this heavenly Gospel story). Orion , the Dragon, and the Glorious White Horse are beginning to descend into the western horizon (sketch to right is Winter Constellations descending into western horizon. This can actually be seen as early as December, in the pre-dawn hours).

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

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Revelation 12 Woman & The Narrow Gate Stars (Orion’s Gate to Heaven)”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW:

“March 18th (God’s Numbers In Nature!)”

numbers Wikimedia – Public Domain

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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ALL‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.

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THIS STUDY #76 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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

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Today’s Devotional – March 16th

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Paul the Ultimate Replacement Theologian!

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Part 3

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

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At the very end of Paul’s letter to the Galatians, he finishes with the dramatic statement… “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. Galatians 6:15-16.

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Now there exists some confusion as to just who Paul is referring to as, “the Israel of God”, in this closing salutation found in Galatians.

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Many, or perhaps even most will say this is speaking of literal Israel over there in Palestine.

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And yet, some say this has to be referring to God’s faithful Believers.

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

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WHAT DID HENRY SAY?

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Now, that most notable theologian, Matthew Henry, made the following comment as to just who Paul was referring to, when he spoke of “the Israel of God”, at the end of the Galatian Epistle.

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Listen to Henry… “The Jews and judaizing teachers were for confining these blessings (peace & mercy) to such as were circumcised and kept the law of Moses; but, on the contrary, the apostle declares that they belong to all who walk according to the rule of the gospel, or of the new creature, even to all the Israel of God, intimating that those only are the true Israel of God who walk according to this rule (the rule of becoming a new creation in Christ), and not that of circumcision, which they insisted so much upon, and therefore that this was the true way to obtain peace and mercy.”

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So Matthew Henry saw that Paul was referring to God’s faithful true worshippers, when he spoke of “the Israel of God”. In other words, Henry correctly saw that only those who walk according to true circumcision of the heart are the true Israel of God!

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And it could not possibly be speaking of literal Israel, since for the most part, they utterly failed to become a new creation! And neither do they, as a civil government, have “peace and mercy”, as God pronounces here in Galatians, through the hand of Paul. 

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Matthew Henry – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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THE GREAT MESSAGE OF GALATIANS

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And of course, that was the whole point of Paul’s letter to the Galatians.

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You see, these Gentile Believers in Galatia were being heavily compelled by a group of Jewish Christians to return to the ceremonies and rituals of the “Jewish religion” as Paul referred to it. And Paul was trying to show this Gentile church, that such ceremonies and rituals were totally meaningless, and would ultimately bring that Galatian church into apostasy.

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And in the midst of his letter, he made this statement… “Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.” Galatians 3:6, 7.

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Here Paul reveals just who are the true children of Abraham: those who live by faith, both Jew and Gentile alike!

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Schnorr von Carolsfeld – 1860 – Abram counts stars – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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“NEITHER GREEKS, JEWS, MALE OR FEMALE”

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Now Paul is revealing to Galatia, that being a Jew, means much more than simply being a Jew, “after the flesh” (see 1st Corinthians 10:18, for “after the flesh” reference).

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And Paul repeats this idea, in this next passage…

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Listen… “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:28, 29.

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Here Paul says that God no longer is a respecter of the Jews above the gentiles. We are all now on equal ground, in Christ.

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

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SARAH & HAGAR: THE TWO COVENANTS

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And if this weren’t enough, Paul makes this incredible revelation… “For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all…Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise…So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.” Galatians 4:22-26, 28, 31.

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So again, Paul is showing here to the Galatians, that the true children of Abraham are those who have been born again into Christ.

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And the heavenly Jerusalem is the mother of the Church-Elect-faithful.

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And this is the true meaning of what it means to be a Jew.

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

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WE ARE THE COMMONWEALTH OF ISRAEL

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So here is the true Israel of God. God’s Elect! Both Jew and Gentile make up this spiritual nation.

