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Daily Devotional, Year 3 – February 23

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Flee To The Mountains,

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Part 15:

“How To Be Like John the Baptist: The Signs Of Heaven”

To read part 1, click here…May 30th (Flee To The Mountain!)

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“The heavens declare the glory of God;

and the firmament sheweth His handywork”

Psalm 19:1

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In His great mercy, the Lord raised up John The Baptist to warn His people to, “Flee from the wrath to come!” Matthew 3:7 & Luke 3:7

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And so, John the Baptist came in the traditional style of the Old Testament prophets, pointing the accusing finger, and issuing that fiery message to the curious crowds who came from all around to eagerly hear him.

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John the Baptist by J. Tissot – Wikimedia Commons – US Public Domain

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“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars”

Luke 21:25

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The past articles on John the Baptist (click here) have highlighted different aspects of his life. 

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But there is another aspect to John the Baptist’s lifestyle which is conducive to spiritual health. The Signs Of Heaven!

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Yes, John’s life, no doubt was largely dedicated to discovering the wild honey found in nature.

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Oh no, not just literal wild honey!

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But in addition to seeking after physical food, John no doubt also did what King Solomon did: to seek after the wild honey found in nature’s wisdom.

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

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WILD HONEY OF GOD’S LAW

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Yes, the wild honey that one eats when studying the various creations of God are every bit as beneficial to our health, as is our necessary daily bread!

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And John had all day to partake of the Old Testament prophets (symbolized by his diet of locusts), but also to study the various creatures that shared his wilderness home.

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Worker ant carrying leaf – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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NATURE’S TEACHERS

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From the hard-working little ants to the wild canine-scavengers, to the various vegetation, to the signs in the sun, moon, and stars, all nature became John’s instructors!

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Everything in nature has the Gospel of Jesus Christ written into it: from the tiniest atom to the greatest galaxy, and beyond, the various aspects of the Gospel are inscribed in some way!

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Starry Night at La Silla – cropped/altered image – Wikimedia – Share-Alike license

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“ASK NOW THE BEASTS…”

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Listen to this revelation concerning nature…

“But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee;

and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee:

Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee:

and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee.  

Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this?

In whose hand is the soul of every living thing,

and the breath of all mankind.”

Job 12:7-10

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Yes, the earth, the sea, the heavens and all the creatures therein had become John the Baptist’s university of higher learning!

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And this kind of heavenly education gave John a college degree in wisdom that no school of Man can even come close to re-producing!

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Birds in a One-sided argument – Flickr – Andrea Westmoreland – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

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Now just how does all this relate to you and to myself?

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

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IMITATING JOHN

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Well, this little series on “How to Be Like John the Baptist”, is all about taking John’s life as a role-model for our own life, in hopes of overcoming the world, even as John overcame the world!

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And fortunately, this aspect of John’s life can easily be imitated by even those who live in a city.

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Oh no, the stars do not shine so bright in the city as they do out in the wilderness.

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But there are many gems of truth and wisdom in nature to be discovered even within the wilds of the “concrete jungle”!

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

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MANY TEACHERS, EVEN IN THE CITY

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And those who must remain prisoners of city life can turn their children away from the hellish hub-bub of today’s Sodom-&-Gomorrahs, and re-direct them down to the tiny teachers which also inhabit the cities.

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Maybe to spend as much time as possible in the city park, searching for birds, squirrels, butterflies…or even curious insects!

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Or to study the various trees.

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Or to grow a little garden.

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Or to even look at the ways of Mankind, and make a spiritual analogy, would help children to look at life through Heaven’s spiritual eye-glasses.

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City – Central park – NYC – Wikipedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.

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THE EYE AND EAR ALWAYS BUSY!

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The world is full of wisdom!

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And as the Preacher so aptly said…

“All things are full of labour;

man cannot utter it:

the eye is not satisfied with seeing,

nor the ear filled with hearing.”

Ecclesiastes 1:8

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Yes, all humans, big and small, young and old, are constantly studying something!

We are constantly listening to something!

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And so, the challenge for each and every Christian parent, is to attempt to redirect the eyes and ears of your children to the things which will elevate them.

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And there is no better way to accomplish this, than through nature!

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Father & Son – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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CHILDREN LOVE NATURE

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Yes, Children are naturally attracted to nature!

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But the Devil works overtime to attract children to the wrong things.

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And so, it becomes the Christian parent’s battle to redirect them back to heavenly things!

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But fortunately, God is infinitely more powerful than the Devil.

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Therefore, with God’s blessings, the parents will get the victory over the wiles of the Devil.

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And today’s devotional has highlighted just one more way in which John the Baptist won the Victor’s Crown.

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And you can too!

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And so can I!

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If neither of us gives up!

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Family Portrait – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

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TO READ PART 16, GO HERE…

March 28 (Flee To The Mountains, Part 16: “How To Be Like John the Baptist: Flee From The Wrath To Come!”)

Brooklyn Museum – John the Baptist – The Voice in the Desert -_James Tissot

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to begin to study nature in hopes of becoming wiser in Christ…

Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… October 11 (Nature’s Four Witnesses, Part 2: 5th Witness, Love!), 

…or you can also read… January 25th (Atheism Exposed, Part 1: Nature’s Four Witnesses)

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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NARROW GATE

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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

(This sketch is of 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 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 Reaper”.)

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Editor’s note: These sketches on this page are merely sketches.

The stars are not in their exact place.

However, they are close enough to find them in the night sky.

But as with most stars, it takes persistence to finally locate them.

