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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – NOVEMBER 21 

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Noble Bereans,

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Part 6:

“Re-thinking Harold Camping Regarding Allegories”

To read part 1, click here…“September 2nd (Noble Bereans?)”

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“Which things also we speak,

not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth,

but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; 

comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God:

for they are foolishness unto him:

neither can he know them,

because they are spiritually discerned.”

1st Corinthians 2:13, 14

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

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So, in this little series, the subject of those noble Bereans has been introduced. And today, it is still worthy of a little more exploration of another area of concern.

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Let’s look at the key Bible passage… “And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming there, went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Acts 17:10, 11

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

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AN OPEN-MINDED SPIRIT IN BEREA

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Okay, so these in Berea were more noble, because they: 

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1. “Received the Word with all readiness of mind.” 

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2. “And searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”

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And so, these Bereans were ready to receive new teachings, which no doubt, conflicted with the supposed, “orthodox” teachings of that day.

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So there was an open-mindedness which permeated their hearts, and a willingness to search the Scriptures daily, in hopes that these seemingly new teachings were indeed true!

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

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A FAILED PREDICTION?

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A few years ago, a certain radio Bible teacher made the seemingly failed prediction that May 21st, 2011, would be the last day of earth’s existence, because of the long-promised return of Christ in the clouds of glory.

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And of course, when that 24-hour day came and went, the world began throwing verbal stones at Harold Camping.

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But in reality, nothing failed!

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No, nothing in Camping’s prediction failed! But God purposely allowed this tarrying-time to awaken His sleeping saints, to prepare them to stand in the Day of the Lord!

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Harold Camping – Wikipedia

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DISCOVERED MANY ALLEGORIES

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One great aspect to Camping’s 50 years of teachings, was how he had discovered so many of the deep allegories of so many Bible verses. Yes, the Bible is filled with allegorical stories.

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And though they were true historical events, yet God orchestrated them in such a way, that they reveal deep spiritual truths.

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And those who are wise will want to investigate Camping’s many Bible studies, in hopes of learning more and more about the Bible’s true, “hidden manna”, veiled in allegories!

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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AN ERA OF UNBELIEF

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Sadly, we live in an age in which the modern-day theological community has been greatly dwarfed in their thinking by their man-made, false, and unbiblical hermeneutic.  

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Yes, Satan has crept in unawares with this totally unbiblical hermeneutic which demands that Scripture must be interpreted literally, as far as possible.

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La Bible, Notre-Dame – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-Alike License

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THE BIBLE, A SPIRITUAL BOOK

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But the Bible commands us to do just the opposite!

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Listen…“Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1st Corinthians 2:13, 14

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As this above passage reveals, those who are yet carnally-minded, scoff at others who see the many spiritual allegories which only make the entire Bible relevant and applicable to the Church today!

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Yes, because the Bible is a spiritual book, it is literally teeming with prophetic allegories concerning the Church in these last moments of time. 

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Bible paper – Dave Bullock – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

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SPIRIT OF TRUTH or SPIRIT OF ERROR

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But the problem is that those who are yet carnally-minded, are sensual, not having the Spirit of Holiness.  

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And so, they cannot discern many of the allegories within the pages of Scripture, nor do they even want to!

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But the spirit controlling them is, “the spirit of the world”: the “spirit of error”!

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Listen…“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.” 1st Corinthians 2:12

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Yes, as these devotionals repeatedly proclaim, there are two spirits in the world, and you are either of one spirit or the other! And many are deceived because Satan often comes as “an angel of light”, counterfeiting the Holy Spirit so closely that, if possible, even the very elect will be deceived. (2nd Corinthians 11:14 and Matthew 24:24)

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Christ battles Satan – www.thebiblerevival.com – Public Domain

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THE SPIRIT OF SLUMBER PREVAILS TODAY

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It is truly sad that the Christian community is so close-minded.

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But God has given them the spirit of deep slumber…“According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear; unto this day.” Romans 11:18

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Yes, just as in the days of Jesus, when contending with the closed-minded leaders of ancient Israel, so too, the same unbelief and hardness of heart exists among God’s teachers today!  

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Brooklyn Museum – The Pharisees Question Jesus – James Tissot – US Public Domain – Wikimedia

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LISTEN AND LEARN

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But for those who desire to discover more and more of the vast treasure trove of the precious gems of truth hidden within the allegories and parables in God’s Word, they will eagerly listen to the many years of wonderful Bible studies conducted by that master-theologian, Harold Camping!

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And armed with all the knowledge of the many hidden meanings veiled within the pages of Scripture, these “Noble Bereans” can begin to understand much more of what God is trying to tell us.

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

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“THEY WHICH LEAD THEE CAUSE THEE TO ERR”

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So, the challenge goes out to any professing Christian to prove that he (or she) is truly a Noble Berean, by not letting others dictate to him, what he must believe and must not believe…

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Listen…“O My people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.” Isaiah 3:12

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Yes, as it reveals in the above verse, it is the leaders who mislead God’s people!

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All a truth-seeking Noble Berean has to do is to begin the painless process of listening to a 25-minute Bible study each morning, and test and see for one’s own self! 

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Nicaea icon – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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THE READER IS ENCOURAGED TO LISTEN TO THIS 20 MINUTE AUDIO BIBLE STUDY ON JEREMIAH, CHAPTER 8, CONCERNING THE ALLEGORICAL NATURE OF THE BIBLE, CONDUCTED BY THE LATE, HAROLD CAMPING, STUDY #188…

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Cry of prophet Jeremiah on the Ruins of Jerusalem – Wikiart – US Public Domain

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TO READ PART 7, CLICK HERE…

NOVEMBER 30 (Noble Bereans, Part 7: Re-thinking Harold Camping Regarding the Bible)

Holy bible – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons lic.

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to be an open-minded seeker of truth, even if it means giving up a very highly regarded Church opinion! Let me be willing to investigate any seemingly new teaching if it appears to have some biblical validity…

Prayer – Mother and Daughter – Wikipedia – (cropped image) the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read…”FEBRUARY 10 (The Deserted Island Theologian!)”, or you can also read…JUNE 13 (Why The World Didn’t End on May 21, 2011)

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

 

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BIBLE VERSES PICTURED IN THE HEAVENS

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

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

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THIS HOLY-GHOST-RIDER

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Now one thing that is noticeable and makes this constellation even more dramatic, is the fact that the Milky Way runs right through it. And the question that must be asked is, “What biblical implications does this constellation/Milky Way connection have?” Well, very simply put, if stars represent Believers, then this rider works in the world through His True-Worshippers, to a great extent.

