(05/11/2013) Struggling?

Belief, forgiveness, and spiritual growth are topics, today. Also, there is more on loving ones enemy. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Jack” (Level 1 with 98 points, a member since June 24, 2012) posted the following:


Struggling with christianity helpp!?

Well a week or so I was seriously contemplating making a deal with the opposite of God (I don’t want to say his name) and I decided not to since then I have been very dedicated toi christianity and saying prayers. Do you think God will forgive me and is there any chance that I made a deal with the man in my sleep accidently if so is there anyway I can undo it. Really worried please help!


THE BATTLE AXE: Loving the Enemy (05/10/2013)—(5.) The concept of “enemy” contained within Mosaic law establishing Israel as a sovereign state is not the same as that for those who were to be utterly removed from the Promised Land, even to the slaying of women, children, and livestock. (See Deuteronomy 23: 19-20, Leviticus 25: 17-18 and 39-46, Exodus 23: 3-5, KJV). The ministry of Jesus acknowledges the promises of GOD regarding the Gentiles, and in accordance with sacred purpose, Jesus introduced broader understandings for the terms “brother,” “enemy” “family” and “neighbor.” (See Mark 3: 31-35, Luke 10: 24-34 and Ephesians 2: 11-22, King James Version.) (6.) In the same way GOD did not create sin, and sin is not a substance made from spirit, GOD created no adversary or enemy at Creation. Even so, there are those who oppose the law and rule of GOD. Such are properly called “children of disobedience,” “sinners”, “transgressors”, the unjust,” “the wicked,” and “antichrists”. The language that speaks of enemies derives from military and political thinking; and is replaced by language that speaks to spiritual judgment and salvation. See 1st John 4: 1-21 and Revelation 22: 1-21, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW: Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. (1st Peter 4: 12-19, King James Version)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Life Given By Knowledge? (04/03/2013); A Spirit Church? (04/04/2013); GOD Does Exist? (03/20/2012); The “Original” Bible (03/21/2012); Binder 34: Take My Yoke (10/31/2011); Dispatch 25: Comparing Spiritual Things (09/04/2011); Dispatch 26: The Shield (09/05/2011)


Jack, here are some points that mean a lot to many mature Christian believers:

(1.) Everyone struggles with Christianity; believers rarely go from first hearing the Gospel to standing in full conviction at the speed of thought. A person becomes engaged in multiple sacred processes including death, re-birth, redemption, repentance, salvation, judgment, and sanctification.

(2.) The human process of approaching GOD, and maintaining a relationship through Jesus Christ is rooted in carnal, emotional, material, psychological, and social challenges. Every sacred concept and divine truth repeatedly appears in ones experience, and the believer must increasingly recognize and re-affirm their spiritual belief without also “breaking faith,” embracing contradiction, or violating conscience.

(3.) Other believers only may share their knowledge of the formal doctrines and teachings, or declare their own belief and conviction. Each one who comes to Christ must practice a discipline wherein they put aside ideas from their own experience and imagination, and completely rely upon what is in their understanding as having come from Christ—his life experience, his ministry, the record of his appearance upon the earth, his belief, and his imparted, holy Spirit. (See Psalm 2: 10-12 and Philippians 2: 12, KJV.)

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) The choice IS yours. What do you choose to believe? Believe it now, act upon it now. There’s no reason to ask for forgiveness where you are absolutely certain it won’t be given. Where you truly believe you no longer have the salvation that comes from GOD, you also must truly accept, there is nothing anyone anywhere can do to change that. Go on with your life, and, like everyone else, do the best you can to keep from being miserable.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC