In yesterday’s devotional (click here), it was pointed out that the Church of Rome mostly appeals to two classes, which encompasses nearly the entire world: “those who would be saved by their own merits, and those who would be saved in their sins. Here is the secret of its power.” Great Controversy p. 573
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In other words, catholicism appeals to those who have little desire to fully enter into Christ’s rest. They merely maintain a one-day good work: a spurious sabbath of Man’s own design!
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This way, they are free to pursue the pleasures, ambitions and the lusts of this present selfish world! And then, they can merely go to church for a few hours followed by a return to their worldly pursuit of pleasure, and earthly cares.
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ABOVE PICTURE: Mark of the beast – pub. dom. – Wikipedia
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A CHURCH-WIDE APOSTASY
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Now, to be fair, it must be made clear that the Church of Rome is not alone in this apostate condition.
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No, the entire Christian community has fallen into this great error and apostasy.
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And whether they attend church on this day or that day makes no difference!
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LABOR TO ENTER HIS REST
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Only those who truly take Christ’s yoke upon them can enter into His glorious rest…“There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into His rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from His. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.” Hebrews 4:9-11
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Now here is some really Good News! There is still time for those who desire to enter into Christ’s rest, to call out for His mercy and grace! There still remains a rest to all who desire that rest!
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Listen…“Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:12, 13
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Here is the secret to Heaven’s power! And here is the pathway to the true Sabbath rest! A whole-hearted devotion to seeking after the Lord!
THE READER IS INVITED AND HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO LISTEN TO THIS AUDIO READING OF THE CHAPTER, “LIBERTY OF CONSCIENCE THREATENED” WHICH DEALS WITH THE PAPACY, AND HER PERSECUTION OF CHRISTIANS…
“Dear Lord, Give me the Spirit of discernment that I may know for sure that this is the day in which the False Prophet Beast of Revelation 13 is causing the whole world to worship this antichrist world-system…
This phenomenon begins in late October, in the pre-dawn hours. It then begins a little earlier each night, and lasts for several months, until they both appear to lie down once again.
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This Wikipedia star-chart to the left, has this Orion Constellation sketched in. You must locate Orion, when it is mid-sky, between east and west. You’ll be facing southward most likely, unless you are far south. Try to imagine it as a Cross on a steep hill. The 3-star belt of Orion becomes the crest of the hill. The 3 very faint stars that make up Orion’s head become the very top of the Cross.
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Next, locate the 7 Stars Constellation. This 7 Stars Constellation is seen by facing northward. It stands upright a little later in the night. Eventually, Orion will lay down and no longer be seen as an uplifted Cross! Beginning in November, the 7 Stars (AKA Big Dipper) can be seen as a Cross a little bit later in evening.
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When you are comfortable in locating Orion & The 7 Stars Constellations, then show a friend. This can be a great witnessing tool!
EXCERPTS FROM THE OPEN FORUM QUESTION/ANSWER RADIO TALK-SHOW…
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This recording #142, is a small 30 minute sampling of the late Harold Camping’s 90 minute nightly talk shows. This particular program aired in the last few years of his 50 year radio ministry, and includes caller’s questions regarding his teachings on “the end of the church age”…
In yesterday’s devotional (click here), it was pointed out how the Passover and Unleavened Bread feast were to be kept throughout time, but in a spiritual manner, not physically nor literally.
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So too, the 7th-Day Sabbath is to be kept spiritually. Listen to Jesus…“Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
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Here we see that Jesus offers a “rest unto your souls”.
Now, having said all this, listen to this very revealing statement from Ellen White, regarding the progenitors of the Sunday Sabbath, the Roman Catholic Church…“A prayerful study of the Bible would show Protestants the real character of the papacy and would cause them to abhor and to shun it; but many are so wise in their own conceit that they feel no need of humbly seeking God that they may be led into the truth. …The papacy is well adapted to meet the wants of all these. It is prepared for two classes of mankind, embracing nearly the whole world–those who would be saved by their merits, and those who would be saved in their sins. Here is the secret of its power.” Great Controversy p. 573
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Here she speaks of the secret of the power of the papacy: “those who would be saved by their merits, and those who would be saved in their sins.”
Well, if this is the secret of the power of the papacy, then what is missing in the lives of these Church-of-Rome followers?
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They have no rest unto their souls! They are still under the yoke of bondage to their worldly spirit!
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They want to be saved, but only under their own conditions.
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ABOVE PICTURE: Mark of the beast – pub. dom. – Wikipedia
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NOT A MERE 24-HOUR-PER-WEEK REST
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Now listen to Revelation 14 as it describes those who have received the Beast’s mark…“they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.” Revelation 14:11
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Now it clearly teaches here that there is no rest, day nor night, for those who receive the Beast’s mark.