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Listen once again to Paul’s testimony to the Ephesians, another church of the Gentiles… “That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the COMMONWEALTH OF ISRAEL, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus…ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;” Ephesians 2:12, 13, 19.

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So once again, Paul makes it plain, just what it truly means to be of Israel. Yes, it means much more than merely being of the literal blood-descent of Abraham.

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So, if we believe through God’s saving-faith, then are we Abraham’s children, and fellow citizens of the true “Israel of God”.

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Bible Study Group – Wikimedia – Share-Alike License

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

Romans 9, (The Apostle, Paul, speaking of “Israel, according to the flesh”)

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Now, should Christians have a yearning in their hearts for “Israel-after-the-flesh”? Of course they should! And even though we know that God will never re-institute His sacrificial system in the nation of Israel (they themselves might  presume to do so), nevertheless, our prayers and hope are for the Salvation of each and every Jew!

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And it is really disingenuous for the apostate church-world to hang upon our necks, their unbiblical and derogatory tag, “replacement theology”, and make the false claim that we hate the Jews or are anti-Zionists! Just because we understand that the Bible is a spiritual Book, filled with shadows, types, proverbs, and allegories. In other words, these apostate Bible teachers try to condemn anyone who believes that God raised up Old Testament Israel to be a spiritual type or shadow of all those in the Kingdom of God, both Jew and Gentile alike.

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Jewish Children with their Teacher in Samarkand – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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

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NO MORE BRICK-N-MORTAR TEMPLE

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In conclusion, these three little articles on this subject of so-called Replacement Theology will probably never convince those who want to insist that God is going to once again begin working within national Israel, and once again return to the temple service.

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But there has been enough evidences presented here to cause those who desire to know the great spiritual nature of the Bible, to further search out and explore just what God was trying to tell us about Salvation, when He gave us these testimonies.

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Oh yes, to be sure, there was a literal nation of Israel in the Old Testament. And one great reason that God raised them up in the Old Testament, was to present us with a picture of His unfolding plan of Salvation.

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But they were a part of all the other many wonderful Bible stories, which presented the Gospel of Jesus Christ in pictures, in such a way, that reveals the great spiritual truths to us, “upon whom the ends of the world are come.”

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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FOR YE ARE THE TEMPLE

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And though God may save very many literal Jews in these last days, God will never again raise up the Old Testament sacrificial system.

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Jesus was the fulfillment of that Old Testament temple service, and He is the only true temple, and we are the living stones in that eternal temple.

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And though there may be some who would like to see some brick-n-mortar structure built once again, over there in Palestine. But that brick-n-mortar structure would be just that: a brick-n-mortar structure, and nothing more: certainly not the “temple of the Lord”!

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But we, the true worshippers of God, both Old and New Testament Believers alike, both Jew and Gentile, are the only true “Temple of God” in this world, and in the world to come!

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Listen… “and the street of the city (New Jerusalem) was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.” Revelation 21:21, 22

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And when He (Jesus) saw a fig tree in the Way,/

He came to it, and found nothing thereon,

but leaves only, and said unto it,

‘Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever’.

And presently the fig tree withered away.”

Matthew 21:19  

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Withered Fig leaves – cropped image – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to be a lover of truth. Give me the grace to not idolize my teachers, nor my favorite doctrines. But help me to love the Bible above all, and to merely seek the truth, regardless of the consequences…

Woman Praying – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Fleeing to the Mountains: The Abomination in the Church, Part 1”, or you can also read…September 13 (“Do Replacement Theology Christians Hate Jews?”)

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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ORION THE SOLDIER

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The pagan cultures saw this incredible constellation as a hunter, with a club. Well, they weren’t too far off. Actually, God created it to appear like a soldier. This is because all nature presents aspects of the Gospel. Listen… “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows his handiwork.” Psalm 19:1. And so now we are amazed to discover that beyond the awesome grandeur of the starry night-heavens, God has actually written the Love of God in the heavenly scroll.