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READ MORE…

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

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TOMORROW…

February 24 (Eternal Torment? Part 17: “Torment In Heaven?”)“

Planet Earth – Wikimedia – Public Domain (altered image)

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90-MINUTE OPEN FORUM

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ALL‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO LISTEN TO THIS 90-MINUTE OPEN FORUM, A QUESTION/ANSWER CALL-IN, TALK SHOW.

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Harold Camping February 13, 2009 (youtube.com)

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

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Daily Devotional, Year 3 – February 21

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Flee To The Mountains,

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Part 13:

“How To Be Like John the Baptist: Separation”

To read part 1 of this article, click here… February 19 (Flee To The Mountains, Part 11: “How To Be Like John the Baptist: Benefits of Nature”)

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One of the most interesting of all Bible heroes was John the Baptist.

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Jesus Himself made the following comment about John…

“Verily I say unto you,

Among them that are born of women

there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist:”

Matthew 11:11

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Away from society in the desert, and living an extremely self-denying lifestyle, John the Baptist was a standing rebuke to the licentious lifestyles of God’s professed people of that day.

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Saint John the Baptist and the Pharisees – James Tissot – Wikipedia – Public-Domain

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JOHN’S AUSTERE LIFE

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And isn’t it true, that we all admire John the Baptist for his disregard for all the creature-comforts which we take for granted, today?

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Nevertheless, most of us are not able to emulate the life of John, if for no other reason than it is now against the law to merely live out on the desert or in the wilderness.

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And let’s face it! Not too many of us could live on a diet of locusts and wild honey, either!

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Saint John the Baptist and the Pharisees – James Tissot – Wikipedia – Public-Domain

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MAYBE WE CAN DO MUCH!

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But in the interest of overcoming the world, the flesh, and the Devil, let’s take a moment to examine the life of John, to see if we can’t implement some of John’s trade-secrets, in hopes of our own selves winning the final victory over sin and selfishness.

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Saint John the Baptist and the Pharisees – James Tissot – Wikipedia – Public-Domain

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SEPARATION

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But also, like John, we must separate ourselves, as far as possible from beholding the corrupting influences of this sinful world.

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But even though we might not be able to live in the wilderness, we can do much to shelter ourselves (and our children) from the corruptions of Satan’s Kingdom, this world!

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2nd Corinthians 15:33 tells us, that…“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”

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John the Baptist by J. Tissot – Wikimedia Commons – US Public Domain

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“COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM”

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Yes, we must not be deceived into the absurd notion that we can behold wickedness with impunity.

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The Bible repeatedly warns us against evil influences…

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers:

for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?…

Wherefore come out from among them,

and be ye separate, saith the Lord,

and touch not the unclean [thing];

and I will receive you…”

2nd Corinthians 6:13, 17 (condensed for brevity)

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

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SEPARATE FROM CORRUPTIONS VIA T.V.

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And so, the very first thing the Christian would want to do, would be to prayerfully consider ceasing from watching television, and any other corrupting influence or device or association!

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And many Christian women have fallen into an adulterous relationship, merely because those Christian women have daily partaken of sensual music and television and reading materials!

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What these women didn’t realize was, that by consuming these licentious publications themselves, has only opened the door for Satan to tempt themselves into an adulterous relationship (or at the very least becoming disenchanted with their marriage)!

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And conversely, many husbands who have indulged themselves with sensual reading, sensual music-listening, have ended up in a similar situation!

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SOCIETY INCREASINGLY LEWD

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For instance, in today’s paganistic society, many young women dress very lewdly.

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And for unbelievers, this is no big problem. But for Christian men to behold this kind of sensual imagery, can be far too stimulating!

Many good Christian men have fallen into adultery, merely by allowing themselves to continually behold the alluring dress which is so common today among women!

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And so, just as John the Baptist removed himself from these kinds of temptations, so too, those who must live in society need to re-arrange their lifestyle to avoid these great temptations, as far as possible.

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Maybe just to avoid shopping during busy hours, or avoiding crowded malls, might be a great help. At the very least, it’s something we might pray about for wisdom.

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Inkwazi Shopping Centre, Malelane Superspar – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

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“HIDE THYSELF!”

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Isaiah 26:20 tells us…

“Come, My people,

enter thou into thy chambers,

and shut thy doors about thee:

hide thyself as it were for a little moment,

until the indignation be overpast.”

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Yes, God is now pouring out His wrath on a disobedient Church, by allowing Satan to flood us with sights and sounds especially designed to overwhelm us to the point of destroying our souls!

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And the very best place we can hide from the overwhelming tide of evil is to take refuge in the hiding place, the secret pavilion of prayer and Bible contemplation!

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Hide Thyself in thy Chambers – Inspired by Tornado-Over-Kansas by John Curry

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“FLEE FROM THE WRATH TO COME!”

Matthew 3:7

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And like never before, it is time for God’s people to “flee from the wrath to come”, and to flee to the fortress strong-holds of the spiritual mountains of God!

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And though we may not be able to fully imitate John’s lifestyle, we can nevertheless go a long way toward finding that same safe-haven.

In other words, we cannot now come all the way out of the world.

But we sure can come a good way out, if we so-choose!

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And by showing God that we mean business in our endeavors to, “come out from among them, and be ye separate”, perhaps the Lord will take pity on us and leave behind a blessing in our pathway!

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What do you think? “Consider of it, take advice, and speak your minds.” Judges 19:30

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Picture – Lot Escapes Sodom – www.thebiblerevival.com offers free Bible clipart – Public Domain.

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INSPIRED BY JOHN

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Well, this little devotional cannot go into every detail.