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In other words, these recipients of the Beast’s Mark have no rest 24/7/365. This is not merely a 24-hour rest on Friday to Saturday night! And so, it cannot be speaking of rest according to the letter of the law.
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No, but rather, it is speaking instead, of a SPIRITUAL rest, which they do not now have…“But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.” Isaiah 57:20
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So here is the Mark of the Beast spoken of way back in Isaiah’s day! The wicked “cannot rest”, and “there is no peace” in their souls.
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And so, those who have not thoroughly studied Ellen White’s writings, do not fully understand what causes people to receive the Beast’s Mark.
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It is not merely worshiping on “this day” or on “that day” which commends or condemns.
THE READER IS INVITED AND HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO LISTEN TO THIS AUDIO READING OF THE CHAPTER, “LIBERTY OF CONSCIENCE THREATENED” WHICH DEALS WITH THE PAPACY, AND HER PERSECUTION OF CHRISTIANS…
“Dear Lord, Give me the Spirit of discernment that I may know for sure that this is the day in which the False Prophet Beast of Revelation 13 is causing the whole world to worship this antichrist world-system…
This phenomenon begins in late October, in the pre-dawn hours. It then begins a little earlier each night, and lasts for several months, until they both appear to lie down once again.
.
This Wikipedia star-chart to the left, has this Orion Constellation sketched in. You must locate Orion, when it is mid-sky, between east and west. You’ll be facing southward most likely, unless you are far south. Try to imagine it as a Cross on a steep hill. The 3-star belt of Orion becomes the crest of the hill. The 3 very faint stars that make up Orion’s head become the very top of the Cross.
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Next, locate the 7 Stars Constellation. This 7 Stars Constellation is seen by facing northward. It stands upright a little later in the night. Eventually, Orion will lay down and no longer be seen as an uplifted Cross! Beginning in November, the 7 Stars (AKA Big Dipper) can be seen as a Cross a little bit later in evening.
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When you are comfortable in locating Orion & The 7 Stars Constellations, then show a friend. This can be a great witnessing tool!
EXCERPTS FROM THE OPEN FORUM QUESTION/ANSWER RADIO TALK-SHOW…
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This recording #141, is a small 30 minute sampling of the late Harold Camping’s 90 minute nightly talk shows. This particular program aired in the last few years of his 50 year radio ministry, and includes caller’s questions regarding his teachings on “the end of the church age”…
Now, what makes this a complex issue, is that Satan is a very complicated being. That is why he is described as a beast having numerous heads, numerous horns, and numerous crowns.
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And with a body comprised of various beast-like components, it becomes clear that we are dealing with a very complex foe. (And let’s face it! Sin is complicated!)
But as good as her teachings may be, it must be understood that she did not claim to have all the truth. Listen to her own disclaimer regarding her very own writings…“We have many lessons to learn, and many, many to unlearn. God and Heaven alone are infallible. Those who think that they will never have to give up a cherished view, never have occasion to change an opinion, will be disappointed. As long as we hold to our own ideas and opinions with determined persistency, we cannot have the unity for which Christ prayed.” { CET 203.2 }
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Here is a very important statement by Mrs. White, one which Adventists would do well to carefully consider before they become too unbending and too unyielding in their cherished beliefs.
One of the most prominent teachings in the Adventist Church is regarding the Sabbath, and how it relates to the Mark of the Beast, which she says is Sunday worship.
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But what most Adventists do not consider is that the Bible is a spiritual book. And when it comes to holy days, the spiritual meaning must not be overlooked.
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For example, listen to Paul as he spoke about the Feast of the Passover and Unleavened Bread… “Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” 1st Corinthians 5:7, 8
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Now here was a feast to be celebrated throughout time. And yet, Paul revealed how it is to be kept: spiritually, and not physically nor literally. “Christ our Passover”, the Bible tells us.
And even though Ellen White approached the Sabbath issue from the vantage point of the letter of the law, this issue of the 7th-Day Sabbath and Sunday Sabbath must be approached spiritually to rightly understand the Mark of the Beast, and all that it represents.
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Christ is our Passover.
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But He is also our spiritual Rest!
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ABOVE PICTURE: Mark of the beast – pub. dom. – Wikipedia
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BUT WHAT DOES ALL THIS HAVE TO DO WITH THE BEASTS OF REVELATION 13?
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Well, these are very complex issues.
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And this website has many articles which will clarify all these things.
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And the Noble Berean is highly encouraged to continue reading tomorrow’s devotional to further this discussion along concerning the two beasts of Revelation 13.
THE READER IS INVITED AND HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO LISTEN TO THIS AUDIO READING OF THE CHAPTER, “LIBERTY OF CONSCIENCE THREATENED” WHICH DEALS WITH THE PAPACY, AND ITS PERSECUTION OF CHRISTIANS…
“Dear Lord, Give me the Spirit of discernment that I may know for sure that this is the day in which the False Prophet Beast of Revelation 13 is causing the whole world to worship this antichrist world-system…
This phenomenon begins in late October, in the pre-dawn hours. It then begins a little earlier each night, and lasts for several months, until they both appear to lie down once again.
