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Today’s Devotional – April 10th

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The Abomination of Desolation,

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Part 1

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“When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation,

spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place,

(whoso readeth, let him understand:)

Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:”

Matthew 24:15, 16

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So, it says here in the above passage, “when ye…shall see the Abomination of Desolation standing in the Holy Place”, those who are in Judea should flee to the mountains.

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Here is a photo is of the mountains of Judea.

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But exactly what is the Abomination of Desolation?

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The fact is, the Bible is a spiritual book, and the Bible plainly says, “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Ghost teaches; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” 1st Corinthians 2:13.

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Judean Hills Panorama from beth meir – Wikipedia – share-alike license

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THE BIBLE HAS THE ANSWER!

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So just what is this abomination which causes desolation?

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There are many who attempt to define the Abomination of Desolation either by searching through history books or by perusing the daily newspapers!

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But the fact is, all Scripture must be interpreted by comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

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Yes, as Isaiah puts it… “For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:” 28:10

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The Bible must be its own interpreter. 

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Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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LOCUSTS & BLACK HELICOPTERS

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But it is much easier and more exotic to merely look out into the world, and try to find something that resembles the allegories and images that so often appear in Revelation!

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For example, some try to interpret the Revelation, Ch. 9 “locusts” as being some new black helicopter!

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But by simply studying locusts in the Bible, in such places as Joel, Chapter 1, it is soon discovered that locusts were a means by which God chastised His people!

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In other words, locusts represented the various ways that God allowed the earthly riches and pleasures of His disobedient people to be eaten up and consumed!

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Black helicopters – Wikimedia – US Army – Public Domain

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DESOLATIONS IN CITY & SANCTUARY

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And this idea of the Abomination of Desolation is no different!

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We must search the Scriptures to find the correct understanding!

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So maybe this prayer for his people by Daniel will help define all this… “O my God, incline Thine ear, and hear; open Thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by Thy Name: for we do not present our supplications before Thee for our righteousnesses, but for Thy great mercies.” Daniel 9:17, 18

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So, Daniel here is pleading for God to have pity on “the city called by Thy name”, and upon the sanctuary and upon the people of God, which have all become desolate, because of their disobedience!

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Poynter’s – Daniel’s Prayer – 1865 – public domain

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THE TRUE TEMPLE OF GOD

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Now the Bible foretells that the Son of Perdition will take his seat in the temple.

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Listen… “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” 2nd Thessalonians 2:3, 4

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Now the general consensus among the radio and TV preachers seems to be that this temple of God will be a literal temple, which will be rebuilt over in Jerusalem in Palestine. 

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But could a brick-n-mortal temple ever really be considered, “the temple of God”? Really?

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Listen to Scripture… “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” 1st Corinthians 3:16, 17

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Yes. Now here is the true temple of God! God’s Elect Church! God and His people are the true temple of the Lord! 

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THE PARROTS OF PROPHECY!

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But it must be remembered that today’s teachers and theologians agree because they read and listen one-another’s books/lectures. That’s why they agree so much. They merely parrot one-another’s teachings!

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And furthermore, most of today’s eschatology is based on Cyrus I. Scofield, an unbiblical heretic of the previous century, who had the presumptuous audacity to publish his very own fallible/erroneous opinions on the pages of his very own study Bible, The Scofield Bible!

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Just one of Scofield’s many heretical teachings was, that before Adam, there existed a previous creation! And this heresy was parroted by the likes of such men as J. Vernon McGee, who finally and somewhat reluctantly admitted this error in his teachings.

Sentinal Parrots – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

Cyrus Scofield – 1920 – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

1917 Scofield Bible – Wikipedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0

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And so, the question is, “Just how can the “man of sin”, take his seat in the temple of God, if that temple is the body of Christ? 

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

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FOR THE ANSWER TO THIS PUZZLING QUESTION, PLEASE READ THE COMPANION ARTICLE IN TOMORROW’S DEVOTIONAL… 

“Who is the Man of Sin?” (click here)

Satan presiding at the Infernal Council- Wikpedia – US Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me a true understanding into all these things…

Marine Praying – cropped image – Wikimedia – USMC Public Domain

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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… “April 11th (Who is the Man of Sin?)”

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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LOCATING THE DRAGON

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(REVELATION 12 DRAGON IS NOT DRACO!)

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First, let it be stated, that this Dragon Constellation is not the same constellation commonly referred to as “Draco” (photo to right is Draco, AKA Ursa Minor).

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This Revelation 12 Dragon from Signs Of Heaven, has not been previously recognized. But you will discover that it is a very intricate and complex constellation, once you are comfortable locating it.

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Draco, Ursa Minor Wikipedia share-alike license

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LOCATION…

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The Revelation 12 Dragon Constellation can be located by finding Orion in winter months. The Dragon is to Orion’s left, and the Dragon’s mouth is right next to Orion’s shield. This Dragon’s mouth is the V-like constellation The Hyades Cluster, which is also known as the head of Taurus the Bull. The Dragon’s tail-tip is Pleiades and the lower shaft of his tail is partly of Aries and Pisces. Then with aid of a dark and starry night, you may begin to connect the mouth and the tail with a very long body in an oval shape. The front and back legs are made of a few stars: the front legs partially of stars from Taurus . The back legs and rear fin are made of 6 stars from the Cetus Constellation.

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BODY HARD TO SEE

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The long oval-shaped body has relatively few stars, but can been seen, howbeit with a dark, starry night. The four stars of the front fins are made partially of Taurus .

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FIRST APPEARS IN MID-SUMMER

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This Dragon constellation appears in the eastern horizon about mid-summer in the pre-dawn hours, spewing his flood-waters northward toward the Revelation 12 Woman in Travail (not pictured in this chart).

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The Wave of Water is primarily composed of the Constellation Auriga. There are two dimmer stars (#’s 1 & 2) which are closest to the Dragon’s mouth. These two dimmer stars are also part of this Wave of Water.

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THE ZODIAC NAMES

It is not the purpose, nor the desire of www.theheavensdeclare.net to give any validity or recognition to the Zodiac or any pagan deities. But unfortunately, the common names of many constellations (such as Scorpio or Sagittarius, etc.), must be given, solely for the purpose of locating them on star-charts.

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read…The Revelation 12 Dragon Constellation

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW:

“April 11th (The Abomination of Desolation, Part 2)”

Satan presiding at the Infernal Council- Wikpedia – 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 #100 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 – April 9th

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The Two Turtledoves Constellation!

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Part 1:

“The Two Flying Epistles”

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL IS AN EXCERPT FROM THIS WEBSITE’S ARTICLE… “Two Turtle-Doves Constellation”

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“And He (Jesus) called unto Him the twelve,

and began to send them forth by two and two…

And they went out, and preached…”

Mark 6:7, 12

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Photo of two turtle-doves by Yuvair for Wikipedia – share-alike license, click here for link.

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TWO DOVES SYMBOLIZE WITNESSING

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“And He (Jesus) called unto Him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;” Mark 6:7

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This above verse from the Gospel of Mark presents this idea of the number “two” symbolizing witnessing (see “Mercury & The Image Of The Beast“).