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Orionurania – Wikipedia – public domain

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7 MAJOR STARS OF ORION…

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Orion Constellation can best be seen all winter (but even in August in the pre-dawn hours of morning in eastern skies) traveling east to west through the night, in mid-sky.

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To find the seven major stars of Orion (one star on each shoulder and one star on each foot, plus the three stars which make his belt), you can locate on just about any clear night regardless of the blackness of the night.

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To find Orion’s other stars, you need more star-visibility…a darker, moonless night, and possibly away from city lights.

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Orion – Wikimedia – share-alike license

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “The Orion Phenomena” or you can also read… “Orion the Soldier (Armor of God)”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW:

“March 17th (Why Doesn’t My Christianity Work? Part 2)”

Question Mark – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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ALL‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.

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THIS STUDY #75 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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

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Today’s Devotional – March 15th

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Paul the Ultimate Replacement Theologian!

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Part 2

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

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In yesterday’s devotional (click here), the groundwork was laid for this subject of “Replacement Theology”, a derogatory name by which the greater portion of Christendom demeans those who now spiritualize Israel.

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In other words, most theologians agree that when the Bible speaks of Israel, it is only referring to the literal nation of Israel, and not to the New Testament Church as so-called, “Replacement Theologians” suppose.

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

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A SCARLET LETTER

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

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

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

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

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

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ALL PEOPLE NOW ON EQUAL GROUND!

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First, hear what Paul said to the Galatians… “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, THEN ARE YE ABRAHAM’S SEED, AND HEIRS ACCORDING TO THE PROMISE.” Galatians 3:27-29.

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

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

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

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

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

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STORY OF ABRAHAM WAS AN ALLEGORY

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And just a little later in Galatians, Paul makes an even more remarkable revelation, when he says… “For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which genders to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all…Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise…So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.” Galatians 4:22-26, 28, 31.

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

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Yes, these true historical accounts were meant to be prophecies concerning Christ and His Church! And this story of Sarah and Hagar was really about the New Testament Church!

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

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

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BIBLE A VERY PROPHETIC BOOK!

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Yes, and this giant concept of how the Old Testament really presented allegories concerning Christ and His Church, is further confirmed by this next passage from Revelation… “for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Revelation 19:10.

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And of course, the entire Bible is the “testimony of Jesus”. Revelation 19:10

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And so, the entire Bible is the “spirit of prophecy”. And that is why Paul had the license to unravel the true spiritual meaning of this Old Testament story, of how Sarah and Hagar are each a picture of the Church: both the faithful portion, as well as the unfaithful, apostate portion.

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It is just as Jesus said, regarding the Old Testament… “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me.” John 5:39.

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Yes, the Old Testament was all about Jesus, though He was veiled in types and shadows and various allegorical stories.

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Expulsion of Ishmael and His Mother by G. Dore – Wikipedia – public domain

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WE NEED NOT ANY HUMAN AUTHORITY TO TEACH US

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And not only Paul had the license to unravel these stories, but God gives us the same license, as is written… “But the Anointing (the Holy Spirit) which ye have received of Him (God) abides in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same Anointing teaches you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie…” 1st John 2:27

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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BIBLE IS GOSPEL WRAPPED IN PARABLES

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Listen to the very words of Jesus… “And the disciples came, and said unto Him, Why speakest Thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of Heaven, but to them it is not given…Therefore speak I to them in parables…For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.” Matthew 13:10, 11, 13, 15

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So in this above passage, Christ reveals why the Bible has so many parables.

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These parables reveal the deeper truths of God’s Word which are the “hidden manna” revealed only to God’s true worshippers.

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But those who are antichrists among God’s people, cannot progress onward to perfection (Nor do they even want to!) 

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

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THE WAY OF SALVATION REVEALED

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Oh yes, the Bible speaks plainly about how a person becomes saved.

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Yes, those basic salvational truths have been made clear as noonday in the Bible, and none need stumble, concerning how one must be saved!

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And should any of those in the apostate portion of the Church decide to truly come to Jesus, then his or her eyes will be opened to see these other many deeper truths, which are all wrapped up in allegorical stories.

