Daily Devotional, Year 2 – May 3 (Strong Delusion in Scripture, Part 2: Drinking Wine)

By admin On March 17th, 2015

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – May 3

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Strong Delusion in Scripture,

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Part 2:

“Drinking Wine”

To read Part 1, click here… “April 27 (Strong Delusion in Scripture)”

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“…because they received not the love of the truth,

that they might be saved.

And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion,

that they should believe a lie:

That they all might be damned who believed not the truth,

but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”

2nd Thessalonians 2:10-12

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This above passage from Paul’s Epistle to the Thessalonians is one of the most fearful of all Bible passages.

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It reveals that we must be faithful to God, and not the least bit presumptuous about our Christianity!

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Paul the Apostle – cropped & brightened photo – Artist – Valentin de Boulogne or Nicolas Tournier – circa 1500s – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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TO DRINK, OR NOT TO DRINK?

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One such area of the Bible, which God makes somewhat murky is whether or not the Believer should drink alcohol.

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

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VERSES SUPPORTING ALCOHOL…

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“Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.” 1st Timothy 5:23

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Back in the days of the early church, the medications were few and simple.

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And alcohol had its medicinal properties.

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And certainly, during the Dark Ages, safe drinking water was not always available, requiring people to drink wine at times.

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And so, Paul here was writing to Timothy, who apparently was weak physically.

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Paul the Apostle – Artist – Valentin de Boulogne or Nicolas Tournier – circa 1500s – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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BIBLE SYMBOLISM

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Now listen to this next passage which also seems to condone wine…“He (God)…causeth wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man’s heart.” Psalm 104:14, 15

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The Bible can be very tricky, since much of it is written in allegories.

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This above passage seems to have a literal connotation, which applies to the unsaved of the world.

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But this above passage likewise has a spiritual application, referring to the “wine of Christ’s blood”, the “oil of the Holy Spirit”, and the “bread of life”, which is the life of Jesus.

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Church Audience hands – Wikimedia – Public Domain.

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WEDDING AT CANA

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Now here’s the premier passage which is used to condone wine-drinking…“And…there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee…And when they wanted wine…Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water…When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine…saith…thou hast kept the good wine until now.”

(To read full account, click here… John 2:1-10)

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This above account is perhaps the greatest argument in favor of alcohol drinking.

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Jesus actually turned water into wine at a Jewish wedding celebration!

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Wedding Feast at Cana – Bartolomé Esteban Murillo – 1617–1682 – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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VERSES THAT WARN AGAINST…

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But listen to this seemingly contradicting passage…“Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.” (To read entire passage, go here…Proverbs 23:29-34)

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Not a very pleasant description, wouldn’t you agree?

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And quite often, what begins with the tradition of a little glass of wine with dinner, eventually turns into full-blown drunkenness, a few years down the line, especially when problems arise!

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Hangover – Dunfermline City Chambers – By Paul Mcllroy – cropped photo – Wikipedia – Creative Commons This carving is said to be of a Burgh official who gave the stone masons a hard time during the building

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WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?

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In the areas of life which are not so clearly defined in Scripture, we have a safe-guard in the life of the Lord Jesus… “Jesus saith…I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” John 14:6

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And when in doubt about what we should or shouldn’t be doing, we need to ask ourselves the question… “What would Jesus do if He was in my situation? How did He live His life on earth?”

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Asking such questions will usually solve our dilemma, concerning the path we must take.

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Transfiguration – Bloch – Wikimedia Commons – US Public-Domain

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WHAT WOULD PAUL DO?

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But listen to Paul, as he exhorts us to imitate himself…“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” 1st Corinthians 11:1

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God has also graciously provided another role-model, the Apostle, Paul!

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By the time a Christian filters his questionable situation through the exemplary lives of these two role-models, most cloudy and questionable situations will quickly clear up!

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Paul Tentmaking – cropped photo – La Vista Church of Christ – Creative Commons License

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AM I A ROLE-MODEL?

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Not only is Jesus and Paul to be a role-model for Christians, but every true Believer is also to be a role-model for the Church…

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Listen… “Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.” 1st Corinthians 8:13

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It’s literally impossible to completely hide our lifestyle.

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And such matters as alcohol drinking will have its effects on others around us, as they decide whether or not they should or shouldn’t drink.

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“It is not for…kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink…”

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TO CONTINUE READING, CLICK HERE…

“May 4 (Strong Delusion in Scripture, Part 2, Continued: Drinking Wine)”

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

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THE READER IS HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO LISTEN TO THIS 25 MINUTE STUDY FROM JEREMIAH CONCERNING WINE, PRESENTED BY HAROLD CAMPING…

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Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.com – Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me of Thy Holy Spirit, as I give Thee my entire life! Let me not be deceived by a false spirit. But bring me up the narrow pathway of truth…

Woman praying – Heinrich Seufferheld – 1893 – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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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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***REVELATION 12 WOMAN* *& NARROW GATE STARS***

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

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And at this point it is apparent that the Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation is veering toward the two bright stars, known as Castor and Pollux (sketch to left). But the Wide Gate Stars are composed of the two brightest stars of the Auriga Constellation, known as the star, Capella, and the star, Menkalinan. The two stars, Castor and Pollux, make up the concept of the Orion’s Narrow Gate Stars.

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This can even be observed into June in the western sky (for a short time just after dark). While a dark night is best for seeing the Woman Constellation, the 4 stars which comprise the Narrow Gate/Wide Gate Stars can be seen even under mediocre conditions. It begins with the Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation (AKA Ursa Major) going towards these two doors.

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The sketch to left shows, the two doors are each composed of two bright stars. The two bright stars that comprise the Narrow Gate are the two brightest stars of the Orion the Reaper’s sickle. The two stars that comprise the ‘Wide Gate’ Stars are the two brightest stars of the wave of water that comes out of the Dragon Constellation’s mouth (for explanation of “Wave of Water”, just click here). The stars that make up the ‘Narrow Gate’ are about half the width of the Wide Gate (see sketch to right).

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(For more information on Orion’s sickle, just click here,“Orion The R eaper”.)

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Editor’s note: These sketches on this page are merely sketches. The stars are not in their exact place. However, they are close enough to find them in the night sky. But as with most stars, it takes persistence to finally locate them.

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TOMORROW…

“May 4 (Strong Delusion in Scripture, Part 2, Continued: Drinking Wine)”

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

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

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

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

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

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

By admin On March 16th, 2015

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – May 2

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As The Flower of the Field,

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Part 2:

“The Price of Dust”

To read Part 1, click here… “March 19th (As the Flower of the Field!)”

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“Like as a father pities his children,

so the LORD pities them that fear Him.

For He knows our frame;

He remembers that we are dust.

As for man, his days are as grass:

as a flower of the field, so he flourishes.

For the wind passes over it, and it is gone;

and the place thereof shall know it no more.

But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting

upon them that fear Him…”

Psalm 103:13-17

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Wild Flowers near Essington, Staffordshire – cropped photo – Wikipedia – CC Share-alike License

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This above passage speaks to the vanity of life.

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But it also speaks of the great gift of Salvation.

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Without Salvation, man is like the flower which perishes.

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Or like the grass which is mown down.

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**But it also says here that, “*He remembers that we are dust”.***

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Dandelion in the Sun – cropped photo – Wikipedia & avmaier – Share-alike License

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WHAT IS THE PRICE OF DUST?

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And speaking of flowers and grass, have you ever gone to, say, Walmart, and bought a sack of top-soil?

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And while picking it up, did you ever consider that the sod you just bought might have once contained the dust of some former animal, that died long ago?

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Or maybe even a person, who lived and died long ago?

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Well not a very pleasant thought, but a very real and true possibility!

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soil dirt – Happy silage bale – cropped photo – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license

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UNTO DUST THOU SHALT RETURN

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When God was speaking to Adam and Eve, He pronounced the following fate, which was to come upon all Mankind, because of our rebellion… “In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” Genesis 3:19

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Yes, Adam and Eve eventually returned to the dust, along with every person and every animal who ever lived!

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Benjamin West – The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise – Wikipedia – public domain

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BURIED UNDER SANDS OF TIME

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So if you want to get really, really, brutally sarcastic (and morbid), it might be said that “One day, we’ll all be sitting side-by-side in the garden section of Walmart, on a pallet of top-soil bags!”

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Listen to the wisest of all mortals… “Vanity…of vanities; all is vanity (that is, all is meaningless and empty). What profit has a man of all his labor which he takes under the sun? One generation passes away, and another generation comes: but the earth abides for ever.” Ecclesiastes 1:2-4

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Really, the Book of Ecclesiastes is all about just how Man lives for a few decades, and then returns to the earth, and forgotten under the sands of time.