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WHY IS THIS CONSTELLATION SO INCOMPLETE IN APPEARANCE

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So why is this constellation merely an outline? Well it does show his back, rear end and leg…and arm. But unlike, say, Orion, this constellation is very vague, even mysterious in appearance. Almost vacant in appearance. Yes this horseman represents Christ.

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But even more than this, it represents the Holy Spirit of Christ. And as we all know, the Holy Spirit is very, very, un-intrusive, almost impossible to detect His presence. Hence, this constellation is perhaps the most faint of all the constellations of Signs Of Heaven!

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READ MORE…

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

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TOMORROW…

NOVEMBER 22 (Revelation 7: The Four Winds)

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

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THE FIRST PRINCIPLES OF BIBLE STUDY

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You are invited and encouraged to listen to this 50+ minute audio Bible study on the basic principles of how to properly study the Bible. This audio study is conducted by the late Harold Camping…

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

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Click on image credit links below each photo, for licensing names, details, and tags, etc.. Most Images cropped & reduced in size.

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – NOVEMBER 20

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When My Body Becomes My Torture Chamber,

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Part 2:

“The Garden of Eden Remedy”

TO READ PART 1, CLICK HERE… NOVEMBER 9 (When My Body Becomes My Torture Chamber)

 

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“And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed,

which is upon the face of all the earth,

and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed;

to you it shall be for meat…

And God saw every thing that He had made,

and, behold, it was very good.”

Genesis 1:29, 31 

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In the beginning, God created a wonderful garden for mankind to live in. And in this garden was every good fruit and herb-bearing seed for food.

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Unfortunately, the first occupants were not content to stay with the diet provided for them.

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And of course, the rest is history.

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Eve – Tizian – Wikipedia – Public-domain

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THE AGE OF HEALTH ISSUES

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Nowadays, in this age of mass manufacturing, every conceivable food is readily available for a relatively low price.

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And while in centuries past, the choices of food were very limited, this is no longer the case.

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And it seems as if the more choices of food and drink available in society, the greater are the health issues!

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Fast Foods in Supermarket – Wikimedia – Share-alike License 3.0

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SEEKING RELIEF FROM SUFFERING

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In Part 1 (click here to read), of this little series of devotionals on suffering, the truth of suffering with Christ was laid out.

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But in this Part 2, a remedy will be considered.

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Yes, for those of us who have various ailments, we shouldn’t think it wrong to attempt to lessen our suffering!

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And for those of us who would like to enlist the help of nature, God has already given us the model of a healthy environment: the Garden of Eden! 

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Thomas Cole – Expulsion from Garden of Eden – 1828 – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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SEEKING HELP FROM NATURE

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And since God pronounced that garden “very good”, then it might be worth our while to consider for a moment, the various elements of that garden, to see if maybe there is a way to bring those elements into our own little world, that we might enjoy an increased level of health.

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Fruit – Date Palm Tree – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons – Share-alike License

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AIR, EXERCISE, SUN, WATER, REST & COMMUNION

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Well, of course, the fresh air in that garden was one element which favors health.

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And the outdoor exercise from their occupation as gardeners is also another healthful element.

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And we shouldn’t overlook the sunshine and pure water which our first parents enjoyed.

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Let’s not forget their daily rest, both physical, and spiritual!

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Nor should we overlook the daily communion with their Creator!

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Now all these elements are already recognized by society as being beneficial to our health. Even prayer has been found to be beneficial to physical and mental health!

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Gardening – cropped image – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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

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BENEFITS OF GOOD DIET

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But let’s not forget about their original diet of the fruit and herb bearing seeds.

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Yes, society has embraced the truth that our diet has a big impact on our health!

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And more and more, society is moving closer to the idea that God’s original diet is the best diet for one’s health.

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And of course, God’s pronouncement of His creation as being, “very good”, also applied to the original diet which He gave to man…

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Fruit Stall in Barcelona Market by Daderot – cropped image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

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DEATH IS INEVITABLE

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Now there are many different schools of thought these days, concerning just what is the best diet for people.

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There are those who believe that an animal diet is best.

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And there are those who believe that it doesn’t really matter what a person eats!

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And let’s face it! Since the fall of Mankind back in the garden, the sentence of death has fallen on us all!

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And so, even by a healthful lifestyle, at best, we can only slow down our inevitable demise.

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Death will eventually come to us all.

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Calvary Cemetery Queens – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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MANY ARE THRIVING ON ORIGINAL DIET

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But if the original diet was pronounced as being, “very good”, by none other than the Creator Himself, then it might be worthwhile to consider the possibility that such a diet could be beneficial to our health.

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And at the very least, it might just help us to feel better.

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There is a large group today, that has embraced this original diet of fresh fruit and herbs. And they are claiming to have achieved a high level of health from that diet.

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Those who are “non-animal-product food enthusiasts” tag themselves as, “Vegans”, and those who subscribe to a diet of raw produce as, “Raw Vegans”.

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Fruit Cocktail – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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ONLY ONE DIRECTION TO GO?

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Well, the bottom line is, right now we are suffering from various ailments. And so, what do we have to lose by trying this diet? After all, many of us are presently suffering so intensely, that the only direction we can go is up!

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Now, there are some testimonial videos on YouTube. And there are some instructional videos about fruitarianism, as well.

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You are also encouraged to listen below, to this old audio testimony about curing his father’s cancer, by the early 20th Century pioneer and crusader of natural hygiene, fruitarianism, and fasting, Herbert Shelton…

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DO ALL TO GOD’S GLORY

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Now, there is no Bible commandment to go on a fruitarian diet.

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But there are Bible admonishments, such as this…“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” 1st Corinthians 10:31

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Yes, everything we do, should be for the glory of God! And our diet is no exception! 

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

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WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?

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Now for those of us who are wanting to follow Jesus in the area of diet, the Bible gives many hints concerning His choice of diet. And we also know from Scripture that He was not a big eater, often fasting. 

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And so, by combining all that the Bible has to say about diet, those who want to follow Jesus can develop a personal diet which more closely aligns with Jesus’ diet.

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And those who do imitate Christ in all that He did, will most likely find that Christ’s lifestyle, when on earth, was a very healthy lifestyle! And as with every aspect of Christ’s life, there may just be an uphill battle to fight, to finally achieve the victory over our appetite.

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But if we do not give up, then we will eventually win that victory!

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Question Mark – at a loss – Wikimedia – Share-alike license

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GOD MIGHT LEAVE A BLESSING!