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The painting shows Jesus sending out His Disciples, two-by-two, to proclaim the Gospel to anyone willing to listen.

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Brooklyn Museum – Jesus sends disciples out two by two – by James Tissot – US Public Domain

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“GO YE INTO ALL THE WORLD”

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And capitalizing on the number “two”, God has created this Two Turtle-Doves Constellation, symbolizing God’s people, who are freed from death, so that they can carry the message of God’s love to fallen humanity (fallen humanity symbolized by the Flower of the Field Constellation. See sketch to the right).

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Since the number “two” is the number of “witness” in Scripture, then this constellation speaks of the “witness” of these “Two Turtle-Doves”.

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And speaking of sending messages, this “Two Turtle-Doves Constellation” is definitely sending us a very vital message from God! “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

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“TWO” = “ME & HOLY SPIRIT”

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These Two Turtle-Doves have a greater meaning, when we really get down to the core message of the number, “Two”.

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That is, the only true witness for Christ there can be is when “my witnessing” is empowered by the Holy Spirit. If I try to witness without God’s Spirit, there is no genuine witness. Nothing good can ever hoped to be achieved.

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Listen… “For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” James 1:7, 8.

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Yes, a double-minded Christian is in no condition to witness. That man (or woman) needs to be thoroughly reformed: completely changed by the infilling of the Holy Spirit.

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And so, these Two Turtle-Doves symbolize the real true witness, “the Believer & the Holy Spirit”, as they go through life together, witnessing at all times, and in every situation of life!

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LIVING EPISTLES

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And so it is with this entire “Summer Constellation” Group.

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As the Disciples followed Jesus, they preached the Good News in every city. And it seems that God has given us this constellation group to remind us to do the same: to preach the Gospel to a world covered in “gross darkness”. (See Isaiah 60:1, 2).

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And we in this affluent society, can financially support various faithful Gospel ministries, here, and abroad.

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NUMBER 2 & 2ND COMMANDMENT

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But there is even a further aspect to the number 2.

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After all, the 2nd Commandment is all about images. And every true worshiper of God is to spend his or her life seeking to be transformed into the image of Christ. And this is the true witness, as we are a book, known and read of all those around us. In other words, if the Believer has truly become changed into the glorious image of Christ, then his or her likeness to Jesus will become a witness in itself!

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Listen…“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them…But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.” Ephesians 5:11, 13

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And so, here is the true witness to a world lost and groping in the darkness of sin: the light of Christ!

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

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“KNOWN & READ OF ALL…”

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And even though the Gospel has been heavily preached right here in our land, there is much we can do right in our own home, neighborhood and town.

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Yes, even though our fellow town’s people have heard about Jesus, they nevertheless need to SEE Jesus.

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And that’s what this society needs now: for us to purify our hearts that we will be more and more a “living epistle, known and read of all Mankind” (2nd Corinthians 3).

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And so, by thus-doing, our transformed lives will be a living testimony which proclaims to all, that of a truth, Christ is in us.

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Mall witnessing, Panama City, Panama

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GOD’S LAST CALL

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So these Two Turtle-Doves are a sign of witnessing to a lost and dying world.

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And it may just be that these Two Turtle-Doves are a sign of God’s last message to the world!

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Yes, the Bible says… “And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” Luke 21:25-27.

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And so, if these signs are a fulfillment of Luke’s prophecy, then this Two Turtle-Doves Constellation is a symbol of God’s last message of mercy to this world!

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ABOVE PICTURE: summer constellations with Two Turtledoves

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TO READ PART 2, CLICK HERE…

April 29 (Two Turtledoves Constellation! Part 2: “Mourning Doves & Us”)“

ABOVE STAR-CHART (with doves drawn in by this website: Summer Constellation – Two Turtledoves (aka: Sagittarius) – Wikipedia Star-chart

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Let my life be a living epistle, which tells the Gospel of Jesus…

Praying Hands – Otto Greiner – Wikimedia – .bassenge.com – Cropped image – Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Two Turtle-Doves Constellation”

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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LOCATING THIS CONSTELLATION

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THE TWO TURTLE-DOVES CONSTELLATION… This constellation appears in early spring in the south. It moves from east to west during the night and slowly moves to the western horizon by fall. It is commonly known as Sagittarius. (The three stars at the top of the 2nd Turtle-dove are not shown in some Sagittarius Star-charts, but are in others.)

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Sagittarius Constellation star-chart from a wikipedia. Editor of this site has sketched in the Turtle-Doves. Star-chart is under Share-alike license

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FLOWER OF THE FIELD AND TWO TURTLEDOVES CONSTELLATIONS: These two constellations in the above sketch are the Two Turtledoves Constellation and the Flower of the Field Constellation. They appear in the southern skies, moving from east to west. They are best seen from spring through fall. This sketch is how they appear in the spring in the northern latitudes. In the southern latitudes they are more tilted. As they move through the night sky, the flower appears to bend down.

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Two Turtle-Doves Constellation”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW:

“April 10th (The Abomination of Desolation, Part 1)”

ABOVE PICTURE: Satan, The False Prophet who now in these last days destroys the churches via a world-loving prosperity-driven false gospel – www.signsofheaven.org

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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 #99 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 -April 8th

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The True Nature of Evil

THE FOLLOWING ARE EXCERPTS FROM THIS WEBSITE’S ARTICLE… “Television & The Image That Speaks” (click here)

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Hasn’t the Devil has done a masterful job of erasing himself out of existence?

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And even those who still believe he exists, mostly think of him as some red-suited, pitchfork-wielding “dude”, who hangs out primarily with the occult!

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And to this misunderstanding is this daily devotional dedicated…

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Devil-goat – Wikipedia – public domain

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A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME IS STILL A ROSE…

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(AND THE DEVIL, BY ANY OTHER NAME IS STILL THE DEVIL)

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Lucifer knows that in order to have himself worshipped, doesn’t require the world to believe that he even exists!

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It only requires for people to love his attributes.

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The Bible points out, that a mere name has no power!

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It’s the qualities of character that determine just who our God is.

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Satan presiding at the Infernal Council – Wikipedia – US public domain

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“YOUR FATHER, THE DEVIL”

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When the children of Israel claimed to be children of Abraham, Jesus plainly pointed out that it is useless to invoke a name, and yet deny the character behind that name. 

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Listen…“They answered and said unto Him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham…Ye are of your father the Devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do.” John 8:39, 44.

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These were God’s professed people, whom Jesus called the children of the Devil!

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Because even though they invoked the name of God, they possessed the selfish attributes of the Devil.

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Tissot – the Pharisees and the Herodians conspire against Jesus – www.joyfulheart.com

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LOVING THIS WORLD IS TO LOVE “THE gOD OF THIS WORLD”

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And so Satan works undercover, erasing himself out of existence, then creating a world filled with tokens of his attributes.

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By so-doing, he accomplishes his grand scheme.

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Listen… “And they (the people of the world) worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?” Revelation 13:4.

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And so, this passage is fulfilled, simply by the people of the world, loving this world-system, with all its selfish wares and ways.

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And by their friendship with the world, they are, in reality, friends with Satan!