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Still Life With A Skull & Hour-glass – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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WRITTEN IN THE EARTH

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Listen… “they that depart from Me shall be written in the earth…” Jeremiah 17:13

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This above verse from Jeremiah, declares the fate of all who forsake the Lord.

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Unless a person becomes “born again”, they shall perish, only to return to dust. And then, they will merely be worth the price of dust.

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And you can buy a bag of soil for a couple of bucks.

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And that’s how much you and I will be worth someday, at the very most!

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Persistence of Memory – Salvador Dali – Wikigallery – Public Domain

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UNWORTHY

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Listen to Paul, as he spoke to the rejectors of grace… “Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the Word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life…” Acts 13:46

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Yes, as this above verse reveals, there are those who judge themselves unworthy of everlasting life.

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These are they who will eventually return back to the earth, and nevermore live again.

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They refuse to drink of the fountain of living waters.

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Apotheosis of War – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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GOOD NEWS!

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But the Good News is, if you are reading this devotional, then you are still a candidate for the free gift of Salvation!

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You do not have to merely die and return to the price of dust!

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Yes, you can become one of the world’s richest persons!

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A billionaire! No, a trillionaire!

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Because if you have everlasting life, you have everything!

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Without it you have nothing!

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Study for The Cross and the World…… Brooklyn Museum – Thomas Cole – US public domain

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AS THE STARS FOREVER!

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So what do I have to lose?

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A few years enjoying the miserable pleasures of sin and selfishness?

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And then end up with the same fate of, perhaps, becoming a sack of dirt at Walmart?

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**Oh yes, I will be spread out in someone’s lawn, and be “pushing up daisies”, as the saying goes. Not much of a future in that, is there?**

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Or I can say along with the words from Daniel… “And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake… And…shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever…” Daniel 12:2, 3

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The above passage sounds like a pretty good deal, doesn’t it?

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To shine as one of the stars of Heaven!

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And as a former real estate trader, that sounds like a pretty good real estate trade!

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Starry Night at La Silla – cropped & altered photo – Wikimedia – Share-Alike license

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TO READ PART 3, CLICK HERE…

May 28 (As The Flower of the Field, Part 3: No Profit Under The Sun!)

Still Life of Death With A Skull & Hour-glass – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, I choose to become one of the truly rich souls, having everlasting life. Guide me up the Heavenward pathway, day-by-day…

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

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

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FLOWER OF THE FIELD CONSTELLATION

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This is perhaps one of the most amazing constellations that God has created! It truly looks like a flower, and appears to be blowing in the direction of westward. But as autumn draws near, this constellation appears to bow itself down, just like the flowers of Earth bow down, at the summer’s end.

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And these are not merely obscure stars. These are among the biggest and brightest stars in the night heavens!

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**The Two Turtle-Doves Constellation is also known as Sagittarius .**

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The Flower of the Field is commonly known as Scorpio .

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But there is another obvious aspect to this constellation group. Notice that the birds are flying in the same direction as the flower is bending; it is as if the east wind is blowing these heavenly messengers…

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“The wind blows where it desires, and you hear the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it comes, and where it goes: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. John 3:8.

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So here is another incredible Bible concept, written in the heavens! And God has spoken of these signs! Listen… “For ever, O LORD, Thy Word is settled in heaven.” Psalm 119:89

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THE ZODIAC CONSTELLATION NAMES

By the way, 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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FLOWER CONSTELLATION BOWS DOWN…

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AUGUST 28TH, 2011

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

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

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TOMORROW…

“May 3 (Strong Delusion in Scripture, Part 2: Drinking Wine)”

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

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

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

.

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.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Daily Devotional, Year 2 – May 1 (Making Deals With My Self!)

By admin On March 15th, 2015

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – May 1

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Making Deals With My Self!

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Do you remember in Luke 16:1-9, the parable of the Unjust Steward?

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Well, this man was about to get fired from being a steward.

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But in desperation, he decided to go to his employer’s debtors and settled with each for less than what they owed his employer.

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Listen… “So he called every one of his lord’s debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord? And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty…” Luke 16:5, 6

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And so, this is what he did with each debtor. And when his employer found out what this steward did, the employer actually commended the steward for being so shrewd!

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Parable of Unjust Steward- armenianchurchwd.com – public domain

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HOW DOES THIS TRANSLATE?

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In this parable of the Unjust Steward, Jesus noted that the people of the world, “are in their generation wiser than the children of light.”

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So, it would be a wise practice to take note of how the people of this world prepare themselves for trouble and translate how they do things in the physical realm, to discover how we might prepare in the spiritual realm.

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Parable of Unjust Steward- armenianchurchwd.com – public domain

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MAKING DEALS WITH OUR SELF

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Well, this following daily devotional commentary may or may not give the primary meaning of this strange little parable.

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Nevertheless, for all those who are studying their Bible, trying to do the Lord’s will, those Believers greatest desire is to please their Lord.

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But for most of us, we know more than we do. In other words, it just doesn’t seem as if we can imitate the Lord Jesus, as we would like to!

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And as a result, our obedience falls short of our Bible knowledge!

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Okay, so what are we to do?

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – public domain

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DOING WHAT WE CAN DO

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Well, let’s guess what that unjust steward would do in this situation? How would that shrewd steward handle his inability to perform the way that the Lord would want him to perform?

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Well of course, he would begin to make deals, wouldn’t he? This steward was shrewd!

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But who would he make deals with? After all, he can’t get others to be obedient for him, can he?

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No, but he can begin to make deals with his own self!

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Parable of the Unjust Steward – Jan Luyken etching – Bowyer Bible – Copy-Left License – cropped and colored image – Wikipedia

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MAKING A DEAL REGARDING PRAYER

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**For instance, let’s say that he understands that Jesus, “prayed without ceasing”, as it commands us to do in 1st Thessalonians 5:17.**

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But he doesn’t feel like he’s able to do that, at this point in his Christian walk.

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So, this unjust steward makes a deal with himself, to begin a thrice-daily prayer regimen.

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And this unjust steward begins where he is and starts his own three-times-daily prayer regimen and begins to beg for more spiritual strength and faith to eventually increase his prayers.

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Prayer at Day’s End – Angelus by Jean-François Millet – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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A TEMPORARY SOLUTION

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The point is, we may not be able to give our everything to the Lord right at this point.

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But if we would only think about it, there is always something that we CAN do, though it falls short of the ideal.

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And of course, this is only one example. And as we all know, there are many other areas of the Christian life, in which we might make similar deals with our own self, as a temporary solution, while hoping to eventually grow increasingly more spiritual.

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – public domain

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THE FLOCKS ARE TENDER

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“And he (Jacob) said unto him, My lord knoweth that the children are tender, and the flocks and herds with young are with me: and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die. Let my lord, I pray thee, pass over before his servant: and I will lead on softly,” Genesis 33:13, 14

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This above passage makes a big concept as we apply it to our own lives and to those around us. God is leading us on, step-by-step. We cannot expect those around us to be making giant steps up the Pilgrim’s Pathway.

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On the other hand, we must not begin to take our ease, and become stagnant in the battle of overcoming. We must continue to press onward and upward. We must keep hiding the Word in our hearts. And we must keep praying for greater grace!

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Meeting of Jacob and Esau – 1844 – Wikipaintings – Public Domain

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NEW DOORS WILL OPEN

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This is perhaps one way to look at that parable.

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And whether or not this is the true meaning, it nevertheless is a Bible truth of how we are to grow, little by little, in our spiritual life.

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And if we will begin today to do what we can do, we would no doubt find that a new door soon opens for us to take a further step up that gently ascending heavenly pathway!

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And if all I can do at this point in time, is to merely lay in bed, and wish that God would save me: that, my friend, is a very good beginning!

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to do what I feel I can do today. But keep me seeking for more faith to more closely perform Thy will tomorrow…

Woman Praying – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic 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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REVELATION 12 FLEEING WOMAN

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But of course, this story in the heavens is incomplete, since the Pleiades does not show this captive angel woman (picture to above right), making her way to the threshold of the door, as did the concubine, in this Judges 19 story.