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Well, to encapsulate what has been discussed in today’s devotional, one might simply say… “The closer we come to God’s original plan in the garden, the more conducive it will be for the health of the body, mind and soul!”

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And who knows if by so-doing, that God might just bless our efforts and give us the healing we are seeking!

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

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“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 10:17

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to take care of my body and mind. Help me to recover my health, as far as possible. And by living according to the laws of nature, maybe You will bless this effort by healing my infirmities. Yet not mine, but Thy will be done…

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

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… May 25th (What’s An Aristaphagist?)

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

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A SIGN IN HEAVEN

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

a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet,

and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:” Revelation 12:1

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You see, God has placed in the heavens, the symbol of His bride, the Church-Faithful. In the summer night-sky, she appears as the woman-in-travail. This is the constellation, Ursa Major. And this article will introduce you to this amazing sign of Heaven, and what it means to you and to me.

 

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DOUBLE ENTENDRE OF REVELATION 12 WOMAN

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“For the husband is the head of the wife,

even as Christ is the head of the Church:

and He is the Savior of the body.”

Ephesians 5:23

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This page concerns the constellation which is commonly known as “The Big Dipper” and the “Great Bear”. It actually appears in the summer months as a woman travailing in child-birth. God has purposely given her no head. But God did this to present a very important concept.

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Yes, this woman represents the Church, the “Jerusalem above, which is free, and is the mother of us all” (see Galatians 4:26).

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You see, the single star she is giving birth to typifies the Christ child. Reading in Ephesians that Christ is the “head” of the Church, this single star is logically going to become her head. But how will that be accomplished? 

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Ursa Major Star-Chart – Wikipedia – share-alike license

Ursa Major Star-Chart with woman drawn in by this website – Wikipedia – share-alike license

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WOMAN FLIPS AROUND IN WINTER

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Now, if this Woman-in-Travail were all that the Lord created in the heavens, it would be nothing short of amazing! But God, in His infinite power and majesty, has made this a great sign in Heaven, just as Revelation 12 proclaims. Because as the summer passes, this constellation begins to slowly flip around, until the stars representing her arms now become her legs. And the stars that once represented her legs now become her arms.  And finally, it appears as the Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12. And at that point, this single little star in her womb-area, representing the Christ-child, now becomes her head! And of course, this reminds us of the passage… “And He (Christ) is the head of the body, the Church…” Colossians 1:18.

 

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Ursa Major Star-Chart with woman drawn in by this website – Wikipedia – share-alike license

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read…“Woman of Revelation 12 (Woman in Travail)“ 

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TOMORROW 

NOVEMBER 21 (2nd Commandment & Images) 

Tissot – Moses and the Ten Commandments – Wikipedia – US Public Dom.

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AUDIO STUDY WITH HAROLD CAMPING ON DIVORCE

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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO LISTEN TO THIS 45 MINUTE BIBLE STUDY ON MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE CONDUCTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

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

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – NOVEMBER 16 

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Watchmen On Zion’s Walls,

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Part 3:

“Unceasing Prayer”

To read Part 1, click here…OCTOBER 9 (Watchmen On Zion’s Walls, Part 1)

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“Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God,

and set a watch against them day and night,

because of them (the enemy).”

Nehemiah 4:9

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There is a biblical concept which is so important, that none living in these last days should be ignorant of.  

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And just what is that vitally important concept?

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It is the concept of being a watchman…

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Listen…

“Watch ye therefore:

for ye know not when the Master of the house cometh,

at even, or at midnight,

or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:

Lest coming suddenly He find you sleeping.

And what I say unto you I say unto all,

Watch!”  

Mark 13:35-37

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Here, Jesus warns each and every one of us to be watchful! Not to be asleep!

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ABSORBED IN THE BUSY-NESS OF LIFE

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Now, this is not saying that the Christian shouldn’t get a good night’s sleep. No, but this is instead saying, that we are not to get so absorbed in the busyness of everyday life, that we forget we are in the midst of a battle for our souls…

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Listen…“And take heed to yourselves,

lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting,

and drunkenness, and cares of this life,

and so that day come upon you unawares.

For as a snare shall it come on all them

that dwell on the face of the whole earth.”

Luke 21:34, 35

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So, here are the very words of Jesus as He warns us against getting too caught up in the cares and pleasures of life, only to find ourselves trapped up in the soon-coming snare upon the whole world!

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ABOVE PICTURE: Dream Maker of Babylon – Signs Of Heaven.org

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REBUILDING JERUSALEM’S WALLS

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Now our signature verse today is from the Book of Nehemiah, in which God’s faithful remnant had returned from Babylonian captivity, to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

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Listen again…“Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them (the enemy).” Nehemiah 4:9

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Here we see that the enemy of God’s people was already trying to thwart this effort to fortify God’s City!

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And so, in order to protect themselves, God’s people resorted to prayer and watchfulness.

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Nehemiah reviews plans for rebuilding wall – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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THE BIBLE: A SPIRITUAL BOOK

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Now as with all these Old Testament stories, there is a spiritual meaning, which can be translated into our personal lives.

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And this true and historical account of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, can be easily translated to the life of any and every Christian.

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And because we have a very vigilant foe in Satan, we must maintain the same watchfulness and prayer in our own personal life…

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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THE END OF ALL THINGS AT HAND

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Listen to Peter…“But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.” 1st Peter 4:7

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Here, Peter is reminding us that the end of all things is at hand. This is a concept and truth which many Christians do not comprehend. We tend to put the end of all things down to the last few years of earth’s history, not realizing that Satan has been waging war against God’s people throughout the last 2,000 years!

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But Revelation has been playing itself out through all generations, since the day that the Apostle, John, first made the declaration…“Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.” Revelation 22:10

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John on Patmos – Wikigallery – public domain

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PRAYER & WATCHFULNESS IN “BATTLE-ZONE EARTH”

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And so, getting back to Peter’s warning…“But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer,” it is imperative that God’s people must maintain a watchfulness throughout our day!

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And watching unto prayer is not optional, but is a must! Or one could turn this saying around and say…“Pray unto watchfulness!”

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Either way we say it, the message is the same: watchfulness and prayer, combined with constant contemplation of Scripture are the elements which make strong, the wall of our defense against the enemy of our soul: the Devil.

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

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PRAYER AT ALL TIMES!

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And so, today’s devotional will focus on the various mundane activities of everyday life, to emphasize the importance of staying watchful and prayerful in the little situations which we so often take for granted.