.
This Wikipedia star-chart to the left, has this Orion Constellation sketched in. You must locate Orion, when it is mid-sky, between east and west. You’ll be facing southward most likely, unless you are far south. Try to imagine it as a Cross on a steep hill. The 3-star belt of Orion becomes the crest of the hill. The 3 very faint stars that make up Orion’s head become the very top of the Cross.
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Next, locate the 7 Stars Constellation. This 7 Stars Constellation is seen by facing northward. It stands upright a little later in the night. Eventually, Orion will lay down and no longer be seen as an uplifted Cross! Beginning in November, the 7 Stars (AKA Big Dipper) can be seen as a Cross a little bit later in evening.
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When you are comfortable in locating Orion & The 7 Stars Constellations, then show a friend. This can be a great witnessing tool!
This is a chapter of the audio book about the Gospel of Jesus Christ in His life and ministry.
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Chapter 46 – He Was Transfigured
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Sign of the Son of Man Constellation – made of the various constellations on this website
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EXCERPTS FROM THE OPEN FORUM QUESTION/ANSWER RADIO TALK-SHOW…
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This recording #140, is a small 30 minute sampling of the late Harold Camping’s 90 minute nightly talk shows. This particular program aired in the last few years of his 50 year radio ministry, and includes caller’s questions regarding his teachings on “the end of the church age”…
Listen to her teaching on the 2nd Beast of Revelation 13, The False Prophet…“But the beast with lamb-like horns was seen “coming up out of the earth.” Instead of overthrowing other powers to establish itself, the nation thus represented must arise in territory previously unoccupied and grow up peacefully. It must be sought in the Western Continent. What nation of the New World was in 1798 rising into power, giving promise of strength, and attracting the attention of the world? One nation, and only one, meets this prophecy—the United States of America.” The Great Controversy p.273
Now even though she correctly pinpointed these two beasts as the oppressive powers of Europe (the 1st Beast) and the United States (the 2nd Beast, the False Prophet) her reasoning was somewhat incomplete. For instance, she couldn’t see that the 2nd beast rising up out of the earth symbolized the source of the 2nd Beast’s power: the produce of the earth, the industrial revolution and later, the high-tech revolution.
Secondly she did not fully understand the two horns of the lamb-like 2nd Beast as being the same power authority of the Lamb of God, mercy and justice.
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Nevertheless, her ability to discern as much as she did, way back in the 19th Century could only be due to the enlightenment from God. (of course, it wasn’t her discernment, but rather, it was God’s infinite knowledge which enlightened his servant, Ellen)
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Nevertheless, we are now witnessing the lamb-like nation of the United States beginning to become an oppressive power, spreading its tentacles throughout the world.
Yes, these two horns representing a counterfeit mercy/compassion (the beast’s left horn) and a counterfeit justice/morality (the beast’s right horn) are now spreading beyond the shores of the United States.
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And why not? Because actually, this power is nothing less than Satan as he spreads his antichrist spirit around the world, bringing the entire world under the control of these two powers.
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Yes, this False Prophet is a lamb-like power, a false Christ, ready and able to deceive the entire world, causing them to worship the 1st Beast, who is the image of Satan, the Revelation 12 Dragon.
“Dear Lord, Give me the Spirit of discernment that I may know for sure that this is the day in which the False Prophet Beast of Revelation 13 is causing the whole world to worship this antichrist world-system…
THE READER IS INVITED AND HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO SCROLL DOWN AND LISTEN TO THE AUDIO READING OF A CHAPTER FROM ELLEN WHITE’S STORY-FORM BOOK ON THE LIFE OF JESUS, “THE DESIRE OF AGES”.
This phenomenon begins in late October, in the pre-dawn hours. It then begins a little earlier each night, and lasts for several months, until they both appear to lie down once again.
.
This Wikipedia star-chart to the left, has this Orion Constellation sketched in. You must locate Orion, when it is mid-sky, between east and west. You’ll be facing southward most likely, unless you are far south. Try to imagine it as a Cross on a steep hill. The 3-star belt of Orion becomes the crest of the hill. The 3 very faint stars that make up Orion’s head become the very top of the Cross.
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Next, locate the 7 Stars Constellation. This 7 Stars Constellation is seen by facing northward. It stands upright a little later in the night. Eventually, Orion will lay down and no longer be seen as an uplifted Cross! Beginning in November, the 7 Stars (AKA Big Dipper) can be seen as a Cross a little bit later in evening.
.
When you are comfortable in locating Orion & The 7 Stars Constellations, then show a friend. This can be a great witnessing tool!