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So what’s the solution to this? Just how does God portray this woman making her way to the door, in the story written in the heavens? The answer is found in the The Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation. This is where this other constellation comes in and completes this story: the The Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation (also known as Ursa Major, or the Great Bear or the Big Dipper), completes this story. So let’s take another look at this fleeing woman of Revelation 12…

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(You may click here to read more about The Pleiades… “The Pleiades: The Captive Angel & Mystery Harlot Constellation” )

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CHURCH ABUSED TILL DAWNING

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“Thus she (the Church) committed her whoredoms…and they bruised the breasts of her virginity, and poured their whoredom upon her. Wherefore I have delivered her into the hand of her lovers, into the hand of the Assyrians (the worldly), upon whom she doted. These discovered her nakedness: they took her sons and her daughters, and slew her with the sword…for they had executed judgment upon her.” Ezekiel 23:7-10 [condensed]

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This above passage from Ezekiel, speaks of God’s people, Israel (which symbolizes God’s New Testament Church in these last days.)

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But how does this relate to the Signs in the Heavens? In the previous section, The Pleiades is shown to symbolize God’s apostate Church. But of course, this story in the heavens is incomplete, since the Pleiades does not show this woman making her way to the threshold of the door. This is where the Revelation 12 Woman completes this story…

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TOMORROW…

“May 2 (Flower of the Field, Part 1: The Price of Dust)”

soil-dirt-Happy-silage-bale-Wikimedia-Creative-Commons-Attribution-2.0-Generic-licens-e1429016804724

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

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

.

THIS STUDY #487 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

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

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Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Daily Devotional, Year 2 – April 30 (Am I A Josiah-Christian?)

By admin On March 13th, 2015

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – APRIL 30

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Am I A Josiah-Christian?

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“Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign,

and he reigned in Jerusalem one and thirty years.

And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD,

and walked in the ways of David his father,

and declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left.

For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young,

he began to seek after the God of David his father:

and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem

from the high places, and the groves,

and the carved images, and the molten images”

2nd Chronicles 34:1-3

josiah – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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In the book of 2nd Kings, Chapter 22 and Chapter 23, we uncover the wonderful account of King Josiah’s reign over Judah!

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Unfortunately, Josia’s righteous reign did not prevent Judah’s eventual downfall.

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And yet, in the days of Josiah, the long-lost Book of the Law of God was discovered.

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And faithful Josiah was amazed as he read those righteous words of the Lord.

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Because, for so many long years, the people of God were without the law, and had little conception of the will of God for their lives.

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Josiah reads long-lost Book of the Law of God – Wikimedia – US Public Domain (2)

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THE LAW WAS READ

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And so, a great convocation was made, in which the people listened to the Law for the first time!

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And they greatly rejoiced as they soaked in those life-giving words!

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Yes, for days they sat and listened to the Law of God being read to them.

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WLA jewishmuseum Greek Torah Scroll from Ionnina – CROPPED IMAGE – Wikimedia – Share-alike

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IDOLATRY DESTROYED

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And as a result, Josiah began a crusade throughout the land, to root out and demolish every idol and destroy the “high-places” and “groves”, which people had erected for the worship of pagan idols.

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King Destroys the Idols – Matthaeus Merian the Elder – 1625-30 – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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NO IDOLATRY TODAY?

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Now, it sure is a wonderful thing that we Christians can read these old stories, and take comfort that we don’t worship idols in the high places and groves!

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And we haven’t lost the Book of the Law, as those foolish people did, back in those days!

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We have our Bible right over there on the shelf!

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As a matter of fact, we may have up to about half a dozen Bibles on that shelf!

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Picture – Gold Calf – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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TODAY’S IDOLATRY

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But the sad fact is, statistics show that most Christians are very biblically-challenged, to put it mildly!

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Statistics show that most Christians are so busy in the world, that we have little time, little energy, and little inclination to do anything but a superficial reading of our Bibles.

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But while today’s idolatry comes in different forms than in Bible times, yet it is still very definitely idolatry!

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

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MANY IDOLS!

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And what are the modern-day idols?

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Well, much of television concerns images, howbeit, walking and talking images.

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But our idolatry doesn’t stop there! No, there are many forms of idolatry in today’s world: sensual music, obsessive use of Internet devices, various games, various sports figures, music idols, fashionable and expensive cars, boats, cycles, planes, motor-homes, clubs, parties, frequent-banqueting, excessive-excursions, inordinate pursuing of homes-gardens-lands, and just about anything else in which a Christian begins to pursue to the neglect of the Salvation of lost souls!

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To a great extent, we are a mammon-worshiping society!

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(Now, not all of these aforementioned things are necessarily idols. But they can easily become our idols, if we allow them to be!)

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

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HIGH-TECH IDOLATRY

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**The great problem is, that we live in a society in which, “the god of this world” has become very high-tech in his effort to conform us into his unholy image!**

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And as a result, today’s Christian has become so fully indoctrinated by nearly everything around us, that we have come to view the world, in much the same way as unbelievers view the world!

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And because we must continue to live and work and eat, it is somewhat difficult to know just where to draw the boundary line for being, “in the world, but not of the world”.

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***SATAN’S TAKES* *NO VACATIONS!***

TV indoctrination

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But we must be, “wise as serpents”, knowing that Satan is not one little bit, complacent in his efforts to destroy us! (Matthew 10:16)

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**No, Satan and his fellow workers (both seen and unseen), are working around the clock to put us and our children into shackles: helpless prisoners of his antichrist world-system!**

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And now, with the advent of hand-held high-tech devices, it is almost guaranteed that our children will become conformed to the image of the beast (Satan’s antichrist world-system, which he created to be a reflection of his unholy likeness)!

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

Girl Texting – Wikimedia – Creative Commons 2.0

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A QUIET CRUSADE

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“And that ye study to be quiet, and to do (to mind) your own business,” 1st Thessalonians 4:11

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And so, just what can we do as a people?

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**Absolutely nothing! There is absolutely nothing we can do, “as a people”, to solve this problem!**

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But, as an individual, there is much that a Believer can do!

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And the first thing that I must do in my own personal life, is to become a, “Josiah Christian!”

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TO BECOME LIKE JOSIAH

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And just how do I become a Josiah Christian?

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Well, the very first thing that Josiah did, was to drink in copious amounts of God’s Law-Book, the Bible!

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Yes, the Christian is to become fully immersed in God’s Word, and in unceasing prayer and praise!

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**As I go about my employment, or as I take a walk, or participate in recreation with my family, I can “think on these things”, quietly and secretly!**

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In other words, I can silently pray, and contemplate God’s Word, even on the run!

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Family – Children’s Playground – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

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PERSONAL REFORMS

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Next is to return to the Lord in prayer and pleading for grace to make reforms in my own life!

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The Lord will ultimately give me power to turn off the TV, or radio, and instead turn on some quiet strings, like those plucking strings of David’s harp.

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Or some angelic choirs, or hymns of praise!

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Or nature sounds!

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Or some audio Bible readings!

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David the Shepherd Boy – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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***A PERSONAL* *& PRIVATE CRUSADE***

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Here is the essence of what it means to be a true reformer, like Josiah!

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No, my responsibility is not to destroy the idols out of the lives of others!

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But I can certainly clean up the polluted idolatry in my own heart!

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This is the land that God is concerned about: to conquer the “Promised Land” within my own heart!

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to become a reformer like Josiah. But help me to do this quietly…

Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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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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NARROW GATE STARS

Winter Constellations in West

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

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And at this point it is apparent that the Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation is veering toward the two bright stars, known as Castor and Pollux (sketch to left). But the Wide Gate Stars are composed of the two brightest stars of the Auriga Constellation, known as the star, Capella, and the star, Menkalinan. The two stars, Castor and Pollux, make up the concept of the Orion’s Narrow Gate Stars.

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This can even be observed into June in the western sky (for a short time just after dark). While a dark night is best for seeing the Woman Constellation, the 4 stars which comprise the Narrow Gate/Wide Gate Stars can be seen even under mediocre conditions. It begins with the Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation (AKA Ursa Major) going towards these two doors.

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The sketch to left shows, the two doors are each composed of two bright stars. The two bright stars that comprise the Narrow Gate are the two brightest stars of the Orion the Reaper’s sickle. The two stars that comprise the ‘Wide Gate’ Stars are the two brightest stars of the wave of water that comes out of the Dragon Constellation’s mouth (for explanation of “Wave of Water”, just click here). The stars that make up the ‘Narrow Gate’ are about half the width of the Wide Gate (see sketch to right).

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Revelation 12 Woman chooses Narrow Way

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(For more information on Orion’s sickle, just click here,“Orion The R eaper”.)

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Editor’s note: These sketches on this page are merely sketches. The stars are not in their exact place. However, they are close enough to find them in the night sky. But as with most stars, it takes persistence to finally locate them.

