A Happy Easter to all The Twelve Gates followers if it's possible in viewof the current headlines. I will be on holiday over the Easter period so updates will be limited as follows
The Twelve Gates Website: No updates 14 April 2017 to 17 April 2017 Back to normal 18 April 2017
The Twelve Gates You Tube: No updates 14 April 2017 to 17 April 2017 Back to normal 18 April 2017 although two Bible Prophecy Q and A videos have been released for the Easter period
The Twelve Gates Twitter: Limited updates 14 April 2017 to 17 April 2017. Back to normal 18 September 2017
although I will be keeping an eye on the Syria and North Korea situation and anything else that crops up that is Biblical or End Times in nature over the Holiday period.
Google Plus and Facebook: No updates 14 April 2017 to 17 April 2017 Back to normal 18 April 2017
Obviously with the developing situation in North Korea and not forgetting Syria it looks like more nations including China are getting sucked into this US and North Korea potential conflict so I will be keeping an eye on this situation over the Easter period via Twitter as that is the quickest.
Short Summary of the Latest Headlines of interest
Second Coming this Easter?
A headline to ponder over "Easter apocalypse: Claims Bible proves Second Coming of Jesus NEXT WEEK" that has appeared in the Daily Star? Google it to get the link. We have seen this a thousand times before but something for you to form your own opinion over JUST IN CASE it is FACT? The headline states a Prophecy website has predicted the End of the world this Easter and the Second Coming of Jesus. Check the website called "A Trumpet for My People" no link, but thought you may want to be aware of it in view of the recent possible ww3 escalations globally.
North Korea and US Latest
If you missed the Tweet today North Korean Officials are starting to evacuate the Capital of North Korea in preparation for a US attack.
BREAKING ALERT! KIM JUST ORDERED THE EVACUATION OF THE CAPITAL CITY AS “MAJOR EVENT” LOOMS via The Next News Network
There are a lot of dubious sources quoting on North Korea but some respectable names seem to be stating the following
China reportedly sent 150,000 troops to North Korea's border — here's how they could stop North Korea via Business Insider UK
So it looks like that China is now involved.
Have a Happy Easter people!
Suggested Reading over the Easter Period
Jesus and The Seven last Words on the Cross. The Twelve Gates
Superb article written last year by myself around Easter time.
The Seven Words of Jesus on the Cross
1. Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do
2. Today you will be with me in paradise.
3. Behold your son: behold your mother. ...
4. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? ...
5. I thirst. ...
6. It is finished. ...
7. Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.
The significance of 40 days and 40 nights in the Bible?
The significance and mentioning of Forty Days or Forty Days and Nights in the Bible, what does it signify and when was it it used. Also the mention of Forty Years. The number forty doesn't come up a huge number of times, but does arise frequently enough for it to be noted that it is something of significance. The importance of the event it is normally associated with means it is mentioned and is there in the Bible for an important reason, not numerology but something much deeper. This article also features an analysis to see if the term forty days and forty nights or forty years actually appears in the Book of Revelation, if at all.
The Number Forty is mentioned over 140 times in the Bible and seems to be a God chosen number to represent a period of hardship, trial, testing or a probationary period or a period of irreversible change . It also seems to be a time period that is significantly related to fasting. It could possibly signify a Chrysalis period from Caterpillar to Butterfly a sort of transformation which seems particularly relevant in relation to it's mention in the New Testament and Jesus quite a number of times. Forty Days is also the period of time that is used to Mark Lent that runs from Ash Wednesday and Ends before Easter Sunday.
In depth analysis video from The Twelve Gates at You Tube
THE INCIDENCES OF FORTY DAYS OR FORTY YEARS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
1.The Flood in Genesis
The first instance of Forty Days and Forty Nights is with one of the first major events in the Bible and that is the Flood which lasted for exactly that period of time- this was a time when God was not happy with the planet and it's inhabitants and regretted making man on the earth and decides to reboot the planet with Noah on the Ark carrying the seed for the restarted planet
Genesis 7:4 For yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights; and every living substance that I have made will I destroy from off the face of the earth.
Genesis 7:12 And the rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights.
2. Moses and the 40 year coincidences
During the life of Moses the Number 40 appeared and manifested itself many times either in the form of 40 days or 40 years.
Moses lived forty years in Egypt and forty years in the desert before God selected him to lead his people out of slavery.
3. Moses was also on Mount Sinai for 40 days and nights and this happened twice in order to receive God's laws
Mentioned in the New Testament Acts 7:30
30. And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sinai an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush.
Exodus 24:18 And Moses went into the midst of the cloud, and gat him up into the mount: and Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights.
Deuteronomy 9:11 And it came to pass at the end of forty days and forty nights, that the LORD gave me the two tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant.
Deuteronomy 9:18 And I fell down before the LORD, as at the first, forty days and forty nights: I did neither eat bread, nor drink water, because of all your sins which ye sinned, in doing wickedly in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.
4. Moses also sent spies, for again forty days, to investigate the land God promised the Israelites as an inheritance
Numbers 13:25
25. And they returned from searching of the land after forty days.
5. Forty Years was mentioned again for the wandering in the wilderness of the Jews
Numbers 32:13 And the LORD'S anger was kindled against Israel, and he made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until all the generation, that had done evil in the sight of the LORD, was consumed.
Joshua 5:6 For the children of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, till all the people that were men of war, which came out of Egypt, were consumed, because they obeyed not the voice of the LORD: unto whom the LORD sware that he would not shew them the land, which the LORD sware unto their fathers that he would give us, a land that floweth with milk and honey.
6. The Children of Israel do evil again in the eyes of the Lord and he judges again with a Forty Year period to the Philistines
Judges 13:1
1. And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD delivered them into the hand of the Philistines forty years.
7. Goliath came for forty days before being killed by David
1 Samuel 17:16 And the Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days.
8. The prophet Jonah gave a powerful warning to ancient Nineveh, for forty days, because of it's sins it would see destruction.
Jonah 3:4 And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.
9. The prophet Ezekiel laid on His right side for 40 days as form of bearing Judah's sins for the idolatry they performed . This 40 days was representative of 40 years
Ezekiel 4:6 And when thou hast accomplished them, lie again on thy right side, and thou shalt bear the iniquity of the house of Judah forty days: I have appointed thee each day for a year.
10. Elijah went 40 days without food or water at Mount Horeb after being strengthened by a meal presented to him by an angel.
1 Kings 19:7-8 7. And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee. 8. And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.