This is a chapter of the audio book about the Gospel of Jesus Christ in His life and ministry.
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Chapter 45 – The Foreshadowing of the Cross
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ABOVE STAR-CHART – Sign of the Son of Man – www.theheavensdeclare.net – Not for commercial uses
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EXCERPTS FROM THE OPEN FORUM QUESTION/ANSWER RADIO TALK-SHOW…
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This recording #139, is a small 30 minute sampling of the late Harold Camping’s 90 minute nightly talk shows. This particular program aired in the last few years of his 50 year radio ministry, and includes caller’s questions regarding his teachings on “the end of the church age”…
There’s a whole lot of finger-pointing going on these days, wouldn’t you agree?
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The Bible clearly reveals…“If a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.” Mark 3:24
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And so, as we look out upon the political landscape, we see a nation deeply divided!
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And the division between the two political factions is rapidly growing deeper, wider, and very hostile and extremely bitter. The anger and animus between the two opposing sides is intensifying on a daily basis! It’s even getting a bit scary to hear the violent rhetoric now being thrust at one another! It seems to be approaching insane violence at times!
Now, some of the current name-calling sounds like this: “They’re a bunch of Nazi Fascists!” “He’s are racist!” “He’s a modern day Hitler!” “They’re a bunch of ‘such-&-such-Phobes’!”
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For those who watch the daily news shows, these smears are commonly heard, and oft repeated!
Joseph Goebbels, Propaganda Minister for Adolph Hitler said,“If you repeat a lie often enough, people will believe it. If you repeat a lie often enough, it becomes the truth.”
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And isn’t it true that this demonizing of political enemies by branding them as “Nazis”, “Fascists”, and/or “racists” is very effective?
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And using the major media as willing accomplices, the public now hears these derogatory names being repeatedly chanted on a 24/7/365 basis to the point that these false accusations against their political adversaries eventually begin to take root in the minds of the masses.
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Yes, these modern-day ideology-warriors in both politics, and also in the media, instinctively know that George Goebbels was right in his assertion that “a lie repeated often enough, it becomes truth”.
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So then, could it be said, that the very ones currently following the same philosophical views of that notorious Nazi leader, Joseph Goebbels, are actually the true Nazi’s? And the true Fascists? And the true Racists? And the true ‘such-&-such-Phobes’?
Well, today’s devotional is still attempting to further bring out this concept that at whatever point we judge another, we are guilty of the same.
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Listen again…“Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.” Romans 2:1
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Yes, the Bible forewarns us that when we point the accusing finger at someone else, there are three fingers pointing back at us: THREE FINGERS FROM HEAVEN!
What these erring individuals do not realize is that when we accuse our opponents of being fascists or racists or bigots or phobics of one stripe or another, we are unknowingly revealing what’s in our own heart!
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And if we who defame others were ever given political authority, we would most likely carry out the same Nazi-like fascism, racism, or bigotry that we are accusing our political opponents of possessing?
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As a matter of fact, certain political factions who daily accuse their political foes of being “fascists” are they themselves now beginning to call for suppression of free speech, sometimes even to the point of physical violence. In other words, are not the finger-pointers at others actually, they themselves, behaving just like totalitarian fascists of the past had always behaved? It’s a good question to ask ourselves.
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The Bible clearly teaches…“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9
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As this above verse reveals, humans just do not know how much wickedness is bound up in our own heart!
One great problem with listening to Satan’s whisperings, is that this is how this “Accuser of the Brethren” gains access into our hearts and minds. And once we allow him access, he often begins to torment us with all sorts of “evil surmisings” about the motives of the hearts of others. (1st Timothy 6:4)
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We must remember the Wise Man’s advice…“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.” Proverbs 4:24-27
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Yes, to guard the avenues to the soul, not allowing Satan any access, is our first and foremost duty!
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SYSTEMIC RACISM?
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There is a movement afoot by one political group to brand their political opponents as having “systemic racism”. In other words, the accusation is being shouted abroad that this entire group of humans cannot help themselves overcome their own racism, because their own “systemic racism” is just an innate inward quality which they cannot overcome. It’s just “who you are”, claim their accusers.
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The fact is, anyone who thinks they can judge what’s in the heart of another individual, is merely showing the world what’s in his or her own heart, as the Bible declares…“Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.” Romans 2:1
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Yes, God knows our filthy hearts. And only He can rightly judge what’s in another person’s heart.
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And God sees our hypocrisy as we judge others for things which we are just as guilty of, as is the next person!
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And the day has now arrived when, “…God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ…” Romans 2:16
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AMERICANS HATE RACISM
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It’s really ironic that in a very historically racist world, America has perhaps done more than any other nation to vanquish racism, thanks in part to its constitution! And just when that nation has finally achieved a high level of racial equality, a large group of people want to tear this society completely apart, accusing Americans of being hopelessly racist.