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

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PRAYER WHILE SHOPPING

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Such situations as going to the supermarket. Yes, even such a seemingly harmless situation as grocery-shopping can be the very battle-zone in which the Devil attempts to break through our wall of protection and cause us to stumble and fall. After all, there are various junk foods that will break down our health and cause our daily performance of God’s will to deteriorate. Or if we have once been the slave of alcohol or cigarettes, Satan will tempt us to look longingly once again for these slavish habits.

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Or when we are at the checkout counter, the various magazines staring at us have pictures and headlines which exalt sin in some form!

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And so, prayer and watchfulness must be maintain even during trips to the store!

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Old man in magazine stand – Paris – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0

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PRAYER DURING SOCIAL GATHERINGS

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Or how about when we are with a friend or family member?

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Even during our everyday social visits, we need to stay in prayer and watchfulness! After all, it is so easy to fall into gossip. Or we might say something offensive or damaging.

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Yes, normal everyday talk is perhaps the most effective avenue for Satan’s attacks against Christians!

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Gossips in the Altstadt in Sindelfingen, Germany – Sally Kennison – cropped image – Share-alike License – Wikimedia

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MANY DANGEROUS EVERYDAY SITUATIONS

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Well, these are just a few areas in which the Christian must be vigilant and watchful and prayerful. But if we would only think about the various dangers which may come from being at ease during the battle, then we would think of many more places in which prayer and watchfulness is required.

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This is why the Apostle, Paul, admonishes us to, “Pray without ceasing!” 1st Thessalonians 5:17

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Lunch Break – cropped image – Wikimedia Commons – Share-alike License

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“…that without ceasing I (Paul) have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day”

2nd Timothy 1:3

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This above verse from 2nd Timothy gives great insight into Paul’s prayer-life. His spiritual son, Timothy was continually remembered by Paul, in his daily prayers, both day and night.

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This means that Paul was constantly in prayer throughout his each and every day…and night!

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

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WATCHFULNESS IS A HAPPY PLACE FOR CHRISTIANS

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And because God’s people are indwelt by God’s Spirit, it can truly be said, “A watchful Christian is a happy Christian!”

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Yes, God gives us great joy and peace when we are doing it God’s Way!

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And though the world (and worldly-minded Christians) cannot understand such peace and joy, those who are keeping their minds fixed on Jesus through their day, have the “peace that surpasses all understanding”! 

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

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“Watch ye therefore:

for ye know not when the Master of the house cometh,

at even, or at midnight,

or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:

Lest coming suddenly He find you sleeping.

And what I say unto you I say unto all,

Watch!”

Mark 13:35-37

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WLA metmuseum – Bronze statue of Eros sleeping – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

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 TO READ PART 4, GO HERE…

January 29 (Watchmen On Zion’s Walls, Part 4: “When Will Our Veil Be Taken Away?”)

Question Mark – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Make me a watchman. Help me to be sober and vigilant. Let me not sleep, but be awake and watchful… 

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

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read…“APRIL 20 ( Wake-up Call, 911)”, or you can also read this article…OCTOBER 5 (How Shall the Moon Be Turned Into Blood? Part 3: Mark of the Beast in the Moon!? 1st Face: The Night Watchman)

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

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WINE-CUP IN HER HAND

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As you can see, this Mystery Harlot, the Pleiades Constellation, has a cup of red wine in her hand. This actually is a single red star. But it only confirms that we are seeing this constellation correctly.

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And by the way, this entire cluster of stars reminds us of a cluster of grapes, does it not? Yes, this was the forbidden tree in the garden! This was the forbidden fruit which the serpent (Satan) convinced the woman to drink! And so, this Pleiades harlot-woman is a symbol of Eve, as she convinced her husband to eat of that fruit.

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Concord Grapes – Share-alike License – cropped image – Wikipedia

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… The Pleiades: The Captive Angel & Mystery Harlot Constellation

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TOMORROW…

NOVEMBER 17 (Come Out of Her, My People! Part 26 Which Spirit Will You Choose?)

Question Mark – Wikimedia – Public Domain

 

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END OF THE CHURCH AGE STUDIES ON AUDIO

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THE READER IS INVITED AND ENCOURAGED TO LISTEN TO THE FOLLOWING AUDIO BIBLE STUDY BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING.

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THIS STUDY IS PART 13, CONCERNING “THE END OF THE CHURCH AGE”

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Click here to listen…Harold Camping The End of the Church Age #13 – YouTube

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Holy bible – Wikimedia – Creative Commons lic.

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – NOVEMBER 15

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Watchmen On Zion‘s Walls,

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Part 2:

“When the World ‘Moves Itself Aright!”‘

To read Part 1, click here…OCTOBER 9 (Watchmen On Zion’s Walls, Part 1)

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“Look not thou upon the wine when it is red,

when it gives his colour in the cup,

when it moves itself aright.

At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.”

Proverbs 23:31, 32

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Alcohol bottles – photographed while drunk by Kotivalo for Wikimedia – Share-alike License 3.0

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There is a biblical concept which is so important, that none living in these last days should be ignorant of…

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And just what is that vitally important concept?

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It is the concept of being a watchman…

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Listen…“Watch ye therefore:

for ye know not when the Master of the house cometh,

at even, or at midnight,

or at the cockcrowing,

or in the morning:

Lest coming suddenly He find you sleeping.

And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch!”  

Mark 13:35-37

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Here Jesus warns each and every one of us to be watchful! Not to be asleep!

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“For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication” 

Revelation 18:3

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Now this is not saying that the Christian shouldn’t get a good night’s sleep. No, but this is saying, instead, that we are not to get so absorbed in the busy-ness of everyday life that we forget that we are in the midst of a battle for our souls…

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Listen…“And take heed to yourselves,

lest at any time your hearts be overcharged

with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life,

and so that day come upon you unawares.

For as a snare shall it come on all them

that dwell on the face of the whole earth.”

Luke 21:34, 35

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So here are the very words of Jesus as He warns us against getting caught up in the cares and pleasures of life only to find ourselves all entangled in the snare that is coming upon the whole world!

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WHEN THE WORLD BEGINS TO SEEM NICE

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The Wise Man, Solomon had this proverb…

“Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, 

when it gives his colour in the cup,

when it moves itself aright.

At the last it biteth like a serpent,

and stingeth like an adder.”

Proverbs 23:31, 32

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And while Solomon is speaking against literal wine-drinking, he is also speaking of a much greater truth: namely, he is warning against allowing Satan to make this present world to seem okay. 

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In other words, when Solomon says concerning wine, “when it moves itself aright”, he is also warning us that if we let our guard down, the world might begin to look like, “a pretty nice place, after all!”

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The world begins to, “move itself aright.”