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But hopefully, this tiny glance at John’s life, and how it applies to us today, can set in motion our imagination in the area of separating ourselves from the ever-increasing evil influences which the Enemy of Souls is flooding our society with.

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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TO BE CONTINUED IN TOMORROW’S DEVOTIONAL

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

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to move away from the overwhelming tide of sensuality, whether in society or in the Church…

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… (Television: Enchanted Ground!), 

or you can also read… (Come Out of Her, My People! Part 6: The Sensual Church!)

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

 

 

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NARROW GATE

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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.

(This sketch is Winter Constellations descending into western horizon. This can actually be seen as early as December, in the pre-dawn hours).

.

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.

.

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.

.

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).

.

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

.

Editor’s note: These sketches on this page are merely sketches. The stars are not in their exact place.

However, they are close enough to find them in the night sky.

But as with most stars, it takes persistence to finally locate them.

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READ MORE…

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

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW…

February 22 (Flee To The Mountains, Part 14: “How To Be Like John the Baptist: Diet”)

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

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90-MINUTE OPEN FORUM

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ALL‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO LISTEN TO THIS 90-MINUTE OPEN FORUM, A QUESTION/ANSWER CALL-IN, TALK SHOW.

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Harold Camping January 14, 2010 (youtube.com)

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

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Daily Devotional, Year 3 – February 20

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Flee To The Mountains,

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Part 12:

“How To Be Like John the Baptist: Simplicity”

 

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THIS IS A CONTINUATION OF YESTERDAY’S ARTICLE ON “HOW TO BE MORE LIKE JOHN THE BAPTIST”

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Now one of the most interesting of all Bible heroes was John the Baptist.

.

Living away from society in the desert, while thriving on, and even enjoying an extremely self-denying lifestyle was a standing rebuke to the licentious lifestyles of God’s professed people of that day.

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

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JOHN’S REJECTION OF SOCIETY

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And isn’t it true, that we all admire John the Baptist for his complete and utter disregard for all the creature-comforts which we take for granted, today?

.

Nevertheless, most of us are not able to emulate the life of John, if for no other reason than it is now mostly against the law to merely live out on the desert.

.

And let’s face it! Not too many of us could live on a diet of locusts and wild honey!

.

John the Baptist by J. Tissot – Wikimedia Commons – US Public Domain

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“EXAMINE YOURSELVES!”

2nd Corinthians 13:5

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But in the interest of overcoming the world, the flesh, and the Devil, let’s take a moment to examine the life of John.

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Let’s see if we can’t implement some of John’s lifestyle, in hopes of getting the final victory over sin and selfishness.

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Magnifying Glass – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

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JOHN’S SIMPLE LIFESTYLE

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One of the most noticeable aspects of John’s life, was the simplicity in which he chose to dwell.

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Yes, just like his cousin, Jesus, John also lived with no possessions but the clothes on his back!

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John the Baptist by J. Tissot – Wikimedia Commons – US Public Domain

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PAUL’S AUSTERE LIFE

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Listen to scripture…

“For we brought nothing into this world,

and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

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.”

1st Timothy 6:7-9

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Here above, Paul is exhorting Believers to not complicate their lives by accumulating an abundance of earthly Mammon (riches & possessions).

And Paul was a sterling example of what he himself preached.

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Like John the Baptist, Paul likewise had forsaken earthly possessions, except for the clothes on his back, and perhaps a few tent-making tools-of-his-trade.

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

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MORE SIMPLICITY

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Now this website is not recommending that anyone goes to the same extreme as Paul and John the Baptist, or even the Apostle, John.

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And yet, those of us in this over-complicated and materialistic society might find that by simplifying our lives will be a great blessing in a number of ways.

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Time – New York City Night-lights – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons 2.0 Generic License

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PURIFYING OUR THOUGHTS

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First, it might free us up from our many earthly commitments which crowd our minds with worldly thoughts and cares, and instead fill our minds with the Words of Life, the Bible.

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Chaplain reads Bible – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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MORE TIME FOR HEAVEN

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Second, by living a simpler life, we might find that we have more time for things which are of an eternal nature.

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Mall witnessing, Panama City, Panama

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A HAPPIER EXISTENCE

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Listen…“The sleep of a labouring man is sweet,

whether he eat little or much:

but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.”

Proverbs 5:12

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Here above is a principle of life that puts an exclamation mark on what has been tossed about today.

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Yes, simplicity is more conducive to a life of peace.

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Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

Exclamation Mark – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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TO BE CONTINUED IN TOMORROW’S DEVOTIONAL

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

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to simplify my life as far as possible. But let me not force the consciences of my family members who may not agree with what I want to do…

The Christian Martyrs Last Prayer

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read…JULY 2 (Hide Thyself…For A Moment! Part 1: Dwelling In Love! (“John’s Victorious Life”))

or you can also read…March 6 (Paul’s Godly Example, Part 2: “Like Paul In A Materialistic World!”)

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

 

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NARROW GATE

.

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).

.

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.

.

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.

.

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).

.

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

.

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.

. 

.

.

.

.

.

.

READ MORE…

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

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW…

February 21 (Flee To The Mountains, Part 13: “How To Be Like John the Baptist: Separation?”)

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

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90-MINUTE OPEN FORUM

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ALL‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO LISTEN TO THIS 90-MINUTE OPEN FORUM, A QUESTION/ANSWER CALL-IN, TALK SHOW.

