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Wednesday, December 27, 2017
QUOTE OF THE DAY
Monday, December 25, 2017
MY QUESTION OF THE DAY
Unfortunately, I don't get many opportunities to share the Gospel face to face but I do when I can. However, the Bible doesn't tell us to chase them down and beg them nor be their baby-sitter. Now, if someone is earnestly desiring to learn the truth, I will use every fruit of the Spirit I possess and for as long as it takes but Jesus told His Apostles to tell them twice and if they refused to hear, wipe the dust from their feet as a testimony against them and move on.
However, I argue...yes, I said I argue...with atheists and even worse, God-MOCKERS, all the time. Remember in Acts that Paul taught in the synagogues and got into some pretty heated arguments with the Pharisees. We can be angry, just not sin and telling someone the truth is not sinning. Even Jesus Christ got angry and called the Pharisees vipers and snakes; He even said they worship their father the devil! Is that nice and pretty? Jesus offended everybody just by being born. We are pretty much thought of as the religious "prudes" who keep SOME semblance of morality in the world. They want us gone so they can do what they want without a "Christian" calling them on their SINS. I refuse to be PC and water it down by saying "wrong doings" or "you have a good heart, you just need to stop cheating on your spouse" and that nonsense. The world has made the word "sin" sound so harmless
and fun (especially when it isn't sinful). I saw a commercial about chocolate candy and I've had it, I think, and if eating chocolate was a sin, this chocolate would be in that category. It is wonderful. They call it "SINFULLY delicious." Bars, Las Vegas, and other businesses are known as "sin ___; sin city; or sin to win" at a casino. No wonder no one knows (or seems to care) what real sin is. They don't remember we have a list of 10 that gives us a very good guideline to go by when you want to know if something is a sin or not.
So, whenever I encounter one of those, the one question I hear by almost every single unbeliever I encounter and that is this:
Why would a LOVING GOD send me (or so and so) to hell? I am (or they were) very good people and while they may not have believed in God or went to church, I just don't believe that God is loving and no, I will not submit to such a ____ God."
First of all, not one of us is "good." We are filthy and worthless wretches before a Holy God. I could devote my entire life and ever dime I have to the needy, I can build houses for the homeless, I can "do" good things all the time but in my heart, unless I've given it to God, is full of hate, murder, lust, coveting, cheating, blasphemy, but most importantly, I am committing the unforgivable sin and unless I change my heart and repent, when I die I have completely committed it. I have rejected the free gift of salvation by NOT believing in His Only Son, Christ Jesus, who died, was buried and rose again; ascended into Heaven where He is today and gave us the Comforter, best known as the FREE GIFT OF GOD AT SALVATION...the Holy Spirit. Once you draw that last breath and rejected Him for the final time, there is no second chances no matter what the Roman Catholic Papacy tells you. You cannot buy "indulgences" to pay a loved one's way out of a nonexistent place called purgatory. Heaven or hell, it's one or the other.
Second, who told you that God sends anybody to Hell? John 3:16-17 says "For God SO LOVED THE WORLD that He gave His only begotten Son so that WHOSOEVER shall call upon His name should NOT perish but have everlasting life. (17) For God sent His Son into the world NOT to condemn the world but that world, THROUGH HIM, might be saved."
Jesus Christ is God made flesh (John 1:1). He was not created and He is not an angel. He created all things. Jesus is the WORD of God. In John 1:14 (I hope that's the right verse) John tells us that The Word (Jesus) was made flesh and dwelt among us (humans) and we beheld His glory. He is the God to the Jews, Gentiles, Greeks, Blacks, Whites, Buddhists, Muslims and every single person ever born. There is no rituals, ceremonies, prayers, or words/deeds that can save or aid in your salvation.
Acts 8:37 says "....and you believe with all your heart, mind, soul and strength that JESUS CHRIST IS LORD, then thou mayest." Philip is talking to the Ethiopian man about baptism as he had converted at some point to Judaism and believed in the only one and true Living God. If your Bible does not have Acts 8:37 and is combined like Acts 8:36-38 or 39 and does NOT specifically say JESUS CHRIST IS LORD, you are reading a false Bible. Unbelievers said that just by reading it that they were unwillingly confessing Jesus as the Messiah. So, they rewrote and watered down the Word of God to please man. Itching ears and we love telling them what they want to hear cos we love all that money and fame, celebrity, status and all that STUFF we own. It doesn't matter you're sending them to hell, you just want a mega church and tons of evil money. That's because their "god" IS money. As you will read below, I didn't quote the verse verbatim but close enough...