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But the stark reality is, to their credit, most every American abhors being thought of as “a racist”. And so, if Americans were truly racists, then why do they absolutely hate being called “racist”?
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Well, truth-be-told, deep-down, those finger-pointers actually realize this truth. Yes, they secretly understand that it’s a terrible and hurtful accusation to make against another human, which only shows the hypocrisy of their false charges.
“And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.”
Matthew 24:12
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Well, time will tell just where all this venomous hatred between the right and left will end up.
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Certainly, our society is being torn apart by certain political factions…“And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.” Mark 3:24
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The only hope for any of us, is to turn to the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength!
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Otherwise, we too may get swallowed up by all the insane hatred we are now witnessing in our society on a daily basis!
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places”
Ephesians 6:12
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As this above verse from Ephesians reveals, it is not humans who are at the root of all this hatred and neo-racism. But rather, it is the unseen spiritual powers of the darkness of this world who are stoking the flames of all this division and hatred. Oh yes, the unsaved people of this world are unwittingly being used and manipulated by these dark forces of evil. But behind it all is the true hater-in-chief…Satan and his fallen angels!
And truth-be-told, all this pandemic anger is a fulfillment of the following prophecy concerning these end-times…
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“And the nations were angry,
and Thy wrath is come,
and the time of the dead,
that they should be judged”
Revelation 11:18
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Yes, this above prophecy informs us that Judgment Day has already begun!
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And so, right now, it would be a critically wise decision for those who are immersed in their hate-filled anger, to turn to the Lord with all their heart, and to plead for true repentance, before it’s too late!
THE READER IS INVITED AND HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO SCROLL DOWN AND LISTEN TO THE AUDIO READING OF A CHAPTER FROM ELLEN WHITE’S STORY-FORM BOOK ON THE LIFE OF JESUS, “THE DESIRE OF AGES”.
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Sign of the Son of Man Constellation – made of the various constellations on this website
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THE OPEN FORUM
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ALSO, JUST BELOW THAT IS A 25 MINUTE AUDIO SEGMENT FROM HAROLD CAMPING’S NIGHTLY BIBLE-BASED, CALL-IN TALK-SHOW, “THE OPEN FORUM”
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Harold Camping on phone – Courtesy of Family Radio.org
Please tilt your head to the left. Do you see a man with a very long pointed nose. (Obviously, the sketch to the right is just an exaggeration in order to help you find the face in the photo to the left.)
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Do you see an angry look? His right eye-brow is raised as if he is judging.
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This second face in the Moon appears to be that of a combination of a man as well as a fox. Or maybe a wolf. Doesn’t he have a long narrow nose like a wolf or fox? Maybe even a dog. Nevertheless, the expression on his face, as he appears to look down upon the Earth, is that of scorn.
“Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.” Prov. 21:24
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Yes this wolf-like beast-face in the Moon, is what the Bible calls a proud Pharisee. They were the morality crowd. They were the finger pointers. They were the scorners. They didn’t realize that their own pride was even more reprehensible to God than the drunkenness, immorality, or sexual perversions of the unsaved of the world.
EXCERPTS FROM THE OPEN FORUM QUESTION/ANSWER RADIO TALK-SHOW…
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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this recording #138, a small 30 minute sampling of the late Harold Camping’s 90 minute nightly talk shows. This particular program aired in the last few years of his 50 year radio ministry, and includes caller’s questions regarding his teachings on “the end of the church age”…
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.
“And He (Jesus) said unto them, The Sabbath was made for man…”
Mark 2:27
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And all the world is under obligation to keep that day holy…”Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.” Romans 3:19
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Oh yes, the Sabbath was to be a sign between the Lord and His people (see Exodus 31:13). But this verse from Romans 3:19 declares that the whole world is also under the Law of God!
“Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind”
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Now this devotional is not going to debate whether Friday night to Saturday night must be observed by the letter. For as the Bible says concerning those observing one day, or those who consider all days are alike, “let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.” Romans 14:5
But merely ceasing from physical labor cannot make a day holy. And resting from physical labor cannot make a day holy either.
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So just what work does a person need to cease from, to make a day holy?
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Listen…“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like…that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21
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Well, truth-be-told, if a man, woman, or child can cease from this kind of work, they would truly be holy, would they not?
But listen as this passage continues…“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” Galatians 5:22-24
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Well, of course, these above verses convey a command which is seemingly impossible to keep!
“no condemnation to them…who walk after the Spirit”
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Well, we have to remember to keep comparing spiritual things with spiritual! In other words, the entire Bible is the Word of God!
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And God has more to say about these things… “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:1
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Yes, if we are truly “in Christ”, then we will no longer seek after the things of the flesh, but will seek after the things of the Spirit! Therefore, we are no longer condemned, because we diligently seek after the things of the Spirit!
But just how do we do that? How do we seek after the things of the Spirit?