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The Open Forum Harold Camping December 19, 2002 (youtube.com)

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

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Daily Devotional, Year 3 – February 19

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Flee To The Mountains,

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Part 11:

“How To Be Like John the Baptist: Separation”

To read part 1 of this article, click here…May 30th . . . . Flee To The Mountain!

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One of the most interesting of all Bible heroes was John the Baptist.

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Jesus Himself made the following comment about John…

“Verily I say unto you,

Among them that are born of women

there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist:”

Matthew 11:11

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Away from society in the desert, living an extremely self-denying lifestyle, John the Baptist was a standing rebuke to the licentious/selfish lifestyles of God’s professed people of that day.

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

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JOHN’S AUSTERE LIFE IN THE DESERT!

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And isn’t it true, that we all admire John the Baptist for his abject disregard for all the creature-comforts which we mostly take for granted, today?

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Nevertheless most of us are not able to emulate the life of John, if for no other reason than it is now against the law to merely live out on the desert in most places.

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And let’s face it! Not too many of us could live on a diet of locusts and wild honey!

(He most likely ate other things as well, but “locusts and wild honey” were mentioned because they symbolized “the prophets and the law, which was John’s daily spiritual diet)

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Locust 1902 – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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“EXAMINE YOURSELVES”

2nd Corinthians 13:5

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And so, in the interest of overcoming the world, the flesh, and the Devil, let’s take a moment to examine the life of John.

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Yes, it might be profitable to see if we can’t implement some of John’s trade-secrets, in hopes of our own selves winning the final victory over sin and selfishness.

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Magnifying Glass – svg – Wikimedia Commons – Share-alike License

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AWAY FROM THE CITIES

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Now the very first thing that John did was to remove himself completely from city life, to live out in nature’s sanctuary.

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Yes, it would only seem logical that the closer we can come to God’s original plan, the more conducive it will be for health, not only of the body, but also for our spirituality!

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To behold nature is what God designed for Mankind in the original Garden.

And to tend the garden and to keep and dress the Garden was Man’s original occupation.

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The fresh air, the pure water, the abundant sunshine, and the daily exercise only strengthened John, no doubt contributing to his strength of body, mind, and character.

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And though we may not be able to live out in the wilderness as did John, we might be able to have a little garden in our yard!

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Or maybe to just spend more time outdoors.

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Or go for daily walks.

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Or ride a bicycle to work instead of drive.

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Gardening – Wikimedia – Public Domain

Women Walking at Sunset – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons License

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TO BE CONTINUED TOMORROW

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

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to move away from the overwhelming tide of sensuality, whether in society or in the Church…

Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… (Television: Enchanted Ground!), 

or you can also read… (Come Out of Her, My People! Part 6: The Sensual Church!)

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

 

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NARROW GATE

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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 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 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 Reaper”.)

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Editor’s note: These sketches on this page are merely sketches.

The stars are not in their exact place.

However, they are close enough to find them in the night sky.

But as with most stars, it takes persistence to finally locate them.

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READ MORE…

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

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW…

February 20 (Flee To The Mountains, Part 12: “How To Be Like John the Baptist: Simplicity”)

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

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90-MINUTE OPEN FORUM

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ALL‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO LISTEN TO THIS 90-MINUTE OPEN FORUM, A QUESTION/ANSWER CALL-IN, TALK SHOW.

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Harold Camping December 4, 2009 on The Open Forum (youtube.com)

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

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Daily Devotional, Year 3 – February 22

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Flee To The Mountains,

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Part 14:

“How To Be Like John the Baptist: Diet”

To read part 1 of this article, click here…May 30th (Flee To The Mountain!)

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“Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child,

and thy princes eat in the morning! 

Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles,

and thy princes eat in due season,

for strength, and not for drunkenness!”

Ecclesiastes 10:16, 17 

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When speaking of overcoming the flesh, and crucifying the Old Man, we are essentially speaking of the same thing.

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But there is “no magic bullet” as the saying goes. There is no one thing a Christian can do to get the victory.

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No, to get the victory, the Bible tells us is a holistic process.

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In other words, we must purify ourselves in every area of our heart, to root out sin. The Book of James 4:8, counsels us to, “Purify your hearts, ye double-minded!”

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Yes, this God-ordained commission to purify our hearts, even as Christ is pure, is not an optional commission!

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It is required of every true worshiper of God, who hopes, to one day meet Christ in peace! (See 1st John 3:3)

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

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VICTORY ASSURED!

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But even though we may lose many little battles, we just cannot get discouraged.

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Because there are so many precious promises regarding these things.

And God is willing to keep working with us until the Day of Jesus Christ!

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Listen…“Being confident of this very thing,

that He which hath begun a good work in you

will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”

Philippians 1:6

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Yes, there is no reason to get discouraged.

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After all, the Bible tells us, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13

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And also, “if God be for us, then who can be against us?” Romans 8:31

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Three wonderful promises which we all should commit to memory!

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

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3 BASIC CATEGORIES OF SIN

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Now the Bible speaks of the three great sins: the Lust of the Flesh, the Lust of the Eyes, and the Pride of Life.

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These three sins are a synopsis of all the many various sins in this world of sin.

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THE LOWER PASSIONS

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Now, the Lusts of the Flesh are considered in Scripture, as being the lower passions, whereas the Pride of Life is considered the “high places” of the human heart.

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And today, we are living in the very lowest portion of the human anatomy, as revealed in Daniel.

Remember the great image which Nebuchadnezzar dreamed about?

The head of the image represented the Kingdom of Babylon, while the feet and toes represented the kingdoms which exist in our day, the last days of Planet Earth’s history.