So, in answer to their question about God sending "good" people to hell, the fact is nowhere in the Bible does it even hint that God sends anyone to hell. In fact, He has done everything possible, making salvation so simple so that no one ever has to go there. God doesn't send you or anyone else to hell, you send yourself. God gave you free will and He will never inflict Himself on you. I don't think He wanted robots. He wants us to want Him.
The choice is entirely yours on your final destination, folks. I've told you the Good News many times and I'm either preaching to the choir or nobody is hearing it because they have chosen to be deaf, dumb and blind. Oh, and not killing, stealing, lying, cheating, etc. (the moral laws) are "bad" in what way? Would you kill your husband or wife the next time they said something you didn't like if it was legal? Why not? Because you KNOW it's wrong. Feel guilty when you lie? If not, it sure is hard to remember what you said and to who so either you're gonna get caught in the lie (which means you lose your trustworthy and honest reputation cos you're known as a liar now) but if you tell the truth, nothing bad happens. Sure, you may have a fight with your spouse or whoever but it'll blow over. Lie to them, you'll lose their respect and possibly the relationship. Cheat on your spouse and you'll lose them and any children you have. They are good laws and man didn't come up with them because it would not be to their benefit. Sin if far more fun to most than living a clean, healthy lifestyle.
Also, let's get real about what sin is. Watching a movie, TV show, playing pool or a game of cards isn't a sin. Even drinking a beer or cocktail is not a sin but getting drunk is. We have freedom and liberty in Christ and as Paul said, all things are lawful but not all things are profitable. Reading a fictional book may not help you Spiritually but it's not a sin either. We are allowed to have fun. Secular doesn't mean sin.
Choose to hear the Good News and believe in Christ Jesus. You won't have to change a thing but don't be real surprised when you find you don't enjoy strip clubs, partying, doing drugs, etc. just isn't fun nor was it ever. The Cross saves and the way is found in the Word.
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However, I argue...yes, I said I argue...with atheists and even worse, God-MOCKERS, all the time. Remember in Acts that Paul taught in the synagogues and got into some pretty heated arguments with the Pharisees. We can be angry, just not sin and telling someone the truth is not sinning. Even Jesus Christ got angry and called the Pharisees vipers and snakes; He even said they worship their father the devil! Is that nice and pretty? Jesus offended everybody just by being born. We are pretty much thought of as the religious "prudes" who keep SOME semblance of morality in the world. They want us gone so they can do what they want without a "Christian" calling them on their SINS. I refuse to be PC and water it down by saying "wrong doings" or "you have a good heart, you just need to stop cheating on your spouse" and that nonsense. The world has made the word "sin" sound so harmless
So, whenever I encounter one of those, the one question I hear by almost every single unbeliever I encounter and that is this:
Why would a LOVING GOD send me (or so and so) to hell? I am (or they were) very good people and while they may not have believed in God or went to church, I just don't believe that God is loving and no, I will not submit to such a ____ God."
First of all, not one of us is "good." We are filthy and worthless wretches before a Holy God. I could devote my entire life and ever dime I have to the needy, I can build houses for the homeless, I can "do" good things all the time but in my heart, unless I've given it to God, is full of hate, murder, lust, coveting, cheating, blasphemy, but most importantly, I am committing the unforgivable sin and unless I change my heart and repent, when I die I have completely committed it. I have rejected the free gift of salvation by NOT believing in His Only Son, Christ Jesus, who died, was buried and rose again; ascended into Heaven where He is today and gave us the Comforter, best known as the FREE GIFT OF GOD AT SALVATION...the Holy Spirit. Once you draw that last breath and rejected Him for the final time, there is no second chances no matter what the Roman Catholic Papacy tells you. You cannot buy "indulgences" to pay a loved one's way out of a nonexistent place called purgatory. Heaven or hell, it's one or the other.