11. The desolation of Egypt in Prophecy according to Ezekiel
Ezekiel 29:11-13 11. No foot of man shall pass through it, nor foot of beast shall pass through it, neither shall it be inhabited forty years. 12. And I will make the land of Egypt desolate in the midst of the countries that are desolate, and her cities among the cities that are laid waste shall be desolate forty years: and I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries. 13. Yet thus saith the Lord GOD; At the end of forty years will I gather the Egyptians from the people whither they were scattered:
INCIDENCES OF FORTY DAYS AND FORTY NIGHTS MENTIONED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
Forty Days or Forty Days and Forty Nights is also mentioned in the New Testament through Jesus. Firstly before he started his ministry he went into the wilderness and fasted, the second time when he appeared after the resurrection and thirdly the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.
1. Jesus was tempted many times during the 40 days and 40 nights he fasted in the wilderness, just before his ministry began. Satan attempted to deceive and provide temptations to him while he was in a weakened state.
Matthew 4:1-2 1. Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. 2. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
2. He also appeared to his disciples a number of times and to others over a period of 40 days after his resurrection from the dead.
Acts 1:3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
3. Jesus, before his crucifixion, prophesied the total destruction of Jerusalem including The Temple. His crucifixion took place in 30 A.D., the Roman Empire at that time destroyed the city and burned its temple to the ground which happened in 70AD. This is the infamous 70AD Prophecy and formed part of the Olivet Discourse, the quotes below are in connection with that Prophecy between Jesus and his disciples. No actual date was mentioned!
Matthew 24:1-2 1. And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. 2. And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
Mark 13:1-2 1. And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here! 2. And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
Conclusions:
As can be seen by the above examples Forty Days or even Forty Years has a special significance in the Bible. It seems to mark a period of suffering, fasting or a transformative period. It happens too many times in the Bible for it to be a coincidence. This is not just something that happened in the Old Testament but happened in the New Testament as well showing that even Jesus was subject to this 40 days and 40 nights scenario.
What is interesting is that the Book of Revelation which includes the monumental Tribulation Period and the mention of the End Times or Last Days would appear to be a prime candidate for either Forty Days or Forty Years or Forty in any other form to appear. On closer inspection and analysis bizarrely it never appears in the Book of Revelation.....not once? Why is a mystery?
Further Bible Quotes that Mention Forty (there are many others)
Further interesting Bible quotes reveal the number Forty also is mentioned in isolation not as in a duration of time period such as 40 days or 40 years but also in reference to quantity and also age.
Genesis 25:20 And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah to wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padanaram, the sister to Laban the Syrian.
Genesis 26:34 And Esau was forty years old when he took to wife Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Bashemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite:
Genesis 50:3 And forty days were fulfilled for him; for so are fulfilled the days of those which are embalmed: and the Egyptians mourned for him threescore and ten days.
Exodus 26:19 And thou shalt make forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards; two sockets under one board for his two tenons, and two sockets under another board for his two tenons.
Deuteronomy 25:3 Forty stripes he may give him, and not exceed: lest, if he should exceed, and beat him above these with many stripes, then thy brother should seem vile unto thee.
Judges 3:11 And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died.
Judges 8:28 Thus was Midian subdued before the children of Israel, so that they lifted up their heads no more. And the country was in quietness forty years in the days of Gideon.
2 Samuel 5:4 David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years.
1 Kings 11:42 And the time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel was forty years.
Acts 13:21 And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.
Hebrews 3:9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.
The Living Water and how it is mentioned in The Bible?
Water is referenced a number of times in the Bible in it's physical form but when it is mentioned as the "Living Water" or "The Water of Life" this is more in a spiritual context. This article will take a closer look at the term "the living water" as it is one of the fundamentals of the Christian faith and compare it to water in it's mere physical form.
What does this expression "living Water" mean or imply, where does it appear in the Bible and how many times, why is it used, who uses this term and which Prophets mention it in a direct or indirect manner. What is the importance of this expression the "living water" especially to those in the Christian faith? It is a topic of vital importance which spans both the Old and New Testament and is mentioned in the final Book of the Bible which is the Book of Revelation. On a search on Bible software the word "water" appears 363 times. In relation to that the term "living water" appears directly only 4 times
There are two main forms of water in the Bible, the first is the Physical Form and the second is a more Spiritual Form
Water in it's Physical form can mean many things, it can have a living form or creative quality about it, it can stand for attacks or enemies and it can represent salvation or eternal life and is used in it's physical form for baptism. It was also used as a form of Judgement in the Days of Noah where a vast amount of water came from the sky and created the great flood where it rained for forty days and forty nights, but this is water in it's physical form.
Water is first mentioned in a living manner in Genesis 1
Genesis 1:20 And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.
Water can also stands for enemies who can attack and need to be overcome such as
Psalm 18:16-17 16. He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. 17. He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me.
Isaiah 8:7 Now therefore, behold, the Lord bringeth up upon them the waters of the river, strong and many, even the king of Assyria, and all his glory: and he shall come up over all his channels, and go over all his banks:
In both the Old and New Testaments, the word "water" is used for salvation and eternal life, which God offers humankind through faith in his Son
Isaiah 12:33. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.
Isaiah 55:1
1. Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
Water sometimes symbolises the spiritual cleansing that comes with the acceptance of God's offer of salvation
Ezekiel 36:25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.
And of course water forms the basis of Baptism, the most famous being of Jesus by St John The Divine in Jordan. This is one of the most famous references to water and it's powers.
Matthew 3:13-16 13. Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 14. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? 15. And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. 16. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
Water identifies with us of the cleansing of the Christian. It also suggests a profound and/or spiritual life. Just as the Oceans, waters have depth and waters can run deep.
Ephesians 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
But what about the term the "Living Water"
It is not something that is presented in neon lights, but in a more subtle way. The term "living water" (mentioned 4 times) or it's other term "Water of Life" (mentioned 3 times) is used in the Bible sparingly. The "living water" mentioned in the Bible, however is for those who are looking to "satisfy a thirst" but the thirst mentioned here is a "spiritual one". Sin temporarily satisfies such a thirst but the "living water" will permanently satisfy this spiritual thirst. In the New Testament the "Living Water" is referencing the Holy Spirit which resides inside a person when they are Born Again or "Saved"
In the Old Testament "The Living Water" is mentioned and is normally associated with "the presence of God" It is mentioned a number of times in the Old Testament scriptures, God is often referred to or called the source of "living water" but in these instances it is an external presence as was the Holy Spirit throughout the Old Testament.
From the very beginning in the Garden of Eden mentioned in Genesis, where God lived along side man, a river welled up that formed the headwaters of four mighty rivers as mentioned in Genesis 2
Genesis 2:10 And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads.
The four rivers or heads are mentioned in further verses and include the first which is Pison, the second is Gihon, the third is Hiddekel and the last or fourth is the Euphrates. It is the fourth the Euphrates that is most interesting, as it is mentioned in Revelation with the Sixth Trumpet and Sixth Vial Judgements both performed by a sixth angel.