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TOMORROW…

“May 1 (Making Deals With My Own Self)”

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – 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 #486 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – APRIL 29 (The Fearful Message of Habakkuk, Part 4: 1 Day of Worship. 6 Days of Idolatry)

By admin On March 12th, 2015

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – APRIL 29

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The Fearful Message of Habakkuk,

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Part 4:

“1-Day of Worship. 6 Days of Idolatry!”

To read part 1, click here… “FEBRUARY 12 (The Fearful Message of Habakkuk, Part 1)”

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And the LORD answered me, and said,

Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables,

that he may run that readeth it.

For the vision is yet for an appointed time,

but at the end it shall speak, and not lie:

though it tarry, wait for it;

because it will surely come,

it will not tarry.”

Habakkuk 2:1-3

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PICTURE – Constellation- Woman of Revelation 12 flees to the mountains – Mark 13:14 (Not a star-chart, but merely a concept picture)

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Now in the vision of the prophet, Habakkuk, was a frightful situation in which the people of God were surrounded by unbelievers, causing perverted judgment to proceed forth from God’s people.

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Listen… “Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth.” Habakkuk 1:4

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Habakkuk by James Tissot – Wikimedia Commons – US Public Domain

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FLOOD-WATERS OF THE DRAGON

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Now as we look around at the sad and apostate condition of the church-world, we see a very similar condition today!

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Yes, God’s people are being destroyed from without and from within.

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The Revelation 12 Dragon has flooded the churches with every conceivable means of destructive influence.

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From apostate church members and clergy, to high-tech devices, radio, and television, to the atheistic public school system, Satan and his countless followers are now working around the clock to flood God’s people with soul-destroying, mind-altering influences!

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THE GREATEST ERROR

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But perhaps, the greatest error which consumes the spiritual power of the Church is the notion of a one-day-per-week worship!

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Yes, this time-tested error has been allowed to corrupt God’s people throughout the centuries of the New Testament era.

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The time when God’s people were the strongest, was when God’s people were, “continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread (Bible study & prayer) from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,” Acts 2:46

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Yes, here was a situation which caused the Church to become strong, meeting together daily (or nightly after the day’s labor).

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Church Attendance – www.thebiblerevival.com – Public Domain

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ANTICHRISTS, WITHOUT, WITHIN

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But today, the Church has grown weak, because it only congregating once or twice per week.

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Now if the Church instead would have combined this once-weekly congregation with a 24/7/365 communion with God, the Church could have remained strong.

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But Satan has infiltrated the Church with false brethren, who have given a poor example of attending church once-a-week, but serving other gods through the weekdays!

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

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MANY DIVERSIONS

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Yes, Satan has filled this society with every conceivable invention of selfishness.

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And many of these devices have the appearance of harmlessness, even goodness!

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And as God’s true sheep look around at the poor example set by fellow church members, they begin to think that such worldly pursuits are, perhaps, OK!

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And in this manner, Satan causes wrong judgment to proceed forth within the Church.

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APOSTASY FORETOLD

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Now the Bible foretells of the day when the apostasy comes to its fullness… “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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**From this above passage (and other similar passages) it is seen that the time will come (and now is), when it is no longer safe to attend even a weekly church service!**

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ABOVE PHOTO: Speaker and Audience hands – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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HABAKKUK SAYS “RUN!”

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Now, the prophet Habakkuk was instructed by God… “Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” Habakkuk 2:2, 3

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As this above passage commands, we are to run.

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There’s no longer time to try to repair the hopelessly broken churches.

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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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“BREAD SHALL BE GIVEN…HIS WATERS SHALL BE SURE!”

Isaiah 33:16

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God’s people are to flee to the spiritual mountains of refuge, in which, “there shall be upon every high mountain, and upon every high hill, rivers and streams of (living) waters in the day of the great slaughter, when the towers (churches) fall.” Isaiah 30:25

(Parenthetical comments by Web Editor)

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God’s people are assured that their spiritual needs will be supplied, even though they have vacated the fallen and apostate church-world.

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However pressing his duties STM2-c James Lee Frazer always finds time to read a few chapters from his Bible each day. I – NARA – 520675 – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to understand the parables of the Bible. Give me the “hidden manna”, which you promise to all those who overcome the world and the flesh…

Woman praying – Heinrich Seufferheld – 1893 – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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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 HEADS, 10 HORNS, & 7 CROWNS OF THE DRAGON

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“And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.” Revelation 12:3

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In Revelation, the Dragon of Revelation 12 is described as having seven heads, ten horns, and seven crowns. However, the Dragon Constellation up in the night sky does not. But God has faithfully created the wave of water, in such a way, as to illustrate this same concept of the seven heads, ten horns, and seven crowns. Because this wave of water is basically composed of ten stars. The main body of the wave has seven stars (#‘s, 1 thru 7). And the tip of the crest of the wave has the other three stars (#’s, 8, 9 & 10). So we have this 7 and 10 numbering. And this gives us a great clue, as to where in the Bible we should look, to find out the riddle as to just what or who do these 7 heads, 10 crowns, and 7 horns represent. Because, the Bible speaks very much about floods and waters as being associated with Satan (the Dragon).

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TOMORROW…

“April 30 (Am I A Josiah-Christian?)”

King Josiah – Wikimedia US – Public Domain (2)

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

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

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – April 28 (Eternal Torment, Part 21: Did Jesus Get Off Too Easy?)

By admin On March 12th, 2015

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – APRIL 28

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Eternal Torment,

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Part 21:

“Did Jesus Get Off Too Easy?”

TO READ PART 1, CLICK HERE…September 8th (Eternal Torment?)

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So why does this devotional have such an outrageous title?

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Why do we dare use the title, “Did Jesus Get Off Too Easy?”

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**Because, if indeed this ancient church-doctrine which men have named, “Eternal Torment” is true, then Jesus really had it far too easy!**

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ETERNAL TORMENT REQUIRES ETERNAL PAYMENT

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And why is this devotional making such an outrageous condemnation of Jesus?

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**Because, if “Eternal Torment” was true (which it isn’t), then six hours on the Cross was not enough!**

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Not even 600 hours! Nor 6,000 hours! Nor 6,000,000 hours! Nor 6,000,000 years! Nor 6,000,000 ions of ages!

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You see, if my little atheist grandma has to suffer in roasting flames for billions and billions of ages, then what Jesus did on the Cross was a sham!

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A hoax! A fraud!

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Sign of the Son of Man Constellation – made of the various constellations on this website

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MISGUIDED THEOLOGY of the PAST

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**Well, fortunately, “Eternal Torment” is not the punishment for unbelievers.**

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**No, “Eternal Torment” is just the product of some really misguided theology, by some really misguided theologians, from a misguided church, which ruled many long centuries ago.**

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**Oh yes, if you had only read the Parable of the Rich Man & Lazarus, or if you only read Revelation 14:11, then you might come to believe in “Eternal Torment”.**

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And that’s exactly what those erring theologians did, many long centuries ago!

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And unfortunately, this monstrosity of a doctrine has been handed down to us through the centuries, and most are afraid to re-examine it!

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Hell’s Torment and Tormentor – Wikipedia – Public Domain (2)

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ENTIRE BIBLE MUST BE STUDIED!

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**But by merely looking at the many other passages in Scripture concerning the fate of unbelievers, it doesn’t take too long to discover that the wages of sin is not, “Eternal Torment”.**

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No, the Bible tells us… “For the wages of sin is DEATH; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

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**As a matter of fact, the Bible reveals this same fate, “death”, in many other places!**

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JOB MUST BE IGNORED!

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Take Job for instance… “Why died I not from the womb? why did I not give up the ghost when I came out of the belly?…For now should I have lain still and been quiet, I should have slept: then had I been at rest…There the wicked cease from troubling; and there the weary be at rest. There the prisoners rest together; they hear not the voice of the oppressor. The small and great are there; and the servant is free from his master.” Job 3:11, 13, 17-19 (to read entire quote, click here… Job 3:11-19)

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Now amazingly, theologians today either wrestle away the plain understanding of this above passage, or reject it altogether!

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After all, they must reject the plain understanding of this above passage!

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Because it flies in the face of their ancient traditional beliefs.

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

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EZEKIEL ALSO IGNORED

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And what about Ezekiel 18:4, which plainly tells us… “Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die” ?

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So what does this passage say about the fate of all rejectors of God’s grace? “The soul that sinneth, it shall DIE!”

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Now here again is a verse which flies in the face of this idea that God is some kind of merciless tyrant, who is going to allow 90%+ of the world’s inhabitants to roast in fiery flames for all time and eternity!