Second, who told you that God sends anybody to Hell? John 3:16-17 says "For God SO LOVED THE WORLD that He gave His only begotten Son so that WHOSOEVER shall call upon His name should NOT perish but have everlasting life. (17) For God sent His Son into the world NOT to condemn the world but that world, THROUGH HIM, might be saved."
Acts 8:37 says "....and you believe with all your heart, mind, soul and strength that JESUS CHRIST IS LORD, then thou mayest." Philip is talking to the Ethiopian man about baptism as he had converted at some point to Judaism and believed in the only one and true Living God. If your Bible does not have Acts 8:37 and is combined like Acts 8:36-38 or 39 and does NOT specifically say JESUS CHRIST IS LORD, you are reading a false Bible. Unbelievers said that just by reading it that they were unwillingly confessing Jesus as the Messiah. So, they rewrote and watered down the Word of God to please man. Itching ears and we love telling them what they want to hear cos we love all that money and fame, celebrity, status and all that STUFF we own. It doesn't matter you're sending them to hell, you just want a mega church and tons of evil money. That's because their "god" IS money. As you will read below, I didn't quote the verse verbatim but close enough...
The choice is entirely yours on your final destination, folks. I've told you the Good News many times and I'm either preaching to the choir or nobody is hearing it because they have chosen to be deaf, dumb and blind. Oh, and not killing, stealing, lying, cheating, etc. (the moral laws) are "bad" in what way? Would you kill your husband or wife the next time they said something you didn't like if it was legal? Why not? Because you KNOW it's wrong. Feel guilty when you lie? If not, it sure is hard to remember what you said and to who so either you're gonna get caught in the lie (which means you lose your trustworthy and honest reputation cos you're known as a liar now) but if you tell the truth, nothing bad happens. Sure, you may have a fight with your spouse or whoever but it'll blow over. Lie to them, you'll lose their respect and possibly the relationship. Cheat on your spouse and you'll lose them and any children you have. They are good laws and man didn't come up with them because it would not be to their benefit. Sin if far more fun to most than living a clean, healthy lifestyle.
Also, let's get real about what sin is. Watching a movie, TV show, playing pool or a game of cards isn't a sin. Even drinking a beer or cocktail is not a sin but getting drunk is. We have freedom and liberty in Christ and as Paul said, all things are lawful but not all things are profitable. Reading a fictional book may not help you Spiritually but it's not a sin either. We are allowed to have fun. Secular doesn't mean sin.
Choose to hear the Good News and believe in Christ Jesus. You won't have to change a thing but don't be real surprised when you find you don't enjoy strip clubs, partying, doing drugs, etc. just isn't fun nor was it ever. The Cross saves and the way is found in the Word.
Ye are saved by grace alone; through faith alone; through Christ alone
Not works nor deeds lest anybody should boast
Ephesians 2:8-9
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HEBREW WORD OF THE DAY
Hmmm, today's word is employer. You know how much I enjoy having fun with words unless they are holy and sacred to Christians or Jews. I have 24 hours to come up with something. I have HOPE. This is not meant to be funny, but to remind us of our Greatest Commission on Earth. Hard work these days but the pay-off for you and others is incredible. Oh, the earthly blessings we shall receive and ultimately, our rewards! God bless you all.
As Christians, we are given one specific job to perform. Many are good at their jobs but most of us are failing our TRUE EMPLOYER....OUR LORD GOD AND SAVIOR!
Work, Watch, Pray and Share the Gospel without ceasing!
SHALOM!
JESUS IS GOD! BY BIBLE STUDY TOOLS
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TWO MOTHERS -- TWO BABIES AND THE GREATNESS OF GOD ALMIGHTY
THIS IS A FICTIONAL STORY. I DO NOT KNOW WHERE I READ IT MANY YEARS AGO. I HOPE IT BLESSES YOU AND SHOWS THE GREATNESS OF GOD ALMIGHTY!
Two Babies -- Two Mommies
Two women decided it was time for them to have a baby. They were both married, financially ready, strong Christian women, physically and mentally healthy. They were basically the same as far as "timing" is concerned but, they were drastically different personality-wise.