Revelation 9:14 Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates.
Revelation 16:12 And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.
In Jeremiah the living water is mentioned again, twice, in relation to Israel who had left their God and instead started worshipping idols and worshippers of a false religion. In both these instances Israel is rebuked for forsaking God for with what he calls cisterns that will in no way satisfy their "thirst." that is a "spiritual thirst" because of their falseness.
Jeremiah 2:13 For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.
Jeremiah 7:13 O LORD, the hope of Israel, all who forsake you will be put to shame. Those who turn away from you will be written in the dust because they have forsaken the LORD, the spring of living water.
The living waters mentioned in the Prophecy of Zechariah predicted a flow out of Jerusalem East and West in both summer and winter. This was in reference to the spreading of the gospel from Jerusalem and was helped by the influences of the Holy Spirit which would overcome idols, false religion, anti-christian power, although they would remain as rivals.
Zechariah 14:8 And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be.
The Living Waters In the New Testament
The phrase the "living water" is most famously attributed to Jesus speaking with the Samarian woman whom he meets at Jacob's Well in Sychar. This scene is referred to as "the woman at the well". This is where Jesus used the term the "living water" much to the confusion of the woman concerned.
John 4:9-14 9. Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. 10. Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. 11. The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? 12. Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? 13. Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14. But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
Again this references a spiritual water or a water of life that is real that will quench a "spiritual thirst". He is also implying just as the water in the well will temporarily satisfy a thirst, the dead water of false faiths will never quench or satisfy that "spiritual thirst" only the "living water" that is the Holy Spirit.
When Jesus was in Galilee on the day of Feast of Tabernacles he mentioned the phrase "the living water" again at The Temple.
John 7:37-39 37. In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
When he said these words The gift of the Spirit (the living water) was not yet available at that time it could not be passed on until Acts
Acts 10:43–45 43. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. 44. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Mentioned in the Book of Revelation
In the Book of Revelation there is no mention of "living water" but instead there is reference to the equivalent which is the "water of life"
Revelation 21:6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
Revelation 22:1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
In both these references, the term Water of Life refers to the Holy Spirit just as Jesus referred to it as the "living water"
The External influence of the Holy Spirit had always been given in the conversion and sanctification of the Old Testament saints and prophets which changed and became indwelling under the New Covenant. Many people say that Jesus is the living water, BUT Jesus Himself intended the phrase to mean the Holy Spirit who dwells in believers and seals them for salvation (Ephesians 1:13–14)
Ephesians 1:13–14 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Summary:
Water is continually mentioned throughout the Bible and the "living water" or the "water of life" carries with it the connotation of spirituality where the person that receives this living water becomes dependent on God and living the way he intended rather than being independent of him. This is illustrated again by water with the spiritual lesson for the Israelites when they left the land of Egypt for the promised land of Canaan. They left a land of security that had little rain but by their OWN efforts they relied on the River Nile and irrigation to provide water to the land. However when God chose a land for his people, he didn’t choose a place where they could have security because of their own efforts, he chose a land where they would be far more dependent on him and would need his presence watching over them to send them the living water of rain.
Deuteronomy 11:10 – 12 10. For the land, whither thou goest in to possess it, is not as the land of Egypt, from whence ye came out, where thou sowedst thy seed, and wateredst it with thy foot, as a garden of herbs: 11. But the land, whither ye go to possess it, is a land of hills and valleys, and drinketh water of the rain of heaven:
This can be said today of many Christians who have seen God do the same thing in their own lives. When they decide to trust and follow him and his ways he takes them from security of making their own way in life and instead they become dependant on him where "The Lord will provide", which doesn’t always include prosperity as the world sees it.
Anywhere the "living water" touches it gives new life and an intimate relationship with God. The “living water” is therefore understood to mean a true knowledge of God and this can only be achieved through the Holy Spirit, who teaches us God’s will and guides, comforts and directs us.
Bible Quote:
John 4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
The Birth of Jesus and Old Testament Prophecy fulfilled
The previous article looked at the birth of Jesus foretold in Prophecy in the Old Testament in the Bible many hundreds if not thousands of years before the birth of the Messiah. This article will focus on the fulfillment of those Old Testament prophecies in the New Testament in relation to his birth and see how close those prophecies were.
Many prophecies from the Prophets in the Old Testament not only predicted the birth of the Messiah, but also many other prophecies appeared which foretold what he would be like, who we actually was, what he would do, the purpose of his life, his ministry, his death or crucifixion and finally his resurrection. This article focuses on the birth aspect and not his life afterwards which would require a number of articles, to do it justification. One article out their on the web shows over 300 prophecies relating to Jesus, his birth, life and death and Resurrection.
God worked through the Prophets to reveal repeatedly that something never seen before was on it´s way in the future and the accuracy with which these prophecies foretold not only the arrival of the Messiah BUT how he would arrive, prove that God was working through these people quite strongly throughout the history of the Bible.
There are many Bible prophecies concerning the birth of Jesus, but the six main ones are listed below which show how the Old Testament prophecy and how it was fulfilled in the New Testament pretty much word for word.
The six main Bible prophecies that relate to the birth of Jesus.
1. Jesus would be Born in Bethlehem.
The Old Testament foretells of the messiah being born in Bethlehem.
Old Testament Prophecy
Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
The story of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem is told in the New Testament books of Mathew and Luke
Matthew 2:1. Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
Matthew 2:6. And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
2. Jesus would be Born of a virgin.
Old Testament Prophecy
Isaiah 7:14 "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” The New Testament book of Matthew repeats this prophecy in a passage detailing Joseph’s encounter with an angel of the Lord, who tells Joseph that Mary’s child was conceived by the Holy Spirit and will save his people from their sins.
Prophecy confirmed in the New Testament
Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Luke 1:27. To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
3. The Messiah would be a descendant of Abraham
Old Testament Prophecy
Genesis 22:18: "And through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed."
The genealogy of Jesus is told in the book of Matthew, which refers to him as “the son of David, the son of Abraham.”
New Testament Fulfillment
Matthew 1:1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
4. The Messiah would be a descendant of Jacob.
The genealogy of Jesus laid out in the book of Matthew details Jesus lineage through Isaac and Jacob with Matthew 1:16 giving the last lineage
Matthew 1:16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ
Old Testament Prophecy
Numbers: 24:17 says: "A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel."
New Testament Fulfillment
Matthew 1:2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren
5. The Messiah would be called out of Egypt.
Most Christians believe the Old Testament foretells Jesus being called out of Egypt in Hosea 11
Old Testament Prophecy
Hosea 11:1: When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.