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WHOSE CHARACTER DO WE LOVE?…

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So we don’t need to bow down to a statue of a pagan idol, in order to pay homage to Lucifer.

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Simply by pursuing the things of this, the Devil’s world; by conforming ourselves to the customs, vanities and selfish behaviors of this unbelieving world, are we not worshiping the author of this present evil World-System…Lucifer, whom Scripture refers to as “the prince of this world” John 14:30?

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“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” James 4:4  

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New york times square – terabass – cropped image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

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ANTICHRIST IS THE WORLD-SYSTEM

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There are many who mistakenly believe that the Antichrist Beast is going to be one single individual: perhaps a business-man or religious leader.

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And because they are so locked into this idea, they tend to ride rough-shod over this passage from Revelation Chapter 17, which explains what this Beast actually is.

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Listen… “The beast that thou sawest was…And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman (the apostate Church) sitteth. And there are seven kings…And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings…” Revelation 17:8-13

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So this Antichrist Beast, which, by the way, is in the image of the Dragon of Revelation 12, is a composite of various kingdoms and various kings. 

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ABOVE PICTURE – The whore city, Babylon, the apostate church-world – Burgkmair – 1523 AD – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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ANTICHRIST NOT GROTESQUE MONSTER

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And this is what the Mark of the Beast is actually all about, when you really think about it.

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This present World-System, and all its loyal citizens comprise Satan’s Antichrist Beast.

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Listen to Scripture… “Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now ARE THERE MANY ANTICHRISTS; whereby we know that it is the last time.” 1st John 2:18.

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From this verse it becomes evident that an Antichrist is not some hideous monster. 

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Just listen… “and this is that [spirit] of antichrist…They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.” 1st John 4:3, 5. Okay, so antichrists are of the world, speak of the world, and the world listens to them.

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Monster – Wikimedia – US public Domain

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“BUT I’M NOT AN ANTICHRIST!”

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But to this concept, (that an antichrist is merely a worldly person), many might protest, saying, “Satan doesn’t have any power in my life!”

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Well, just listen to this… “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:” Ephesians 2:2.

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So by this statement, we see that the spirit of Satan, the “Prince of the Power of the Air” now works in “the children of disobedience”, i.e., the people of the world! 

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PS Krøyer – Hip hip hurra! Kunstnerfest på Skagen 1888 – Wikimedia – public domain

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NO MIDDLE GROUND:

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(EITHER LOVERS OF HEAVEN OR LOVERS OF WORLD)

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And just one last proof, that there are no neutral fence-sitters in this world.

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Listen to Jesus… “He that is not with Me is against Me; and he that gathereth not with Me scattereth abroad.” Matthew 12:30. .

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Either we are firmly ensconced in Christ’s sheepfold, or we are in Satan’s camp. There’s no middle ground, as far as the people of this world are concerned. 

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And of course, there are many in the Church who, as Jesus said…“This people draw nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me.” Matthew 15:8.

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The False Prophet-www.signsofheaven.org

 

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WHO IS CHIEF OF SINNERS?

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“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. ” 1st Timothy

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Notice in this above verse, that Paul says… “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation”. Paul just wasn’t talking of himself, as the chief of sinners. No, this is a saying worthy of my own acceptation (and your’s too!)

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God knows our hearts, each and every one! He sees the wickedness within. 

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And as Jeremiah put it…“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeemiah 17:9.

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Now Jeremiah is speaking in general terms. He’s not speaking of one heart. Nor is he speaking of some hearts. God here is speaking of every heart. 

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

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AND SO, THIS ARTICLE CONTINUES WITH A DISCUSSION REGARDING THE ILL EFFECTS OF TELEVISION UPON THE HEARTS OF CHRISTIANS. AND THE READER CAN READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE BY CLICKING HERE… “Television & The Image That Speaks”

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

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Let me not be ignorant of Satan’s devices. But give me a greater and greater understanding of these things, by studying my Bible more carefully…

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… ““Vanity Fair” & The False Prophet” or you can also read… “Floodwaters of the False Prophet: “Atheism & Psychology””

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 IN HEAVEN

 

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This Flower of the Field Constellation graces the summer night sky, reminding us of the vanity of this life. The opening verse are the words of the “voice in the wilderness”. Listen… “The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? ‘All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.'” Isaiah 40:3, 6-8. This verse tells us that all the glory of Mankind is as a fading flower.

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These two constellations in the above sketch are the Two Turtle-doves (AKA Sagittarius) and the Flower of the Field Constellations(AKA Scorpio). They appear in the southern skies, moving from east to west. They are best seen from spring through fall. This sketch is how they appear in the spring in the northern latitudes. In the southern latitudes they are more tilted. As they move through the night sky, the flower appears to bend down.

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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:

“April 9th (Two Flying Epistles!)”

Zechariah-flying-roll-Zech-5-1-by-www.breadsite.org-public-domain-300×203

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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 #98 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 -April 7th

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1 Preacher! 2 Sermons!

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A Christian was very excited about an up-and-coming evangelist! “You just have to hear this guy! He’s incredible”, said this friend.

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But another friend, speaking of the same evangelist, said just the opposite…“He’s no good! He’s the Devil incarnate!”

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So what was the problem?

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Why did these two people see this evangelist in two entirely different ways?

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Thumb up icon – svg – Wikimedia – Share-alike license

Thumbs Down – Wikimedia – Public domain

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VERY CHARISMATIC!

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Now it’s true that this preacher is very popular, especially among young people, college-aged and older.

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Well, upon listening to this evangelist, it’s not hard to understand why he is so popular.

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After all, he’s a great speaker, a charismatic personality, full of emotion, full of energy!

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And this evangelist is rather unconventional, not being afraid to speak against the so-called “orthodoxy” of Christendom.

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Audience hands – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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SPEAKING WITH FORKED-TONGUE!

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So what’s the problem with this evangelist?

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Why did one person love his message, while the other hated his message?

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The problem was, this popular evangelist was preaching two sermons at the same time!

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You see, in the garden of Eden, Lucifer came speaking to the woman through a serpent (Old English, for “snake”).

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And the Bible has forever connected Satan with the serpent (snake).

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But also notice its tongue!

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Observe how the snake has a forked tongue!

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Brown tree snake Boiga – Wikipedia – public domain

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“EARTHLY, SENSUAL, DEVILISH”

James 3:15

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In other words, I can say all the right things!

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I can talk about Jesus!

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I can tell of His great love!

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I can encourage my audience to follow Him!

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But if my words are not accompanied by a life in harmony with His life, then I am preaching two entirely different sermons! .

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In other words, if I speak about the glories of Heaven, but most everything about my delivery of that message speaks of earthiness and sensuality, then I am like that forked-tongued snake. Or perhaps like this two-headed serpent in the above photo!

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Double-headed Aztec Snake – British Museum – Wikipedia – Share-alike license

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SPIRITUAL WORDS, SENSUAL MUSIC!

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If my chosen music presentation has Christian words, and yet is accompanied with a very earthy, sensual musical genre, then my words and music are each preaching a different sermon!

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After all, aren’t we supposed to transform ourselves into the heavenly image?

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And doesn’t all Heaven and its music reflect the solemnity and reverence of Jesus?

