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Today’s Devotional – June 30th

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THE WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE

 

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“Then said He (Jesus) unto them…he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one…And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And He said unto them, It is enough.” Luke 22:36-38 

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This passage has been the chief Bible passage used by gun advocates within the church community.

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Jesus plainly exhorted His Disciples to armor up for the coming conflict just before them.

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And Jesus exhorts them to “buy a sword”.

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Peter Smites Off the Ear of Malchus – www.joyfulheart.com

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TWO SWORDS? REALLY?

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But was Jesus really speaking literally or was He speaking metaphorically? Obviously, Jesus was speaking metaphorically. This too, like the Old Testament stories, was presenting a spiritual concept.

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In the first place, Jesus knew that two swords were not nearly enough to withstand that angry mob who were coming for Him!

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Secondly, the Bible is the “sword of the Spirit”. This had to be the sword which Jesus was referring to.

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But why “two” swords?

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Actually, those two swords most likely represented the Old and New Testament (the New had not yet been written, of course), which would be used from thenceforth as the sword-of-the-Spirit by all Christians to combat evil.

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Peter Smites Off the Ear of Malchus – www.joyfulheart.com

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BIBLE IS THE SWORD

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Had the Disciples been prayerfully and carefully studying the Scriptures, they would not have been in such despair and darkness, concerning the events just now taking place.

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It was the “Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” that these 11 men truly needed. And it is only a careful and prayerful daily study of God’s Word which will prepare us to stand through the great crisis just before us. This is the sword we will need for the time before us: God’s Word!

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

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“HE THAT LIVES BY THE SWORD SHALL DIE BY THE SWORD”

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But perhaps the most telling statement came when Peter cut off the ear of Malchus. Did Jesus say, “Good going Peter”? No, Jesus gently restored the ear of Malchus, and rebuked Peter. 

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Just listen…“And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest’s, and smote off his ear. Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He shall presently give Me more than twelve legions of angels?” Matthew 26:51-53

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This above passage lets us know that Jesus had no intention of fighting. But Jesus went beyond, and actually used this occasion to present to us a principle: that God does not wish for Christians, nor for non-Christians to be physically warring. 

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James Tissot – The Healing of Malchus’ Ear – www.joyfulheart.com

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A FEARFUL WARNING!

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Listen again… “Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.” Peter was merely defending Jesus and the disciples! And yet, Jesus warned Peter that Peter’s violent defense was “living by the sword”. And Jesus warns each and every one of us, that…“all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.”

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QUESTION: “Are those who are ready to use guns in order to defend themselves, prepared to ‘perish with the sword’? 

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Peter attacks with sword – The capture of Christ – 1674 – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution

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A VERY SAD NEWS STORY

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A few years back, there was a news report; perhaps one of the saddest reports to ever come across the wires!

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A man and his wife had just returned home from an evening out. They heard a noise coming from the closet. Was this an intruder? The man went to get his rifle. He returned and shot through the door of the closet.

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The noise stopped.

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He opened the door, only to discover that his little girl had come home early, and was in the closet, waiting to surprise him and her mother. Well as he held her in his arms, her last words were, “I love you Daddy”, and then she died. Those who decide to “fight it out” themselves, instead of trust in the Lord, eventually are much more prone to experience personal tragedy from their weapons stored.

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Wall Closet – wikimedia – public domain

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LET’S THINK THIS THING THROUGH

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Okay, so let’s just say that you are intent on having weapons to defend yourself.

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Then logically, you should begin to practice shooting; this is because you may have to use your guns on an intruder someday. And what if he is a better marksman than you? Or what if the Devil helps him to aim straight? Or what if you’re outnumbered? Or what if your gun jams? Or what if…etc….

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After all, you are assuming that God or His angels are going to help you in such a showdown.

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Did they help Peter? NO! Peter was no doubt attempting to kill Malchus. Peter no doubt slipped and missed his mark in all the excitement and struggle.

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Firearms Mentorship Program – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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DID PETER LEARN HIS LESSON?

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The trouble with all this is, that those who put their trust in weapons, are not putting their trust in the Bible. There are so many precious promises in Scripture, that God will protect His people. Here is a statement from Peter, the very person who fought with a sword, years earlier.

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Just listen… “And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?” 1st Peter 3:13. 

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Do you think that Peter still defended himself with carnal weaponry, at the time of writing this letter? Do you think that Peter fought with a sword at the time of his crucifixion?

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Or do you think that Peter clung to the above precious promise… “And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?” 

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Crucifixion of Peter – Caravaggio Martirio di San Pietro – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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MANY CHRISTIAN MARTYRS

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There have been many Christians who suffered at the hand of evil governments, such as Corrie Ten-Boom’s family. These people did not resist evil by violence.

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By faith, they hid the hated Jews during the Jewish/Holocaust during the Nazi regime, during WWII, until they were caught, and eventually only Corrie survived to tell this horror story. They considered it an honor to lay down their lives for Christ. Their only armor was faith in God’s Word. Their testimony to the world was powerful, because they showed that they really trusted in God’s sovereign power to protect, or to martyr them. As Christians, they resolved not to shoot, or knife, or club their way out of government oppression.

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Now do you suppose they would have made that wonderful movie, “The Hiding Place” about the Ten-Boom family, had they smuggled in carnal weapons to fight their way out of trouble? Do you think that Corrie Ten-Boom would have had any kind of ministry for decades, about faith and trust in God, if she and her family were knife-wielding or gun-toting Christians?

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The Ten-Boom Family – Wikipedia – Share-Alike License

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MARTIN LUTHER, WILLIAM TYNDALE, JOHN HUSS, ETC…

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Jesus gave the supreme example of laying down His life. And He became the Supreme Role-Model for the other disciples, who, for the most part, eventually became martyrs.

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And through the very violent and bloody history of the Church, there were many shining lights; some who were martyred and others, like Martin Luther, did not use carnal weapons to protect themselves against Satan’s armies. Martin Luther was totally invincible. Satan and his minions tried, but could not extinguish the light which Luther had to share. Likewise, John Wycliffe could not be killed, though they tried. Foxe’s Book of Martyrs tells the secular history of the Apostle John, that they actually put him in boiling oil, but could not kill him.

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Martin Luther – 95 Theses – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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GOD’S SWORD IN OUR HEART

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“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17. As this verse declares, reading and studying the various stories of the Bible will cause the child of God to grow in wisdom and faith. And if ever there was a time when God’s people need great faith, it is in the days just ahead.

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God will purify His people. We will need the faith to stand on that sea of glass, mingled with fire, as we sing the song of the Lamb. And the only weapon which will be of any use to the child of God, during the soon-coming trial before us, will be the “Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God”, (which we will have previously hidden in our hearts.)

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TO READ PART 2, CLICK HERE…

May 10 (The Weapons of Our Warfare! Part 2: “Fighting Our Own Battles)

We Can Do It! Rosie the Riveter – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me wisdom to know just how I should defend myself and my family. Give me more and more faith to put more and more trust in Thee…

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Orion the Soldier Pt. 2: “The Weapons of Our Warfare”” or you can also read… “November 27 – (The Armor of God)” 

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

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ORION THE SOLDIER

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

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Orionurania – wikipedia – public domain

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7 MAJOR STARS OF ORION…

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Orion Constellation can best be seen all winter (but even in August in the pre-dawn hours of morning in eastern skies) traveling east to west through the night, in mid-sky. To find the seven major stars of Orion (one star on each shoulder and one star on each foot, plus the three stars which make his belt), you can locate on just about any clear night regardless of the blackness of the night.

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

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Orion – wikimedia – share-alike license

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Orion the Soldier (Armor of God)” 

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TOMORROW:

“July 1st (This is Only a Test!)”

EBS Test Screen – Wikimedia – Public domain

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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

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THIS STUDY #179 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

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

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Those who are interested in using photos on this page may click on provided link below each photo, to get to Wikimedia Commons for various licensing details & tags, and all other necessary information on any particular photo. Most tall, narrow photos have been cropped or reduced by this website to make them a better fit on phone screens.

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Today’s Devotional – June 28th

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The Lost Keys of Heaven!

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Keys have played a significant role in many earthly stories written through the centuries. Yes, in many fictional tales, they held the promise of opening a door which hopefully brought good fortune to the one who turned that key and opened that door.

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Of course, as so often is the case, those earthly dramas were merely borrowing from the Bible.

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Yes, the Bible speaks of a miraculous key!

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Listen… “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith He that is holy, He that is true, He that hath the key of David, He that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;” Revelation 3:7

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So here, Christ seems to be speaking of the key to Heaven.

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Barbebleue – Key – Wikimedia – Public domain

 

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THE CROSS WAS THAT KEY!

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So just what is this mysterious key which Jesus mentioned to the Church of Philadelphia?

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What key had the ability to open the door of Heaven to this obedient Church?