Mommy #1 was was very selfless and put all of her heart and soul into helping others. In fact, she was a nurse and volunteered her services at Hospice and nursing homes. She got involved in every event in church, sang in the choir, and was the one everyone turned to if they needed a friend. She visited the sick, be it the flu or a life-threatening illness and took care of their every need until they were back on their feet. A Godly woman who lived her faith. She would also willingly go without or even sell something to keep someone's lights on or from being evicted. She often bought people groceries, expecting nothing back, and if she had to skip a meal or two, she'd use it to fast and pray. No doubt she was blessed and her needs were met too.
Mommy #2 was also a Godly woman but she was a wee bit on the selfish side. While she gave a lot of her time to her church, family, friends, the sick and volunteered at church; helped the sick as well but instead of taking care of their every need so they could rest, little by little she made them take care of their own needs as was physically possible. Whereas Mommy #1 fixed (or tried to) every problem she encountered, Mommy #2 preferred that the people solve their own problems by getting their own lunch as they were healing to help strengthen them. She would give good advice and offer a few good AND bad solutions to get them to thinking but other than that, she stayed out of it. Unlike Mommy #1, she helped the needy (that could) find jobs, a starting home, and to find resources to meet their physical and financial needs. She also needed time for herself and she too wanted things like a new dress, shoes or a computer and she had no qualms about buying things for herself but she too was a very giving woman.
They went to the same church and there they both taught Sunday School. #1 taught children and #2 taught teens. Some of the youth were physically challenged. Mommy-to-be #1 always pushed wheelchairs to where they needed to go but not the other. She made them do it themselves. Both classes just loved their teachers.
God has 2 babies in Heaven, one for each mom to be conceived that night. One as a healthy, intelligent child, normal in all ways, curious and loved to explore, climb trees and just be a kid.
The other one had Down Syndrome. They were going to to need a lot of care, love, patience and a parent that could fill their real needs...physical as well as emotional. God doesn't make mistakes. Which mom got which baby and why? Think of your answer and then scroll down for the answer....
Mommy #1 got the healthy baby. Why did she not get the Down's child? Look at just how selfless she is! She is the better mother! It is because of her selflessness she got the healthy child but not as a reward but because she was not the right mommy for the Down's baby to grow, flourish and thrive.
Mommy #2 was just selfish enough to properly raise this sweet Down's child. He or she needs to learn how to do as much as they can for themselves. They need to be loved and helped when needed but they also need to learn to do for others too. She would raise her child to be comfortable with others, to be independent and help them learn on their own and encourage them in school rather than do their work for them. She would be a better mother because she knew she needed time for herself as well, as all parents do. She wouldn't meet their every need and want, wouldn't speak for them, and since both were Christians, she would know they could make well informed decisions for themselves, especially where the Gospel of Salvation is concerned, about God, in truth, and help them accept Him rightly and not just allow them to believe based on what the mother believed.
God always chooses the right man for His purposes.
I read this "story" some time ago and I'm sure I missed some points. It's a fictional story anyway but the message or moral of this is, "raise your children the way God tells you to raise them, not your way. God loves the Down's babies as much as He loves everyone. Their life has meaning and purpose. God doesn't make junk, the saying goes. I am still using you guys as guinea pigs to learn to write better.Pray for me (and you,lol) please!
The good news to some is that Down"s babies have decreased by 90%. That sounds awesome! One small (or rather HUGE) problem, it's because they were aborted. Who are WE to say they are better off never being born? Visit www.preborn.org. God bless you!
THE BEAUTY OF GOD!
HEBREW WORD OF THE DAY
Today's Word is....
Without shade, a lamp is too bright...
And God had great MERCY on Jonah by growing a tree to give him shade, showing the GRACE (unmerited favor/forgiveness) of our Father!
MERRY CHRISTmas! Focus on Christ alone!
Sunday, December 24, 2017
MERRY CHRISTMAS! (LOVE, LIES, AND PLEASE LET'S STOP FIGHTING EACH OTHER)
Before we get started on our own Christmas tradition of telling the story of the birth of Christ, opening the gifts my dear sister sent and then just spending time together, maybe watch a movie on PureFlix or take a walk, I want to tell you how much I love you guys and pray you have a save, happy and blessed Christmas on up through the Year 2018....and beyond!