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Holy Bible – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Lic.

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

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

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

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

Marine Praying – Wikimedia – USMC Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… February 21st (Picture of a Very Grave Man), or you can also read… February 19th (“Man Shall…Live…By Every Word”), or you can also read…September 13 (“Do Replacement Theology Christians Hate Jews?”)

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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THE HOLY GHOST RIDER CONSTELLATION

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

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It is primarily comprised of the Camelopardalis Constellation (head and upper back), plus about 5 stars from the Cassiopeia Constellation (his leg), plus some random stars. It appears as an outline of a rider. Only the back of his head is detailed. And his back and the back of his legs are also detailed. Both sides of his arm are visible, and his hand is gripping the horses mane, and that is detailed by three stars (which are also part of the horse’s mane). The rider is in a position vaguely similar to a race-horse jockey. The two brightest stars in this constellation, are from the Cassiopeia Constellation, and are part of his leg. All the rest of the stars are very faint, and must be viewed on a very starry night.

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Since this constellation has just been revealed, there may be more to this constellation in the coming months. But if you can locate the Goodly Horse in Battle Constellation, then you shouldn’t have too much trouble locating this Rider Constellation, provided you have excellent star-watching conditions.

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “The Holy-Ghost-Rider Constellation” or you can also read… “Goodly Horse in Battle Constellation”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW:

“March 16th (Paul the Ultimate Replacement Theologian! Part 3)” 

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

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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ALL‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.

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THIS STUDY #74 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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

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Today’s Devotional – March 14th

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Paul the Ultimate Replacement Theologian!

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

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

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

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

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Now, just what is “Replacement Theology”?

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Question Mark – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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THE CHURCH IS NOW ISRAEL?

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Yes, just what is the definition of, “Replacement Theology”?

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Well, Replacement Theology is a theologian-concocted term to describe those who believe that the Church is now New Testament Israel.

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And so, Replacement Theology is the derogatory tag placed upon those who spiritualize the portions of the Bible which speak of Israel, now applying them, as far as possible, to the Christian Church.

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Replacement Theology is not a term found anywhere in the Bible. 

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ABOVE PHOTO: audience hands – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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BUT WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

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What is very puzzling is this: with all the Bible passages which speak of the New Testament Church as now being “The Israel of God”, it’s baffling why this talk show host was so confident about his hard-liner stance against so-called, “Replacement Theology”! (see Galatians 6:16 for, “The Israel of God” reference)

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Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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EXPLORING THIS SO-CALLED DOCTRINE

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And so, this article will attempt to explain why Christians should be very nervous about using this derogatory name, “Replacement Theology”, to discount and demean those who believe the Church is spiritual Israel. 

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In other words, is it biblical to hang this derogatory title around the necks of those who believe that the New Testament Church (made up of both Jews and Gentiles), is now also part of the Commonwealth of Israel?

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Or rather, are they actually transgressing the Bible by condemning those whom they say are “guilty” of subscribing to so-called, “Replacement-Theology”?

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

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

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And why did it rise to popularity?

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

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WHY THE SHIFT IN OUR BELIEFS?

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

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

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

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

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Declaration of State of Israel 1948 – Wikimedia – public domain

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RADIO & TV MINISTRIES

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

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

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Announcer with microphone – svg – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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THE STRAW MAN PLOY

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

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And this has only further confused the issue.

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

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

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NO TRACE FOUND IN THE BIBLE

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

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

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You simply won’t find it! Because it’s not there! Some fearless theologian dreamed-up the name, emboldening most other theologians to follow his heretical leading!

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

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A DOCTRINE FROM THE CARNAL HEART

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

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Nothing!

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So, the name, “Replacement Theology” is not found anywhere in the Bible. Nor does the Bible offer any validation for condemning those who spiritualize away the types and shadows found in Scripture, concerning Israel!

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In other words, it is a totally man-made, man-fabricated doctrine! Nowhere does the Bible say that we must only regard Israel as literal.

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

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BIBLE: A SPIRITUAL BOOK

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

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

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

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Listen… “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1st Corinthians 2:14.

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

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Nicaea icon – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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

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

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APOSTLE, PAUL: THE GUILTY ONE!

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

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Yes, Paul is the guilty one!

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

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Just listen to Paul… “For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.” Romans 2:28, 29.

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

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

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

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CHURCH NOW THE COMMONWEALTH OF ISRAEL

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But Paul doesn’t stop here!

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No, just listen to this next passage… “That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace;” Ephesians 2:12-15

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Now this has some difficult language in it. But basically this is saying that the blood of Jesus now makes us Gentiles at oneness with Israel, through the atonement of Christ on the Cross!

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In Christ, we are now one!

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

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NOW WE ALL ARE ONE IN CHRIST

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And now, we Gentile Believers also belong to the “Commonwealth of Israel”, alongside every true Jewish worshipper of God!

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Yes, by Christ’s blood, both Jew and Gentile Believers alike, now belong to the, Commonwealth of Israel!

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And so it is passages like this which cause us so-called, “Replacement Theologians”, to cling tenaciously to the idea that we are the true, “Israel of God”! And as this passage reveals, we true worshippers are no longer strangers from the, “covenant of promise”. 

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And so today, the Bible makes it clear that there is absolutely no difference between Jew and Gentile, according to this passage.

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

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

Romans 9:3

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Now, should Christians have a yearning in their hearts for “Israel-after-the-flesh”? Of course they should! And even though we know that God will never re-institute His sacrificial system in the nation of Israel over there in so-called, “Palestine” (or any other nation, our prayers and hope is for the Salvation of each and every Jew!)

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And it is really disingenuous for the apostate church-world to call us by their unbiblical derogatory tag, “replacement theology”, and make the false claim that we hate the Jews or are anti-Zionists! Just because we understand that the Bible is a spiritual Book, filled with shadows, types, proverbs, and allegories. Of course, true worshipers of God have a great and prayerful desire to see every ethnic Jew come to Salvation in Christ!                                                                                   

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

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And so, O Seeker of Truth, do these aforementioned passages (Romans 2:28, 29 & Ephesians 2:12-15) begin to make sense, as to why so many Christians are “guilty” of clinging to the doctrine that we, the Church, are now the true “Israel of God”?

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

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But these above passages (Romans 2:28, 29 & Ephesians 2:12-15) are just two passages among many other similar passages from Paul’s epistles, which speak of the New Testament Church as being of the commonwealth of Israel.

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Holy Bible – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons lic.

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So, in tomorrow’s devotional (click here), this doctrine will be further explored in the light of the bible.

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

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YOU MAY WANT TO READ THIS VERY IMPORTANT ARTICLE…

September 13 (“Do Replacement Theology Christians Hate Jews?”)

Anti-Jew – Anti-Zionist RallyFeb16, 2003

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to study the Bible for my own self, and not lean on the arm of flesh. Let me not be afraid to stand alone. Let me not be afraid of angry faces when I do take my stand, independent of the multitudes…

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “November 22 – (The Greatest Jig-saw Puzzle Ever!)“ or you can also read… “January 24th (The True Message of Revelation!)“

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

 

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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WINE-CUP IN HER HAND

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As you can see, this Mystery Harlot, the Pleiades Constellation, has a cup of red wine in her hand. This actually is a single red star. But it only confirms that we are seeing this constellation correctly.

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And by the way, this entire cluster of stars reminds us of a cluster of grapes, does it not? Yes, this was the forbidden tree in the garden! This was the forbidden fruit which the serpent (Satan) convinced the woman to drink! And so, this Pleiades harlot-woman is a symbol of Eve, as she convinced her husband to eat of that fruit.

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

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READ MORE…

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

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW: “March 15th

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(Paul the Ultimate Replacement Theologian! Part 2)”

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

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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ALL‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. 

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

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

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