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And can I not imagine the celestial music emanating from the courts above?

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And haven’t there been many joyful, but reverent songs and hymns written over the centuries?

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Can I imagine David, strumming his harp in reverent, joyful tones, as he watched his flocks by day and by night? 

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David Playing Harp www.thebiblerevival.com US public domain

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REVERENT SPEECH!

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If I swoon and even fawn all over Jesus, but then I speak in hip-talk, and be cute and funny and appeal to my audience’s carnal nature, what good is that?
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And so, my very speech, by its own qualities, can indeed preach two entirely different sermons!

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Do you suppose that Jesus had his audience all in stitches, like so many of today’s preachers?

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Did Jesus need to be some sort of stand-up comic, or circus clown, in order to entertain His audience?

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Listen to Thomas Brooks, in his 1676 treatise called, “7 Characteristics of False Teachers”… “They preach more to please the ear than to profit the heart…False teachers handle holy things rather with wit and trifling, rather than with fear and reverence. False teachers are soul-murderers. They are like evil surgeons, that skin over the wound—but never heal it…False teachers are Hell’s greatest enrichers.”

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But Peter rather, exhorts us to reverence… “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God;” 1st Peter 4:11

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Comedy Clown – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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EMOTIONALLY-CHARGED GOSPELS

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Much of today’s gospels are emotionally charged: the music, the speakers, the lighting, even special effects and false miracles, quite often are designed to bring the audience into an electrifying experience! 

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But our divine role-model, Jesus, did not present the Gospel in such a earthy, sensual manner. Just the opposite! Listen to Isaiah…“Isa 53:2  For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him…Isa 42:2  He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. 
Isa 42:3  A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.”

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These above verses describe a very low-keyed individual who never played upon the emotions of His hearers in attempt to win them over through passionate presentations.

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But today, such emotionally charged church-services eventually leave a vacuum in the hearts of the attendees, actually bringing many down into depression and sadness, a day or two after the excitement wears off.

Church Worship Music – Wikipedia – Share-alike-license

Jesus over Jerusalem – Enrique Simonet Flevit – 1892 – Wikimedia – Public-Domain

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IMITATION: THE HIGHEST FORM OF PRAISE!

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People are not dumb! They perceive many things. And they instinctively know the difference between the way Jesus behaved, and the way the world behaves. 

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And so, when we Christians profess to be followers of Jesus, but behave like the world, the world takes it as a compliment to their own worldly behavior!

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To imitate the world, is to praise the world. And the “god of this world” is happy to have a Christian behave as one of his loyal subjects!

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But we are to be, “ambassadors for Christ” (2nd Corinthians 5:20). And the more truly we reflect His glorious image, the greater will be our witness to the world; and the more that God will bless our efforts!

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“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” Hebrews 12:14

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

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Well, the Good News is, that there is still time to change my worldly ways! I can turn away from this form of hypocrisy, and bring my lifestyle into harmony with my words, and with Christ!

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me a desire to find the true Jesus. Give me the grace to become transformed into His holy image…

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “January 19th (Who Wants To Hang Out With Holiness?)“ 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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ORION, THE GOOD SHEPHERD

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“The LORD is my shepherd;

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I shall not want (lack).

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He maketh me to lie

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down in green pastures:

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He leadeth me beside

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the still waters…

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I will fear no evil:

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for Thou art with me;

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Thy rod and thy staff

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they comfort me….”

Psalm 23:1, 2, 4

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ORION, THE GOOD SHEPHERD

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This star-chart from Wikipedia, has Orion sketched in by the editor of this website. With the addition of a single star, Theta Geminorum (the left hand of the Castor twin of Gemini), the sickle in Orion, the Reaper’shand (sketch to left), now extends the blade, thus transforming that sickle into the hook of a shepherd’s rod and staff. And so now this little Gemini star becomes the tip of Orion’s Shepherd’s rod & staff. Thus with this additional star, Orion the Reaper Constellation now becomes the 5th personality of Orion: The Good Shepherd (sketch below right). Theta Geminorum is a class A3, 4th magnitude star, which means it is much fainter than either of the stars, Castor or Pollux. But faint as This little star may be, it nevertheless presents a giant concept, turning Orion’s sickle into a shepherd’s rod. And this is a very wonderful and beautiful Bible truth: namely, that Jesus is the Good Shepherd, as is written…

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“As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out My sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.” Ezekiel 34:12

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And so God has placed this Starry Shepherd in the winter-night heavens to remind us of His great love for a planet which has wandered away: just like sheep that wandered to where the grass looked greener.

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ABOVE WIKIPEDIA STAR-CHART: Orion the reaper – Wikipedia star-chart (with the Reaper drawn over by this website)

ABOVE WIKIPEDIA STAR-CHART – winter – Orion the Good Shepherd (Orion Constellation and rod made of Gemini stars – with the Shepherd drawn over by this website) – www.signsofheaven.org

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Orion, The Good Shepherd”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW:

“April 8th (The True Nature of Evil)”

Satan presiding at the Infernal Council – 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 #97 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 -April 6th

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Wrestling With God!

Today’s devotional is an excerpt from an article from this website… “Castor and Pollux (Part 2: The Return of Christ & The Dawning of the Day)”

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“Ask ye now, and see

whether a man doth travail with child?

wherefore do I see every man

with his hands on his loins, as a woman in travail,

and all faces are turned into paleness?

Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it:

it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble;

but he shall be saved out of it.”

Jeremiah 30:6, 7

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Jacob Wrestling with the Angel – Wikipedia – public domain

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What in the world could this above verse be speaking of?

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How can a man travail with child?

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And how can ALL faces be turned into paleness?

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And what in the world is “The Time of Jacob’s Trouble”?

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And how does this verse apply to me as an individual Christian?

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

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TIME OF JACOB’S TROUBLE

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OK, So by examining that story of Jacob wrestling all night with an unknown man, there can be seen a great picture of just what we must endure in the coming trial before us.

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Listen… “And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day…And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me…Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.” Genesis 32:24, 26-28

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Jacob Wrestling with the Angel – Wikipedia – public domain

 

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JACOB REPRESENTS TRUE-WORSHIPPERS

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Jacob represents all Christians.

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Esau represents the man of flesh.  

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And there still exists in every Christian a struggle between the spirit and the flesh.  

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Listen to Scripture… “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” Galatians 5:17.

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So it now is evident that there exists a struggle in the life of each and every Christian.

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James Tissot – The Mess of Pottage – Wikipedia – US public domain.

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LET US FLEE “THE OLD MAN”

Ephesians 4:2

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And just as Jacob was trying to escape Esau, so the Christian is trying to flee from his or her own fleshy desires.

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Oh, the Christian wants very much to have a consistent walk in the Spirit.

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But it seems that so many of us sincere Christians are, all too often, falling into our fleshly lusts: pride, anger, phariseeism (judging others because of proud moralism), lusting, gluttony, worldliness, and a host of other sins are constantly rising up, making us to doubt our Salvation.

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We need to escape from our “Esau” within. And this, “Old Man”, still wants to “run the show” so to speak.