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Listen again…“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.” Psalm 119:11
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Okay! So, to sit at the feet of Jesus and hear His Word, and allow His Word to fill our hearts and minds: this is the answer to our dilemma!
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And as we grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord, God will work in us to purify our hearts and burn away the rubbish which once cluttered the halls of our hearts!
So as Paul exhorts…“There remaineth therefore a rest (literally, “a Sabbath-keeping”) to the people of God. For he that is entered into His rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from His. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest…Hebrews 4:9-11
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So, this is how we labor to enter into God’s Rest: to drench ourselves in His Word, and allow God to purify our hearts and minds!
And speaking of glittering diamonds, just go outside on any clear and dark night and behold the glittering diamonds of the Signs Of Heaven!
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Yes, like precious jewels, these heavenly signs sparkle brightly as they proclaim the precious truths of God’s Word.
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And those who are willing to devote themselves to unceasing prayer and constant meditation of God’s Word, will begin to locate these heavenly messengers!
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So why not put away our vain search for earthly treasures and begin to seach for the everlasting riches found throughout the Bible, and now to also seek after those precious gem-stones that God is revealing in the heavens…
EXCERPTS FROM THE OPEN FORUM QUESTION/ANSWER RADIO TALK-SHOW…
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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this recording #137, a small 30 minute sampling of the late Harold Camping’s 90 minute nightly talk shows. This particular program aired in the last few years of his 50 year radio ministry, and includes caller’s questions regarding his teachings on “the end of the church age”…
Why should it be such an unbelievable phenomenon that God has etched three faces in the Moon, representing the three factions within the church-world?
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After all, the Gospel is inscribed in every aspect of nature! From the tiniest atom, to the greatest galaxy, and beyond, God has inscribed some aspect of the Gospel.
But the Moon is our object lesson for today. And each of its three faces were purposely inscribed by God to teach us about our own self.
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3rd Face in Moon-scavenger-www.signsofheaven.org
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“BEWARE OF DOGS, BEWARE OF EVIL WORKERS, BEWARE OF THE CONCISION!”
Philippians 3:2
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Take for instance the second face: the wolf, or perhaps a fox, or a dog.
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This wolf-like face with one eye-brow raised gives us a fitting portrait of a scornful, judgmental human.
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And it reminds us of the Old Testament sect, known as The Pharisees, or “Dogs…the Concision”. Philippians 3:2
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Yes, those Pharisees were a very judgmental group, who took pride that they were very moral and upright, and looked down upon others whom they supposed were not so morally upright.
Well, the fact is, the church-world today is filled with a vast throng of church attendees who fit into this category: being very self-righteous!
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As a matter of fact, morality is a great substitute for Salvation, because it masks the undone heart condition of all those who appear to be outwardly righteous, and yet have not become “born from above”.
In this very proud world, there are many things which cause us to judge and scorn. And there are many people who just seem to be magnets for others to judge and scorn them.
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And because we all innately possess pride in our hearts, looking down upon, and judging others, comes to us about as natural as breathing!
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Quite often, we’re not even aware that we’re doing it!
“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise”
1st Corinthians 1:27
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We judge those who look funny or dress weird. We judge those who habitually make poor decisions in life. We judge the quirky mannerisms and odd behavior of old people. And we often judge those whom we think are “lazy”, or dirty, or poor, or rich, or “nerds”, or “hip”, or in a cult, or in a world-loving gospel, or are “too religious”, or believe supposed false doctrines.
This entire world is full of inequities. And people tend to judge just about anything and anyone whom they see as being less than themselves in some way!
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But listen to what Peter had to say about God…“Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons…” Acts 10:34
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God values the soul of the poor drunken beggar just as much as the soul of the wealthy entrepreneur. He values the soul of the high-stepping politician just as much as He does the starving multitudes in third-world nations.
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Drunk Panhandler – Wikipedia – Public-Domain
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“JUDGES OF EVIL THOUGHTS?”
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Listen to James speak about judging…“My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ…with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment…and say unto him (the rich), Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there…Are ye not…become judges of (with) evil thoughts? James 2:1-4
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Well, none of us can say that we haven’t judged or even scorned somebody. And probably, most of us have done so, a multitude of times!
Fat People – cropped image – Wikimedia – share-alike license
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“GOOD NEWS FROM A FAR COUNTRY”
Proverbs 25:25
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The Good News is, that this is still the Day of Salvation!
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And God is giving us just enough time to repent of this horrible crime against Heaven.
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And God will sit as a purifier of our hearts, and remove all Pharisee pride, if we will cry out to Him for mercy.
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But just one tidbit of advice which will be a benefit for each of us: whenever we catch ourselves judging another individual, for Heaven’s sake, simply begin praying for God’s blessing on that dear soul, for whom Christ also died!