The New Testament Fulfillment
Matthew 2:13-15 is believed to explain this prophecy: "An angel of the Lord appears to Joseph in a dream.
13. And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
14. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
15. And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
6. The Messiah would be Born among sorrow
There are many parallels with the Birth of Jesus and the Prophecy of Jeremiah mentioned in Jeremiah 31:15. He would be born amongst sorrow and would live his life being despised and rejected by men. A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.
Old Testament Prophecy
Jeremiah 31:15: Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not.
This prophecy is repeated in the book of Matthew, which says that King Herod sought to kill Jesus.
The New Testament Fulfillment
Mathew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
Other Prophecies Fulfilled
There are many other prophecies in the Old Testament that refer to his bloodline, who he would be and what he would say, the essential bloodline of David and The House of Judah, what his name would be and "The cornerstone"
The Seed of Judah.The Seed of Jacob
He is the physical descendent of David through his mother. He is the adopted son of David through his father, by an adoption consistent with the Christian message of our adopted sonship, and he also fulfilled the prophecy to be born of a virgin. David was of the House of Judah
Old Testament Prophecy
Genesis 49:10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.
New Testament Fulfillment
Luke 2:4-7 4. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5. To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
Sent by the Father to speak His word
Old Testament Prophecy: stated Jesus would speak directly God´s word to everybody that he was told to which was fulfilled in The New Testament.
Old Testament Prophecy
Deuteronomy 18:18 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.
New Testament Fulfillment
John 8:28-29 28. Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. 29. And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.
Davids Seed, Son of David
Referring to the fact that Jesus would be of the lineage of David not as in a direct son. The prophecy and fulfillment would be the genealogical proof that Jesus, in His humanity, was a direct descendant of Abraham and David through Joseph, Jesus’ legal father although not biological.
Old Testament Prophecy
2 Sam. 7:12 12. And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.
1 Chr. 17:11 And it shall come to pass, when thy days be expired that thou must go to be with thy fathers, that I will raise up thy seed after thee, which shall be of thy sons; and I will establish his kingdom.
New Testament Fulfillment
Matthew 1:1, The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
Matthew 22:42-43 42. Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The son of David. 43. He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying,
Matthew 9:27 27. And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou son of David, have mercy on us.
Will be Born The Saviour
The birth of Jesus was prophesied to be the redeemer of sin and saver of souls hence the term "Saviour" which means somebody that can achieve salvation.
Old Testament Prophecy
Psa. 22:9-10 9. But thou art he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother's breasts. 10. I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my God from my mother's belly.
New Testament Fulfillment
Luke 2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Emmanuel to be higher than earthly kings
The Old Testament Prophecy stated that he was God´s firs born who would be held in higher esteem than the kings of the earth at the time. This was confirmed in the New Testament
Old Testament Prophecy
Psa. 89:27 Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.
New Testament Fulfilment
Luke 1:32, 33 32. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33. And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
A Servant from the womb.
This refers to the human nature of Christ formed in the womb of the Virgin by the Holy Ghost
Old Testament Prophecy
Isa. 49:5 And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength.
New Testament Fulfilment
Luke 1:31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
Philippians 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
The Messiah would be the Cornerstone
The Cornerstone in ancient building practices was the strongest and largest and most solid part of the building and the reference to the cornerstone in connection with Jesus in prophecy is he would be the cornerstone of the church, the body of believers that would be known as Christians
Old Testament Prophecy
Zech. 10:4 Out of him came forth the corner, out of him the nail, out of him the battle bow, out of him every oppressor together.
New Testament Fulfilment
Ephesians 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Summary
The Birth of Jesus wasn´t something that just happened as a spur of the moment event in the New Testament, this was something that was foretold and planned hundreds if not thousands of years ago going right back to the times of the Book of Genesis and Abraham. Many of the prophecies, not only were they fulfilled to the last detail, but some of the prophecies are so specific and difficult to recreate by mankind such as the virgin birth, it really illustrates, very clearly, that maybe the whole Bible was geared up to the birth of Gods only son and the salvation of mankind.
God working through various Prophets producing what were precise predictions made by the all-knowing all-seeing God of the Bible who repeatedly demonstrated that He has perfect knowledge of all past, present, and future events. All producing the miracle event that was the birth of Jesus, the Messiah.
This is a considerably condensed and simplified version on the vast topic of the Birth of Jesus and Prophecy fulfillment. There are huge debates on the blood lineage comparing what Luke states and what Matthew describes and the Jews and the Jewish faith have a completely different idea again on the blood line of Jesus and the The House of Judah according to their faith.
Further reading on the family tree of Jesus at Bible Study
The Birth of Christ was foretold hundreds of years before the actual event took place by the major prophets including Isaiah, Jeremiah and Micah and other Books in the Old Testament including very early on in Genesis, in the Book of Numbers and the Second Book of Samuel.
Isaiah as many who read the Bible know, is one of the more profound books in the Bible, these prophecies read like the Book of Revelation, you have to read a number of times and cross reference to other Books to really understand what is being said. I would say Isaiah is one of the hardest Books to understand in the Old Testament, but if you understand that Book, it reveals another dimension to the Bible that makes you realise that it is more than just something you read like a novel.
The birth of Jesus is mentioned in Genesis, not really referring to his birth in prophetic terms, but just stating that something big is on it´s way in the future and it is stated that he will come from the Tribe of Judah. As we will see later this lineage or blood line is imperative in the creation of the Messiah. Judah was Jacob´s fourth son.
Genesis 49:10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. Note 2
Note 2 Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Shiloh. From shalah; tranquil; Shiloh, an epithet of the Messiah
It was also mentioned in Prophecy terms in Genesis that the Messiah would be a descendant of Abraham as told in:
Genesis 22:18: 18. And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice. (When the Angel of the Lord spoke to Abraham)
References to the Birth of Jesus
The Prophet Isaiah
Isaiah wrote a prophecy about the Birth of Jesus about the mid 700 years before he was born. These two Bible verses from Isaiah 7 and Isaiah 9 state quite strongly and in detail how the birth of Jesus would come about.
A virgin shall conceive and bear a son
Isaiah. 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel Note 1
Note 1 "Immanuel" is a Hebrew word meaning "God with us" and expresses the wonder of the incarnation, that God "became flesh and made his dwelling among us"
Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
The Prophet Micah
Micah prophesies that Jesus will be born in Bethlehem which at the time was a small village of 300-1000 inhabitants in Judah and is referred in the New Testament as the City of David. He mentions that he will be born of a woman. This was written approximately 700 years before the Birth of Jesus.
Micah 5:2-4; 2. But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. 3. Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel. 4. And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God; and they shall abide: for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth.
He would be Jesse's descendant
David is a key part of the lineage of Christ. Jesse in the Bible is father of David and thus an important part of that lineage.