I also must say that God willing, next year I am staying away from the "should we or shouldn't we" celebrate Christmas. What is going on in our churches today (the physical ones, not the True Church or Body of Christ)? All I see is fighting over this or that like at what point will the rapture occur or will there even be a rapture? Well, I think the Apostle Paul is extremely clear that we will be raptured but if that word "offends" you, then the being caught up together in the air to forever be with the Lord is clear in 1st Thessalonians. Also, we are NOT appointed to wrath so you can believe (or hope) in a pre-, mid-, post-tribulation rapture or at the 2nd Advent but you can be sure you will not go through His wrath IF you are truly saved OR endure the tribulation to the end. Be there a rapture, it could be tonight so if you're not saved or are unsure and have unrepented sin in your life, I'd settle that matter now. I'd also let that be a motivator to spread the Gospel to everybody without fear and even if you are mocked, laughed at, etc. Jesus tells us we'll be hated by the world but remember, it hated Him first. We are to REJOICE at being found worthy to be persecuted for His Name's Sake. Why should we rejoice at being mocked and maybe even physically assaulted? I've thought about this and prayed about it (or at least I've talked with Him about it) and I think it's because when we are persecuted for His Name, that's proof we are doing what He commanded us to do. We're going our job well. We aren't compromising His Word, watering down the Gospel and worrying more about their "feelings" than their salvation.
I hate to break it to you but that saying "Love doesn't hurt" is not 100% accurate. It doesn't hurt you physically as we are not punching bags and domestic violence is a sin, be it the husband or wife (or boy- girl-friend). However, love doesn't lie either and sometimes the truth hurts. Why do we tell the people we love the truth? To help them learn, grow, change bad behavior or how they dress and/or act in public, but mostly to have a relationship based on trust. The main reason we tell them the Bible Gospel TRUTH is because we care desperately for them to come to salvation. I'm not referring to those little white lies we all tell (and stop denying it right now) cos we all do it. We don't want to hurt someone's feelings by telling them they look horrible in that outfit or haircut. And also if you don't want to hear the truth, maybe you shouldn't ask the question either. I don't advocate lies of any kind but we all do. So instead of lying those little lies not to hurt, try complimenting them first big time, then carefully and loving tell them that maybe another color would look better or try adding a scarf or another accessory to it, then ending with another compliment but this one more about how that it doesn't matter, your inner beauty is going to outshine it anyway. Even I wouldn't mind that. Also men, when women ask you your opinion on how they look, they want a compliment, not necessarily the absolute truth. Use your gray matter and find a way to compliment without lying. You can find something good about anything. Women, if you want the truth, ask your friend that you know will be honest even at the risk of hurting your feelings. Oh, and stop putting so much emphasis on the outward and don't worry if you look good or not, it's your heart that counts. If people laugh at you behind your back then it's their sin and absolutely no reflection on you. Lying to hurt someone maliciously is an abomination and cruel.
Back to the rapture, whatever POV you have is either right or wrong. God is not going to change for you. My best advice is to pray we are raptured but we best be ready for anything. We may be in the end days, it sure feels like it most of the time, but we don't know. However, no one is promised a tomorrow so lead people to Christ Jesus now without ceasing. Pray like there's no tomorrow. Most of all, be ready for what is coming, be it a pre-trib rapture or being prepared to go through the tribulation. Take peace in knowing it IS pre-wrath. I am quite sure if there's no rapture and the Church is here, we'll have the power, spirit and gifts from Enoch to John and everyone else. Some of us will die, some will lead, but we'll all have a very important role to do. So whatever is coming, be ready. I don't believe in second chances.
Last, stop fighting over Christmas, Easter and especially the age of the earth. It doesn't matter! We are not pagans. Just like attending church does not a Christian make, celebrating holidays doesn't make you one or disqualify you as one. We have liberty and freedom in Christ. I will end with this....
"All things are lawful to me but not all things are profitable." The Apostle Paul
Don't carve trees into idols, don't worship them but if you really want to celebrate the birth of our savior, I suggest we think that every day may be His real birthday and treat others each day like we treat them during Christmas, with love, kindness, mercy and grace. Feed the hungry 365 days instead of just on Christmas and Thanksgiving. Give until it hurts and mercy and compassion are fruits of the Spirit. All good trees give good fruit. God bless! Santa though, not sure we should go that route. Just my POV though.