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Maybe this next passage will give us clarity… “And the key of the house of David will I lay upon His shoulder; so He shall open, and none shall shut; and He shall shut, and none shall open.” Isaiah 22:22.

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Yes, God laid that key upon the big shoulders of Jesus. And as Jesus carried that key to the top of Calvary, He did so with the joy of knowing it would unlock those doors which, as yet, were forbidden to humanity.

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James Tissot – Jesus carrying the Cross – www.joyfulheart.com – US Public Domain.

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KEYS WOULD BE GIVEN TO PETER

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When Peter gave his proclamation that Jesus was indeed the long-hoped-for Messiah, Jesus confessed to Peter… “And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of Heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven.” Matthew 16:18, 19

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Now Jesus mentioned keys, plural, to Peter. So here is a complication of the matter. Why did Jesus speak of keys, plural?

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Crucifixion of Peter – Caravaggio Martirio di San Pietro – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA

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Now perhaps this next verse, which is a continuation to the message to the Philadelphian Church, will offer a little more clarity to the discussion…

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Listen… “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My Word, and hast not denied My Name.” Revelation 3:8.

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So here is another piece to the puzzle. Yes, even though that church had little strength, it nevertheless held fast to the Name of Jesus, and kept His Word!

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Jigsaw puzzle – Wikimedia Commons – public domain

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THE PHARISEES HAD TAKEN THE KEY OF KNOWLEDGE!

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Maybe this next piece of the puzzle will add to the picture…

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Listen… “Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.” Luke 11:52

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So how did the lawyers take away the “key of knowledge”?

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Well, for one thing, they had kept the general populace greatly in ignorance concerning the basic tenants of Salvation.

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Jesus Speaks Near Treasury – James Tissot – courtesy Brooklyn Museum – US public domain

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SIMILAR SITUATION TODAY.

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And today we have a very similar situation in this high-tech society.

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This is because we now have a seemingly endless supply of Bible teachers available at the touch of our finger!

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And combined with the fact that the Enemy of Souls keeps us busy, busy, busy, with seeking after the pleasures and excesses of this decadent culture, it is much easier to just turn on some Bible study, and let the modern-day teachers of the Law, simply feed us with their opinion of what the Bible says.

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Evangelist Preaching – Church – Audience hands – cropped/altered image – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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FORSAKING ALL

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Now the Gospel of Luke gives the following description… “And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed Him.” Luke 5:11

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Now this is a very important truth. This is because this truth of forsaking all is one of those keys of knowledge that the people were not taught back in Jesus’ day, nor are the people in the church-world taught today!

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Listen to the very words of Jesus… “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple.” Luke 14:33

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

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FILLING OUR HEARTS WITH GOOD THINGS!

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Now the next key of knowledge, which was taken away from the multitudes, was that the Pharisees liked to make many rules to follow, as a means of working one’s way to Heaven.

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Yes, the Pharisees lived a very moral life with rules which gave the appearance of godliness. They were neat and clean and washed things often. And they lived a very moral and religious life! They were well-respected in their community, and performed various religious duties!

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And yet, inwardly, their hearts were filled with pride, judging, covetousness, lust, anger, and a host of other similar qualities. 

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Jesus Speaking to Sadducees & Pharisees by James Tissot www.catholic-resources.org US public domain

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PHARISEEISM TODAY

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And of course, there is a great majority of faithful church-goers today, who merely go through the motions of Christianity, live fairly moral lives, and yet have not that two-way communion with God.

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Yes, the Bible commands, “Oh how I love Thy Law (Word), it is my meditation all the day long” Psalm 119:97. 

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But the Bible also commands, “Pray with ceasing” 1st Thessalonians 5:17.

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It is because we fill our hearts with self-willed desires that we cannot have this constant two-way communion with God.  

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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THE GOOD NEWS: DOOR IS STILL OPEN!

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And so, if I have not these evidences in my own life, then I had better take inventory of my life and determine if perhaps I truly have those keys to kingdom of heaven, or if I am still locked out!

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But the very Good News is, that God is giving us time to turn ourselves around. 

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Listen… “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? …Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up.” James 4:4, 8-10

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Such a repentance as this above passage commands, is actually an ongoing experience of the true child of God!

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Yes, there is nowhere along that upward pathway in which we will have “finally arrived”! 

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And our chief desire will be to become molded into the glorious likeness of Jesus! 

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David’s sorrow – wikigallery – public domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me those keys which are missing from my Christian experience! Help me to put away all my self-willed ambitions and humble myself before Thee in constant communion…

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Revelation 12 Woman & The Narrow Gate Stars (Orion’s Gate to Heaven)” or you can also read… January 5th (The City of Morality)

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

 

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

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7 STARS OF REVELATION

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“The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in My right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The SEVEN STARS ARE THE SEVEN ANGELS of the seven churches:” Revelation 1:20.

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The Bible speaks of a 7 Stars Constellation. “Seek Him that makes the seven stars and Orion,” Amos 5:8. Here is a reference to the constellation commonly known as the Big Dipper. It is the only 7 star constellation which is, beside Orion, the most prominent constellation in the sky. And in this verse from Amos, the Lord is speaking of Orion and the 7 Stars (“Seek Him that makes the seven stars and Orion,” Amos 5:8). 

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Orion and the 7 Stars are the two most prominent constellations in the sky. And as this web site points out, Orion represents Christ, and the 7 Stars represents the Church. For a deeper understanding of Orion, just click here… “The Orion Phenomena”

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WHY PLEIADES IS NOT THE 7 STARS

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Now some Bible versions translate this passage concerning the 7 Stars as “the Pleiades”, and not the 7 Stars (Big Dipper). So how is this reconciled?

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If you look at the Pleiades (photo to right), there are an indiscriminate number of stars. Besides the five or six brighter stars, there are a large number of lesser stars, and even small stars. So that puts Pleiades out of the running as being a constellation of 7 stars, spoken of in Revelation. The King James Version seems to be the trustworthy version once again.

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Now while Pleiades is not the 7 Stars, this constellation is nevertheless, a very important part of Signs Of Heaven. And so, to read more about the Pleiades, just click here… “The Pleiades: The Captive Angel & Mystery Harlot Constellation”

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Photo of Pleiades courtesy of Robert Gendler. Click for link. 

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “The 7 Stars Constellation” 

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TOMORROW: 

” June 29th (Paul’s Godly Example!)”

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.

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THIS STUDY #177 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

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

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Those who are interested in using photos on this page may click on provided link below each photo, to get to Wikimedia Commons for various licensing details & tags, and all other necessary information on any particular photo. Most tall, narrow photos have been cropped or reduced by this website to make them a better fit on phone screens.

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Today’s Devotional – June 27th

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Darby’s & Scofield’s Pre-Trib Rapture Theory,

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Part 14

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“The War Nobody Prepared For!” 

“Where Do We Hide?”

To read Part 1, click here…June 24th (The War Nobody Prepared For!)

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“Because thou hast kept the word of My patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.” Revelation 3:10

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This particular promise was made to the church of Philadelphia, one of Revelation’s two completely faithful churches.

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Yes, the church of Philadelphia would be kept “from the hour of temptation”, which was to come upon the whole world, “to try them that dwell upon the earth.”

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John on Patmos – Wikigallery – public domain.

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BIBLE DOESN’T SPEAK OF 3RD COMING

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And so, because modern-day theologians concluded that being kept “from the hour of temptation” required a physical removing of the Church from the earth, then there must be two separate Second-Comings of the Lord, one prior to the Great Day of the Lord.

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But the fact is, the Bible never says that there will be two separate “Second Comings”, nor does it speak of a third “Coming”.

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Listen… “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” Hebrews 9:28

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Here it says that Christ will appear a second time, but never a third time!

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Second Coming – Return – Resurrection Morning – Jan Luyken – Bible – Wikipedia – US Public Domain (2)

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HOW WILL CHURCH BE KEPT FROM THAT HOUR?

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As a matter of fact, the Bible nowhere specifically says anything about the Church being literally removed from the earth, prior to the Great and Terrible Day of God.

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So then, just where or how will the church be kept from the hour of temptation, which is coming upon the whole world?

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After all, Jesus said… “I pray not that Thou (His Father) should take them (His Followers) out of the world, but that Thou should keep them from the evil.” John 17:15.

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

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“When the wicked rise, men hide themselves…”

Proverbs 28:28

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“A prudent man foresees the evil, and hides himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.” Proverbs 27:12

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So, let’s explore a little deeper, just where we ought to be in that Great Day of God Almighty. These above two proverbs give us a big clue, as to just where God’s people need to be, prior to the soon-coming storm. 

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Yes, the wise are preparing themselves for the great tribulation! The foolish “are at ease in Zion”! 

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Listen to this… “Come, My people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the LORD cometh out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity…” Isaiah 26:20, 21. 

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So now it is revealed that we are to hide ourselves in our “chambers”. And we are to stay in our chambers till the indignation be over-past, when “the Lord comes out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth”. 

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ABOVE  PHOTO: Hide Thyself – inspired by Tornado Over Kansas by Curry

 

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LITERAL CHAMBERS?

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Now, is God speaking of literal chambers? Here again, is a perfect example of just how often God speaks metaphorically.

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The obvious answer is, “Of course He’s speaking metaphorically!”

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But maybe we are to hide in our SPIRITUAL storm-shelter!

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 Listen… “For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion: in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me; He shall set me up upon a Rock.” Psalm 27:5. 

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So now we are getting closer to the place of our refuge in the time of trouble before us.

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ABOVE  PHOTO: Hide Thyself – inspired by Tornado Over Kansas by Curry

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“THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS WITHIN YOU”

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The chambers which the Lord is speaking of here, are best illustrated by the following passage… “Through wisdom is an house built; and by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall THE CHAMBERS be filled with all precious and pleasant riches. A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increases strength. For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Proverbs 24:4-6.  

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This verse above, pinpoints just where the chambers are which God’s people must hide themselves in. They are to flee to the chambers of their sanctified heart. This is where God is, if we are indeed a true worshipper. “The kingdom of God comes not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:20, 21.

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So, God’s kingdom is within the hearts of His true worshippers!

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THE MOST HOLY PLACE IN THE HEART

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“What? know ye not that YOUR BODY IS THE TEMPLE OF THE HOLY GHOST, which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” 1st Corinthians 6:19, 20

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As this above passage states, God’s people are the Temple of the Lord. But God wants us to have the heart and mind of Jesus. And the Most Holy Place, containing the Ark which contained the Law, was a picture of God’s heart, wherein was His Law (that is, His Word).

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Listen… “yea, Thy law is within My heart.” Psalm 40:8. This messianic Psalm is comprised of the very words of Jesus!

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The Most Holy Place in the Old Testament Temple was a picture of, not only the heart of God, but also it was a picture of the heart of God’s redeemed ones, who are “the Temple of the Holy Ghost” and have also been chosen to be “a royal priesthood”. (1st Peter 2:9) 

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“SEEKING THINGS ABOVE”

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“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:1-3

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But if God’s people are the spiritual temple of God, just how does this relate to the temple in Heaven?

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Well, as this above passage from Colossians 3:1-3 reveals, our life is to be hid with Christ in the heavenlies. So, in a very limited sense, the Rapture theorists were kind-of correct. Yes, the Church will indeed be taken out of the earth, howbeit SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING, but NOT PHYSICALLY, during the final crisis, as “Pre-Trib-Rapture” theorists wrongly teach!

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The literal removing of the Church will only occur on “the Last Day” as John, Chapter 6 repeatedly declares!

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MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB

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So, does God ever refer to this in the Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ?

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Listen again… “And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God…Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come…And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.” Revelation 19:1, 7, 9

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Yes, the wedding Supper of the Lamb is available to all who wholeheartedly devote themselves to their Bibles.

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This is the true wedding feast of God’s people:

it is, “the bread from Heaven”!

It is, “the fruit of the Spirit”!

It is the, “strong meat”, of the Word!

It is the choicest of wine…“This cup is the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you”!

It is the “sincere milk of the Word”.

It is the Commandments of God which are, “sweeter than honey”!

(John 6:32, Galatians 5:22, Hebrews 5:12-14, Luke 22:20, 1st Peter 2:2, Psalm 119:103) 

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Five Wise Virgins – Matt 25 – www.thebiblerevival.com – public domain

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PLAGUES FALLING ALL AROUND

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And even though their feet will be standing on this sin-cursed earth; and even though God’s plagues are falling all around His people, they have this promise…

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Listen… “A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;” Psalm 91:7-9.

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Here is where we must be hidden in the day of the Lord’s anger. And though God’s people see God’s seven last plagues falling all around, those plagues will not come near them. Because in heart, they will be sitting with Christ in the Heavenly Places of His Heavenly Temple: His people!

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Judgment Day – People fleeing – Book of Revelation – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons – Distant Shores Media/Sweet Publishing – Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to more fully understand this truth about my being God’s Sanctuary. Give me a desire to study God’s Word to see if these things are so…

Girl Praying – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Ark of the Covenant Constellation, Pt. 2: How To Enter The Most Holy Place” or you can also read… January 28th (A Living Sanctuary)

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

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READ MORE…

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

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TOMORROW:

“June 28th (The Lost Keys of Heaven!)”

Bible and Key Divination – Wikimedia – Share-alike license

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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

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THIS STUDY #176 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING….

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

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Those who are interested in using photos on this page may click on provided link below each photo, to get to Wikimedia Commons for various licensing details & tags, and all other necessary information on any particular photo. Most tall, narrow photos have been cropped or reduced by this website to make them a better fit on phone screens.

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Today’s Devotional – June 26th

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Darby’s & Scofield’s Pre-Trib Rapture Theory,

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Part 13:

“The War Nobody Prepared For! (Meekness)”

To read Part 1, of this series, click here…JANUARY 25 (Darby & Scofield’s Pre-Trib Rapture, Part 1)

 

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In one of those mid-Twentieth-Century books about a future totalitarian society, it was written that in every household there was a device on the wall, that could not only hear and see what was going on in that house, but also play marching music and indoctrinating rhetoric all day long.

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Well, some 70 years later, it seems as though that book was not too far off. Certainly, TV, Internet, and radio fulfill at least half of that prophetic scenario.

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TV highquality – cropped image – wikimedia – creatrive commons license

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SATAN’S WEAPONS OF INDOCTRINATION

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But the fact is, these so-called. “benign” devices have taken on the role of instructors, teaching us what is considered “political and social correctness”, according to those who are ruling over society.

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And coupled with the fact that these devices are ready to teach us at the flip of a switch, we are being indoctrinated whenever we turn them on. 

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Now the Christian should obviously keep far away from secular entertainment. After all, why would any dedicated Christian want to expose his or her own self to the enticing allurements of the world?

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DOGMATIC RELIGIOUS SHOWS

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But the Christian also has the choice of now watching or listening to TV and radio dedicated to so-called Christian programming.

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The problem with this is that because these “Christian” networks are available on a 24/7/365 basis, it is very easy to simply leave these programs on all day. And quite often we tend to get a little complacent, and let these teachers do our homework for us, instead of studying the Bible for our own selves.

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

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90% OATMEAL

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Well, to be fair, TV and radio ministries present much truth.

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But then again, Satan knows that the best lie is made up of 90% truth!

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It’s like the proverbial mouse poison. You can’t fool the mouse, unless you first mix the poison with 90% oatmeal!

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And so it is with many or perhaps most TV and radio ministries! Oh yes, they may have many Scriptures mingled into their teachings. But more often than not, they have some sort of lie mingled in, too!

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For instance, there is a false notion blowing through much of the church-world, that it is a denial of faith to ever question your Salvation. But the fact is, the Bible encourages us to question whether we are truly saved, or just living a lie.

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Listen… “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” 2nd Corinthians 13:5. 

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Thus, by watching or listening to these Bible teaching programs, one may never realize that it’s a command of God to examine and prove whether our Salvation is real or not! 

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Oatmeal – Copyrighted, but permissible for use – Wikimedia

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BOLD AND ARROGANT

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But there is a deception in many of these TV and radio programs which is a very subtle deception by that “Serpent of Old”! Yes, many of these programs are hosted by very capable, charismatic, and gifted speakers. But the big problem comes in the manner of their presentation and delivery!

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Yes, these presentations quite often are very coarse in their delivery. It is common to hear these teachers coming across with very self-confident arrogance and overbearing manners! Quite often, they speak of their detractors in a mocking and sarcastic manner. There is not much meekness in their powerful delivery, quite often. And this close-minded and often blunt demeanor is passed on to the many listeners of these programs!

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Listen… “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1st Corinthians 15:33. This verse reveals that we shouldn’t let anyone deceive us into thinking that “evil communications” don’t corrupt good character. They do!

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Announcer with microphone – svg – Wikimedia – Public-Domain

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BITING MOCKERY & HARSH DENUNCIATIONS

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For example, there is one preacher who teaches from the Bible day-by-day. And this preacher mingles his wit and quaint personal stories into his daily Bible study. And this makes his ministry very interesting and amusing, quite often.

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But also, he has a very sharp tongue when speaking of those he scorns. And so, quite often, his preaching can sometimes be very earthly and un-Christ-like, as he uses his sharp tongue to annihilate his doctrinal opponents and anyone else, or even any doctrine he decides to slice-and-dice! And he’s quite good at mockingly cutting up various people and various opposing doctrines into pieces!

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Announcer with microphone – svg – Wikimedia – Public-Domain

Beware-of-dogma – wikimedia – public-domain (2)

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A REAL LACK OF MEEKNESS

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For instance, anytime there is a questionable doctrine, such as the Pre-Tribulation Rapture Theory, this teacher mercilessly uses his sharp wit to cut in pieces anyone with a different viewpoint, thus making them look silly and stupid to his listeners!

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And this is a perfect example of the lack of meekness heard in much TV and radio ministries. And the fact is, there are so many loose strings in Darby & Scofield’s Pre-Tribulation Rapture Theory, that you would think that today’s Bible teachers would be very UN-dogmatic and very open-minded about alternative viewpoints!

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Announcer with microphone – svg – Wikimedia – Public-Domain

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EVIL COMMUNICATIONS CORRUPT!

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And as already stated, this kind of boastful and arrogant dogmatism is passed along to the faithful followers of these programs.

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Now this is a great big problem!

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And why is it a great problem?

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Because those who wish to be “hidden in the day of God’s wrath”, must be seeking after meekness!

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Yes, as Scripture proclaims, Moses was the meekest of all men. But a great percentage of today’s preachers are anything but meek!

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Sunday preaching – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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SEEKING MEEKNESS

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Listen to Zephaniah… “Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought His judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD’S anger.” Zephaniah 2:3.

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Now how do we expect to be “hidden in the day of the Lord’s anger” if we allow ourselves to be exposed to such arrogant and rude cutting up of others who might disagree with our dogmatic theories?

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Listen… “Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of His majesty. The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day. For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low:” Isaiah 2:10-12

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Yes, this above passage tells us where we should be hiding in the Great Day which is already at the doorsteps!

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Listen again…  “Enter into the Rock, and hide thee in the dust…”

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David’s sorrow – wikigallery – public domain

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HOW TO BE HIDDEN!

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So now we are getting a better and more clear picture of where to hide. As this verse reveals, we are to enter into the Rock of Ages, and fall down and hide in the dust of our meekness and self-distrust!

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Listen… “But He (God) gives more grace. Wherefore He saith, God resists the proud, but gives grace unto the humble….Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up.” James 4:6, 9, 10

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This above passage gives the formula for New Testament repentance. And it’s the same formula God gave in the Old Testament! And so, if we expect to be hidden in that Day, we all need to be seeking after meekness! And all of us can do much better than we now do!

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

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And in tomorrow’s devotional (click here), the place we are to hide will be further discussed, with accompanying proof-texts from the Bible.

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

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to find meekness. O Lord, let me not be arrogant. But help me to be and meek and humble Berean. Let me open-minded when it comes to doctrines that are murky and ambiguous at best. And let me not be a victim of Church tradition…

Marine Praying – Wikimedia – USMC Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read…“How To Be Hidden in the Day of Wrath” or you can also read… “November 10 (An Elegy For TV)“

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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“One thing have I desired of the LORD,

that will I seek after;

that I may dwell

in the house of the LORD

all the days of my life,

to behold the beauty of the LORD,

and to inquire in His temple. 

For in the time of trouble

He shall hide me in His pavilion:

in the secret of His tabernacle

shall He hide me…”

Psalm 27:4, 5

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THE MOST HOLY PLACE                     

                                                               

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The above passage asks a very odd question: “…who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?” Psalm 15:1. Now why would God ask such a ridiculous question? After all, for most of the past 2,000 years, the temple lay in ruins. So how can a Christian abide in God’s tabernacle?

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THE ARK

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The Ark of the Covenant was the centerpiece of the tabernacle sanctuary, during the years of the wilderness wanderings of the children of Israel, prior to their entering into the Promised Land. 

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The Signs Of Heaven presents a constellation, seen in the summer skies, which represents the Ark of the Covenant. There is also a constellation which represents the Golden Altar in the winter skies, which likewise was in that same tabernacle. But just what is the relevance of all this?

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PROPHECY RIGHTLY INTERPRETED, VERY RELEVANT

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Well, let’s explore just how the Christian can fulfill all these Biblical concepts. Because God wrote the Bible in such a way, so that all these things can and will be very relevant to each and every Christian. 

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But in order to fully understand these concepts, the Scripture must be rightly divided (correctly interpreted). But this article will attempt to lay the foundation of these wonderful and awesome concepts.

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So please come along and read about these mysteries revealed by comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 

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Holman The Tabernacle in the Wilderness wikipedia US public domain

Above sketch: the Ark, Flower of the Field, and Cross/Scepter Constellations

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Ark of the Covenant Constellation, Pt. 2: How To Enter The Most Holy Place” 

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TOMORROW: 

“June 27th (The War Nobody Prepared For! Part 4 “Where Do We Hide?”)” 

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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 #175 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

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

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Those who are interested in using photos on this page may click on provided link below each photo, to get to Wikimedia Commons for various licensing details & tags, and all other necessary information on any particular photo. Most tall, narrow photos have been cropped or reduced by this website to make them a better fit on phone screens.

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Today’s Devotional – June 25th

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Darby’s & Scofield’s Pre-Trib “Rapture”

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Part 12

“The War Nobody Prepared For!”

CONTINUED

(Continued from yesterday ” June 24th (The War Nobody Prepared For!)”)

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YESTERDAY’S DEVOTIONAL

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In yesterday’s devotional (click here), The non-biblical name, “The Rapture” was discussed. And it was revealed that it is a great sin to invent a non-biblical name, and reject the God-given biblical name for when God’s people are “caught up”, which is correctly called, “The Coming of the Lord”, thus creating two 2nd Comings of the Lord, instead of one.

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Do we think we’re wiser than God?! 

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And it was discussed how this doctrine has greatly put the Church to sleep, because we erroneously believe that we will be removed from the earth, prior to the “Great Tribulation” which tribulation is foretold in the Book of Revelation.

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And this non-biblical name, “The Rapture” is used to convince us that there are two-separate Second Comings of Christ, one which proceeds the “Day of the Lord”.

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And so, according to current-day theologians, not only do Christians miss out on all the bad stuff, but even if they don’t make that supposed “Pre-Trib Rapture” return of Christ, they still get a second chance for salvation at His third Return, on the last day!

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A very clever deception by Satan!

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

 

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CHURCH NOT GETTING READY!

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Yes, many have sealed up almost the entire book of Revelation, by telling the Church that Revelation Chapters 4 through 22 doesn’t concern us. “Oh no!”, they say, “You don’t have to worry about Revelation! You won’t even be on earth when all that happens! You will have already been Raptured away prior to the Evil Day!” 

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And thus, this whole unbiblical Pre-tribulation Rapture is a cleverly designed Satanic deception to keep the Church fast asleep, until churchgoers finally wake up to discover that it’s too late! Because, those who sleep through God’s last final warning, will be swept away from this “refuge of lies” which we felt so secure with!

(“refuge of lies” reference found in Isaiah 28:17)

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sheep – Lambs to the slaughter – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license.

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PRE-TRIB RAPTURE THEORY FIRST TAUGH IN 1800’s

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Yes, our teachers (beginning with one, John N. Darby, and popularized by one, Cyrus I. Scofield, back in the 19th Century), have invented this false doctrine to seal up over 80% of the book of Revelation, saying “It doesn’t concern the Church!”

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And like lambs to the slaughter, the Church is heading into the Day of the Lord, thinking we’re going to miss it! But Revelation, Chapter 22:6.6, 7, 10, 16 says quite the opposite about itself…“These sayings are faithful and true…to shew unto His servants the things WHICH MUST SHORTLY BE DONE. Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book…FOR THE TIME IS AT HAND…I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things IN THE CHURCHES.” (Condensed for context and brevity)

Just ask your Bible teacher about this, above, final confirmation from Revelation’s last chapter and be prepared to get an unsatisfactory/confusing answer!

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John Nelson Darby – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

Cyrus Scofield – 1920 – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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TWO 2ND COMINGS DEPENDS ON THE NAME, “RAPTURE”

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“So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” Hebrews 9:28 

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Notice that the above verse speaks of the “second time” of Christ’s appearing.

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Well, what was His first appearing? This above verse gives that answer too: when Christ came into this world to be offered on the Cross.

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But the Bible never speaks of a third, separate appearance. Never!

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ABOVE PICTURE – Adding to or taking from God’s Word, the Bible

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2ND THESSALONIANS 4:15-17 REVEALS THE TRUTH

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And the fact is, without the non-biblical name, “The Rapture”, this whole Pre-tribulation Rapture idea completely falls apart! Yes, that’s right! This whole business about two separate 2nd & 3rd comings of Jesus completely falls apart!

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And why does it completely fall apart?

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Because of the very passage which they depend upon: 1st Thessalonians 4:15-17.

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Listen again… “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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So this very passage from which someone invented and insisted upon the name, “The Rapture”, has already been named with God’s very name for the event, “The Coming of the Lord”!

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HOUSE OF CARDS

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Do you see the great deception here? They had to invent another name beside, “The Coming of the Lord”, because they desire to have two second comings: one which the Bible rightly names, “The Coming of the Lord”, and another one for which they have invented the name, “The Pre-Tribulation Rapture”.

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The Bible only speaks about the 1st Coming, and the 2nd Coming. Never does the Bible speak of the 3rd Coming.

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And so, this entire prophecy about two 2nd comings and the Church missing out on the last 19 chapters of the Book of Revelation all hinges on you and me and everyone else accepting this non-biblical name called, “The Rapture”. It is the ultimate House-of-Cards. Because if you remove the name, “The Rapture”, then all you are left with is, “The Coming of the Lord”. And that is already the God-given, acceptable name for the event, when Jesus returns on the last day!  

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House Of Cards Bridge – wikipedia – public domain

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REPEATING THE LIE OFTEN ENOUGH

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And perhaps, deep down, they intuitively understand that they must keep repeating this false name, “The Rapture” over and over again, so that the great unprepared and biblically illiterate masses will actually begin to believe the lie, that there are two separate returns of the Lord!

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Yes, they are doing exactly like Joseph Goebbels, Hitler’s Propaganda Minister, counseled… “If you repeat a lie often enough, people will believe it. If you repeat a lie often enough, it becomes the truth.” And so, this phantom doctrine is repeated day and night on TV and radio. Satan is no dummy!

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Joseph Goebbels – cropped image – wikipedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Germany license.

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HOUSE OF CARDS FALLS

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And yet, if you take away that name, “The Rapture”, this entire House-of-Cards called “The Pre-Tribulation Rapture” will come tumbling down! And those who teach this idea may just have to forfeit their own soul on Judgment Day, along with all those who ignorantly bought into this man-contrived false doctrine and came up to the Day of the Lord totally unprepared!

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Yes, they have added to and have also diminished God’s Word…

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Listen once again… “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book. And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Revelation 22:18, 19. 

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Am I willing to bet my own soul’s Salvation that I am going miss out on the Day of the Lord? Or am I going to be wise, by preparing myself for that Great and Terrible Day?

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“Awake thou that sleepest…and Christ shall give thee light!”

Ephesians 5:14 

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And so, O soldier of the Cross, it’s time to get fully armored up! The Day of the Lord is at hand! We have not a moment to lose! We must get ready now!

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We need to close the drapes, and lock the study-room door and begin burning that midnight oil, as the saying goes!

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Yes, we need to be packing all those precious Bible promises in our hearts while there is still a few moments of time left!

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Chaplain reads Bible – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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TO READ PART 3, GO HERE…

” June 26th (The War Nobody Prepared For! Part 3 “Meekness”)”

ABOVE PICTURE: Unfunny Judgment Day Cartoon – a party tonight – signsofheaven.org

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me get myself ready for this great battle, by putting on the Armor of God. Give me a watchfulness and a spiritual alertness… 

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… “The Crown of Revelation 12: What Is “The Time of Jacob’s Trouble”?” or you can also read… “November 27 – (The Armor of God)“

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

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THE FLOWER OF HEAVEN CONSTELLATION

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REVELATION 12 WOMAN ON ALTAR AND FLOWER OF HEAVEN

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This constellation almost appears as a vine, as it projects out from the Altar/Ark Constellation . This constellation appears in mid-winter through late-spring.

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As you can see in this sketch, the Altar/Ark Constellation is also known as Leo Major , and the stem or vine of the flower is made of stars of the Virgo Constellation, and the flower itself is made of the Corvus Constellation.

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THE ZODIAC CONSTELLATION NAMES

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

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “The Flower of Heaven Constellation”

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TOMORROW:

” June 26th (The War Nobody Prepared For! Part 3 “Meekness”)”

ABOVE PICTURE: Unfunny Judgment Day Cartoon – a party tonight – 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 #174 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

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

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Those who are interested in using photos on this page may click on provided link below each photo, to get to Wikimedia Commons for various licensing details & tags, and all other necessary information on any particular photo. Most tall, narrow photos have been cropped or reduced by this website to make them a better fit on phone screens.

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Today’s Devotional – June 24th

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Darby’s & Scofield’s Pre-Trib Rapture

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Part 11

The War Nobody Prepared For!

To read Part 1, of this series, click here…JANUARY 25 (Darby & Scofield’s Pre-Trib Rapture, Part 1)

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What if an extremely reliable source warned you that a great and strong and very evil army was going to come against you and fight against you? 

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And this very reliable source told you that you really, really need to get yourself ready for that war?!

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But then, as you began to get ready, all your friends began to hug you and embrace you and tell you not to worry!

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“No”, they say, “You don’t need to worry about that! Because,” they explained, “the same reliable source who warned you to get ready, is actually going to remove you far away, just prior to that war, to a place of complete peace and safety!”

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

 

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ENJOYING THIS SELFISH WORLD!

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But, dear Reader, just listen to the Word of the Lord… “Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.” Isaiah 56:12.

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Yes, while we’re going after the cares and pleasures of this world, that Great and Terrible Day of the Lord is fast approaching! 

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

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“THEY CRY, ‘PEACE, PEACE’, WHEN THERE IS NO PEACE!”

Jeremiah 6:14, 8:11

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Yes, and that is exactly what is happening in the Christian world!

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The Bible warns… “For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.” 1st Thessalonians 5:3.

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Yes, since about the 1950’s, the Christian community has been gradually changing its stance on the Book of Revelation, now saying that most of it doesn’t concern the Church! In essence, “Peace and safety” is what we’re now saying!

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But you see, while the Bible warns us over and over, to get our armor on and be ready for battle, we are being lulled to sleep by those who are now saying that God is going to remove the Church from the earth, just prior to that great Day of the Lord!

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That’s right, Satan, it seems, has been feeding us a great big lie! And we have bought into that lie, “hook, line and sinker”, as they say!

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Many voices have been saying “peace and safety”, when in fact, they should be crying… “Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand;” Joel 2:1.

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ABOVE PICTURE – Orion & Revelation 12 Dragon seen at Eagle Ridge in winter – Signs Of Heaven.org – Not for profit use!

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“…they that are unlearned and unstable wrest (wrestle), as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction”

2nd Peter 3:16

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Today’s Bible teachers and theologians try their best to deny and cover up the fact historical records give Cyrus I. Scofield credit for popularizing this false doctrine of the “Pre-Tribulation Rapture”, first invented by another 19th-century false Bible teacher, one John Darby of The Plymouth Brethren denomination.

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Today’s Bible teachers/theologians would love you to believe that the name “The Rapture” is the proper biblical name for Christ’s Return. But the fact is, in the New Testament centuries prior to these two men, the God-given, biblical name, “The Coming of the Lord” was correctly used. (See 1st Thessalonians, 4:15)

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John Nelson Darby – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

Cyrus Scofield – 1920 – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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A LIE REPEATED OFTEN

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Joseph Goebbels, Propaganda Minister for Adolph Hitler said, “If you repeat a lie often enough, people will believe it. If you repeat a lie often enough, it becomes the truth.”

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The sad fact is, there has been a false doctrine, known as the “The Pre-tribulation Rapture”, which is found nowhere in the Bible! And just like Joseph Goebbels, Hitler’s Propaganda Minister, many have been trumpeting this non-biblical dogma called, “Pre-tribulation Rapture”, day and night, via TV and radio, and pulpits!

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But truth-be-told, God never calls His return, “The Rapture”. Never! That’s a totally fabricated name! Yes, there’s NOT one single time when God used the name, “The Rapture” in the Bible!

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PICTURE RIGHT: Joseph Goebbels – cropped – wikipedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Germany license.

 

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ADDING TO, OR DIMINISHING FROM GOD’S WORD

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So how does one justify this non-biblical name, “The Rapture”? Well, in 1st Thessalonians 4:15, there is a passage which speaks about “The Coming of the Lord” But in 1st Thessalonians 4:17, two verses later, theologians have taken the liberty of ignoring God’s name, “The Coming of the Lord”, and have claimed that being caught up is a separate event. And to justify this 2nd event, they have added the name, “The Rapture”.

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In this way, now Satan has convinced the Church that there are two 2nd Comings of the Lord: one prior to the 7-year tribulation (The so-called “The Rapture”), and one after (the actual biblical name, “The Coming of the Lord”).

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And this ignoring of God’s name, “The Coming of the Lord”, in verse 15, is excused by claiming that the words, “caught up” are from the Greek word, “harpazo” (which is not even a proper name, but is a verb!) and have turned it into the proper noun, “The Rapture”!

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This would not be nearly such a grievous sin, if it were not an ignoring of the name which God has given to that event! And so, many have diminished God’s Word, by rejecting the God-given name in that very same passage, “The Coming of the Lord” and have added to God’s Word the totally fabricated name, “The Rapture”. So we have committed two sins!

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And so now, we are guilty of both “adding to” and “diminishing ought” from God’s Word! Two grievous sins!

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THEOLOGIANS HAVE CREATED 2 EVENTS INSTEAD OF 1 EVENT

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Oh yes, they correctly say that “The Coming of the Lord” will still occur on the last day. But they have now concocted a completely new 2nd Coming by adding this new event, “The Rapture”, inserting it into that very same passage which only speaks of “The Coming of the Lord”!

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In other words, it is actually, “The Coming of the Lord”, in which God’s people will be “caught up together (with the resurrected dead) to meet the Lord in the air”. Not this spurious, so-called “Rapture”!

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And because most of us do not spend much time searching for biblical truth, and are not so concerned about these things, this great deception goes almost undetected.

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And even when someone does object, they are quickly discredited by any possible means!

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ABOVE PICTURE – Adding to or taking from God’s Word, the Bible

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A MATTER OF LOSING MY SALVATION!

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But God cares! And the Bible even pronounces a curse on anyone who adds to, or takes away from, the prophecy of this book.

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Listen… “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book. And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Revelation 22:18, 19

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Now, dear trembling child of God, do we really want to take the chance of being found guilty of “adding to”, or “taking away” from the Book of Revelation? Are we willing to have our name removed from the Lamb’s Book of Life, simply because we have fallen in love with this man-created name, “The Rapture? That’s right! It’s a totally man-contrived title! So why do we love this title more than we love God’s title for that event?

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Yes, O Christian, we’ve been duped by demonic forces it appears, just as God foretold we would be… “As for My people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O My people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.” Isaiah 3:12.

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PART TWO CONTINUES TOMORROW

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ABOVE PICTURE: Unfunny Judgment Day Cartoon – a party tonight – signsofheaven.org

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to wake up and get myself ready for that great and terrible day…

Family Prayer Before Meal – Wikimedia – US-Govt. – Public-Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “April 2nd (Add Thou Not!)” or you can also read… “Castor and Pollux (Part 2: The Return of Christ & The Dawning of the Day)”

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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GLORIOUS CROWN CONSTELLATION… 

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& THE REVELATION 12 WOMAN

(Click here to read more!)

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Let us meet our first host: The Glorious Crown of Revelation 12 Constellation!

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This Glorious Crown Constellation looks like a wreath at first glance. It has 7 stars, plus another star in the middle. This Glorious Crown Constellation is commonly referred to as the Corona Borealis Constellation. This wreath reminds us of the victory wreath given to athletes who won races in the ancient cultures. This was spoken of by Paul as he compared those ancient races to the race that Christians must run…  “Know you all not, that they which run in a race run all, but one receives the prize? So run, that you all may obtain.” 1st Corinthians 9:24 (see also Hebrews 12:1) 

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Photo: Corona Borealis – seen in warmer months – cropped photo with crown drawn in by this website – Wikipedia – Taken from software called Perseus – All rights by Roberto Mura 

Laurel Wreath – Lorbeerkranz_Zypern – cropped photo – Wikipedia – public domain

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“A CROWN OF 12 STARS UPON HER HEAD” …

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But upon a closer examination if you have access to a very dark sky out in the country; if you watch this wreath, you will eventually see 5 more very faint stars, making a total of 12 stars, plus that single star in the middle. This wreath now becomes a crown of 12 stars. This goes along with Revelation 12, which tells of a crown of 12 stars upon the head of the Virtuous Woman of Revelation 12.

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Just listen to Revelation… “And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman…and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:” Rev. 12:1.

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But this crown is not yet upon the head of the Virtuous Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation (also known as Ursa Major). It is just above her head, as if she has yet to attain it. Of course, the 13th star in the middle would represent Christ (Who is our true Crown of our rejoicing). Ok, so we have a picture of Christ and His twelve tribes of Israel. But also we have a picture of Christ and His twelve apostles, which is a picture of His Church. So this heavenly crown is a multi-faceted concept.

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

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “The Crown of Revelation 12: What Is “The Time of Jacob’s Trouble”?”

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TOMORROW:

“June 25th (The War Nobody Prepared For!) Continued”

ABOVE PICTURE: Unfunny Judgment Day Cartoon – a party tonight – 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 #173 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING OF FAMILY RADIO…

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

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Those who are interested in using photos on this page may click on provided link below each photo, to get to Wikimedia Commons for various licensing details & tags, and all other necessary information on any particular photo. Most tall, narrow photos have been cropped or reduced by this website to make them a better fit on phone screens.

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Today’s Devotional – June 23rd

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The Natural Man’s Prosperity Gospel

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For most of the past 2,000 years, the world just got by.

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Oh yes, there were rich people. But for the most part, if you were born poor, chances are, you would also die poor.

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Of course, there were a few extremely clever and ambitious ones who made it their chief goal in life, to become rich.

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But there were no get-rich gospels blowing in the wind in those days. People knew that they weren’t going to hit the lottery jackpot. People knew that poverty was probably going to be their lot in life.

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Orphanage run by Christians – Jan de Bray – Wikimedia – Public domain

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FIRST & SECOND BEASTS OF REVELATION 13

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But when the first beast of Revelation 13 had received his deadly wound by God’s great and terrible sword (the Bible), an era came to an end.

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No longer would the world live in extreme poverty. Now was the time when the great Dragon would begin to flood the Christian nations of Europe and America with abundance!

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Yes, it was now time for the second beast to make his appearance on the world stage. Now came a paradigm shift so dramatic, that it completely changed how the world thought, and how they lived.

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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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2ND BEAST’S POWER: THE EARTH

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Yes, this second beast arose up from the earth. And this was seen as the beginning of the so-called “industrial revolution”, as Man began to take the elements of the earth, and turn those elements of the earth into goods of various types.

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And so, this was the beginning of the world-wide economy. And the nations began to enjoy a prosperity never before experienced in the post-diluvian world.

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Oh yes, this has been a gradual progression, but it began to sweep through the nations who were struggling to remain faithful to the Gospel which they once enthusiastically embraced during the Reformation.

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ABOVE PICTURE: Satan, The False Prophet who offers a world-loving gospel 

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ITCHING-EARS GOSPELS

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Listen to this unnerving prophecy concerning the total apostasy of the churches…“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2nd Timothy 4:3, 4

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This above passage forewarns that a day is coming when the churches will no longer endure sound doctrine!

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Now the Dragon knew that by flooding these Christian nations with riches and material wealth, he could put out the holy fire with the complacency and self-satisfied lethargy which so often accompanies earthly prosperity.

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ABOVE PICTURE: Satan, The False Prophet who offers a world-loving gospel 

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PROSPERITY DRIVEN CHURCH-WORLD

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Thus, we have come to a day in which those “get rich” gospels are enjoying tremendous growth around the world!

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And along with the promise of financial freedom, these gospels have brought in the sensual music of the world, and even comedy in the pulpit, and other such worldly attractions.

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Needless to say, these worldly gospels are attracting the great unwashed masses around the world into their gospel!

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

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“NATURAL MAN” REJECTS SPIRITUAL NATURE OF BIBLE

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But what is wrong with financial affluence?

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And where did this prosperity-driven gospel come from?

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Does the Bible promote anything like this?

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Well, listen to this… “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 2nd Corinthians 2:13, 14

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God has written the Bible in earthly language, to a great extent. Hence, passages concerning prosperity have a spiritual analogy.

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Yes, the Bible is a spiritual book. In other words, when a Christian reads the Bible, the Holy Spirit begins to interpret those earthly allegories into spiritual truths.

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ABOVE PICTURE – Adding to or taking from God’s Word, the Bible

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GOD’S DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD!

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The Spirit-filled truth-seeker begins to perceive that the Bible has been written in such a way that it reveals the true motives of the heart. It is a “Two-Edged Sword” which cuts both ways! It will slay a person’s love for this world, or it will slay his love for Heaven. In other words, you can’t have both worlds. You must choose which world you will live for.

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Listen… “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

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Here is a very revealing verse which helps us to realize that God’s Word will discover the deepest thoughts and intents of our heart!

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ABOVE PICTURE: soldiers of the cross – armor up! – www.signsofheaven.org

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WHICH WORLD WILL I LIVE FOR?

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Listen… “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and Mammon.” Matthew 6:24

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Oh yes, the Bible speaks quite often of earthly prosperity.

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But it does so, in order to speak of heavenly prosperity.

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This is where the Holy Spirit comes in to translate such earthly types, shadows, and symbols into spiritual truths.

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ABOVE PICTURE: Satan, The False Prophet who offers a world-loving gospel 

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THEY CANNOT DISCERN SPIRITUAL THINGS

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And so, if those who stumble at the Word had really been searching for truth, they would have understood this following parable…

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Listen… “There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches. The ransom of a man’s life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.” Proverbs 13:7, 8.

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As this above verse reveals, the riches of this world are merely “fool’s gold”. But the true riches are Salvation, as well as the golden gift of faith and love, which grows within the Believer’s heart.

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But we poor deluded souls don’t see what this passage is truly saying, because our carnal hearts cannot see these spiritual truths… “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.” Romans 8:7, 8.

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Yes, a carnal Christian is numbered among “false brethren”. A mere “make-believer”.

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Pyrite (Fools Gold) – cropped – Wikimedia – share-alike license

 

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GOOD NEWS!

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Now amidst all this doom and gloom is some very Good News! Yes, if we find that our heart has been deceived by the deceitfulness of earthly riches, there is time to turn and flee from these things.

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Listen… “In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats; To go into the clefts of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of His majesty, when He ariseth to shake terribly the earth!” Isaiah 2:20, 21

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Yes, as this prophecy reveals, there is coming a day in which God’s true worshippers will finally wake up to our peril. And when that day finally comes, we will cast our, “idols of silver of and gold to the moles and to the bats, to go into the clefts of the ragged rocks…when He arises to shake terribly the earth!”

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

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Let me not be deceived by the deceitfulness of riches. Let me keep my eyes fixed on Jesus, and pattern my life after His glorious life…

Pray for Our Nation sign – Wikimedia – Share-alike-lic.

 

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “June 9th (The Power of Positive-Thinking Gospels!)” or you can also read… “Revelation 12 Woman & The Narrow Gate Stars (Orion’s Gate to Heaven)”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

 

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

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THE ARK IN THE HEAVENS

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So what importance to us is all this information? Well, if a person goes out at night, beginning in April (earlier in southern-most latitudes, and later in northern-most), in the pre-dawn hour, they just might locate the constellation commonly referred to as the  Sagittarius Constellation  . It is located in the southern sky. (Each night it appears a little earlier, slowly inching westward, through the summer, until it finally disappears below the western horizon in November.)

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At first, it simply appears as two twin birds flying westward. But if you look once again, it just might appear as a long box-like figure, with one star on the right, as you face it, and two stars on the left. The box, of course would be the Ark, and the stars on either side would represent angels, which are sometimes referred to as stars in the Bible (for instance, “the seven stars are the angels…” Revelation 1:20). To the right is a star-chart from Wikipedia, in which the editor of this site has sketched in this Sagittarius Constellation, to show how God created it to appear.

 

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Star-chart to right is from Wikipedia. Editor has sketched over Sagittarius to show this Ark Constellation.

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THE ARK, CROSS/SCEPTER & FLOWER OF THE FIELD

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“And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.” Revelation 11:19

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The below sketch is of the southernmost constellations: The Ark of the Covenant, the Flower of the Field, and the Cross/Scepter Constellations. As you can see in the sketch, the two stars in this Ark of the Covenant Constellation, (on either side of the Ark) do not look like these two angels. This sketch is just an overly generous rendering of this constellation. This sketch does however, present a view of the Ark, as it might have appeared (somewhat) in Solomon’s temple. This constellation is commonly known as “Sagittarius”. Why the ancients saw this as a centaur (man/horse figure) is a mystery. Maybe someone knows.

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TEMPLE IN HEAVEN OPENED

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But the really big important fact is that this constellation is spoken of in Revelation… “And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the Ark of His Testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.” Revelation 11:19. This constellation begins to fulfill this prophecy in this above verse. But as you read more and more of Signs Of Heaven, you will see a greater fulfillment of this prophecy. Because not only will the temple be opened in Heaven, but you will receive instructions as to how you may enter by faith into the true temple in Heaven and into the true Most Holy Place where the actual Ark is (the heart of God). 

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(To read more on this subject, go to… “Ark of the Covenant Constellation, Pt. 2: How To Enter The Most Holy Place”

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EDITOR’S NOTE: these are sketches, and are not charts. They are not 100% accurate. But hopefully, they are close enough, so that the reader may locate them in the night sky.

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “The Ark of the Covenant Constellation”

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TOMORROW:

” June 24th (The War Nobody Prepared For!)”

ABOVE PICTURE Unfunny Judgment Day Cartoon – a party tonight – 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 #172 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

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

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Those who are interested in using photos on this page may click on provided link below each photo, to get to Wikimedia Commons for various licensing details & tags, and all other necessary information on any particular photo. Most tall, narrow photos have been cropped or reduced by this website to make them a better fit on phone screens.

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Today’s Devotional – June 22

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The Natural Man’s Bible Prophecy

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There is a great error in many of today’s schools of Bible interpretation. It comes about when The Natural Man decides to attempt to interpret what only the Holy Spirit can rightly reveal.

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Oh, you want to know just who is The Natural Man?

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Listen…  “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things…we have the mind of Christ.”  1st Corinthians 2:14-16

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So it says here that the “natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him”. And so here is the big problem. 

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

 

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“COMPARING SPIRITUAL THINGS WITH SPIRITUAL”

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But this passage goes on to further say… “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” 1st Corinthians 2:13.

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And here it reveals what true interpretation is: “comparing spiritual things with spiritual”.

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This is perhaps the greatest problem with much of today’s Bible prophecy interpretations: the attempt to interpret prophecy as merely the prognosticating of future events.

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ABOVE PICTURE – Adding to or taking from God’s Word, the Bible

 

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ISLAM AND THE BIBLE

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Let’s take for instance, the attempt to bring Islam’s Jihad into Bible prophecy.

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Now the first mistake is when we look at current events and then try to make the Bible correspond to those current events. And there are many today who are now trying to make the Bible coincide with what’s going on in the news

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Now, the Bible makes no mention of either Islam, nor of Jihad.

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But it does mention “Ishmael”, who is one of the many progenitors of the Arabic race.

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

 

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ISHMAEL AN ALLEGORY

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So, let’s look at one aspect of Bible prophecy and try to understand just where we are going wrong…

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Listen to Paul… “For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.” Galatians 4:22-26

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Paul here is correctly interpreting the story of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar, as a spiritual allegory.

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

 

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TWO PORTIONS OF JERUSALEM

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By comparing spiritual things with spiritual, Paul is seeing that both Jerusalem as well as Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar & Ishmael are being orchestrated by God to be spiritual concepts.

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And by comparing these spiritual concepts together, Paul interprets these things as concerning the New Testament Church: both the apostate Jerusalem, and the faithful Jerusalem.

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Yes, Hagar and Ishmael represent the “Jerusalem which is now, and is in bondage with her children”: this is the Church-apostate, which is still in bondage to the flesh.

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And Sarah represents the Church of promise, “which is free and is the mother of us all”.

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Paul – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

 

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THE ENTIRE BIBLE IS ABOUT SALVATION

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So now we begin to see that God is not prophesying about Muslims at all!

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Hagar and Ishmael do not represent Islam, but in truth, represent the apostate portion of the Church!

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These accounts in the Old Testament are concerning the Church, as is with the entire Bible! That’s right, the entire Bible is all about Christ and His Church, and the battle against the Devil and his followers.

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Oh yes, all these Old Testament stories are true and literal historical accounts! But God orchestrated them to present allegorical truths. That’s just how God preferred to present truth to us.

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And so, for us to see anything beyond Christ, His Church, and the battle against Satan and his followers is to incorrectly interpret Scripture!

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Brooklyn Museum – The Foolish Virgins – James Tissot – US Public Domain

Five Wise Virgins – Matt 25 – www.thebiblerevival.com – Public Domain

 

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THE NATURAL MAN IS NOT SO CONCERNED ABOUT MATTERS OF THE HEART!

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But those who “stumble at the Word” cannot see nor appreciate this spiritual interpretation by Paul. They desperately want to squeeze Islam into all this, merely because Islam is all over the news these days!

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The fact is, the Bible is greatly concerned with the matters of the human heart. But the “natural man” is not so concerned about the matters of the heart.

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But to Natural Man, forecasting mere earthly, future events, is far more important! Such literal forecasting makes that natural man look like an enlightened  prognosticator.

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And this only further bolsters the natural man’s proud, carnal heart, if others see that he (or she) can indeed correctly predict future events!

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ABOVE PICTURE – Adding to or taking from God’s Word, the Bible

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LITERAL INTERPRETATION OF NO SPIRITUAL VALUE

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But the fact is, even though radical Islam is all over the news these days, yet Islam provides absolutely no spiritual help for God’s people.

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But Paul’s interpretation helps our understanding of the Bible immensely!

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Yes, when a Christian accepts Paul’s interpretation of Ishmael, it completely opens up the entire Bible to our understanding! Now we begin to see that all those fiery Old Testament prophets were actually prophesying concerning the New Testament Church! And so now, all of a sudden, the Book of Revelation begins to open up to our understanding as we begin to see that Revelation is all about the Church!

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And also, the Books of Jeremiah, Isaiah, Ezekiel, and all of the Old Testament prophets now come alive, as we see that God is actually prophesying regarding the Church!

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Paul the Apostle-Artist-Valentin de Boulogne or Nicolas Tournier- wikipedia – circa 1500s

 

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“TODAY IF YE WILL HEAR HIS VOICE, HARDEN NOT YOUR HEARTS”

Hebrews 3:15

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But the sad fact is, you probably won’t have much success trying to convince carnal Christians of all these things.