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And so, that great image which Nebuchadnezzar saw as representing the continual moral declension of earth’s societies, beginning with the head of pride, and working downward to the feet of lust (oh yes, pride and the lust of the eyes are still very prevalent in society, as well).

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Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream – www.freebibleimages.org

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WORLD GIVEN OVER TO THE FLESH

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And so, as already mentioned, we are now living in the age of fleshly lusts, the very last stage of earth’s declension.

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Oh yes, the world has always been lustful in every age.

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But Satan is now working around the clock, to immerse this present-day society in Lust, to such a degree, as has never before been witnessed!

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Yes, Satan created a society in which every form of fleshly lust has become, “state-of-the-art”, so to speak.

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From high-tech devices, to culinary delights, to pornography, to sensual music, to the television and movie industry, Satan has turned this world into a veritable spiritual danger-zone: a modern-day Sodom & Gomorrah!

Even beyond Sodom & Gomorrah, because of the enhancement of sin via the “virtual-reality” of the high-tech world!

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Times Square – New York City – Wikimedia – Creative Commons 2.0

Girl Texting – Wikimedia – Creative Commons 2.0

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“BE SOBER, BE VIGILANT!”

1st Peter 5:8

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And so, it becomes necessary for today’s Christian to become watchful and vigilant like never before in history!

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And for those of us who have a propensity toward the lower passions, a double-vigilance is required!

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Yes, for all those of us who desire to overcome, the world, the flesh, and the Devil, there must be a 24/7 vigilance and watchfulness.

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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“GIVEN TO APPETITE”

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“And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite. Proverbs 23:2

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Now, one way in which the Christian can overcome the lusts of the flesh is in the area of diet.

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And with all the stimulating culinary delights and “junk foods” so easily available, the Christian should consider the lifestyle of John the Baptist.

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Yes, John lived a life of self-denial.

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His daily life was a combination of fasting and eating a simple diet (probably not exactly the diet [locusts & wild honey] that most of us in the western nations would choose.}

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Gluttony – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

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

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CHRIST’S DIET, THE ULTIMATE

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Now this website doesn’t want to dictate the very exact diet that Christians should have.

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But let it suffice to be said, that the original diet given to Mankind, was a diet of fruit and seed-bearing herbs.

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This is perhaps the very best diet, although many might disagree!

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Fruit Cocktail – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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JESUS’ DIET: THE ULTIMATE DIET!

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But ultimately, the very best diet for overcoming the world is found in the imitation of Christ.

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His life of fasting and eating a self-denying diet stands as a rebuke to the present-day era of gluttony and decadent culinary delights.

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

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“THE GLUTTON SHALL COME TO POVERTY

Proverbs 23:1

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“He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.” Proverbs 13:3

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To gain the victory over the appetite will bring victory in all other areas of the life!

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And whether one decides to live on the original diet of the Garden, or whether one includes animal products, to “follow Jesus” is not an option!

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No, but rather, following Him in all His ways is an absolute requirement if one ever hopes to overcome the world!

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

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THIS SUBJECT WILL BE CONTINUED IN TOMORROW’S DEVOTIONAL

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

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to move away from the overwhelming tide of sensuality, whether in society or in the Church…

Girl Praying – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… (Television: Enchanted Ground!),

or you can also read… (Come Out of Her, My People! Part 6: The Sensual Church!)

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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NARROW GATE

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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).

.

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.

.

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.

.

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 Reaper”.)

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READ MORE…

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

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW…

February 23 (Flee To The Mountains, Part 15: “How To Be Like John the Baptist: The Signs Of Heaven”)

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

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90-MINUTE OPEN FORUM

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ALL‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO LISTEN TO THIS 90-MINUTE OPEN FORUM, A QUESTION/ANSWER CALL-IN, TALK SHOW.

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Harold Camping Open Forum January 12, 2005 (youtube.com)

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

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Daily Devotional, Year 3 – February 18

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Nature’s Witnesses,

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Part 7:

“The Beauty of Nature”

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

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“The heavens declare the glory of God;

and the firmament sheweth His handywork.” 

Psalm 19:1

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BEAUTY, POETRY, WISDOM & LAWS

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ALL TESTIFY OF OUR CREATOR!

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Instead of arguing about the technical issues in the debate between Evolution and Creation, there are seven powerful witnesses all which testify in behalf of a divine Creator.

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And so, in Part 1 (click here), it was put forth that in all of nature, there are four witnesses, who all testify in behalf of the Creator! Beauty, Poetry, Wisdom, and Laws, all stand up and speak so eloquently in defense of nature’s God!

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And it would seem, that any doubter or skeptic, who would open his or her mind to carefully consider the testimony of these four very persuasive witnesses, would eventually come to the same conclusion: there has to be a Creator, who is filled with these same qualities:

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God, the Creator of nature’s beauty.

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God, the Creator of nature’s poetry.

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God, the Creator of nature’s wisdom.

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God, the Creator of nature’s law & order.

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

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3 MORE WITNESSES! 

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But since the writing of that first devotional (click here), yet another three witnesses are found in nature!

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God, the Creator of nature’s Love.

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God, the Creator of nature’s Majestic Grandeur.

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And God, the Creator of nature’s signs in the sun, moon, and stars.

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So now, we have discovered, not 4, but actually 7 witnesses to God’s creative genius! 

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Three elephant’s curly kisses – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

 

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NATURE’S BEAUTY

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But today’s devotional wants to focus more on “The beauty found in nature”.

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Because it is really difficult to believe evolutionists’ claim that the universe is the result of some giant cosmic accident which brought about such a grand and beautiful universe! And so (they claim), out of nothing came everything: life, love, and laws innumerable!