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

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GETTING TOO BUSY!

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And Solomon also warns…“For a dream cometh through the multitude of busyness…” Ecclesiastes 5:3

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These two verses are saying the same thing. The prideful ambitions and the pleasurable dreams of life in this present selfish world come upon us “unawares”, when we get too busy with the affairs of this life! (read Luke 21:34-36). 

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And this is when the world’s wine begins to, “move itself aright!”

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Now just how do we keep from allowing Satan such a liberty as to make the world seem okay to us?

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

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SIGNS OF HEAVEN’S WARNINGS

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Well, the last two years of devotionals have been dedicated to doing just that!

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These devotionals have given continual warnings against mingling too much with the world!

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And still, it is so easy to nestle back down and go to sleep (spiritually speaking).

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Global Warning – Christ Coming by Julian Osley – Wikimedia – Share Alike License

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KEEP THY HEART WITH ALL DILIGENCE!

read Proverbs 4:23-27

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In other words, we must constantly guard against too much contact with evil communications.

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Television and radio programs, for instance, are especially designed to make this world look very good and normal. They have a way of making us begin to trust, yes, even to love the various institutions of the world: our favorite sports teams, our favorite bank, our favorite car, our favorite TV shows, our favorite celebrities, our favorite shopping mall, etc., etc…

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You get the point, don’t you? In other words, Satan knows that by constant contact with these various elements of the world, we begin to think of them as the norm. They even begin to seem more normal than Heaven!

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

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LOVING THIS WORLD IS SO EASY!

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But truth-be-told, this world should look strange to us! We need to see these things of the world for what they really are: merely the self-centered inventions and creations of Satan, which all together, comprise his kingdom of selfishness. 

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Yes, Satan is called, “the god of this world” 2nd Corinthians 4:4. We just cannot let this truth slip from our minds. And Satan has so designed this present world with so much supposed “goodness”, that it is really easy to fall back into the world, isn’t it? It’s so easy to love this deceptive world!

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

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And so, just how do we accomplish this? How do we keep from allowing the world to, “move itself a-right?” How do we NOT let, “a dream cometh”, as it says in Ecclesiastes? 

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

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“AWAKE YE DRUNKARDS!”

see Joel 1:5 & Isaiah 29:9, 10

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Yes, how are we to keep from allowing the world to come and sweep us away like a giant tidal wave? 

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Well, the simple answer is, we must stop drinking Babylon’s Wine! We must sober up! Yes, just as a little wine relaxes a person’s sensibilities, so too, the wine of Babylon (the world) relaxes our vigilance as watchmen on the walls of Zion!

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Yes, a little TV, a little sports, a little comedy, a little social get-together, etc., etc., and before we know it, we’re now making plans to fulfill our little everyday dreams! And we might even be making plans to fulfill some big dream too!

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Yes, O Stranger and Pilgrim! Yes, O Soldier of the Cross! Yes, O Watchman on the Walls of Zion! We must remain vigilant, especially in this hour of trial which is now coming upon the earth to try the hearts of professing Christians!

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ON ENCHANTED GROUND!

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And so it is, that this website has trumpeted the warning, to stay awake! To keep alert! To remember that we are walking on, “enchanted ground”! And to remember that the narcotic-like air of this Babylonish world is so intoxicating! And not to forget how easy it is to fall into spiritual slumber!

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Paul focuses on this truth…“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness,” 1st Corinthians 15:33, 34

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Here Paul combines two seemingly separate truths: the corrupting influence of worldly associations, and to awake from our spiritual slumber.

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But it is no coincidence that he placed these truths together! Because worldly influences are designed by Satan to put us into a spiritual death-like slumber!

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Drunk partier – Bastille Tumble 2010 Toulouse Wine – cropped and altered image – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

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GOOD NEWS…BUT…

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The Good News is, that God is very willing to help us to remain watchful.

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But we must stay away, as far as possible, from worldly associations which we know are harmful.

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Oh yes, there will be family obligations. Oh yes, there are employment necessities. And we must do our necessary shopping and have many other similar contacts with the world.

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But we must not voluntarily drink Babylon’s wine!

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And even our necessary daily contact with the world, should be under the protective fortification of ceaseless prayer, and day & night contemplation of the Bible!

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PETER MINGLED WITH UNBELIEVERS…WHILE JOHN WATCHED JESUS

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And who should know better than Peter, the following warning…

“But the end of all things is at hand:

be ye therefore sober,

and watch unto prayer”?

1st Peter 4:7

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Yes, it was Peter who warmed himself by the fire with unbelievers on the very night of his denial of Jesus.

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And we must not make the same mistake as Peter, by warming ourselves by the fires of our worldly associations!

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We must rather be like John, who kept as close to Jesus as possible, on that fateful night!

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Peter’s 2nd Denial of Jesus – US Public Domain – www.joyfulheart.com

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“Watch ye therefore:

for ye know not when the Master of the house cometh,

at even, or at midnight,

or at the cockcrowing,

or in the morning:

Lest coming suddenly He find you sleeping.

And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.”

Mark 13:35-37

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WLA metmuseum – Bronze statue of Eros sleeping – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

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TO READ PART 3, CLICK HERE…

NOVEMBER 16 (Watchmen On Zion’s Walls, Part 3: “Pray Without Ceasing!”) 

Prayer for USA – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Make me a watchman. Help me to be sober and vigilant. Let me not sleep, but be awake and watchful… 

Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read…“APRIL 20 (Wake-up Call, 911)”, or you can also read this article…OCTOBER 5 (How Shall the Moon Be Turned Into Blood? Part 3: Mark of the Beast in the Moon!? 1st Face: The Night Watchman)

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

 

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

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WINE-CUP IN HER HAND

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As you can see, this Mystery Harlot, the Pleiades Constellation, has a cup of red wine in her hand. This actually is a single red star. But it only confirms that we are seeing this constellation correctly.

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And by the way, this entire cluster of stars reminds us of a cluster of grapes, does it not? Yes, this was the forbidden tree in the garden! This was the forbidden fruit which the serpent (Satan) convinced the woman to drink! And so, this Pleiades harlot-woman is a symbol of Eve, as she convinced her husband to eat of that fruit.

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Concord Grapes – Share-alike License –  cropped image – Wikipedia

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READ MORE…

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To explore deeper into this subject, please read… The Pleiades: The Captive Angel & Mystery Harlot Constellation

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TOMORROW…

NOVEMBER 16 (Watchmen On Zion’s Walls, Part 3: “Pray Without Ceasing!”) 