Isaiah 11:1-10
1. And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: 2. And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; 3. And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: 4. But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. 5. And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. 6. The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. 7. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. 8. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den. 9. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. 10. And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.
The Messiah would be a descendant of King David
The Prophet Jeremiah goes into more detail in his prophecy that the bloodline of the Messiah would be a descendant of King David who was Head of the House of David which is is the head of the Tribe of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The hereditary bloodline of King David was the the only legitimate royal bloodline in Jewish history. From David will come all the future kings of Judah and ultimately the Messiah himself hence the importance of this bloodline. Saul was removed as King and David was placed in his place and as the Bible states in Acts David was described as a man after his own heart, hence the favour.
Acts 13:22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
One of the main reasons for the importance of the David/Judah blood line.
Jeremiah 23:5-8 5. Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgement and justice in the earth. 6. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. 7. Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that they shall no more say, The LORD liveth, which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; 8. But, The LORD liveth, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land
The Book of Numbers
The Book of Numbers from the Old Testament was written at the time of Chapter 1 about 1444 years BC and spans over 30 years. The events of the book began in the second year after the Israelites departed Egypt, as they camped at Mount Sinai. This Prophecy speaks again of something way off in the future.
Numbers 24:17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
The line of kings from David would endure forever
The birth of Jesus was mentioned in the Second Book of Samuel which was composed in the period around 630–540 BC
2 Samuel 7:12-16 12. And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. 13. He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever. 14. I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men: 15. But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee. 16. And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.
Summary.
The Birth of Jesus was part of Gods plan via the virgin birth that the Messiah was to be born of God according to God’s will.......... not man’s will. It is also a fulfillment of God’s promise to Eve that her descendant would destroy the serpent and the seed of the serpent (sin) Genesis 3:15, thereby preparing the way for salvation of mankind from his fallen state.
Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
Further reading on why God chose Mary and the Judah Blood Line which is a whole topic and book in itself that arouses huge debate, but here are a couple of links that go into some detail..
There are many theories and astronomical and scientific explanations as to what the mystery of the "Star of Bethlehem" that appeared around the time of Jesus´s birth mentioned in Matthew 2 and what it actually was. Some say it was a comet, others a conjunction between Jupiter and Venus or a Triple conjunction with an extra planet. Others say it may have been a Super Nova. All would produce the effect of a huge bright star, but which one of these was it, or was it something else? The reason for this article is obviously we are on the run up to Christmas but also recently there was an incredibly bright star and rare event on 30 June 2015. I saw that star.
My views on the Star of Bethlehem and the Bright Star I saw on 30 June 2015
Firstly lets take a look at the Bible Verses in Matthew 2 and see what is said.
Matthew 2:1-12 1. Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2. Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. 3. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 5. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 6. And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. 7. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. 8. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. 9. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. 10. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 11. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. 12. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
Unlike the Crucifixion of Christ which was written about in all four of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, the Birth of Christ is only recorded in 2 Gospels which is Matthew and Luke. Matthew mentions the star four times that was seen by the Wise Men known as the "Magi", Luke doesn´t mention the star at all. The star isn´t described in great detail, jut the direction it was shining.
Can the Famous Christmas Carol "We Three Kings of Orient Are" which refers to those wise men mentioned in Matthew 2 shed any more light on the subject, here are the lyrics.
We three kings of Orient are Bearing gifts we traverse afar Field and fountain, moor and mountain Following yonder star
O Star of wonder, star of night Star with royal beauty bright Westward leading, still proceeding Guide us to thy Perfect Light
A little more detail from this carol but not much more. Nemesis Maturity produced this video going into great detail about an event that was going to happen on 30 June 2015, which was a much brighter than usual Venus/Jupiter conjunction.
This conjunction happens every year and cycles through brighter phases over longer time periods but this particular event was to be the brightest seen for a long period of time, some saying it was the return of the star of Bethlehem after 2000 years. I saw this star and there will be a few words on this in an upcoming video over at The Twelve Gates You Tube later this week. It had a profound effect on me, I had never seen anything like it, whether it was the return of "The Star of Bethlehem" though is open for debate. One thing for certain, you couldn´t miss it, but strangely I know nobody personally that saw it, but it is mentioned in numerous headlines below on Google, so it was there. Most of the shots in the RT headline are Venus and Jupiter visibly apart, the star I saw was the two together which was way brighter about quarter of the size of a full moon!
'Double star' moment for Jupiter and Venus in the night sky via CNN
Stargazers’ stunner: Thousands catch Jupiter, Venus forming super bright ‘Star of Bethlehem’ (PHOTOS, VIDEOS) via RT
After a deeper search through a number of websites looking more from an astronomy or scientific angle on the web and not really coming up with much more information, I stumbled upon a website called Mark Kidger`s Comet and Asteroid Observing Website with the title "Observations of comets and asteroids by Spanish amateur and professional astronomers." This old school looking website (apparently under construction) which states he has been interested in the subject for nearly 30 years and has studied it for more than 20 delves into the possibilities of The Star of Bethlehem. He mentions what the star could have been and what it definitely wasn´t. He come up with some interesting answers.
What the Star of Bethlehem could not have been
Venus (on it´s own), Comet Halley, Super Nova Bethlehem, A Meteor and Uranus.
What the Star of Bethlehem might have been
Conjunction such as Venus and Jupiter the two brightest planets after the Sun and Moon. A Triple Conjunction, An Occultation (when one celestial object is hidden by another one), Comet or a number of Comets, A Nova (a star showing a sudden large increase in brightness and then slowly returning to its original state over a few months.
With the increasing use of forecasting models for planetary activity and the stars and software such as Stellarium (Free) we can look forward and backwards to see what the Planetary and star positions were right down to the last second at any point in time and with all the possibilities mentioned including Comet´s, Nova´s, Conjunctions, Occultation´s and Conjunctions can be seen at around the time of Christs Birth.
Many of the strong possibilities come close, very close to within a couple of years of Christs Birth but NONE at the exact time of his birth. Which brings us full circle even in this modern sophisticated hi-tech day and age to where we started and the mystery remains as to "What the Star of Bethlehem" really was.
Here´s some other thoughts taken from Comments from the Nemesis Maturity video
This "Bethlehem star" is a regular cycle between Venus and Jupiter that occurs every 24 years.
The star of Bethlehem was the triple conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter in 6 BCE. The third conjunction of the two planets was highlighted when Mars became part of the conjunction in 5 BCE.
The "Wise men"from the east, Were astrologer's,so whatever the event they had already charted it,and went to the spot where it would most matter.It was not an anomaly like a comet or supernatural event.It was one the astrologer's from ages before it happened,knew it was coming.
Summary
Which leaves us with the final conclusion, maybe Luke didn´t write about the star for some mysterious reason while Matthew quite confidently did OR the Star of Bethlehem was a Supernatural Event OR there was no star. To say there was NO star would be saying the Bible is incorrect and why would Matthew write quite clearly about this star four times if there wasn´t one, it would put the whole Bible into question, something I don´t think he would do. Only the "Wise Men" or "Magi" are mentioned as actually seeing and following this star. If it was the result of an astronomical event or anything else , it would have been seen by many more? If it would have been seen by the masses, the masses would have been led to where Jesus was born, but that clearly was not the Stars intention or the case, only a select few were present to see the newly Born Jesus?
Where do I stand on this?
None of the above explanations satisfy or explain how the star “went ahead of” the magi or how it magically “stopped where Jesus was".” No known natural or celnestial phenomenon would be able to stand over Bethlehem for any significant period of time. All celestial bodies such as stars (conjunctions or Nova´s or otherwise) continually move, due to the rotation of the earth. They also appear and rise in the east and they also set in the west. There is no mention or indication in the Bible that this star was a natural phenomenon or event.
In Summary I believe there was a star, it was not a normal or super rare celestial event, it was a Supernatural event. If God created the universe, he can create a star in the sky that has no scientific explanation to this day..............that´s a definite! It´s God Created the Universe and The Big Bang Theory all over again, but this time it´s not the Universe but a singular star and again as always...... Science doesn´t have the answers.
Check out this superb website for further details on The Star of Bethlehem at this Spanish Website Observadores-Cometas Form your own opinion.
Wrath is one of the Seven Deadly Sins, also it´s off-shoots and variations are Anger, Rage, Fury, Violence, Temper and Revenge. This is one of the more obvious Deadly Sins when it flares up, but can lay dormant in some people and then appear rapidly from nowhere. Others may have a different temperament and have a cliff edge mentality, always appearing on edge and easy to anger and experience wrath. Either way it manifests itself differently from the previous two Deadly Sins of Greed and Pride or Vanity which have more of a creeping nature about them, but to onlookers it is obvious this person is overcome by Greed or Vanity.
Despite it being one of the more obvious Seven Deadly Sins, Wrath can be a difficult one to overcome just like the others, it´s a bit of a nuclear bomb situation. Even if you try to make changes within yourself, there will always be external influences from other people and the pressures of modern day society that will cause Wrath to manifest itself in your life. We are Fallen Flesh and of Adam and live in a Fallen World.
Wrath. One of the Seven Deadly Sins in Modern Society
Wrath can cause arguments, destroy relationships and friendships, lead to health problems including heart attacks, lead to violence and in extreme cases serious injury. It can lead to loss of employment and financial problems and it can lead to imprisonment or even death. Wrath has been the precursor to almost all wars throughout history and is playing a part in the recent World War 3 headlines that have subsided of late.
Although many think of the Seven Deadly Sins as something from the Victorian era that do not really apply in this modern day and age as "times have changed", these Deadly Sins probably apply more now than they did back in the Victorian times. They were especially prevalent in the Middle Ages.
Modern Day Examples of Wrath
Modern day examples of Wrath include Computer Rage, Road Rage, Football hooligans, Black Friday Rage, Domestic Violence, Riots and Speech Promoting Violence
Wrath Symptons and Warnings
The symptons of Wrath or Anger include Irritability, Impatience, Raised Voice, Glaring Eyes, Hurtful Words and Bad Language, Explosive Actions, Relational Breakdown, Attitudes of Superiority and Physical Tension.
Wrath is just like the other Seven Deadly Sins and shows the same viscious cycle of Buzz or Adrenaline Rush, a feeling of Power and a releasing of tension then coming back down to earth followed by Guilt and then Depression which then leads to the next cycle for the whole process to be repeated again. Strangely Wrath is not a desirable trait in this modern day and age but many jobs and pressures in society produce this Deadly Sin in abundance and it is also promoted in TV, Hollywood Movies and the Media.
The Christian way of dealing with Wrath?
Christians will keep a close eye on Wrath and Anger as it is mentioned in the Bible as one of the symptons of the Flesh and Christians are supposed to control the flesh and not the other way round. If you are Truly Born Again and Indwelt with the Holy Spirit, there will be an inner stillness and peace inside you that no matter what goes on in the outside world that inner peace and calmness will remain. The Fruits of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control as mentioned in Galatains 5:22-23. You could say the opposite are The Seven Deadly Sins.
The Christian way of dealing with Wrath will be to let the storm blow over and then confront the situation afterwards when that other persons mind is more rational and not during a Wrath episode. There is a Righteous anger in some Christian doctrines, righteous anger is considered the only form of anger which is not a sin. A Christian should not be angry, but if our constructive outrage results in restoring people into a loving, healing relationships with Jesus, it then can be classed as righteous anger.
An example of this would be Jesus who overthrew the money lenders tables in the Temple in Matthew 21 in The New Testament. Joshua and also David and Goliath would be other examples in The Old Testament
Matthew 21.12-13 12. And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, 13. And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
Also in the Synagogue in Mark 3
Mark 3:1-5 1. And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand. 2. And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him. 3. And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth. 4. And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace. 5. And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.
The Wrath of God
Even God has Wrath as mentioned many times in the Bible, but he always gives warnings, many warnings and is slow to anger, with the Wrath building over a long period of time such as decades or many hundreds of years, before the Wrath in the form of Judgement is released when there was no other option left. This is always tempered with forgiveness in the End demonstrating a never ending and deeper love for mankind knowing that we are essentially flawed in nature.
Romans 1:18 - For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
John 3:36 - He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Conclusion.
Wrath will not have you wearing Gucci or Prada or have hair by Vidal Sassoon as in the Deadly Sin of Vanity nor will it have you, wearing Rolex Watches, driving Ferrari´s or living in the best part of town as in the Deadly Sin of Greed. Wrath works differently and is difficult to see on the surface until it flares up, the warning signs will be there, but by then it is normally too late and the Genie will be out of the bottle. The only signs will be the trail of destruction in your life that will surface in the future such as applying for a job. There are courses in Anger Management, a hilarious film by the same title gives a good insight, you can take tablets, change your job or even just work from home and never leave the house, but eventually this Wrath will flare up again in some shape or form. The only total solution to overcome this Deadly Sin just like the others is to be "Born Again". Check out the Video which gives other examples including some of my personal experiences before I was "Saved"
Bible Quotes:
(Ephesians 4:26–27, 30–32).
26. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27. Neither give place to the devil.
30. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32. And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Proverbs 15:18 - A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
Galatians 5:19-21 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Galatians 5:22-26 22. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23. Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Colossians 3:8 - But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
Ecclesiastes 7:9 - Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.