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Because carnal Christians reject the Holy Spirit’s interpretation of these spiritual truths, as was foretold… “But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him”. 1st Corinthians 2:14.

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And let’s face it, the natural, sensual, carnal man can easily be seen in today’s church-world via the sensual-sounding music, carnal dress-codes, and silly, giddy, worldly talk and behavior so prevalent in current-day churches.

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

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A “VESSEL UNTO HONOR”!

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So what is the remedy for those of us who are yet in our carnal, natural condition?

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Well, there is the hope of Salvation! Yes, the carnal, natural, sensual person has yet to receive Salvation.

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Yes, O Christian! If you and I can humble ourselves under the chastening hand of God, God can transform us into a “vessel unto honor”. (2nd Timothy 2:21) 

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

 

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MOURN & WEEP!

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But for those of us who do turn to the Lord, with weeping and mourning, God says… “Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up.” James 4:8-10.

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This is the remedy for those of us who are still living in the flesh. This is the remedy for the “natural man”. Then we will no longer be citizens of the “Jerusalem which is now, and is in bondage with her children”.

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But instead, we will then become citizens of the “Jerusalem above, which is free, and is the mother of us all”: we who have truly “crucified the flesh, with its affections and lusts!” Galatians 5:24

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David’s sorrow – Wikigallery – Public Domain

 

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me a repentant heart that seeks Thy grace. Help me to see the spiritual message of the Bible…

Marine Praying – Wikimedia – USMC Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “November 22 – (The Greatest Jig-saw Puzzle Ever!)“ or you can also read… “November 23 – (The Two Spirits In The World)“

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

 

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

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THE HOLY GHOST RIDER CONSTELLATION

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

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

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

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BIBLE VERSES PICTURED IN THE HEAVENS

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“With the hoofs of his horses shall he tread down all thy streets: he shall slay thy people by the sword, and thy strong garrisons shall go down to the ground.” Ezekiel 26:12

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THIS STAR-CHART: This is a Wikipedia star-chart, in which this site’s editor has sketched in these three constellation (without the Holy-Ghost-Rider Constellation). Notice how the right front hoof is trampling on the tail of the Dragon. Also notice his eye is a star.It’s best seen when in the western half of the sky. It is found in mid-sky traveling from east to west. In January, it is in the west after midnight. As winter progresses, it can be seen earlier and earlier in the evening. a dark sky with good star-visibility is best, but not absolutely necessary to see this constellation. It is found on the opposite side of the Dragon Constellation from Orion. And as already stated, this Goodly Horse Constellation can be seen best in mid-winter when it is in the western side of the sky, and you are looking at it while you are facing west. The nose and head of this horse is partly made from the Perseus Constellation. The tail and rear end is partly of the Cassiopeia Constellation. The hind-leg is made partly of stars from the Andromeda Constellation.

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READ MORE…

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

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW:

” June 23rd (The Natural Man’s Prosperity Gospel)”

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.

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THIS STUDY #171 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

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

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Those who are interested in using photos on this page may click on provided link below each photo, to get to Wikimedia Commons for various licensing details & tags, and all other necessary information on any particular photo. Most tall, narrow photos have been cropped or reduced by this website to make them a better fit on phone screens.

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Today’s Devotional – June 21st

 

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How To Spend My Retirement Years

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Many people in their 50’s and 60’s are getting ready for retirement. And many of these are trying to decide just how will they spend those years. “Shall I take up golfing, or maybe fishing, or some other hobby?”

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Others are considering finding some minor occupation. Maybe becoming a gardener or a big-box-store greeter. Just some little job merely to keep one’s self busy!

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Many have saved enough money over the years to travel. And there are countless wonderful places to visit, enough to keep traveling for years!

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Still others plan to spend their remaining years with family and friends.

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And then there are those who plan to become snow-birds, going down south during the winter months, and then going back north for the summer months.

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And then there are others who simply want to putter around the house, doing various little projects and perhaps watch some TV and go to a movie or restaurant several times a week.

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Now these are just some of the typical ways that people wish to spend their declining years.

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Fly fishing on the South Santiam – cropped – Wikipedia –  Creative Commons – CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication.

Gardening – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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NO CONSIDERATION FOR ETERNITY

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So what do all these scenarios seem to have in common? What bottom line do they all seem to share? Just what fatal flaw is there, here?

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You see, all these various retirement plans seem to have one common denominator. They all appear to be based on the idea that there is no eternal life. They all are seemingly in denial that there is a Heavenly battle to win, and a Hell to shun.

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Oh no, to work at a job, if it is to meet one’s basic needs is absolutely necessary! Or to take the spouse on a vacation from time to time can be refreshing, if done in moderation. Or to have a little hobby on the side can be rewarding, as long as it doesn’t become an all-consuming lust.

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But to immerse one’s self in such a leisurely lifestyle, while this world is in the midst of the great heated battle for the souls of all Mankind!? Does that make sense!?

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Now of course, the people of the world don’t believe that such a spiritual battle is going on. And so, why not spend one’s last few years on earth, trying to find and enjoy life’s last pleasures? That only makes sense for unbelievers!

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But such faithless lifestyles have nothing to do with biblical Christianity!

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Holy bible – cropped – wikimedia – creative commons lic.

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PAUL’S RETIREMENT PLAN

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Listen to the Apostle, Paul… “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” 2nd Timothy 4:6-9

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Does this declaration by Paul sound as though he was looking forward to a nice long and relaxing retirement? 

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Can you imagine Paul moving to a retirement golf resort for aging evangelists? Can you just picture Paul and Peter and John as a threesome, playing eighteen holes? Well, why not? Because everybody knows what these three men were all about! Everybody knows that these three men had no other desire than to run the Christian Race, and fight that Good Christian Fight, and win that Heavenly prize! 

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Decapitación of Paul – by Simonet – 1887 – cropped – wikipedia – US public domain

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PAUL, PETER AND JOHN

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No, these three men each worked tirelessly to consecrate their lives in such a way, that the world might see Jesus in them!

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These three men each knew the importance of redeeming the time they had yet remaining here on earth. And these three men strove to preach the Gospel to any and every last person who had ears to hear!

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Yes, Paul, Peter and John knew the importance and value of eternal life. They knew that this present life is merely as a tiny “vapor, which appears for a moment and then vanishes away”! (James 4:14)

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If they were looking for any sort of leisurely retirement, it would have to be beyond the grave!

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But while they had any breath in them in this life, it would be used to preach the Gospel to whoever would listen!

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Paul the Apostle – Cropped – Artist-Valentin de Boulogne or Nicolas Tournier- circa 1500s

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

The Apostle, John – Wikipedia – us PUBLIC DOMAIN

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I PRESS TOWARD THE MARK FOR THE PRIZE!

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And none of these three men counted themselves to have “already attained, either were already made perfect”. Philippians 3:12

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No, each of these men would merely, “press on toward the mark for the prize, of that high (and holy) calling of God, in Christ Jesus”. They knew that they needed a much deeper baptism, and a much greater resurrected lifestyle! (see Philippians 3:7-15)

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And so dear Pilgrim, let’s look to such men as these for our examples and role-models. Let’s not look to the people of the world (nor the church) for examples!

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Let’s continue to fan into flames the gift of grace within us! Let’s keep ascending that upward pathway, walking as strangers and pilgrims away from this selfish world, and onward to the Celestial Courts of the Heavenly City of God!

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By so-doing, we will enjoy a rich reward throughout the ceaseless ages to come!

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

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EDITOR’S NOTE: Having said all these things, it must also be said that there are many retirees who can possibly combine their new lifestyle or hobby while continuing to study and contemplate God’s Word and continually praying without ceasing.

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These questions should be a matter of earnest prayer and soul-searching.

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A RETIRED COUPLE – RV on the road – NARA – Wikimedia – Public Domain

 

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me that same fiery Spirit which ignited the lives of these three men…

 

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please 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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HEAVENLY MOUNTAINS

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Well, as just stated, the Lord has created a constellation which shows a woman fleeing. It is called the Revelation 12 Woman Constellation, also known as Ursa Major or The Big Dipper. So if we explore this constellation in the light of the Bible, there can be a wealth of information discovered on this very topic. So come along and dig into this study. And after reading about this heavenly revelation, you just might find yourself fleeing to the mountains. And maybe, just maybe, there are some much better mountains to flee to, than the ones in the above photo of Palestine! Mountains in which you can hide, where tracking devices and black helicopters are useless against you!

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Picture to right: Ursa Major, also known as The Big Dipper

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READ MORE…

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

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TOMORROW:

” June 22nd (The Natural Man & Bible Prophecy)” 

Audience hands – cropped & altered – Wikimedia – Universal 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.

.

THIS STUDY #170 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

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

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.

Those who are interested in using photos on this page may click on provided link below each photo, to get to Wikimedia Commons for various licensing details & tags, and all other necessary information on any particular photo. Most tall, narrow photos have been cropped or reduced by this website to make them a better fit on phone screens.

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