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Tissot – Ezekiel – US Public Domain – Wikimedia

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***CHRISTIANS* *BURNED***

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Well, one reason why the churches continued to cling to this doctrine so tenaciously was because they, the apostate European churches, were burning Christians alive during later centuries.

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And so, to justify what they were doing, they lifted those two passages out of context, and made God into a willing cohort to their own cruelty against humanity!

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(But also, this ancient church-doctrine, “Eternal Torment”, made a very big “baseball bat”, that the church could use to club people into submission to their apostate church.)

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Burning at the Stake – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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GOOD NEWS – GOD HAS NO “CHAMBER OF HORRORS!”

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The Good News is, that Jesus is not the tyrant!

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Oh yes, the wages of sin is death. And, “the soul that sinneth, it shall die.”

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But those who reject the gift of life which Jesus offers, will simply get their wish.

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They will all rest together where… “the wicked cease from troubling; and there the weary be at rest.” Job 3:17

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

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FOREVER YOUNG!

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But the really Good News is, that nobody even needs to die an eternal death!

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**In that heavenly “Promised Land”, we will be forever young!**

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And there, nobody gets sick, and nobody dies…“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelation 21:4

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Does this above verse say anything about a chamber of horrors?

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No, the universe will instead be a place in which we will no more sorrow for our pain, nor for the pain and suffering of others!

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All those former sorrows will be passed away!

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

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JESUS PAID IT ALL! THEN HE ROSE AGAIN

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Yes, Jesus died on that Cross, to provide all this!

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And nobody really comprehends the tremendous price He had to pay!

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**But when that payment was fully made, He said, ‘It is finished!’, and bowed His head and died!**

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And with that one selfless deed, the sins of Mankind were all paid for.

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For all time and eternity, our sins are fully taken away!

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And in that Promised Land, the Earth-made-new, we will serve a risen Savior!

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And there we will truly live…happily ever-after!

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

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THE READER IS HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO LISTEN TO THE FOLLOWING 20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH CONCERNING ETERNAL TORMENT. THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING CONDUCTS THIS JEREMIAH STUDY #565 CONCERNING THE NATURE OF HELL ACCORDING TO WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS…

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Hell – Jan van Eyck Diptych – Wikipedia – US-public-domain

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TO READ PART 22, CLICK HERE…

July 3 (Eternal Torment? Part 22: “Ignoring Scripture”)

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

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to search out just what the Bible says about the nature of Hell. Let me not be merely a disciple of modern-day teachers, but let know exactly what the Bible says, and not just the pet verses that are currently being taught…

Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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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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EARTH: PLANET OF REST

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Counting the Sun as the 1st heavenly sphere, the Earth is the 4th heavenly sphere.

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If we extend our theory (and it’s just a theory) that God created our solar system to correspond to the commandments, the Sun corresponding to the 1st Commandment, then Planet Earth would correspond to the 4th Commandment: the Seventh-day Sabbath.

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And so, on the very planet that corresponds to the commandment that exalts the idea of “peace” and “rest”, there exists very little peace.

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And very little rest. Ironic, isn’t it?

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Solar system – NASA – Public Domain

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TOMORROW…

“APRIL 29 (The Fearful Message of Habakkuk, Part 4: 1-Day of Worship. 6 Days of Idolatry)”

Habakkuk by James Tissot – Wikimedia Commons – US Public Domain

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

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

.

THIS STUDY #484 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

.

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

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Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Daily Devotional, Year 2 – April 27 (Strong Delusion in Scripture, Part 1)

By admin On March 11th, 2015

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – APRIL 27

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Strong Delusion in Scripture,

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Part 1

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“…because they received not the love of the truth,

that they might be saved.

And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion,

that they should believe a lie:

That they all might be damned

who believed not the truth,

but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”

2nd Thessalonians 2:10-12

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This above passage from Paul’s Epistle to the Thessalonians is one of the most fearful of all Bible passages.

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It reveals that we must be faithful to God, and not the least bit presumptuous about our Christianity.

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

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STRONG DELUSION IN SCRIPTURE

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But just how does God send them strong delusion?

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Well, listen to the Apostle, Peter, as he explains one very definite way in which we might be deceived…

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Listen… “As also in all his (Paul’s) epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” 2nd Peter 3:16

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So from this above passage, it becomes apparent that there are things in Scripture which are difficult, and of such great importance, that those who are unlearned or unstable, may wrestle away the true meaning.

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

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EARTHLY OR HEAVENLY RICHES?

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Now one of the most glaring examples of the misinterpretation of Scripture is clearly seen in the prosperity-driven gospels.

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There are many Bible passages which speak of riches in similar terms as this… “Receive, I pray thee, the law from His mouth, and lay up His words in thine heart…Then shalt thou lay up gold as dust, and the gold of Ophir as the stones of the brooks.” Job 22:22-24

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Of course, all one has to do is merely take this passage literally, and come to the conclusion that God wishes to lavish earthly riches upon His children!

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But the problem is, that’s not how the Bible is properly interpreted!

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THE CARNALLY-MINDED

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No, listen to Paul as he explains the core of the problem here… “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1st Corinthians 2:13, 14

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As this above verse reveals, there are many who are yet carnally-minded, and to a great extent, desire to believe that spiritual interpretations are foolishness.

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PS Krøyer – Hip hip hurra! – Kunstnerfest på Skagen – 1888 – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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TRUE RICHES ARE SPIRITUAL

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So, by comparing spiritual things with spiritual, we find this next passage from Proverbs…

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“I (wisdom) love them that love Me;

and those that seek Me early shall find Me.

Riches and honour are with Me;

yea, durable riches and righteousness.

My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold;

and My revenue than choice silver.”

Proverbs 8:17-19

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OK, so now it is revealed that true riches are the spiritual riches of wisdom and knowledge, and heavenly love!

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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PAUL’S WARNING ABOUT EARTHLY RICHES

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Now, listen to God’s warning given by Paul… “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” 2nd Timothy 6:8, 9

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So here is a little passage which entirely decimates this whole nonsense about earthly riches.

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Paul here, warns Believers not to seek after earthly riches!

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He warns that earthly riches bring misery and destruction upon their possessors.

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

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DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD

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There are many other pitfalls in the Bible, which those who have not yet received the gift of God’s Spirit, will stumble and fall into!

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Listen to this next fearful passage… “For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged 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, 13

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So here is a very incredible passage which reveals the double-sided truth of the Bible!

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Yes, the Bible reveals which spirit controls a person’s heart!

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Those who are of an Antichrist spirit will, “stumble at the Word, being disobedient”. 1st Peter 2:8

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But those who are spiritually-minded will delight to discover that, “the truth shall make you free”. John 8:32

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Glittering Sword Constellation www.theheavensdeclare.net

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GOOD NEWS!

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The very Good News is, that this is still the day of Salvation, at the time of the writing of this devotional. And if I perceive that my heart is not right, I can still cry out for deliverance from my bondage to sin!

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listen to the words concerning Jesus…“And He (Jesus) spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint” Luke 18:1

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We must continue to pray without ceasing for the blessing of God until the day we find the answer to our prayers…“…for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9

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USMC prayer before study – Wikimedia – Public-Domain

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TO READ PART 2, CLICK HERE…

May 3 (Strong Delusion in Scripture, Part 2: Drinking Wine)

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

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me of Thy Holy Spirit, as I give Thee my entire life! Let me not be deceived by a false spirit. But bring me up the narrow pathway of truth…

Woman Praying – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic 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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***REVELATION 12 WOMAN* *& NARROW GATE STARS***

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

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And at this point it is apparent that the Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation is veering toward the two bright stars, known as Castor and Pollux (sketch to left). But the Wide Gate Stars are composed of the two brightest stars of the Auriga Constellation, known as the star, Capella, and the star, Menkalinan. The two stars, Castor and Pollux, make up the concept of the Orion’s Narrow Gate Stars.

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This can even be observed into June in the western sky (for a short time just after dark). While a dark night is best for seeing the Woman Constellation, the 4 stars which comprise the Narrow Gate/Wide Gate Stars can be seen even under mediocre conditions. It begins with the Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation (AKA Ursa Major) going towards these two doors.

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The sketch to left shows, the two doors are each composed of two bright stars. The two bright stars that comprise the Narrow Gate are the two brightest stars of the Orion the Reaper’s sickle. The two stars that comprise the ‘Wide Gate’ Stars are the two brightest stars of the wave of water that comes out of the Dragon Constellation’s mouth (for explanation of “Wave of Water”, just click here). The stars that make up the ‘Narrow Gate’ are about half the width of the Wide Gate (see sketch to right).