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Sunset at Huntington Beach – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

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South American Butterfly – cropped image – Wikipedia – Share-Alike License

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Tuolumne Meadows Sunset – cropped image – Wikimedia – share-alike license

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Lilies – Sunrise at Camas Prairie Centennial Park – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

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Jamaica sunrise – Adam L. Clevenger – cropped image – Wikipedia. Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 Generic license.

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Neon Saturn aurora cassini – NASA

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

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Elakala Waterfalls Swirling Pool Mossy Rocks – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

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Colorful Parrots Couple – Wikipedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

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Sunflowers – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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Snowflakes – Wilson Bentley – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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And so, we are to believe that all this beauty is the result of some giant explosion?

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Well, you be the judge.

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“For the invisible things of Him

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from the creation of the world are clearly seen,

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being understood by the things that are made,

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even His eternal power and Godhead;

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so that they are without excuse”

Romans 1:20

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

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CREATION MOMENTS

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Now, if the reader would like to learn more about the Beauty of nature, please bookmark this following daily 2 minute broadcast called, “Creation Moments” in which a different aspect of nature is highlighted each weekday…click here…. “CREATION MOMENTS”

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Giant Cuttlefish – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution

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TO READ PART 8, GO HERE…

June 24 (Nature’s Witnesses, Part 8: “The Awesome Grandeur of Nature”)

Golden eagle in flight – Wikipedia – the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me the joy of knowing more about the wonders of nature. Help me to see, not only the wisdom and poetry of nature, and the law and order of nature, but also the many pictures of Love and Beauty: God’s Love and Beauty in nature…

Beagle and sleeping kitty – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read…“AUGUST 1 (A Heavenly Hobby!)” or you may also read…“JULY 31 (How Do I See These Signs of Heaven?)”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

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HEAVENLY OBJECT LESSON

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“Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when the LORD of hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously.” Isaiah 24:23

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When God created the Moon and the stars, He ordained them to “rule the night” (Gen. 1:16). The Moon, especially when it is full, can light your pathway through the night, as it reflects the light of the Sun.

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So too, the Christian is to be a light to the world: to this sin-darkened world. But as the Moon must reflect the light of the Sun, in order to be a light to the world, so also must the Christian reflect the light of Jesus, to be a spiritual light to this planet in rebellion. Listen…

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“Ye are the light of the world…Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

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However, during an eclipse, the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, preventing that sunlight from shining on the Moon’s face. This is an incredible object-lesson about when the child of God allows the world to come between him and his Lord. Like the eclipse, that person no longer reflects the light of Jesus, because his or her love of this dark world of sin has eclipsed the light from the “Sun of Righteousness” (see Malachi 4:2).

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And so, this is just one of the many poetic truths seen in the Moon. (For more on this subject of an eclipse, you may link to the article… “Lunar Eclipse & Spiritual Eclipse”)

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Dutch Painting: Um_moinho_dominando_a_baía_à_luz_lunar wikimedia US public domain

This is a drawing of a winter-time total lunar eclipse, first published in Bilder- (Picture Atlas of the Stemenwelt) in 1888

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Moon Into Blood Trilogy: 1st Face: The Night Watchman”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW:

February 19 (Flee To The Mountains, Part 11: “How To Be Like John the Baptist: Benefits of Nature”)

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

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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

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THIS STUDY #49 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 3 – February 16

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Strong Delusion In Scripture,

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Part 6:

“The Revelation 12 Woman is the Church?”

To read part 1, go here…APRIL 27 . . . . Strong Delusion in Scripture, Part 1)

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“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 2:11, 12

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Those who attempt to interpret the Bible as literally as possible, will stumble at the Word in many places.

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And the Book of Revelation is no exception!

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

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THE REVELATION 12 WOMAN

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Listen to Revelation 12:1…

“And there appeared a great wonder (or sign) in heaven;

a woman clothed with the sun,

and the moon under her feet,

and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:”

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Revelation 12 tells the Gospel story using the night heavens as the canvas for this picture story.

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ABOVE PICTURE: Winter – Revelation 12 Woman with Eagle Wings (aka Ursa Major)

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THE TWO JERUSALEMS

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But those who insist that the Church is not found in Chapters 4 thru 22 of Revelation, are somewhat mystified about who this woman symbolizes.

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But there needs to be no guesswork as to just who is this Revelation 12 woman.

Paul reveals the answer to this question in Galatians 4:22, 24-26…

“For it is written, that Abraham had two sons,

the one by a bondmaid (Hagar),

the other by a freewoman (Sarah)…Which things are an allegory: 

For this Hagar is mount Sinai in Arabia,

and answers to Jerusalem which now is,

and is in bondage with her children.

But Jerusalem (symbolized by Sarah) which is above is free,

which is the mother of us all.”

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So here is seen that the “Jerusalem above”, is a figurative symbol of the eternal Church. She is, “the mother of us all!”

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And so, here is one more instance in which God has given us a veiled reference to the Church.

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

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JESUS SPOKE IN PARABLES

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The problem is, that the apostate portion of the Church is greatly in darkness concerning the parabolic nature of the Bible.

Perhaps, it could be said that we are “allegorically challenged”.

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Listen to the Gospel according to Mark…

“And He (Jesus) said unto them,

Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God:

but unto them that are without,

all these things are done in parables:”

Mark 4:11

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So, it says here that those who, “are without”, cannot understand or even discern the many parables, allegories, types, and shadows found throughout the Bible.

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Jesus Teaching Luke 4:31-32

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GOOD NEWS!