Prayer for USA – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0

 

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END OF THE CHURCH AGE STUDIES ON AUDIO

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THE READER IS INVITED AND ENCOURAGED TO LISTEN TO THE FOLLOWING AUDIO BIBLE STUDY BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING.

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THIS STUDY IS PART 12, CONCERNING “THE END OF THE CHURCH AGE”

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – NOVEMBER 14

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The Time of Jacob’s Trouble,

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Part 5:

“Ye Shall Loathe Yourselves!”

To read Part 1, click here…July 13th (Jacob’s Trouble, Part 1: Alone With God)

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“And they that escape of you shall remember me

among the nations whither they shall be carried captives,

because I am broken with their whorish heart,

which hath departed from Me,

and with their eyes, which go a whoring after their idols:

and they shall loathe themselves for the evils

which they have committed in all their abominations.

And they shall know that I am the LORD,

and that I have not said in vain

that I would do this evil unto them.”

Ezekiel 6:9, 10

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ABOVE PICTURE: Prayer – Wherefore He is able to save to the uttermost…” Hebrews 7:25

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This above passage from Ezekiel 6:9, 10, speaks of God’s people returning from their 70-year captivity in the land of Babylon, during the days of the Old Testament prophets.

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But though this prophecy was written by the Old Testament prophet, Ezekiel, it is nonetheless applicable to both Jew and Gentile Christians!

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Oh yes, it was apparently written for the Old Testament Jews, in the day that they returned from their Babylonian captivity.

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But it was actually written more for Christians today, both Jew and Gentile, who are now being called out of Babylon (the world, and its world-loving churches), “The Mother of Harlots”, spoken of in Revelation 17 & 18…

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

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MYSTERY BABYLON, MOTHER OF HARLOTS

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Listen to Revelation 18:1-4…

“And after these things I saw another angel

come down from heaven, having great power;

and the earth was lightened with his glory.

And he cried mightily with a strong voice,

saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen…

For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication,

and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her,

and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich

through the abundance of her delicacies. 

And I heard another voice from Heaven,

saying, Come out of her, My people,

that ye be not partakers of her sins,

and that ye receive not of her plagues.”

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Notice that this above message concerns the whole world! This Babylon is not just some isolated city somewhere in the Middle East. This can only be speaking of the apostate churches which have been named Mystery Babylon, in so many places in the Bible! It is the great harlot which “sits on many waters” (Revelation 17:1)! This above engraving from 400 years ago shows that the Church back in those days understood just who Babylon was and is.

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

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ENTIRE BIBLE RELEVANT!

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Yes, the Bible makes clear that Babylon is still alive and well.

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Listen to this explanation of how we are to understand the Old Testament… “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” 1st Corinthians 10:11

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The entire Old Testament was written for the Church…

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God,

and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

That the man of God may be perfect,

thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

2nd Timothy 3:16, 17

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Here is proof-positive that God has written the Old Testament for the perfection of His people. Both the New and Old Testaments are equally beneficial for doctrine, confirmation, correction, and instruction in righteousness!

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And even though the vast majority of the Christian world cannot see nor appreciate these gems of truth found in the Old Testament, nevertheless, those who have been given eyes to see, and ears to hear, tremble before such counsels as these!

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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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BRINGING US BACK FROM CAPTIVITY

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But what does it mean when it says in today’s signature Bible passage…

“And they that escape of you…

shall loathe themselves for the evils

which they have committed in all their abominations.”?

Ezekiel 6:9, 10

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Well, this is speaking of the day when God finally calls His people out of Babylon, the world-loving apostate churches. In that day, God will open our eyes, and we will realize that we were indeed captives of Satan, freely eating “swine-husks” from the world’s feeding-troughs and drinking from its “broken cisterns” (Luke 15:16 & Jeremiah 2:13).

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And when we think back on our rebellious ways, and our seemingly countless abominations committed in our apostasy, we will loathe ourselves, in the sight of a holy God!

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Vincent van Gogh – Old Man in Sorrow (On the Threshold of Eternity) – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

Weeping Woman – Van Gogh – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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JOB ABHORRED HIMSELF!

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Listen to Job, as he finally came to his senses…

“I have heard of Thee (God) by the hearing of the ear:

but now mine eye seeth Thee.

Wherefore I abhor myself,

and repent in dust and ashes!”

Job 42:5, 6

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Yes, Job finally realized that he had rebelled against God, and spoke foolishly in his pride and self-righteousness. But now, God was manifesting Himself to Job. And such a revelation of the righteousness of the Almighty, made Job painfully aware of his own inward unworthiness and filthiness, causing Job to cry out…“Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes!”

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

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COMING OUT OF THE “CITY OF CONFUSION”

Isaiah 24:10

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Well, the Church, whether we know it or not, has been taken captive in spiritual Babylon, “the city of confusion”. Isaiah 24:10

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The Church has been scattered here and there, within various false gospels and apostate churches, while still trying to find happiness out there in the selfish world!

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And finally, after years of our captivity, the Lord is mercifully calling His lost sheep back into the fold of God!

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ABOVE PICTURE: Dream Maker of Babylon – Signs Of Heaven.org

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LOST IN SPIRITUALLY DARKNESS

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Yes, we were given the spirit of deep slumber, and began to eat and drink with the other hypocrites. We walked in darkness and knew not at what we stumbled (Proverbs 4:19)!

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We did stupid things. We verbally beat our fellow servants, by pointing our judgmental finger at their sin, not discerning our own sin! We spoke foolish words! We laughed and joked with the world (Ephesians 5:2)! We sought after the wine of Babylon, and were as spiritual drunkards in the world, and in the worldly churches (Revelation 14:8, etc…).

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And as a result of our spiritual inebriation, we enthusiastically pursued the cares and pleasures of the world, “as in a day of slaughter!” (James 5:5)

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And God silently watched us, allowing our foolishness to come into its fullness!

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

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REMEMBERING OUR PAST FOOLISHNESSES

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But in His great mercy, He has not cast us off, eternally! No, but He has rewarded us double in the cup of His indignation!

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Yes, God has made us (and all nations) to drink of His, “cup of fury!” Jeremiah 25:15

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And now, like old Job, we abhor ourselves, for all our past foolish ways. And like Job, we are wanting to repent in dust and ashes! Forever have we been humbled!

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And like Peter, we have denied our Lord, and now weep bitterly, just as did Peter “wept bitterly”! (Luke 22:62)

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Tissot – The Sorrow of Peter – Joyful Heart.com

 

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GOOD SHEPHERD BRINGS US BACK!