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Jacob Wrestling with the Angel – Wikipedia – public domain

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“THE DAY DAWN”

2nd peter 1:19

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Jeremiah says concerning the Day of the Lord, “Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble” Jeremiah 30:7.

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The coming conflict will be a time in which each Christian will wrestle for the victory.

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And though like Jacob, the Christian will think he or she is wrestling with the enemy.

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But when the “dawning of the day” arrives, it will be discovered that our struggle was actually with the Lord.

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Jacob Wrestling with the Angel – Wikipedia – public domain

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“CRUCIFIED”

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And at that time, we will, like Jacob, lose our old name, “Jacob, the Deceiver”.

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And we will be forever pronounced with our new name, Israel.

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Just like Jacob, we will have prevailed with God.

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And like Jacob, we will be able to say, “for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” Genesis 32:30.

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At that time we will have completely overcome the “Old Man with his deeds” Colossians 3:9

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And the Lord shall say to us, “Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.” Genesis 32:28 

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Jacob Wrestling with the Angel – Wikipedia – public domain

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And O Soldier of the Cross, let us armor up! Because, if you haven’t noticed, that time of Jacob’s Trouble has already begun!

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to fully understand just what is my duty in these last days. Give me grace and strength to strive for Christ’s character in my own life..

.Marine Praying – Wikimedia – USMC Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… ” (Part 2: The Return of Christ & The Dawning of the Day)” or you can also read… “The Crown of Revelation 12: What Is “The Time of Jacob’s Trouble”?”

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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GUIDE US TO HEAVEN’S GATE…

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And Arcturus is that brilliant star (3rd brightest in our heavens) which leads these Gospel constellations, Summer, Fall, and Winter Constellations, to present a picture story, a heavenly allegory of sorts; these constellations, which together, tell of the incredible love of God. And Arcturus, our Host Star, will lead to an understanding of God’s Word, which will, in turn, guide God’s people up a narrow pathway; onward and upward through Heaven’s Gate itself, and ultimately into the very heavenly City of God!

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Oh don’t doubt for a moment that God cannot or will not do this! For with God, all things are possible! Listen… “Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” Mark 9:23

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And Signs Of Heaven Website will direct the Reader to God’s Word in such a way as to bring out certain Bible truths not currently recognized or emphasized in most of the current Christian theological circles.

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LOCATING ARCTURUS…

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An easy way to find Arcturus is to follow the arc of the handle of the Big Dipper, in the spring through fall (these are the months in which Arcturus is visible).

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SUMMER CONSTELLATIONS: (Sketch to right: constellations span the heavens (Ark in south, 7 Stars in north), and travel from east to west through the night.

This sketch is of the Summer Constellations as they appear when in the western half of the night sky. The box-like constellation is the The Ark of the Covenant (AKA Sagittarius) is in the south. To the right is both the Flower of the Field Constellation (AKA Scorpius) and the The Cross/Scepter Constellations. Further to the north is the Crown of Revelation Twelve (AKA Corona Borealis Constellation) and the star, Arcturus. Farthest to the north is the 7 Stars Constellation (AKA The Big Dipper )

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Arcturus (the star that wise-men follow!)”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW:

“April 7th (1 Preacher! 2 Sermons!)”

Audience hands – cropped & altered – Wikimedia – Universal 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.

.

THIS STUDY #96 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 -April 5th

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Following Jesus! 

The following devotion is an excerpt from this website’s article… “Arcturus (the star that wise-men follow!)”

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In the Book of Job, the last chapters, is found a very long lecture to Job, given by Almighty God Himself.

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And in this amazing lecture, God asked Job various questions.

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However, the questions God asked, were probably far beyond what Job could comprehend, much less give an answer to.

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Job (oil on canvas) by Bonnat, Leon Joseph Florentin (1833-1922) – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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“CAN YOU GUIDE ARCTURUS WITH HIS SONS?”

Job 38:32

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But among the various questions asked Job, were some very curious ones about the stars. And one of those questions about the stars was… “Can you guide Arcturus with his sons?” Job 38:32.

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Now Job, like many ancient wise-men, probably realized that Arcturus was that very bright star in the night skies.

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But what in the world was God talking about, when He asked Job if he could “guide Arcturus WITH HIS SONS“?

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How could a star have sons?! And how could Job, a mere man, possibly guide a star?!?

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What strange questions for God to be asking a mere man!!

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Job – Wikimedia – US public domain

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“THEY FORSOOK ALL AND FOLLOWED HIM”

Luke 5:11

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“And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And He said unto them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men’. And they straightway left their nets, and followed Him.” Matt. 4:18-22

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You see, the star, Arcturus, as it leads an entourage of constellations on a year-long ambassage through the heavens, reminds us of Jesus, as He called and led His Disciples.

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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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THROUGH THE HIGHWAYS & BYWAYS OF ISRAEL

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Jesus, standing on the shore…called His Disciples in their fishing boat, to “Come and follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men”.

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And then He led them on a 3-1/2 year adventure through the highways and byways of Judea and Galilee.

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Just picture Jesus in your mind’s eye, patiently leading about His faithful Disciples…to the wedding at Cana…to the shores of Genesaret! By the Jordan! And onward to Jerusalem!

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Sleeping under the canopy of the starry black sea of the heavens: His faithful ones listening to Jesus telling his picture-stories; walking along the dusty roads of Israel; joyfully following their beloved Master, wherever He led them.

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Christ calling His Disciples – by Edward Armitage – 1869 – Wikigallery.com – public domain

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COST OF DISCIPLESHIP…

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“And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed Him.” Luke 5:11

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When the twelve Disciples began to follow Jesus, this above passage was fulfilled. “They forsook all to follow Jesus!”

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But this verse is not just speaking of those 11 faithful ones. No this was also a prophecy concerning each and every follower of Jesus throughout time.

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Every True Worshipper of God ultimately forsakes all to follow Him. This “forsaking” is an action of the heart, and not a literal dispensing of all material goods.

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It is the new desires of the heart for the things of Heaven, which eventually cause the treasures of the world to lose their luster and their importance.

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The Exhortation to the Apostles 1886-94-by James Tissot – Wikipedia – public domain

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TO FOLLOW HIM REQUIRES ALL…

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“And He said to them all, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for My sake, the same shall save it. Luke 9:23.

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If a man, woman, or child decides to follow Jesus, it requires one to give all. Jesus accepts no half-hearted service.

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And only those who are willing to let God purge their heart from all selfishness, will ultimately overcome the world.

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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“TAKE UP HIS CROSS AND FOLLOW ME!”

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Yes, Salvation is a gift. But only those who have truly received that gift will gain that victory over self, and over the world, with all its glittering tinsel-like allurements.

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“Then said Jesus unto His disciples, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Matthew 16:24.

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The Cross is that symbol of self-sacrificing love for humanity.

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And such love as this, the world cannot know!

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

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to forsake this selfish world, to become a disciple and follower of Jesus…

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… “Arcturus (the star that wise-men follow!)” or you can also read…AUGUST 1 (A Heavenly Hobby!)

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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GUIDE US TO HEAVEN’S GATE…

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And Arcturus is that brilliant star (3rd brightest in our heavens) which leads these Gospel constellations, Summer, Fall, and Winter Constellations, to present a picture story, a heavenly allegory of sorts; these constellations, which together, tell of the incredible love of God.

.

And Arcturus, our Host Star, will lead to an understanding of God’s Word, which will, in turn, guide God’s people up a narrow pathway; onward and upward through Heaven’s Gate itself, and ultimately into the very heavenly City of God!

.

Oh don’t doubt for a moment that God cannot or will not do this! For with God, all things are possible! Listen… “Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” Mark 9:23

.

And Signs Of Heaven Website will direct the Reader to God’s Word in such a way as to bring out certain Bible truths not currently recognized or emphasized in most of the current Christian theological circles.

.

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LOCATING ARCTURUS…

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An easy way to find Arcturus is to follow the arc of the handle of the Big Dipper, in the spring through fall (these are the months in which Arcturus is visible).

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SUMMER CONSTELLATIONS: (Sketch to right: constellations span the heavens (Ark in south, 7 Stars in north), and travel from east to west through the night.

This sketch is of the Summer Constellations as they appear when in the western half of the night sky. The box-like constellation is the The Ark of the Covenant (AKA Sagittarius) is in the south. To the right is both the Flower of the Field Constellation (AKA Scorpius) and the The Cross/Scepter Constellations. Further to the north is the Crown of Revelation Twelve (AKA Corona Borealis Constellation) and the star, Arcturus. Farthest to the north is the 7 Stars Constellation (AKA The Big Dipper )

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READ MORE…

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To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Arcturus (the star that wise-men follow!)”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW:

“April 6th (Wrestling With God!)”.

Jacob – Wikimedia-US – Public-Domain

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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 #95 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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Daily Devotional, Year 1- April 4

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PAUL’S FUN & RECREATION

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“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Philippians 1:21

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Have you, O Christian, ever felt overwhelmed with the Christian life? Have you ever felt that you needed something from this world to help you escape the Christian warfare?

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Maybe you thought that you needed a glass of wine, so that you can unwind?

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Or maybe a secular novel, or TV show?

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Maybe you thought of taking up some hobby?

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Or maybe a night on the town?

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Offering a toast with sparkling wine flutes – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-alike license

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PAUL’S ENCOURAGEMENT 

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So, just what does Scripture say about all this?…

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“But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless,  and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,” Philippians 3:7, 8

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So, is Paul being a little extreme and severe? After all, society tells us not to take our religion too seriously! You might say that Paul is what society calls ‘a religious fanatic’!

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Well, shouldn’t we live a life more like the people of this world, with worldly dreams, aspirations, and even some pleasures? (see Jeremiah 45:5)

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Painting: Paul the Apostle-Artist-Valentin de Boulogne or Nicolas Tournier- circa 1500s

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FIRE IS NEVER SATISFIED!

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The fact is, a Christian will never be satisfied with just a little worldly fun (see Ecclesiastes 1:8).

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There will always be a clamoring and a fire burning within, for more and more of this world!

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Listen… “There are…things that are never satisfied…a fire that will never say, ‘It is enough'”. Proverbs 30:15, 16 (condensed).

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Yes, the desires for the things of the world are like a raging fire, that burns to the depths of the human soul.

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Painting: Paul the Apostle-Artist-Valentin de Boulogne or Nicolas Tournier- circa 1500s

Hands Toasting Drinks – Cheers! cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0

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PAUL’S FUN & RECREATION

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But how did Paul enjoy himself? How did Paul unwind?

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Did Paul ever just go do secular things to get some “R & R”? After all, Paul was not under the letter of the law! “All things are lawful!” Right? (1st Corinthians 6:12, & 10:23)

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But Paul had a whole different attitude about the things that brought him fun.

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Just listen… “According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:20, 21.

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Here was Paul’s “fun”! To become Christ-like was Paul’s greatest joy: to walk along the dusty roads, and sing, pray and meditate on God’s Word; to go into a synagogue or forum, and begin to preach the Gospel; to go into this or that city, and work, day and night, on behalf of the church in that city; and yes, even to suffer for the Name of Jesus!

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These kinds of activities were Paul’s joy and recreation (of course, all this was only possible through the indwelling of the Spirit of Holiness).

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Painting: Paul the Apostle-Artist-Valentin de Boulogne or Nicolas Tournier- circa 1500s

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

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THE JOYS OF HEAVEN

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To those who are the Elect of God, there’s no need for the amusements of the world, in order to be fulfilled…

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Listen… “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He hath clothed me with the garments of Salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” Psalm 61:10.

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Does this verse sound like the Christian life is a total bore?

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On the contrary, God gives the Christian more joy in prayer, Bible study, and witnessing than from all the hobbies and entertainments of the world (see Luke 14:33).

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And the Holy Spirit in-dwelling the Believer can give great joy to that Christian in ways that the world just cannot understand!

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US Navy – Chaplain Lt. Jason Gregory reads Bible on weather deck – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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TO READ PART 2, CLICK HERE…

DECEMBER 1 (Apostle Paul’s Fun & Recreation, Part 2: How Should I Unwind?)

Hands Toasting Drinks – Cheers! – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Fill me with Thy Holy Spirit, that I may also have joy in all matters of Heaven…

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

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Running The Christian Race (Part 3, Sensual Music)” or you can also read… “Running The Christian Race (Part 1: Paul & John: Our Role Models)”

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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A HEAVENLY HOBBY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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“AND WHEN YE SEE THESE THINGS…

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LOOK UP, LIFT UP YOUR HEAD”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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FIRST FIND ORION & 7 STARS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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ANOTHER HEAVENLY HOBBY: PRAYER-WALKS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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THRICE-DAILY PRAYERS

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

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

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

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

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Marines at Prayer by Alex Raymond – Wikimedia – public domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Signs Of Heaven”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW:

“April 5th (Following Jesus!)”

Jesus Calls Disciples – 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 #94 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 -April 3rd

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Mark Now Given!

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Part 1

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“And that no man might buy or sell,

save he that had the mark,

or the name of the beast,

or the number of his name.”

Revelation 13:17

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Over the past decades, there has been much speculation about just how will the Mark be given to the people of the world.

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And there is a debate over whether “buying & selling” is to be understood literally or spiritually, or both!

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In other words, many believe that the day is coming when Christians can no longer “buy and sell” the truth. And so, the day may be coming when the true Gospel can no longer be publicly shared or preached!

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This kind of buying and selling is found in such places as Isaiah… “Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.” Isaiah 23:23. And so this verse lets us know that we are to buy, but not to sell THE TRUTH.

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Duct Tape Mouth – CROPPED IMAGE – Wikimedia – share-alike license

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NO BUYING/SELLING WITHOUT MARK!

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But there is growing concern that Christians are coming to that day when we will no longer be able to literally buy or sell!

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And if one looks out on the horizon, there indeed seems to be various laws and court decisions which, when implemented, will test just what kind of substance that each and every Christian is made of: “gold, silver, precious stones, or wood, hay, stubble!” (1st Corinthians 3:12)

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Supermarket check-out – Wikipedia – public domain

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DOUBLE ENTENDRE

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The fact is, it appears that both schools of thought concerning the nature of this “buying & selling” during the coming tribulation seem to be coming to fruition.