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One last verse for us to ponder…
“Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep:
let your laughter be turned to mourning,
and your joy to heaviness.
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up.
Speak not evil one of another, brethren.
He that speaketh evil of his brother,
and judgeth his brother,
speaketh evil of the law,
and judgeth the law:
but if thou judge the law,
thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.
There is one Lawgiver,
who is able to save and to destroy:
who art thou that judgest another?”
James 4:9-11
David’s sorrow – Wikigallery – Public Domain
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TODAY’S PRAYER…
“Dear Lord, Drive out all my foolish proud judging! Purify my heart. Give me the mind of Christ, so that I too can become meek and lowly on heart…
“For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, AN EVIL EYE, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” Mark 7:18-23
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Please tilt your head to the left. Do you see a man with a very long pointed nose. (Obviously, the sketch to the right is just an exaggeration in order to help you find the face in the photo to the left.)
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Do you see an angry look? His right eye-brow is raised as if he is judging.
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This second face in the Moon appears to be that of a combination of a man as well as a fox. Or maybe a wolf. Doesn’t he have a long narrow nose like a wolf or fox? Maybe even a dog. Nevertheless, the expression on his face, as he appears to look down upon the Earth, is that of scorn. Unlike the first Moon-man’s sad shock and awe; this ‘man/fox/wolf/dog’appears to be that of anger and scorn. As if he is disgusted at the sinful planet below.
EXCERPTS FROM THE OPEN FORUM QUESTION/ANSWER RADIO TALK-SHOW…
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This recording #143, is a small 30 minute sampling of the late Harold Camping’s 90 minute nightly talk shows. This particular program aired in the last few years of his 50 year radio ministry, and includes caller’s questions regarding his teachings on “the end of the church age”…
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.
As one reads or listens to Ellen White’s, “Desire of Ages” chapter, “Among Snares”, it becomes apparent that the very same rascals who sought to ensnare Jesus are still around today. (scroll to nearly the bottom of this page to listen to Ellen White’s audio version of, “Among Snares”)
Take, for example, the shenanigans going on in the world of politics!
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The modern media is working hard to accuse their supposed enemies of wrong-doing in any possible way. Even if they have to exaggerate, cover-up, or tell out-and-out lies, they will now do so without hesitation or shame!
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It’s truly amazing to witness the very same tactics which were once used against Jesus now being used against political foes! Character assassination for some perceived advantage is, and has always been Satan’s favorite modus-operandi, even as far back as in the Garden!
“If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you”
John 15:20
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And so, don’t be surprised, O Christian soldier, when these same rascals turn their gun-sights against the Christian community!
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Even now, these dishonest ones are beginning to play their deceptive and vicious games against various Christians and their businesses.
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But in the end, they will meet with the same fate that Christ’s enemies will suffer: they will each stand before the Divine Judge to receive their eternal reward for their misdeeds.
THE READER IS INVITED AND HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO SCROLL DOWN AND LISTEN TO THE AUDIO READING OF THE CHAPTER, “AMONG SNARES”, FROM ELLEN WHITE’S STORY-FORM BOOK ON THE LIFE OF JESUS, “THE DESIRE OF AGES”.
ALSO, JUST BELOW THAT IS A 25 MINUTE AUDIO SEGMENT FROM HAROLD CAMPING’S NIGHTLY BIBLE-BASED, CALL-IN TALK-SHOW, “THE OPEN FORUM”
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Harold Camping on phone – Courtesy of Family Radio.org
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TODAY’S PRAYER…
“Dear Lord, Help me to see and understand the great deception, which is the Planet Earth! Help me study Thy Word that I may become wise as a serpent, but harmless as a dove…
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 below 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 theDragon Constellation’s mouth (for explanation of “Wave of Water”, just click here). The stars that make up the ‘Narrow Gate’ are about half the width of the Wide Gate (see sketch to right).
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(For more information on Orion’s sickle, just click here,“Orion The Reaper”.)
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Editor’s note: These sketches on this page are merely sketches. The stars are not in their exact place. However, they are close enough to find them in the night sky. But as with most stars, it takes persistence to finally locate them.
EXCERPTS FROM THE OPEN FORUM QUESTION/ANSWER RADIO TALK-SHOW…
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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this recording #144, a small 30 minute sampling of the late Harold Camping’s 90 minute nightly talk shows. This particular program aired in the last few years of his 50 year radio ministry, and includes caller’s questions regarding his teachings on “the end of the church age”…
EXCERPTS FROM THE OPEN FORUM QUESTION/ANSWER RADIO TALK-SHOW…
.
This recording #143, is a small 30 minute sampling of the late Harold Camping’s 90 minute nightly talk shows. This particular program aired in the last few years of his 50 year radio ministry, and includes caller’s questions regarding his teachings on “the end of the church age”…
Back in the 1970’s, a certain saying was popularized…“The Devil made me do it! The Devil made me do it!”