Back to the rapture, whatever POV you have is either right or wrong. God is not going to change for you. My best advice is to pray we are raptured but we best be ready for anything. We may be in the end days, it sure feels like it most of the time, but we don't know. However, no one is promised a tomorrow so lead people to Christ Jesus now without ceasing. Pray like there's no tomorrow. Most of all, be ready for what is coming, be it a pre-trib rapture or being prepared to go through the tribulation. Take peace in knowing it IS pre-wrath. I am quite sure if there's no rapture and the Church is here, we'll have the power, spirit and gifts from Enoch to John and everyone else. Some of us will die, some will lead, but we'll all have a very important role to do. So whatever is coming, be ready. I don't believe in second chances.
Last, stop fighting over Christmas, Easter and especially the age of the earth. It doesn't matter! We are not pagans. Just like attending church does not a Christian make, celebrating holidays doesn't make you one or disqualify you as one. We have liberty and freedom in Christ. I will end with this....
"All things are lawful to me but not all things are profitable." The Apostle Paul
Don't carve trees into idols, don't worship them but if you really want to celebrate the birth of our savior, I suggest we think that every day may be His real birthday and treat others each day like we treat them during Christmas, with love, kindness, mercy and grace. Feed the hungry 365 days instead of just on Christmas and Thanksgiving. Give until it hurts and mercy and compassion are fruits of the Spirit. All good trees give good fruit. God bless! Santa though, not sure we should go that route. Just my POV though.
"THE KEY OF DAVID" CULT CHURCH
Answer: The Key of David is a term found in Revelation and Isaiah. A key indicates control or authority; therefore, having the Key of David would give one control of David’s domain, i.e., Jerusalem, the City of David, and the kingdom of Israel. The fact that, in Revelation 3:7, Jesus holds this key shows that He is the fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant, the ruler of the New Jerusalem, and the Lord of the kingdom of heaven.
However, the passage in Revelation has been used inappropriately by a number of cults that ultimately descend from the Christian Identity Movement via Armstrongism. The Philadelphia Church of God, a splinter group from the Worldwide Church of God, produces a television program called Key of David.
Scriptural Usage
The Key of David is most directly referenced in Revelation 3:7, “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: these are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David.” The Old Testament reference is Isaiah 22:22. There, the prophet tells the palace secretary Shebna that he will be replaced by Eliakim, for God “will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David” (Isaiah 22:22). The one who holds the keys has the authority. Thus, the “key of David” implies control of David’s domain, which was promised to the Messiah in both the Old and New Testaments (Isaiah 9:7; Luke 1:32).
Cultic Usage
The television show called Key of David is hosted by Gerald Flurry, the author of a book of the same name. Flurry is founder and pastor of the Philadelphia Church of God. His interpretations of Scripture include the twisting of many biblical prophecies and a reading of many other passages as being secretly prophetic. Flurry has a special interest in Revelation 3:7-13, the letter to the church at Philadelphia (the ancient city located in modern-day Turkey). Flurry claims that the “key of David” held by Christ is “the profound understanding he wants all of us to have” (Key of David, p. 10), which will lead to special “positions of authority” (p. 11) in the New Jerusalem. Flurry claims that the letter is a vision of what Christians of our time are to do, but that “only a small percentage” (p. 8) will understand this great vision, qualify to receive the special authority, and share the throne of David with Jesus.
Another major component of Flurry’s beliefs is the claim that Great Britain and the United States of America (meaning their Caucasian, Anglo-Saxon citizens) are descended from the “lost” tribes of Israel. As Israelites (he says), we are uniquely qualified to hold authority in the Kingdom and create the spiritual Israel. This belief in Anglo-Israelism has no basis in fact.
Conclusion
Paul told Timothy to avoid “myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God’s work—which is by faith” (1 Timothy 1:4). There is no “special knowledge” beyond the gospel itself that will aid salvation. Any claim beyond faith in the work of Jesus tears out the heart of the good news: that the just will live by faith (Romans 1:17). There is no great vision, special knowledge, or Jewish lineage needed, only faith in Christ.
Recommended Resource: Understanding End Times Prophecy by Paul Benware
What is the Key of Solomon?
What is the sea of glass mentioned in Revelation 4:6 and 15:2?
What are the keys of death (Revelation 1:18)?
What are the keys of the kingdom?
What is the battle of Armageddon?
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