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The Good News is, that God has allowed enough time for us to begin pleading for spiritual eyesight, that we may begin to discern those parables and spiritual concepts which are veiled within the Scriptures.

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And so, we have the privilege of crying out to the Lord, along with the Psalmist…

“Open Thou mine eyes,

that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law.”

Psalm 119:18

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Yes, the Bible is filled with wondrous things.

But to behold these wondrous things requires the grace of God!

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And yet, the Bible promises us that…

“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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As this above passage reveals, we must seek the Lord with ALL our heart, if we expect to truly find Him!

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USMC prayer before study Wikimedia Public-Domain

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TO READ PART 7, GO HERE…

May 14 (Strong Delusion In Scripture, Part 7: “Hypocritical Hermeneutic!”)

Cyrus Scofield – 1920 – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to fully understand the true meaning of the Book of Revelation. Let me not be deceived by the strong delusion which is being served up in today’s Christian community…

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read…“June 2 (Strong Delusion in Scripture, Part 3, continued: “Deceiving Even The Elect!” Hermeneutic of Literalism)“

or you can also read…January 24th (The True Message of Revelation!) 

or you can also read…DECEMBER 4 (The Pre-Trib Rapture, Part 4: The Last Trumpet)

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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REVELATION 12 WOMAN CONSTELLATION

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This page is about the Big Dipper, also called the Great Bear constellation (Ursa Major ).

However, the ancient pagan cultures did not see this constellation as God intended it to be seen.

It is actually a headless woman in childbirth.  

This is seen in springtime.

It is seen in the northern skies. 

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But as the seasons progress, this travailing woman flips upside down, now appearing as a woman with upraised arms like eagle wings who is running (eventually flying, as shown in sketch on right) into the wilderness (westward).

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The single star representing her birth-child (Christ) now becomes her head (“Christ is the head of the church.” Ephesians 5:23

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The 7 Stars (Big Dipper) is easy to see with its very bright 7 stars.

But the Revelation 12 Woman (Ursa Major) must be seen on a dark starry night, away from city lights. 

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

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READ MORE…

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

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW:

February 17 (Eternal Torment? Part 16: God’s Two-Edged Sword!

Glittering Sword Constellation www.theheavensdeclare.net

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90-MINUTE OPEN FORUM

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ALL‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO LISTEN TO THIS 90-MINUTE OPEN FORUM, A QUESTION/ANSWER CALL-IN, TALK SHOW.

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Harold Camping Open Forum January 3, 2005 (youtube.com)

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

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Daily Devotional, Year 3 – February 17

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Eternal Torment?

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Part 16:

“God’s Two-Edged Sword!”

To read Part 1, click here… “September 8th (Eternal Torment?)”

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“For the word of God is quick, and powerful,

and sharper than any twoedged sword…

and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight:

but all things are naked and opened

unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.” 

Hebrews 4:12, 13

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God tests people.

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From the very first test back in the garden, God tests people.

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Oh yes, there’s coming that glorious day in which the Lord will no longer test His tried-and-true sons and daughters.

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But for now, we must endure the various tests which come our way.

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Listen to the Book of Job…

“What is man, that Thou (God) shouldest magnify him?

and that Thou shouldest set thine heart upon him?

And that Thou shouldest visit him every morning,

and try him every moment?”

Job 7:17, 18

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So here is seen that, not only does God test people, but our infinite God tries each human “every moment”!

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Hand in Cookie jar – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

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THE BIBLE: A TWO-EDGED SWORD!

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The Bible is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart…

“For the word of God is quick,

and powerful,

and sharper than any twoedged sword,

piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit,

and of the joints and marrow,

and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

Hebrews 4:12

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Here above the Lord reveals that His Word discovers what’s truly in a person’s heart.

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Glittering Sword Constellation www.theheavensdeclare.net

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GOD TESTS EACH SOUL

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One way in which God’s Word reveals what’s in a person heart is accomplished is through various tests which God has placed in His Word.

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Listen once again to Job 7:18…“And that Thou (God) shouldest visit him every morning, and try him every moment?” 

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

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BIBLE LAYS DOWN BASIC PRINCIPLES

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For instance, God doesn’t come right out and openly condemn gambling.

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And many churchgoers assume that gambling is okay, since there is no explicit condemnation of gambling in the Bible.

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However, the Bible has various precepts which lay down eternal principles. And those principles can either be accepted or rejected…

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Listen… “Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.” Proverbs 13:11

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WOW! This above proverb seems to address and answer the very question of gambling!

And yet, so many churchgoers ignore this verse, or don’t even know it exists!

And of course, there are other passages which lay down similar principles, which condemn gambling.

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So, this is a very simple, yet powerful example of just how God has written His Word to be a two-edged sword.

It cuts to save, or it cuts to destroy.

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But it reveals the true thoughts and intents of the heart of each and every person!

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Gambling – Poker Room – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-Alike License

ABOVE PICTURE: The armor of God – theheavensdeclare.net -use by permission only

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ETERNAL TORMENT

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Now, the reason for focusing on this subject today, is to shine a spotlight on the long-held church-doctrine, “Eternal Torment”.

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Yes, for many centuries, the Church has clung tenaciously to this supposed doctrine.

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And today, the apostate portion of God’s house stills clings to this heresy, not realizing the proper hermeneutics for discovering Bible truth.

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THE RICH MAN & LAZARUS

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In other words, the church-apostate has made the parable of “The Rich Man & Lazarus” the sum-total of the nature of Hell.

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But here again, God’s Word lays a trap for all those whose heart deceives them.