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Yes, there are more and more laws which are restricting free speech.

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But there are also more and more laws which demand that that you either forfeit some particular aspect of your Christian ethics, or suffer the financial consequences.

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Mark of the beast – pub. dom. – Wikipedia

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THE OLD ROMAN CIRCUS

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Now back in the old days, Christians were forced to sprinkle just a tiny pinch of incense on a little statue of a pagan god or goddess, or else be thrust into the arena with hungry lions, etc…

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But today, it appears that Christians will be forced to obey unjust laws or suffer economic penalties and sanctions.

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The Christian Martyrs Last Prayer – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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BUNKERS, FOOD-STORAGE-GUNS ALL WORTHLESS!

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Now there are many church-goers who think that the way to prepare for the coming crisis is to build a bunker, store up food supplies, as well as gold, guns, and ammunition.

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But the fact is, the Bible tells us… “Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death…The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.” Proverbs 11:4, 6.

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So it reveals here, that the only way to escape the trap that is to suddenly come down upon us, is to walk, even as Jesus walked!

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To make every decision according to the Bible.

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Salpa line bunker 360 antitank gun outside – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share Alike 3.0 license.

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GOD’S WORD & PRAYER

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Yes, to make every decision according to the Bible is the only way to be delivered from the time of trouble ahead.

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And the Bible also tells us… “Concerning the works of men, by the word of Thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer. Hold up my goings in Thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.” Psalm 17:4, 5.

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So right here, hidden in this passage, we are told that God’s Word and prayer are the ways that we can escape from walking in the paths of Satan and his armies.

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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GET READY, GET READY!!

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And so, dear stranger and pilgrim in this world, it is high time that we plead for strength to put away all our amusements and diversions and flee to the clefts of God’s Word, and unceasing prayer.

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After all, we don’t want to find ourselves in this dreadful situation… “And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.” Luke 21:34, 35

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To read Part 2, click here…

Daily Devotional, Year 2 – May 31 (Mark Now Given? Part 2: Buying & Selling)

Mark of the beast XES-pub.-dom.-Wikipedia – Public D

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Keep me from neglecting my great commission of purifying my heart and transforming my life. Mold me and make me into thy likeness…

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… “Mark of the Beast & Seal of God” or you can also read…“How To Be Hidden in the Day of Wrath”

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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CASTOR AND POLLUX: THE MYSTERY SHIP…

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Back to the story of Paul’s shipwreck. While they all were saved, they had not yet reached their ultimate destination: Paul’s Judgment. And so after three months on a secular island, they all boarded another ship. This particular ship was of Alexandria. This ship’s sign was Castor & Pollux. And this ship smoothly took all to their destination… Judgment Day.

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Now just what is this new ship all about? After all, the first ship seemed to represent the church-world.

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So what was this next ship all about?

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And what in the world is Castor and Pollux?

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CASTOR AND POLLUX = THE NARROW WAY…

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“And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.” Acts 28:11

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Most theologians interpret this verse to be speaking of two pagan gods known as Castor and Pollux. Beyond that, they are puzzled as to what significance do these twin gods have. Some believe these gods to be the patrons of safe ocean travel. Certainly God would never want His people to board such a pagan ship!

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But there is much significance to Castor and Pollux. No, not to those twin-gods. But there are two stars named Castor and Pollux. They are twin-stars, and not twin-gods. They are the two bright stars of the constellation commonly known as Gemini. But as “Signs Of Heaven” points out, these two stars also happen to be the two brightest stars on Orion’s sickle.

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And these two stars are also known as The Narrow Gate Stars. And if you will explore this concept, you will see that Castor and Pollux possess great significance…

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“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. Castor and Pollux represent this Biblical concept of the Narrow Way.

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LOCATING THIS GROUP…

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These two sketches below are the same picture, one with stars only, the other with embellishments. These stars appear more or less like this when they are in the western sky, just before they sink below the western horizon (please excuse the less-than 100% accurate sketch). At the top of the sketches in the center is the Big Dipper. But with other surrounding stars, the Big Dipper is known as Ursa Major or the Great Bear. But as this website points out, Ursa Major is actually the Revelation 12 Woman. (Ursa Major appears much larger in the sky than this sketch shows. But in order to fit her into this drawing, the artist had to depict her much smaller)

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IN THE WEST

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This most amazing phenomenon is seen throughout the winter. It is seen best when it is the western part of the sky. Orion, the Dragon, and the Glorious Horse are beginning to descend into the western horizon. And at this point it is apparent that the Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation is veering toward the Narrow Gate Stars as you can see just to the left of the mountain. A dark night is best for seeing this. It begins with the Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation going towards these two doors. The 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 (to the right of the mountain) are the two brightest stars of the Wave of Water (AKA Auriga Constellation) 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 one-third less the width of the Wide Gate. The two bright stars which symbolize the Wide Gate are Capella and Menkalinan. These are the brightest two stars of the Auriga Constellation. (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. But they are close enough to find them in the night sky.

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Woman of Revelation 12 (Flees to the Wilderness)” 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:

” April 4th (Apostle Paul’s Fun & Recreation)“

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

.

THIS STUDY #93 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 – April 2nd

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The Straw Man,

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Part 2:

“Add Thou Not!”

to read part 1, click here…March 5th (The Straw-Man, Part 1: “Villains And Heroes”)

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“Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you,

neither shall ye diminish ought from it,

that ye may keep the commandments

of the LORD your God which I command you.”

Deuteronomy 4:2

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A Christian radio talk-show host was incredulous at his caller… “You mean you don’t believe in the Rapture!?! You mean you don’t believe the Lord is going to Rapture His people!?! Well then, you just don’t believe the Bible, because it clearly states that Jesus will come for His Church!”

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Do you see what just happened here?

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What this talk-show host did, was to employ a well-known subtlety commonly referred to as the “straw man ploy”.

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

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THE STRAW MAN

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Yes, the “straw man ploy” is a trick used by many politicians and ideologists.

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It is a way of accusing, thus confusing your audience by creating a “straw man”: a choice between one idea and one ridiculous idea: an either/or situation.

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In other words, there is a denial of any other rational 3rd alternative.

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Straw Man -attributed to Larch – Wikimedia

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“THE RAPTURE” STRAW MAN

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In the case of the Rapture, the “straw man” is that you either believe in “The Rapture”, or you don’t believe that Christ is returning for His people at all!

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But the fact is, there is a third, and very rational alternative.

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And it’s a scriptural alternative viewpoint too!

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And that is what today’s devotional is all about…

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Straw Man -attributed to Larch – Wikimedia

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“ADD THOU NOT!”

Deuteronomy 4:2

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The problem that many serious-minded Christians have with “The Rapture”, is that it is nowhere to be found in the Scriptures.

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And so, the name, “The Rapture” is adding something to God’s Word, which God never said!

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IT ALL BEGAN IN THE GARDEN

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Now, adding to God’s Word is nothing new!

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You see, the very first instance of somebody adding to God’s Word happened in the Garden of Eden, when Eve was being tempted by Satan, as he came speaking through a mere serpent.

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Listen to Eve… “God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.”