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But now, Jesus is calling us back, even as a good shepherd seeks out his lost sheep “where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.” Ezekiel 34:12

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And though we have been brought back to our senses, we nevertheless vividly recall our past foolishness, when still held as captives in Babylon. But we beg for the promise found in 2nd Timothy…

“if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil,

who are taken captive by him at his will.”

2nd Timothy 2:25, 26

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Oh, how we desire such grace, spoken of here in 2nd Timothy: a grace that will fully release us from our captivity, and restore us back into God’s sheep-fold!

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Brooklyn Museum – The Good Shepherd – James Tissot – Wikpedia – US Public Domain

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THE GOOD NEWS!

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Yes, so many of God’s people are now being held captive by Satan, and are badly in need of God’s mercy, to give them the Spirit of repentance, that they may recover themselves out of Satan’s prison-house of sin and selfishness!

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Well, the very Good News is, that this is still the day of Salvation! And if you or I have been given ears to hear, we can still turn away from our foolish ways, and return to the Lord…

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public-Domain

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PLEADING FOR COMPLETE RESTORATION

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Listen…“Ye adulterers and adulteresses,

know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?

whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God….

Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you.

Cleanse your hands, ye sinners;

and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep:

let your laughter be turned to mourning,

and your joy to heaviness.

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord,

and He shall lift you up.”

James 4:4, 8-10

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Here is the prescription for spiritual health and restoration: a complete and thorough humbling before the Lord, and a pleading for restoration!

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And though our sins have been grievous in the sight of a sin-hating God, and though “your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18

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David’s sorrow – Wikigallery – Public Domain

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TO READ PART 6, GO HERE…

April 20 (Jacob’s Trouble, Part 6: “Let The Old Man Live!?”)

Pilgrim’s Progress – 09, p29 – Obstinate – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to awaken to this frightful situation! Help me to cry out daily! Chasten me Lord, that I may be cleansed of my Laodicean apathy…

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

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read…January 1st  (Good Shepherd Finds Us)”), or you can also read… January 10th (Why Doesn’t My Christianity Work?)

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

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ORION, THE GOOD SHEPHERD

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

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

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

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

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

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READ MORE…

Orion, The Good Shepherd

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TOMORROW:

NOVEMBER 15 (Watchman On Zion’s Walls, Part 2: When the World ‘Moves Itself Aright!’)

Alcohol bottles – photographed while drunk by Kotivalo for Wikimedia – cropped image – Share-alike License 3.0

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END OF THE CHURCH AGE STUDIES ON AUDIO

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THE READER IS INVITED AND ENCOURAGED TO LISTEN TO THE FOLLOWING AUDIO BIBLE STUDY BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING.

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THIS STUDY IS PART 11, CONCERNING “THE END OF THE CHURCH AGE”

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click here to listen…Harold Camping The End of the Church Age #11 – YouTube

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – NOVEMBER 13

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Who Are The 144,000?

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Part 3

To read Part 1, click here…NOVEMBER 11 (Who Are The 144,000? Part 1)

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“And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion,

and with Him an hundred forty and four thousand,

having His Father’s name written in their foreheads…

These are they which were not defiled with women;

for they are virgins.

These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth.

These were redeemed from among men,

being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.

And in their mouth was found no guile:

for they are without fault before the throne of God”

Revelation 14:1, 14, 15

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 In Part 2 (click here to read), the focus was on the current-day heresy of the false hermeneutic which mostly demands a literal interpretation of so many bible passages and stories.

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And also discussed was how this non-biblical hermeneutic has closed off a great portion of the Bible to the church-world.

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And so, having said all this, let’s return to those 144,000 who stand with the Lamb on Mount Sion. Just who are they?

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Listen…“These are they which were not defiled with women;

for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth.

These were redeemed from among men,

being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. 

And in their mouth was found no guile:

for they are without fault before the throne of God.”

Revelation 14:4, 5

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Now here above is a description of these 144,000.  And this above passage is no different than the description of God’s Elect and Chosen ones throughout history!

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Heavenly Throng – G. Dore – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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THE REQUIREMENTS OF ANY CHRISTIAN

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For instance, being “not defiled with women”, means to “not be doctrinally compromised by apostate churches”.

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To be “virgin”, spiritually, speaks of being a part of Christ’s bride, that is, being part of the “five wise virgins”, spoken of in Matthew 25.

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To be “following the Lamb wherever He goes”, is what we are all commanded by God to do.

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Being of, “the first-fruits unto God”, is also spoken of in James 1:18.

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Having “no guile in their mouth” speaks of being filled with God’s Word, to the point that our conversation is without corrupt or dishonest speech.

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Therefore, this Elect group of 144,000 can easily be speaking of Christ’s faithful followers at any time in history!

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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

Chaplain reads Bible – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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A SPECIAL END-TIME GROUP?

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But will there be some special group at the end of time, that will fulfill this elect group?

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Oh yes!

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But anyone who is truly saved will most likely be numbered with this 144,000.

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In other words, we don’t need to assume that this is a literal number. 

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No, this number has spiritual implications, just like the rest of the Bible. The number, 144,000, is composed of 12-times-12-times-1,000 = 144,000. And it probably has to do with the twelve tribes of spiritual Israel throughout time.

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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WE ARE ALL NOW, THE COMMONWEALTH of ISRAEL!

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In other words, it speaks of the “Commonwealth of Israel”, made up of all Believers, both Jew and Gentile, throughout history.

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Those faithful ones throughout history, who follow the Lamb in all matters concerning goodness, faithfulness, meekness, honesty, purity, charity, patience, gentleness, and every other virtuous quality of the Lord Jesus Christ!

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Jesus Discourses with His Disciples – James Tissot – by Brooklyn Museum – by Wikipedia – Public Domain

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THE TWELVE TRIBES?

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Now, most teachers within the apostate portion of the Church raise the argument that, “Well, in Revelation 7, it actually names those 12 tribes of Israel of which this group belongs! So, it cannot be speaking of Christians, but only of literal Jews!”

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But what these teachers do not realize is, that James refers to Christians as the “Twelve tribes, scattered abroad”. In other words, the Book of James is obviously written to all Christians, and yet is addressed to the twelve tribes of Israel (and James elsewhere uses Old Testament language, as well). And we must remember that God has chosen us to be a royal priesthood. And so, since the sons of Levi are the royal line of priests, that makes us spiritual Levites!

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THE SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS ON THE 12 TRIBES

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But also, if we will look at the blessings that Jacob pronounced upon his sons (and grandsons) in Genesis, chapters 48 & 49, each blessing gives a spiritual description of each son (as well as Joseph’s two sons).