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(For more information on Orion’s sickle, just click here,“Orion The R eaper”.)

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Editor’s note: These sketches on this page are merely sketches. The stars are not in their exact place. However, they are close enough to find them in the night sky. But as with most stars, it takes persistence to finally locate them.

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TOMORROW…

“April 28 (Eternal Torment: Did Jesus Get Off Too Easy?)”

Crucifixion darkness – Jesus on the Cross – Gustave Dore – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

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

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THIS STUDY #483 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

.

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

.

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – April 26 (To Die Is Gain!?! Part 3: “Heavenly Joy!”)

By admin On March 10th, 2015

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – APRIL 26

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To Die Is Gain!?!

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Part 3:

“Heavenly Joy!”

To read Part 1, click here… “November 30th (To die is gain!?!)”

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“Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

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Look full in His wonderful face,

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And the things of the world will grow strangely dim,

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In the light of His glory and grace!”

Chorus from the song, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”

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TWO DISTINCTLY DIFFERENT “JOYS”!

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**This above chorus from the well-known spiritual song, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”, really says a mouthful, doesn’t it?**

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It really catches the essence of what differentiates the joy of a Christian, as opposed to the joy of the world.

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But it also differentiates the same in regard to the church-world!

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In the Epistle to the Corinthians, Paul addresses these two very different forms of joy… “We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.” 1st Corinthians 4:10

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In this epistle, Paul takes an adversarial position, constantly referring to “we” (Paul and his fellow workers), and “you” (the Corinthians).

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

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A CHRISTLIKE JOY

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And then, later on in that same epistle, Paul makes this next bold statement… “I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.” 1st Corinthians 15:31

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Now Paul is very subtly differentiating between his heavenly joy and the earthly rejoicing of the worldly-minded Corinthians. Paul’s joy is that which can only come from a daily death-to-self!

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The Corinthians were still seeking after the pleasures of the world; and Paul is making a comparison of their earthly joy, in contrast to his heavenly joy.

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

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CHRISTIAN SUFFERINGS

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Just listen to this litany of sufferings and joys which Paul and his fellow-workers suffered.

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“But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings…O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.” (To read entire passage, go here…2nd Corinthians 6:2-11)

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Just reading this above passage almost takes one’s breath away!

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But Paul was attempting to not only shame those world-loving Corinthians; but he was also trying to open their eyes, to show them that they had not yet reached the true level of discipleship, which they needed to attain!

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Paul Shipwrecked Acts 27:41-44

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***“HOW TO PERFORM…GOOD,* *I FIND NOT!”***

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So let’s go back to our opening song… “Turn you eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face. And the things of the world, will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace!”

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So, how can we apply the happy concept in this song to our daily lives? And how can we achieve the same heavenly joy which Paul had?

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

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***WHICH DIRECTION* *AM I GOING?***

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Well, there’s a saying in the Christian world which says… “If the Devil isn’t coming against you, then maybe you are both traveling in the same direction!”

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Yes, for such a man-contrived saying, this one carries a lot of truth with it!

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You see, Satan has no real contention with the citizens of this world.

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They are his loyal subjects and he is their king!

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And so, they will have a certain amount of bubbly and giddy happiness (although much or most of the world is, in reality, suffering to one degree or another!)

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Man walking – cropped and altered image – Wikipedia – Share-alike Lic.

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FIERY TRIALS TO CLEANSE THE HEART

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No, but when a person turns his or her back on this world, and starts to climb that gently ascending pilgrim’s pathway, then will Satan become aroused, and begins making life difficult for that Christian!

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Fiery trials and fierce temptations will assail that Christian!

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And more and more, that suffering child of God will begin to understand what Paul is talking about when he says… “I die daily!”

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And so, God allows the Devil to carry on his warfare against that Christian, in part, as a means of driving the love of this world out of that Believer’s heart!

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Christian and Apollyon – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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PEACE WHICH SURPASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING!

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But God is not desiring us to live a meager and austere existence!

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No, but God replaces our lost earthly joy with a new heavenly peace and joy, which surpasses all earthly understanding!

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Listen… “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice…Be careful (worried) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7

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And so, even though the Believer loses interest in the many selfish pleasures and pursuits of this world, that same Believer begins to rejoice with his or her new-found love for prayer, Bible study, and contemplation of the Bible!

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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LIVING WATERS OF LOVE!

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Yes, the Bible promises us a peace which surpasses all understanding! As Jesus puts it… “out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” John 7:38

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The living waters spoken of in this above verse, are the abundant pleasures of Heaven’s love! (see Psalm 36:8)

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Now, the Corinthians were enjoying life, too! But they didn’t know the joy described in these above passages!

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Their joy was derived from the flesh, and from worldly pleasures!

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Waterfall at the Polynesian – cropped image – Wikipedia – share-alike-license

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“…PLEASURES FOR EVERMORE!”

Psalm 16:11

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The fact is, the more that God purifies the heart of a Believer, the less earthly joy we will experience; but the more heavenly joy, like a peaceful river, will come in to replace that old and undependable earthly joy!

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The Apostle, Paul, said it this way… “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Galatians 6:14

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This is where we are going in our Christian walk: that we might say these same words with Paul!

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But it is a journey that we will never regret!

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Because we are going to a beautiful, joyful, everlasting place in which are, “pleasures for evermore”! Psalm 16:11

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

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, help my faith to grow. Help me to become like Paul, in my faith-walk. Let me grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus, so that I may meet life’s challenges with “the peace which surpasses all understanding”…

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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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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WOMAN ON THE ALTAR CONSTELLATION

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This “Altar” Constellation is only seen in winter through spring, in mid-sky. It is to the south of the “Fleeing Woman Constellation” (AKA Ursa Major or The Big Dipper).

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The “Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12″ Constellation is in the northeastern sky in this sketch. You would be facing east and looking very high up almost to mid-sky to see this constellation group this way. The altar is farther south but still in the eastern sky. This altar is commonly known as “Leo Major“, with the smoke rising being “Leo Minor“.

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A little farther down this page is the sketch of this same constellation in the latter part of winter, when you look at them facing westward. You will notice that what looked like Gospel seed being cast from her left hand and left foot (see “Woman of Revelation 12-The Fleeing Woman” article for explanation of casting “Gospel Seed”) now appears like smoke or incense rising from the altar.

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It is not clear why the altar is sideways in back of the Woman. It would make more sense if it were directly under the Woman. However, the Lord must have some spiritual truth to convey concerning this odd positioning of the Altar. The 7 Stars (Big Dipper) is easy to see with its very bright 7 stars. But the Revelation 12 Woman (Ursa Major) must be seen on a dark starry night, away from city lights.

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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 (such as Scorpio or Sagittarius, etc.), must be given, solely for the purpose of locating them on star-charts.

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TOMORROW…

” April 27 (Strong Delusion in Scripture)”

ABOVE PICTURE: Holy Bible – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Lic.

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

.

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

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – April 25 (A Carnegie Hall World!)

By admin On March 8th, 2015

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – APRIL 25

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It’s A Carnegie Hall World!

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One day in Midtown Manhattan, an elderly gentleman was stopped by a very young man clutching his violin case, obviously in a hurry. And trying to gather his breath, the young man anxiously asked, “Kind sir, can you please tell me how I might get to Carnegie Hall?”

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The elderly gentleman paused, and thought for a moment, and then said with a wry grin, “Yes, my young fellow…Practice! Practice! Practice!”

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Oh yes, that’s an old joke. But like so many things in this very unusual world, it carries with it a certain wisdom which can easily be translated into the spiritual realm.

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Carnegie Hall – Manhattan New York – Wikipedia – C.C. Share-alike License

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“FINALLY ARRIVED!”

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**Now of course, Carnegie Hall has long been considered to be that place where a musician knows for certain, that he or she has, “finally arrived”.**

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It is the “Mecca” for the quintessential musician to showcase his virtuosity before the American aristocracy! And of course, nobody gets to play at Carnegie Hall, without, “Practice, Practice! Practice!”

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But how can this little American Dream Machine, called Carnegie Hall, be translated into spiritual terms on a grand scale?

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

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A CARNEGIE HALL WORLD?

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Well, this world itself, is a type of Carnegie Hall. Oh yes it is!

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This world is merely the grand stage in which any gifted virtuoso has the opportunity to perfect his or her talent, whatever that talent may be, for all the appreciative multitudes to behold and admire!

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And there have been many hard-working persons over the years and centuries, who strove for greatness and finally achieved fame and honor, being lauded upon the world-stage before the vast multitudes of on-lookers, in this ‘Carnegie Hall World’!

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The Globe Theater audience – Wikimedia – CC public Domain

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MANY “WINNERS-IN-LIFE”

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From world-class athletes, to Hollywood actors and directors, to great politicians, to classic authors, to inquisitive scientists, to aspiring singers and musicians, to ingenious inventors and engineers, and even more-than-a-few ambitious theologians and evangelists!

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Yes, these and myriad others who ultimately achieved stardom in countless areas of endeavor, are considered the “winners-in life”, by those who control the “star-maker-machinery” of this ‘Carnegie Hall World’!

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Pierre Auguste Renoir, La loge (The Theater Box) – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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A CARNEGIE HALL VILLAGE

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But even upon the local stage of little towns and neighborhoods, this same proud principle applies!

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Yes, even the little guy goes after fame and fortune, in one respect or another!

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To become richer than most others in your little town or even in your own neighborhood brings you a certain amount of respect and honor! Or, maybe you can become the best golfer in your country club. Or the highest selling realtor in your town. Or the most beloved teacher in your school. Or even the most notorious “gang-banger” in your gang!

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Or whatever other “badge of honor” that might be achieved on a local level.

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Yes, it’s a Carnegie Hall World, even down to the lowest levels of society! Human Pride is literally oozing from every pore of society!

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Hells Angels Rally, New York City, Tompkins Square Park – Wikimedia – Creative Commons License

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WHO IS THE MASTER ORCHESTRATOR?

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But who is the operator that drives all this self-seeking machinery?

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Because it’s the height of simple-minded naivety to ever image that this world could ever be such a well-running mechanism by its own power! Anybody knows that a well-oiled machine must have an operator. So, there has to be some Grand Master Orchestra Director, directing this Carnegie Hall World?

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Well, of course, it’s none other than the one who tried to be the most beloved “star” in the courts above: that grand-master-maestro-musician in Heaven! Yes, Lucifer became so adored and admired in the heavenly courts among a third of the angels, he actually began to covet the throne of God!

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And so, God, in His great wisdom decided to allow Lucifer to have his very own world, in which he would eventually be exposed for who and what he really is!

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Gustave Dore – Paradise Lost illustration – Lucifer becomes Satan – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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THE MASTER-DIRECTOR OF THIS WORLD!

“…and all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast”

Revelation 13:3, 4

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**And Lucifer (now in the office of “The Devil”) orchestrates this planet as his own world.**

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And being the very cunning deceiver that he is, he merely creates a self-seeking world, with all its selfish wares and proud ambitious ways! And these wares and ways are merely tokens of Lucifer’s sinful attributes, gilding them with the fool’s gold of false-goodness and outward-morality.

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And then he directs his unseen evil-angels to work in the hearts of Mankind, causing them to imitate Lucifer, their god!

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And so, by doing the same things as Lucifer did, yet in our own little realm and sphere, we unknowingly pour our costly ointment of praise and honor upon Satan, “the god of this world!” That’s how we worship “His Satanic Majesty”!

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Satan presiding at the Infernal Council – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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***GET OFF THE* *MERRY-GO-ROUND!***

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And so, O faithful Christian, hopefully you and I have both decided to cease from striving to gain fame, honor, and fortune, in our own little sphere.

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**Hopefully we have already shunned this Carnegie Hall World, and are now seeking only for glory and honor in the heavenly courts, as we conform our hearts and lives into the humble image of Jesus.**

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A HIGHWAY OF HOLINESS

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And God has placed before us a pilgrim’s pathway which leads out of this world, and onward and upward into the Celestial City of God!

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We can choose which world we want: this dying world, or the next everlasting world.

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But we cannot choose both!

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(Oh yes, Lucifer even has his own false, look-alike gospels which offer both worlds! But those gospels only lead downward to destruction of the soul.)

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So if you are tired of striving for the proud and selfish attributes that this world is all about, then please come along on the pathway for weary pilgrims, such as you and I.

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We have nothing to loose but our shackles of sin and death!

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ABOVE PICTURE right: Castor and Pollux – The Narrow Gate – The door which leads To Life Everlasting – Narrow Gate Stars (Castor and Pollux of the Gemini Constellation) – www.signsofheaven.org

ABOVE PICTURE left: Wide Gate (the two brightest stars of the Auriga Constellation)

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, I’m tired of playing this foolish game. Get me off this crazy merry-go-round world, and on to the upward pathway that leads to Heavenly Paradise which awaits all who desire to find it with all their heart…

Woman Praying – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic 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 NARROW WAY: THE PILGRIM’S PATHWAY

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That world-shaking allegory, Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan, picked up the theme of the Narrow Gate. The hero of the story was Christian, a man who was warned to flee from the City of Destruction (the world), and to embark on a journey to the Heavenly City. And along the way, Christian encountered many adventures and dangers. This first of its kind allegorical book absolutely rocked the western world, and became perhaps the first million seller book (along with the Bible).

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But God has also given this same Narrow Way parable in the night heavens! Incredible? Yes, incredible…and amazing too! And though these two stars can hardly be considered a constellation, but when sitting next to the two stars which comprise the Broad Gate, well, it makes a powerful statement, for the people of God.

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So please come along on this journey and find out just why this pathway graces the night heavens, and perhaps you might find yourself embarking on your own pilgrimage up that very same Narrow pathway.

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John Bunyan – Wikipedia – Public Domain

Pilgrim’s Progress Enters The Wicket Gate – Wikipedia – public domain

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LOCATION

Winter Constellations in West

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

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And at this point it is apparent that the Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation is veering toward the two bright stars, known as Castor and Pollux (sketch to left). But the Wide Gate Stars are composed of the two brightest stars of the Auriga Constellation, known as the star, Capella, and the star, Menkalinan. The two stars, Castor and Pollux, make up the concept of the Orion’s Narrow Gate Stars.

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This can even be observed into June in the western sky (for a short time just after dark). While a dark night is best for seeing the Woman Constellation, the 4 stars which comprise the Narrow Gate/Wide Gate Stars can be seen even under mediocre conditions. It begins with the Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation (AKA Ursa Major) going towards these two doors.

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The sketch to left shows, the two doors are each composed of two bright stars. The two bright stars that comprise the Narrow Gate are the two brightest stars of the Orion the Reaper’s sickle. The two stars that comprise the ‘Wide Gate’ Stars are the two brightest stars of the wave of water that comes out of the Dragon Constellation’s mouth (for explanation of “Wave of Water”, just click here). The stars that make up the ‘Narrow Gate’ are about half the width of the Wide Gate (see sketch below left).

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Revelation 12 Woman chooses Narrow Way

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(For more information on Orion’s sickle, just click here,“Orion The R eaper”.)

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Editor’s note: These sketches on this page are merely sketches. The stars are not in their exact place. However, they are close enough to find them in the night sky. But as with most stars, it takes persistence to finally locate them.

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TOMORROW…

“April 26 (To Die Is Gain!?! Part 3: “Heavenly Joy!”)”

Virtuous Woman with Bible – Braet von Überfeldt – 1866 – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

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

.

THIS STUDY #481 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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

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Those who are interested in using photos on this page may click on provided link below each photo, to get to Wikimedia Commons for various licensing details & tags, and all other necessary information on any particular photo. 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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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – APRIL 24 (Come Out of Her, My People! Part 10: “Babylonian Babbling”)

By admin On March 5th, 2015

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – APRIL 24

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Come Out of Her, My People!

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Part 10:

“Babylonian Babbling”

To read Part 1, click here… “May 12th (Come Out of Her, My People?)”

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“And he (an angel) cried mightily with a strong voice,

saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen…

And I heard another voice from Heaven,

saying, Come out of her, My people,

that ye be not partakers of her sins,

and that ye receive not of her plagues.”

Revelation 18:2, 4

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

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WHAT IS BABYLON, MOTHER OF HARLOTS?

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For those who have discovered that the Bible is a totally spiritual revelation of the Gospel, they know that the City of Babylon actually represents the world and the worldly portion of the Church, the Mystery Harlot of Revelation 17.

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(This 500-year-old engraving is just one of many, which shows that Christians understood this concept back in the days when God’s people were being physically persecuted by Antichrist!)

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And the reader is encouraged to click on and begin reading this series of devotionals called “Come Out of Her, My People”, to gain a fuller understanding of why God considers today’s churches to be spiritual Babylon.