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Yes, Eve added the words… “neither shall ye touch it”. God did not say those five words.

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But Eve, for some reason, added those words to God’s infallible Word.

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Eve Tizian_eve – Wikipedia – public-dom

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THE RAPTURE: NOT FOUND!

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That being said, the Christian community takes a somewhat careless attitude about adding and subtracting from God’s Word.

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For instance, this non-scriptural term, “The Rapture”, is merely a theological name which has gained increasing popularity and acceptance over the past 200 years.

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First being found, quite possibly, in theological writings at the beginning of the Nineteenth Century, by one, John Darby, it was later used in the Scofield Reference Bible, and eventually exploded in popularity during the 1960’s.

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And today, it is a non-negotiable name, even though a man-derived name!

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As a matter of fact, if you want to get a scarlet letter (“H” for Heretic) hung around your neck, just start publicly proclaiming that “Rapture” is an unscriptural name!

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magnifying glass – Wikimedia – share-alike license

Paul the Theology Heretic – www.thebiblerevival.com – US Public Domain

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RAPTURE THEORY DEPENDS ON ITS NAME!

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But why? Just why are the majority of Christians so absolutely fanatical in their insistence on using that unscriptural name?

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After all, there are other names they could use, which are very biblical!

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For example, they could say, “The Coming of the Lord”, and they would be totally in harmony with God’s Word!

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The reason is, without the name “Rapture”, their basic theory of two entirely separate returns of Christ greatly falls apart!

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To use a popular phrase, “it is a veritable, house of cards!”

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So just why does it fall apart like the proverbial house of cards?

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Yes, why is this doctrine of two separate returns of Christ so dependent on the name, “The Rapture”?

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House Of Cards Bridge – Wikipedia – public domain 

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GIVES IMPETUS TO TWO RETURNS OF CHRIST

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Well, let’s look at the very Bible passage which they cite in order to justify this term, “Rapture”… “For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto THE COMING OF THE LORD shall not prevent them which are asleep…Then we which are alive and remain shall be CAUGHT UP TOGETHER, to meet the Lord in the air.”1st Thessalonians 4:15, 17.

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You see, instead of accepting what God names the event, “the coming of the Lord”, theologians of the past decided to use these two words, “caught up” which is translated “harpazo” in the Greek manuscript. And then they went into a Latin translation of the Bible, which used the word, “ripere”, instead of “harpazo”. And the English word, “rapture”, is a derivative of that Latin word, “ripere”.

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And since they needed a completely different term to divide Christ’s return into two entirely separate comings, they needed that name, “Rapture” to distinguish one event from the other.

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Without that name, they would be forced to call the event by its correct name, “The Coming of the Lord”, which would then be confusing! Because, The Coming of the Lord speaks of the last day, when Christ returns.

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Thus, without that man-made name, “The Rapture”, you would only have one return of Christ.

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So by using this name, The Rapture, they can now distinguish which of the supposed two 2nd Comings, they are referring to: either the man-made name, “The Pre-Tribulation Rapture”, or the correct, biblical name, “The Coming of the Lord”.

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Prologus Ioanni Vulgata Clementina – Wikipedia – public domain

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GOD-GIVEN NAME: “COMING OF THE LORD”

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And one more very important reason they needed that name, Rapture, is because this very same passage from 1st Thessalonians, has already named that event!

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Listen again very carefully… “For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that WE WHICH ARE ALIVE AND REMAIN UNTO THE COMING OF THE LORD shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then WE WHICH ARE ALIVE AND REMAIN SHALL BE CAUGHT UP together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 1st Thessalonians 4:15-17

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Okay, do you see what this theologian did? He ignored the God-given name, “The Coming of the Lord”, and took the adverb, “caught up”, and changed that non-name into a Proper Noun: a proper name!

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Yes, being “caught up” is a verb, and not a Proper Noun!

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So in essence, that theologian diminished God’s Word, by ignoring God’s given name, “The Coming of the Lord”, and instead, invented his own name, “The Rapture”.

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And so, VOILA!! By this bit of sophistry, Satan has now created two distinct and separate, second comings of the Lord, instead of the one true biblical “coming of the Lord” on the last day! 

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ABOVE STAR-CHART: The Sign of the Son of Man Constellation – made of the various constellations on this website

 

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WE NEED TO TREMBLE

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“saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at My Word.” Isaiah 66:2

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Listen, if only God’s people really trembled at the Word of God, like this above verse admonishes, there would be much less division and confusion in the body of Christ!

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But throughout the past 2,000 years, churches and theologians have monkeyed around with all sorts of unscriptural additions and subtractions from God’s Word.

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“COME OUT OF HER (BABYLON) MY PEOPLE!”

Revelation 18:4

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But God is now calling His people to come out of all this confusion, so prevalent in today’s church community!

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Listen to God’s call…“And I heard another voice from Heaven, saying, Come out of her (the harlot city, Babylon), 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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Yes, there is an end-time exodus out of the apostasy and confusion which today’s church-world has devolved into.

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And today’s devotional has presented one more reason why God is calling His people to “come out of her, My people!” Revelation 18:4

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

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TO READ PART 3, GO HERE…

Today’s Devotional – June 14th (The Straw-Man, Part 3: “Satan’s Straw-Man Ploy!”)

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

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to get rid of all the unscriptural ideas and man-contrived add-ons which I have accumulated over the years. Let me live by Thy Word and Thy Word only…

Marine Praying – Wikimedia – USMC Public Domain

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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… FEBRUARY 10 (The Deserted Island Theologian!)

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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FLEEING WOMAN OF REVELATION 12…

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“And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.” Revelation 12:14, 15. So this Revelation 12 Woman Constellation gives a heavenly portrait of a woman fleeing from the Dragon, who is spewing water in her pathway.

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The sketch to the right is “Valley of Decision” Constellation, the Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation, and the Dragon Constellation. This is a concept sketch. These three constellations are not in this position in the night sky. So please don’t try to find them together like this. All of the other sketches have the constellation in the correct position, unless otherwise noted. For locations of each of these Constellations, please go to the article for that particular constellation.

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FROM WHERE & TO WHERE DOES SHE FLEE?

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WOMAN ROTATES THROUGH THE SEASONS…

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This page is about the Big Dipper, also called the Great Bear constellation (Ursa Major ). However, the ancient pagan cultures did not see this constellation as God intended it to be seen. It is actually a headless woman in childbirth. This is seen in springtime. It is seen in the northern skies.

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But as the seasons progress, this travailing woman flips upside down, now appearing as a woman with upraised arms like eagle wings who is running (eventually flying, as shown in sketch on right) into the wilderness (westward). The single star representing her birth-child (Christ) now becomes her head (“Christ is the head of the church.” Ephesians 5:23

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The 7 Stars (Big Dipper) is easy to see with its very bright 7 stars. But the Revelation 12 Woman (Ursa Major) must be seen on a dark starry night, away from city lights.

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

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Woman of Revelation 12 (Flees to the Wilderness)”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW:

“April 3rd (Mark Now Given!)“

ABOVE PICTURE: Mark of the beast – pub. dom. – Wikipedia

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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 #92 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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