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And those who are filled with the “spirit of error” will be misled concerning this church-doctrine (as well as many other seemingly ambiguous Bible truths.) (1st John 4:6)

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

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EVERY VERSE MUST BE WEIGHED

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So, just where does the church-apostate go astray concerning the nature of Hell?

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The correct Bible hermeneutic (method of interpretation), is that every Bible student must compare spiritual things with spiritual, in order to, “rightly divide the Word of Truth”.

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In other words, you cannot take one or two or even three Bible passages and make those passages the sum-total of truth.

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Scriptures must be compared with ALL other related passages to arrive at any supposed Bible doctrine.

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And there are hundreds of passages concerning death and the grave. Most of which are ignored.

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And even then, once studied, we must leave open the possibility that we may have missed other passages which will require us to further modify our supposed Bible doctrine.

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PASSAGES TAKEN OUT OF CONTEXT

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For example, if all we had was “The Parable of The Rich Man & Lazarus”, then yes, we might conclude that Hell will be a place of continual fiery torment of Lost Souls throughout eternity.

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Especially when we combine this parable with Revelation 14:11…

“And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever:

and they have no rest day nor night,

who worship the beast and his image,

and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.”

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The problem is, these are not the only Bible passages dealing with the nature of Hell! (And smoke rising up for ever can also be a snare for those who do not carefully compare scripture with scripture to find a correct understanding.)

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QUIET IN THE GRAVE

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For merely one example of bad theology, is that the architects of this church-doctrine of “Eternal Torment” forgot to consider the passage found in Job which says…

“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

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You see, this and many other similar passages speak of Hell as the grave; as a place of rest and sleep, and peace.

And as Paul said, the Book of Job is, “profitable for doctrine, confirmation, correction, and instruction in righteousness”. 2nd Timothy 3:16

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The “spirit of error” and the “Spirit of Truth”

1st John 4:6

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But those who are of the “spirit of error” cannot accept these passages which correct their misunderstanding of the nature of Hell. (see 1st John 4:6 concerning the “spirit of error” and the “Spirit of Truth”)

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These deluded ones, whether preacher or parishioner, either try to twist this above passage (Job 3:11, 13, 17-19″), or say that it is merely the ramblings of a discouraged man (Job), or these erring ones simply ignore Job’s words altogether.

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Job rebuked by his friends – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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LOPSIDED INDOCTRINATION

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And so, whenever a new church-member is going through an indoctrination class on this subject of the nature of Hell, such passages as Job 3, are probably not going to be even mentioned, or they will be twisted, or discounted in some manner.

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And so, this church-doctrine continues to be one of the “cherished doctrines” of the apostate portion of the Church.

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“Eternal Torment” became a great means for the established church to frighten unbelievers into submission.

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

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ETERNAL TORMENT

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And through the long centuries of the Church, countless sincere seekers-of-truth have no doubt turned away in disgust at the thought that God is some cruel tyrant who mercilessly tortures all unbelievers throughout all-time-and-eternity.

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And today’s atheistic society mostly just scoffs that such a cruel-tyrant-God actually exists in Heaven, and that He has an eternal-torture-chamber-of-horrors in which to withhold even one drop of water from all those vast multitudes who rejected His love!

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After all, for preachers to preach that “God is love”, and then threaten their hearers that He will torture them throughout eternity if they don’t accept Him really makes Jesus look like a big hypocrite in the minds of secularists!

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Devil in Hell with Whistler’s Mother – www.signsofheaven.org – Not for public uses

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“THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE”

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But the Good News is, those who are willing to forsake this present selfish world, to follow Jesus, if they continue in the Word of Christ, they will eventually know the truth.

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And the truth shall make them free of these erroneous and abominable church-doctrines which are little more than heresies!

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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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TO GO TO PART 17, GO HERE…

February 24 (Eternal Torment? Part 17: “Torment In Heaven?”)

Hell’s Viewing Gallery- Signsofheaven.org – copyrighted – not for public use

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Let me not be given to a close-minded spirit. But help me to love truth, no matter if it means I will be hated by my own brethren…

The Christian Martyrs Last Prayer 2

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… Planet of Rest: Doctrine of Eternal Torment,

or you can also read this shorter article…AUGUST 19 (Apocalypse Now! Part 6: Fire & Brimstone!)

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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THE GLITTERING SWORD CONSTELLATION

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“In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword

shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent,

even leviathan that crooked serpent; 

and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea.”

Isaiah 27:1

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This constellation is made of most of the constellations in this website. The upper portion can be seen in the winter, while the lower blade is visible in the warmer months. (This constellation is actually in a semi-circle, as it appears in the night-sky. These pictures, however, show it as it would appear straightened out.)

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The only way that this constellation can be seen, is to become totally familiar with all the constellations on this website!

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ABOVE STAR CHART: Summer Constellations of Signs Of Heaven.org

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That is because this constellation is made of the many constellations on this website, as they appear in the heavens.

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ABOVE STAR CHART: Wikipedia star-charts with winter constellation in West with Orion (these constellations drawn in by this website)

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “The Glittering Sword Constellation”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW…

February 18 (Nature’s Five Witnesses, Part 7: “The Beauty of Nature”)

Butterfly – Wikimedia – Jim Bendon – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.

 

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90-MINUTE OPEN FORUM

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ALL‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO LISTEN TO THIS 90-MINUTE OPEN FORUM, A QUESTION/ANSWER CALL-IN, TALK SHOW.

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(456) Harold Camping Open Forum January 7, 2005 – YouTube

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

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