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Whore – Babylon – Burgkmair – 1523 AD – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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CITY OF CONFUSION

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Babylon was given its name during the building of that infamous Tower of Babylon, because God confused their speech…

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Listen… “Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.” Genesis 11:9

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And so, the name, Babylon, actually means, “City of Confusion”.

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by G. Dore’ – The Confusion Of Tongues in Babylon – from www.creationism.org-public domain

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“WHO HATH BABBLING”

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Now, speaking of confusion of tongues, the Bible has some very unflattering words about those who are given to drunkenness.

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Listen to Solomon’s description of a drunkard… “Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine…” Proverbs 23:29-32 (condensed, but to read entire quote, click here)

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**Here in this above passage, it speaks of, “who has babbling?” And so, this idea of babbling is also connected with drunkenness.**

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Hangover – Dunfermline City Chambers – By Paul Mcllroy – Wikipedia – Creative Commons This carving is said to be of a Burgh official who gave the stone masons a hard time during the building

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THE WINE OF BABYLON

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The Mystery Harlot of Revelation, Chapters 17 & 18, is spoken of thus… “Babylon the great is fallen…For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her…” Revelation 18:2, 3

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This reference to the harlot city, is speaking of the apostate portion of the Church. And to a great degree, the entire world has suffered the results from the apostasy within the Church, as is written… “all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication …”.

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The Pleiades: Mystery Babylon: Mother of Harlots

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PRESENT-DAY BABBLING

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There is a present-day phenomenon, known as “tongues”, which claims to be the biblical gift spoken of in the New Testament, but is nothing more than vain babbling.

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And though it is merely a counterfeit, make no mistake! There is an unseen power behind this phenomenon!

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Listen… “And then shall that Wicked be revealed…whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,” 2nd Thessalonians 2:8, 9

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As this above passage reveals, Satan will be allowed to counterfeit the Holy Spirit in these last days, with, “all power and signs and lying wonders”!

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And this phenomenon known as “tongues” looks like the real thing.

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Audience hands – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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WE STUMBLE IN JUDGMENT

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Listen to Isaiah’s assessment of today’s situation… “But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment. For all tables are full of vomit and filthiness, so that there is no place clean.” Isaiah 28:7, 8

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This above prophecy very appropriately applies to us today!

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The Bible calls us priests, and this very much applies to our current situation!

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It’s just that God has written many things in allegorical language, that must be revealed by the Holy Spirit in order to be properly understood.

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Tissot – Isaiah – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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“FOOLISH TALK & JESTING”

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“But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient (not appropriate): but rather giving of thanks.” Ephesians 5:2, 3

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This above passage reveals that God does not approve of silliness in the Church!

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One aspect to drunkenness is that the drunkard thinks he (or she) is amusing. And when everyone else in the room is drunk, they do indeed seem amusing!

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And so, there’s much joking, followed by much laughter, in any gathering where everyone is drunk.

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PS Krøyer – Hip hip hurra! Kunstnerfest på Skagen – 1888 – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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***THOMAS BROOKS ON* *FALSE TEACHERS”***

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Listen to a quote by Reformation author, Thomas Brooks, in his 1652 treatise, The 7 Characteristics of False Teachers… “They preach more to please the ear than to profit the heart…False teachers handle holy things rather with wit and trifling, rather than with fear and reverence. False teachers are soul-murderers. They are like evil surgeons, that skin over the wound—but never heal it…False teachers are Hell’s greatest enrichers.”

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Yes, irreverence is one sure quality of a false teacher.

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And silliness is a common trait of drunkenness: either physical drunkenness or spiritual drunkenness!

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Billy Sunday at the White House – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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WARNING SIGNS BEING GIVEN

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But there are other signs which reveal that we have been drinking of that cup of wine of the great Mystery Harlot, Babylon!

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Yes, the church appears like a drunkard, whenever engaging in such phenomena as, “Falling Backwards” (Slain in the Spirit), “Drunk in the Spirit”, “Laughing in the Spirit”, and of course, “Babbling” (aka, “Tongues”).

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And together with all the joking and laughter that goes on in the pulpits and pews these days, such signs are what typical drunkards do. Oh yes, and don’t forget the sensual music that is now being offered up in most congregations!

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These are a signal and tip-off that spiritual drunkenness has overcome the church-world.

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But God is allowing the Devil to perform these signs.

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Oh yes, Satan is orchestrating these signs to deceive. But God is allowing it as a type of wake-up call, to make us realize that we have been drinking of the wine of Babylon.

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Falling Backwards – cropped and altered image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Share-alike License

Snakehandling – Wikipedia – public dom.

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GOOD NEWS!

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**The Good News is, that there is still time to make our End-time Exodus out of Babylon!**

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And once we depart from this Mystery Harlot City, we will begin to sober up. And then, as we think back on our foolishness, we will forever be cured of wanting to drink from the Harlot’s golden cup!

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“Come out of her, My people,

that ye be not partakers of her sins,

and that ye receive not of her plagues.”

Revelation 18:2, 4

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David’s sorrow – Wikigallery – Public Domain

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To read Part 11, click here…

May 30 (Come Out of Her, My People! Part 11: A 90% Jesus Is No Jesus! (Jesting))

Laughing – (cropped/color added) – Fotothek df roe neg – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

Dear Lord, Give me understanding into all these things, so that there is no more question in my mind, as to just what is my duty…

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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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 PLEIADES: MYSTERY HARLOT, AND CAPTIVE ANGEL

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The photo to the right is the Pleiades Cluster. Does it appear to you like an angel? Well, if it does, then you are encouraged to keep reading.

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The above two verses concerning the Pleiades are all the Bible has to say about the Pleiades, directly. But if you will read this article, you will discover that the Pleiades represents concepts which span much of the Bible!

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And The Heavens Declare.net will attempt to unravel this mysterious phenomenon in the night-sky, and will, hopefully, also interpret these two verses to show just what all this means, and how it might apply to our lives.

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The Pleiades (Above constellation can be seen in colder months in mid sky, traveling east to west through the night. With the eyes alone, it would appear much smaller than this. But with binoculars, it would appear more like this photo). NASA photo by Robert Gendler

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GOD’S PEOPLE TAKEN CAPTIVE

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The Pleiades: Mystery Babylon: Mother of Harlots

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“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her (Babylon), My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” Revelation 18:4

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God has a people in Babylon. Yes, Mystery Babylon is the Mother of Harlots. The sketch to the left shows her riding this beast with 7 heads and 10 horns.

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Captive Angel Constellation

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But in that spiritual city, there are those who still love God to a certain degree. And before the final plagues are poured out upon her, God has been and will continue to call His people out of her…

“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her (Babylon), my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” Revelation 18:4

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And so in addition to The Pleiades appearing as the Harlot Mother, we also see this second depiction of The Pleiades as an angel, which symbolizes God’s people, walking the downward pathway to destruction. They must be called out of Babylon before it’s too late!

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TOMORROW…

“April 25 (A Carnegie Hall World!)”

Carnegie Hall – Manhattan New York – Wikipedia – C.C. Share-alike License

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

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

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THIS STUDY #480 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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

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Devouring Fire.com

Daily Devotional, Year 2 – May 3 (Strong Delusion in Scripture, Part 2: Drinking Wine)

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – May 3

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Strong Delusion in Scripture,

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Part 2:

“Drinking Wine”

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“…because they received not the love of the truth,

that they might be saved.

And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion,

that they should believe a lie:

That they all might be damned who believed not the truth,

but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”

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This above passage from Paul’s Epistle to the Thessalonians is one of the most fearful of all Bible passages.

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It reveals that we must be faithful to God, and not the least bit presumptuous about our Christianity!

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TO DRINK, OR NOT TO DRINK?

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One such area of the Bible, which God makes somewhat murky is whether or not the Believer should drink alcohol.

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VERSES SUPPORTING ALCOHOL…

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“Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.” 1st Timothy 5:23

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Back in the days of the early church, the medications were few and simple.

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And alcohol had its medicinal properties.

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And certainly, during the Dark Ages, safe drinking water was not always available, requiring people to drink wine at times.

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And so, Paul here was writing to Timothy, who apparently was weak physically.

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BIBLE SYMBOLISM

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Now listen to this next passage which also seems to condone wine…“He (God)…causeth wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man’s heart.” Psalm 104:14, 15

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The Bible can be very tricky, since much of it is written in allegories.

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This above passage seems to have a literal connotation, which applies to the unsaved of the world.

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But this above passage likewise has a spiritual application, referring to the “wine of Christ’s blood”, the “oil of the Holy Spirit”, and the “bread of life”, which is the life of Jesus.

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