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And this was merely mocking Christians, who were seemingly obsessed with pointing the finger at the Devil.
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Then this unbelieving world could all laugh and mock the notion that Satan is a very active and powerful force controlling the peoples of this world, by mockingly saying…“The Devil made me do it!”
As the popular saying goes, “All roads lead to Rome”.
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Yes, we live in a world in which the City of Rome has been more or less, the centerpiece of western civilization.
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But what about the word “romance”? Are we to assume that Romeo’s & Juliet’s all-consuming passion has some connection with Rome?
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ROMANCE CAN TURN RATIONAL PEOPLE INTO ABSOLUTE FOOLS!
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Well, regardless of the etymology of the word, “romance”, the real question is, “just what is the source of the overwhelming amorous passion which consumes two people who ‘fall in love’?”
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After all, most adults have personally experienced the rapturous euphoria which so often accompanies a new relationship. And most people will cringe over their memory of some past moment when they made an absolute fool of themselves, because of getting hopelessly caught up in a romantic state of mind.
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And let’s face it! Romance quite often causes really bad decision-making. And many terrible and critical mistakes have been made, by reason of the blinders which lovers so often wear because of their new romance.
The Bible is not completely silent about the superficiality of romantic feelings. The story of how “Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his (half) sister Tamar.” 2nd Samuel 13:2
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Yes, King David’s son was “head-over-heals” for Tamar, a beautiful young virgin, also the daughter of David (from another wife).
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But after Amnon finally forced her to lose her virginity, “Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her.” 2nd Samuel 13:15
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So here is an incredible account of how fleeting and superficial that romantic feelings can be. Amnon’s love instantly turned to hatred as soon as he got what he wanted. His burning passion turned to utter disdain for that lovely girl! And let’s face it, many a young school-girl must learn this same tragic lesson, when she gives her virgin body to be used by some sexually-charged boy who tells her “I love you forever, and just can’t live without you!”
Now of course, many Bible students will make the argument…“But the Book, Song of Solomon is all about the passion of romance!”
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Well, if one reads that little book superficially, then certainly, that conclusion can be arrived at. But the Bible is a spiritual book. And quite often, God will use some earthly object or situation to make a spiritual analogy.
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For example, the Bible compares wine to the Gospel. But countless Bible students miss this spiritual analogy concerning wine representing the Gospel! And thus, many erroneously assume God approves of Christians drinking alcohol. In this way, countless church-goers, “stumble at the Word”. 1st Peter 2:8
But with a prayerful study of “Song of Solomon”, “comparing spiritual things with spiritual”, the true meaning of that little book can be discovered: God’s love for His bride, the Church!
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And all those seemingly “gushy” descriptions are actually metaphors for spiritual truths. For example, when God speaks of “breasts” He is actually referring to “the milk of the Word” which gives spiritual life and growth to new Christians. (1st Peter 2:2)
“The spirit that now works in the children of disobedience”
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Now, what almost everyone forgets or never even knew, is that Satan is the one whom 2nd Corinthians 4:4 names, “the god of this world”. And as such, the inhabitants of the world are indwelt by “the prince of the power of the air, that spirit that now works in the children of disobedience”. Ephesians 2:2
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And because the world’s populace is void of the Holy Spirit, the “prince of this world” can bring on any type of lust and idolatry he wishes. And let’s face it. So often, romance is nothing more than lust and idolatry.
But the Good News is, that any man, woman, or child can begin to reach out to the Lord, and seek after the knowledge of His Word.
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And by receiving His Holy Spirit, that true Believer can experience genuine agape love: a godly love and kindness and understanding for others. And then, should that Believer decide to seek after a spouse, there will be a calm and rational and self-controlled attraction to his or her spouse-to-be, which will not be a passionate lust or idol-worship.
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But rather, it will be a tri-fold union with Him whose great agape love for His Church is shared between those two Believers who desire to join in holy matrimony.
“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.
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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.
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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).
EXCERPTS FROM THE OPEN FORUM QUESTION/ANSWER RADIO TALK-SHOW…
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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) are invited to listen to this recording #135, a small 30 minute sampling of the late Harold Camping’s 90 minute nightly talk shows. This particular program aired in the last few years of his 50 year radio ministry, and includes his stance on the end of the church age teachings…
to two classes, which encompasses nearly the entire world: “those who would be saved by their own merits, and those who would be saved in their sins. Here is the secret of its power.” Great Controversy p. 573
Only those who truly take Christ’s yoke upon them can enter into His glorious rest…“There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into His rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from His. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.” Hebrews 4:9-11
STUDY, BEREAN, STUDY!
THE GREAT CONTROVERSY
TO READ PART 58, CLICK HERE…
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BUT WHAT DOES ALL THIS HAVE TO DO WITH THE BEASTS OF REVELATION 13?