James 1:19-20 - 19. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20. For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
Proverbs 29:11 - A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
Proverbs 16:32 - He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
James 1:19 - Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
Proverbs 15:1 - A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
Ephesians 4:31 - Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
Psalms 37:8 - Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
Proverbs 14:29 - He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
Ephesians 4:26 - Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
Can a Christian lose the Holy Spirit and lose their Salvation and become a Backslidden Christian? Will the Holy Spirit ever leave a believer? This is a question many Christians will ask whilst on their walk with Jesus but the scriptures are very clear on this fact and you are sealed with the Holy Spirit until your redemption. As the saying states "Once Saved Always Saved" but many disagree with this. It is clearly stated in scripture that it is a permanent thing and cannot be taken away, but if you Sin and do not repent you will be convicted of your sin and will either Quench the Spirit or Grieve The Spirit, but it will still be there.
However to confirm this absolutely, this article will take a look at the three most popular arguments about the Holy Spirit and whether it can be lost and you become a backslidden christian.
Evidence in the Old Testament suggests that David, Saul and Samson did lose the Holy Spirit but that was part of the Old Covenant where the Holy Spirit was more of a companion and not indwelling inside a person. Under the New Covenant the Holy Spirit actually resides inside hence the term "Holy Spirit Filled Believer" or "Indwelt with the Holy Spirit.
The Three Arguments
There are three thoughts or arguments on losing the Holy Spirit this creates a similar situation to the Pre, Mid and Post Tribulation Rapture debate although they are entirely different topics although not unrelated.
The three thoughts or arguments on the Holy Spirit
1. You CAN absolutely lose the Holy Spirit
2. You can absolutely NOT lose the Holy Spirit
3. If you lost the Holy Spirit.... you never had it in the first place
Lets analyse these 3 arguments with relevant scripture to prove their points.
1. You CAN absolutely lose the Holy Spirit
Those who quote this will come up with the three classic cases of David, Saul and Samson from the Old Testament who lost the Holy Spirit. Others often quote Adam and Solomon amongst others. Scriptures below relating to David, Samson and Saul.
In Psalm 51, David prayed:
Psalm 51:11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
Samson is another case of the Holy Spirit departing but is mentioned as the "Lord Departing" in the classic Samson and Delilah scene
Judges 16:20. And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him.
Saul is the third often quote example
1 Samuel 16:14 But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.
All three scriptures have one thing in common. They are all taken from the Old Testament.
2. You can absolutely NOT lose the Holy Spirit
This argument or theory is based on scriptures that state quite clearly that the Holy Spirit is something that is received and not taken away again as illustrated in the Bible quotes below:
John 14:15-16 15. If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
1 Corinthians 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
John 10:27-28 27. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
The comforter mentioned in John 14:15-16 is the Holy Spirit. These Bible quotes all have one thing in common, they are taken from The New Testament.
3. If you lost the Holy Spirit.... you never had it in the first place!
This argument is similar to No2 stating that you cannot lose the Holy Spirit but reasons that those who think they have lost it may never have had it in the first place. This can arise through a Fake Saving or a False Born Again experience whereby the person thinks they have been "Saved" and received the Holy Spirit but in fact they never originally received the Holy Spirit and therefore never had it to lose in the first place!
1 John 2:19, "They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, in order that it might be shown that they all are not of us."
Conclusions:
There are many other Bible Quotes in reference to "Salvation", being "Born Again" and "Saved" and of course "The Holy Spirit" but to answer the question again "Can you lose the Holy Spirit" and "Can you lose your Salvation" you have firstly have to look at the classic Bible quote
John 3:16
16. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
That in itself should answer the question.
Secondly if you take the 3 arguments of 1. You CAN absolutely lose the Holy Spirit, 2. You can absolutely NOT lose the Holy Spirit and 3. If you lost the Holy Spirit.... you never had it in the first place, you will realise the following.
1. The "You CAN lose The Holy Spirit" quotes scripture from the Old Testament based on the Old Covenant. In the Old Covenant the Holy Spirit was a temporary companion and was not indwelling in the person concerned but external and would leave when that person broke the statutes or when God saw fit.
2. The "You Cannot lose the Holy Spirit" and the "You cannot lose the Holy Spirit if you never had it" theories quote scripture solely based on the New Testament and are in relation to the New Covenant. The New Covenant relates to Christianity and this is what is relevant to Christians. In our case the Holy Spirit is not an external force but something that lives inside us and cannot be taken away, but the Spirit can be grieved or Quenched through sinful acts without asking for forgiveness as in Repentance. If you are a True Born Again Believer you will know what that experience is like and afterwards you tend to repent and not repeat it again. Even with the Holy Spirit inside us we will never be totally sin free but if we confess our sin by repentance, they will be forgiven but this does not give us a licence to sin freely or habitually as all sin will come under conviction by the Holy Spirit that lives inside a True Born Again Believer.
1 John 1:7-10 7. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Another question that also arises frequently
While our relationship with God is secure in Christ, unconfessed sin in our lives can hinder our fellowship with God and effectively quench the Holy Spirit’s working in our lives.To conclude while the Holy Spirit will never leave us, the benefits and joy the Holy Spirits presence can in fact depart from us through unrepentant Sin but the Holy Spirit itself will remain. If we repent of our sins then God is “faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness”. That is the New Covenant This is why Jesus laid his life on the cross for us and as a result Christians are under The New Covenant and not The Old Covenant ways of the Old Testament.
Further recommended video from The Twelve Gates You Tube
An in depth look at 25 signs that definitely say you have received the Holy Spirit and are indwelt by it which is part of the process of being "Born Again" and "Saved". If you have it, basically you really do not need to ask this question, there will be no doubts in your mind ....you just know and if you have checked, it has been confirmed by scripture. But just in case you do not know or do have doubts, for whatever the reason maybe you got "Saved" by dubious means via a False Preacher , here are the signs that you are indwelt with the Holy Spirit and that it is working in your life. Some of these are from my personal experience and others are mentioned in scripture, some are both. As always check everything against THE WORD!
7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit
We need the Holy Spirit in order to obey and follow Jesus Christ. You receive it by the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. This is something that cannot be performed by man and is different to a normal Baptism, that is performed by man. These are the 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Wisdom: giving us Grace to see things the way God sees them. Understanding: the gift of knowing how people are feeling deep down inside Right Judgement: which way to act in difficult circumstances knowing the difference between right and wrong and good and evil Courage: this is not freedom from fear but it´s being afraid and still carrying on. Gives the strength to carry on doing what´s right even when people or situations will oppose us Knowledge: Not just knowing the facts but knowing the meaning behind those facts. This is particularly relevant to the Bible. The ability to see the TRUE meaning of the Word. Reverence: helps us to understand what is Holy in this world, not just places and buildings but people and not just the obvious but ordinary people Awe in God´s Presence: seeing the wonder of God´s presence and work all around us in this world and beyond
1. God is No1 in your life. You become a servant of God and your everyday thoughts, movements and actions will certainly be a reflection of that. God will be No1, there is no compromise. You may or may not be aware of it, but others especially those close to you will. Instead of focusing on the self you are aware that you become a vessel on this world that he is working through reaching out into the world in a physical form.