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And so, as we examine these descriptions, we can see which tribes we belong to (in a spiritual sense). Of course, those sinners in Zion, who are yet in spiritual darkness would mockingly sneer, “That’s such a ridiculous notion!”

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summer constellations w/woman & crown

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ANGER & SELF-WILL

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For example, in Genesis 49:5-7, those who are given to anger and self-will, are spiritually from the tribes of Simeon & Levi.

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And this is the great mountain that all such angry and self-willed Christians must overcome.

Hair pulling stress – frustration – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

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NOT OF JUST 1 TRIBE

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Now this doesn’t mean that a Christian is only of one tribe and not another. No, but as we begin to discover the spiritual meaning of the twelve tribes, we can relate to more than just one tribe.

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In other words, I might have the anger and self-will of Simeon & Levi, but also the wavering instability of Reuben. So, I can then relate to those three tribes. And thus, on it goes, as I discover the spiritual meanings behind each of these twelve tribes.

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REVELATION 14 SPEAKS OF OVER-COMERS

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Now the wonderful thing about all this is, that in Revelation 14, this group of 144,000 is spoken of as being upon Mount Sion (Zion). This is to indicate that they are overcomers! Therefore, those of us who truly overcome the world, the flesh and the god of this world, the Devil, are standing upon Mount Sion in the spiritual sense…

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Listen…“LORD, who shall abide in Thy tabernacle?

who shall dwell in Thy holy hill?

He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness,

and speaketh the truth in his heart.”

Psalm 15:1, 2

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In other words, this Psalm describes just who it is that stands upon God’s, “holy hill”, of Mount Zion! Over-comers! That’s who!

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WE ALL MUST OVER-COME!

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Yes, the Bible has wonderful promises to those who overcome our tendencies toward sin and selfishness…

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Listen…“He that overcometh shall inherit all things;

and I will be his God,

and he shall be My son.”

Revelation 21:7

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So, here is just one of a number of similar encouragements to overcome, even as Jesus overcame. And this is the underlying message of the Book of Revelation, howbeit this message is somewhat veiled in the many types and symbols found throughout that book.

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GOD’S JERUSALEM IS A SPIRITUAL KINGDOM

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But the 144,000 standing upon Mount Zion, and the accompanying description of these saints paints a portrait of God’s victorious, “Church of the firstborn.” Hebrews 12:23

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Listen to Hebrews as it describes the spiritual nature of Jerusalem above…

“But ye are come unto Mount Sion,

and unto the city of the living God,

the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

To the general assembly and church of the firstborn,

which are written in Heaven,

and to God the Judge of all,

and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant,

and to the blood of sprinkling,

that speaketh better things than that of Abel.”

Hebrews 12:22-24

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Notice how God here, connects the Old Testament, using, “Mount Zion”, the, “heavenly Jerusalem”, and the “blood of the sprinkling” together with Jesus, the “mediator of the New Covenant”? Yes, God here is showing us the true spiritual and heavenly nature of Mount Zion and the heavenly Jerusalem.

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Heavenly Throng – G. Dore – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

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APOSTATE CHURCHES IN SPIRITUAL DARKNESS

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And though the apostate portion of the Church has been deceived by the, “Prince of the Power of the Air”, into diminishing these truths, via their unbiblical hermeneutic which greatly forbids them from seeing the underlying spiritual nature of the Bible, hidden “between the lines”, so to speak.

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

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HISTORY BOOKS & NEWSPAPERS WORTHLESS

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But the great message of the Book of Revelation is that we might behold the revealing of Jesus Christ. But unfortunately, far too many Christians cannot see the Gospel in that little book, to any great extent, simply because they attempt to interpret that book by use of history books and newspapers.

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But if they would only discard those secular books altogether and merely use only the Bible, to interpret the Bible, then they would begin to see the spiritual nature of that wonderful book!

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Old book bindings by Tom Murphy VII & Wikipedia – cropped image – Share-alike License

Newspaper vendor wikipedia-public domain

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SO WHO ARE THE 144,000?

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And so, just who are the 144,000?

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They are those who follow the Lamb up the heavenward pathway.

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They are those who love the Bible more than their physical food!

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They are those whose great desire is that Christ may shine brightly out from within and give light to those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death!

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They are those who patiently allow God to purify them, day-by-day, through manifold trials, both little and big!

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These, truly are “the redeemed”, which are…“out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;” Revelation 5:9

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Let me become a part of this spiritual number, 144,000. Help me to overcome the flesh, the world, and the ‘god of this world’, the Devil. Let me stand victorious on top of the Zion of God, the Heavenly Jerusalem…

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read…November 8th (Revelation of the Heart), or you can also read this shorter article…November 22nd (The Greatest Jig-saw Puzzle Ever!)

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

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

 

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“Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of His holiness.

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Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.”

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Psalm 48:1, 2

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ABOVE WIKIPEDIA STAR-CHART – Fall Constellations – Valley of Decision & O Destroying Mtn. Constellations – Wikipedia Star-Chart with constellation drawn in by this website – Not for commercial profit use!

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This above passage sings of Mount Zion, in the sides of the North!

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But if one looks to the Northeast in late Summer and into Fall, there is a constellation which God created to be a heavenly picture of the Heavenly Mount Zion. And it is commonly known as Cassiopeia. But God has created it to symbolize the true Zion, which is in Heaven.

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Listen…  “But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,” Hebrews 12:22

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Yes, Jerusalem and Mount Zion here on earth are merely earthly types, to represent the true Heavenly Jerusalem and Mount Zion.

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LOCATING HEAVENLY MOUNT ZION 

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But if the Reader will go out in August and well into November, this wonderful constellation can be seen in the Northeast night-sky. But don’t wait too long! Because once it enters the western sky, it flips upside down and can no longer be seen as a mountain.

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Now, this constellation is the very same constellation as the Mount of Blessing Constellation in the Valley of Decision Constellation Group. And it represents the favored mountain to which the people of God are to climb.

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READ MORE…

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

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TOMORROW…

NOVEMBER 14 (Jacob’s Trouble, Part 5: “Ye Shall Loathe Yourselves!”) 

David’s sorrow – Wikigallery – Public Domain

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END OF THE CHURCH AGE STUDIES ON AUDIO

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THE READER IS INVITED AND ENCOURAGED TO LISTEN TO THE FOLLOWING AUDIO BIBLE STUDY BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING.

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THIS STUDY IS PART 10, CONCERNING “THE END OF THE CHURCH AGE”

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Click here to listen – Harold Camping The End of the Church Age #10 – YouTube

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