2. The Before and After. The differences. Life changes. The Old self and old ways will fall away. The new self will have a different way of seeing things and will have different goals and objectives. The change could be dramatic or it could be slower, each situation is different.
3. The Gifts. Almost all will have Discernment. This is a given and is an essential item in the armoury of a Born Again Christian who has the Holy Spirit. The others will be one or some or maybe all of the following: Teaching, Preaching, Prophecy, Healing, Speaking in Tongues. One thing you will receive regardless is you will not be afraid of death!
4. The deeper understanding of the Word. You will live your life by Scripture as in the Bible and the words contained within it will leap off the page. You will see beyond their surface 2 dimensional meaning that everybody sees, but also their hidden meaning, a third dimension to the Bible that is hidden from most, but is shown to those who are meant to understand. This will reveal itself to those who have the Spirit and from deeper study including cross referencing rather than reading the Bible like a novel.
. 5. Spirit knows spirit. You will recognise others who have the Spirit and they will recognise you. You will come to realise there are not as many around as many people think and it will be like meeting a close family member who you have not seen in decades.
6. The Fruits of the Spirit. Patience, Love, Understanding, Joy, Peace, Humbleness, Meekness, Caring , Wisdom. You are a Giver rather than a Receiver...................
7. A greater Understanding of how God works and how he communicates. He doesn't work and think like us, his ways are different. We are of the flesh, he is of the Spirit. When you are indwelt by the Holy Spirit you will bridge that divide. You will experience bizarre forms of communication but you will always know where it is from as it will always check out with Scripture.
8. Circumcised heart. You feel the pain and suffering of others. You will find it hard to walk past someone living on the streets without at least acknowledging them. You will cry or even weep more than you did before and sometimes over the most extraordinary things. A circumcised heart is mentioned in the Old and New Testament
9. Feeling of deep peace. An inner peace you have never felt before that will make itself known in your outer appearance accompanied by a sound mind.
10. The craving for worldly material things becomes minimal or non existent. There will be not the slightest interest in the latest Samsung S7 or the Iphone equivalent. You learn to not buy the latest technological gizmo and buy something that´s not so cutting edge, but was a year or so ago and "does the job". That will be your mentality with everything. You will be concerned with "storing treasure in heaven" and the world is concerned with "storing treasure here on earth". That is a big indicator that you are indeed indwelt with the Holy Spirit.
11. You sin considerably less. You will still sin, but you feel so bad afterwards that any sin you do, you immediately repent. Always. The spirit will control the flesh rather than the other way round.
12. You will have a presence, something that people can't put their finger on but they will be aware of. Not something you will notice... but others will.
13. The problems of the world will seem more acute. You will look at people in a different way and the world and it´s problems will seem more prominent than you noticed before and this could have powerful ramifications in your life maybe bringing about a career change or setting up a charity.
14. You will argue much less. Not trying to win an argument or have the last word..........those are things of the world you learn to rise above.
15. Righteousness will be strong and the urge to shine your light into the darkness and expose it will be strong also. The urge to seek the truth will also be strong.
16. A sense of freedom but also a sense of separation from the world and an understanding that you live in the world but cannot be part of it. Your goals are spiritual and striving towards holiness, most other people are caught up in the "rat race" and concerned with striving toward worldly goals. The two are at odds with each other and it will become painfully apparent the further you go down that narrow way spiritual journey.
17. Strange things will happen, you will see strange things, signs and wonders and come across what can only be described as "not your normal everyday people".
18. Persecution. People will try to drag you down or worse for your obvious obedience to God but you will continue to follow the Lord even if you suffer affliction or persecution for doing so, even death. The Holy Spirit will give you an utterly unshakable faith to endure such scenarios.
19. Fellowship. You will seek the fellowship of other people that are like yourself, because you realise the things you do and say and the things you see will make most people feel uncomfortable, therefore fellowship with Christians who are like yourself is desirable and essential.
20. The inability to blaspheme. You will be aware that you no longer swear or blaspheme especially against the Holy Spirit. If you are indwelt with the Holy Spirit you cannot blaspheme, it cannot be done.
21. Avoidance of mind altering substances: You will probably either reduce alcohol intake or avoid it all together, drugs and narcotics will be avoided also and if you were a smoker you may again cut down or maybe think about quitting.
22. Awareness that your body is a temple: If you were a junk food eater, you will again cut down or avoid such food or even lose the taste for it. You will be distinctly aware that to approach holiness your body and mind must be as pure as possible.
23. Evangelism: You will be driven to spread and share the Word in any shape or form. Those who are vaguely interested will have questions and will seek you out and be drawn to you, looking for life answers without even knowing that you are a Christian. Basically you will walk as Jesus walked, another proof that you are indwelt by The Holy Spirit!
24. Prayer and Worship. Worship: You will have an overpowering urge to worship and praise The Lord on at least a daily basis, even multiple times during the day. Prayer life: You see the Lord both inspiring you to pray for certain things or people and answering your prayers. You will have a personal relationship with the Lord, one that cannot be replaced by any man made service saying pre-scripted words.
25. Fear of the Lord: You may be a Servant of God but you are also aware of an overpowering fear of him if you do not follow his statutes, commandments and laws that are there for good reason, but you are also aware he always gives warning when you are straying from "the narrow way"
Bible Quotes: (KJV)
1 John:3:24
And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
1 John:4:2-3
2: Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
3: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
1 John:4:6
We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
Ecclesiastes 7:9
Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.
John 10:27
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
1 John:4:13
Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
1 John:5:6
This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.
1 John:5:8
And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
2 Timothy:1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
John 10:28
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
John 3:15
That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
Romans 10:13
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Galatians 5:22-25
22. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23. Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
John 14:26
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
Titus 3:5
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
1 Corinthians 12:7-11
7. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
8. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
9. To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
10. To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
11. But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
Ephesians 6:17
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Ephesians 2:8-9
8. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9. Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Deuteronomy 30:6
6. And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.
Colossians 3:1-2
1. If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Matthew 6:19-21
19. Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
John 16:12-14
12. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
13. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
14. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
2 Timothy 2:21
If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
Proverbs 1:7
7. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Psalm 145:19
He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.
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