A brief Scripture study on love is presented, focusing upon sacred knowledge, law, and the sacrifice of Jesus.
SOME THOUGHTS ON
9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;
10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.
11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1: 9-11, KJV)
Proverbs 9: 9-10 (KJV) 9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. 10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
1st Corinthians 8: 2-3 (KJV) 2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. 3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
Micah 6: 7-9 (KJV) 7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? 8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? 9 The LORD’s voice crieth unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see thy name: hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it.
Deuteronomy 6: 5 (KJV) 5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
Deuteronomy 7: 9 (KJV) 9 Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;
Joshua 22: 5 (KJV) 5 But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the LORD charged you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.
John 3: 16-17 (KJV) 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. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Romans 5: 8 (KJV) 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Luke 6: 31-38 (KJV) 31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. 32 For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. 33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. 34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. 35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. 36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. 37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: 38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
1st John 4: 7-13 (KJV) 7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. 13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
1st John 2: 4-6 (KJV) 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
Philippians 2: 5-11 (KJV) 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
1st John 3: 1-3 (KJV) 3 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
Matthew 22: 35-40 (KJV) 35 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, 36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Romans 5: 1-5 (KJV) 5 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Philippians 4: 8 (KJV) 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Romans 8: 38-39 (KJV) 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Where the holy writings speak of light, the revelation of GOD to created beings and living creatures should come into view along with the things spoken of as the gospel, the vision of the holy city, and the promises of eternal life. Through the ongoing operations of the Holy Spirit, all death, foolishness, sin, and works of darkness are being dispelled by light.
SOME THOUGHTS ON
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. (John 3: 18-21, KJV)
Job 24: 12-17 (KJV) 12 Men groan from out of the city, and the soul of the wounded crieth out: yet God layeth not folly to them. 13 They are of those that rebel against the light; they know not the ways thereof, nor abide in the paths thereof. 14 The murderer rising with the light killeth the poor and needy, and in the night is as a thief. 15 The eye also of the adulterer waiteth for the twilight, saying, No eye shall see me: and disguiseth his face. 16 In the dark they dig through houses, which they had marked for themselves in the daytime: they know not the light. 17 For the morning is to them even as the shadow of death: if one know them, they are in the terrors of the shadow of death.
Amos 5: 7-9 (KJV) 7 Ye who turn judgment to wormwood, and leave off righteousness in the earth, 8 Seek him that maketh the seven stars and Orion, and turneth the shadow of death into the morning, and maketh the day dark with night: that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth: The LORD is his name: 9 That strengtheneth the spoiled against the strong, so that the spoiled shall come against the fortress.
James 1: 17 (KJV) 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
Isaiah 60: 1-3 (KJV) 1 Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. 2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. 3 And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
Romans 13: 12-14 (KJV) 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. 13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
John 1: 1-10 (KJV) 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
Ephesians 5: 14 (KJV) 14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
John 12: 34-36 (KJV) 34 The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man? 35 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. 36 While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.
2nd Corinthians 4: 6 (KJV) 6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
John 12: 44-46 (KJV) 44 Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. 45 And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. 46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
1st John 1: 6-8 (KJV) 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 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.
2nd Timothy 1: 7-10 (KJV) 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
2nd Peter 1: 16-21 (KJV) 16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. 19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
1st Corinthians 4: 5 (KJV) 5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
Revelation 22: 1-7 (KJV) 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. 2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: 4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. 5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. 6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done. 7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
A brief Scripture study is offered today focused to clarify the work of the imparted Spirit from GOD to dispel “foolishness”.
SOME THOUGHTS ON
12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1st Corinthians 2: 12-14, KJV)
Deuteronomy 32: 1-7 (KJV) 1 Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth. 2 My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass: 3 Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God. 4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. 5 They have corrupted themselves, their spot is not the spot of his children: they are a perverse and crooked generation. 6 Do ye thus requite the LORD, O foolish people and unwise? is not he thy father that hath bought thee? hath he not made thee, and established thee? 7 Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.
Proverbs 22: 15 (KJV) 15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
Psalm 14: 1-6 (KJV) 1 The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. 2 The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. 3 They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one. 4 Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread, and call not upon the LORD. 5 There were they in great fear: for God is in the generation of the righteous. 6 Ye have shamed the counsel of the poor, because the LORD is his refuge.
Proverbs 9: 6 (KJV) 6 Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.
1st Corinthians 1: 18-25 (KJV) 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
Proverbs 15: 1-3 (KJV) 15 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. 3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
Psalms 69: 5 (KJV) 5 O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my sins are not hid from thee.
Psalms 73: 3 (KJV) 3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
Psalms 73: 22 (KJV) 22 So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.
Proverbs 24: 8-9 (KJV) 8 He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person. 9 The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.
Proverbs 15: 13-15 (KJV) 13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. 14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. 15 All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.
Proverbs 19: 1-3 (KJV) 1 Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. 2 Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth. 3 The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.
Psalms 5: 4-5 (KJV) 4 For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee. 5 The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.
Proverbs 27: 22 (KJV) 22 Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.
Psalm 74: 22 (KJV) 22 Arise, O God, plead thine own cause: remember how the foolish man reproacheth thee daily.
Mark 7: 21-23 (KJV) 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: 23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Healing, divine intent, prayer and fellowship with GOD are topics, today. Also, there is more on racism that appears through church attendance. A “Yahoo! Answers” fighter using ID “A B” (Level 5 with 9,106 points, a member since May 03, 2012) posted the following:
Religion and spirituality, why would God need prayers to decide to heal or do good?
If I see a child dying of ebola and it lies in my power to instantly cure it, I will unhesitatingly do it, without need to be prompted by someone else. But why does God need to be asked to do good and end suffering? Why prayer?
THE BATTLE AXE: One Faith, One Lord? (09/26/2014)—(5.) Most Christian believers abandon racist thinking when they see it cancels, interferes with, and directly opposes multiple doctrines and teachings from GOD. For example, Christians are to embrace accountability, duty, and shared responsibility as custodians and spokespersons for Christ through the same imparted Spirit of power and wisdom from the time of Adam that was deposited in believers of the early church at Pentecost. Inseparable aspects of divinity identify all those belonging to the kingdom of GOD. Included are faith, forbearance, forgiveness, holiness, humility, innocence, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wrath against sin, and zeal. Often racist behavior within the church is no less than defiance, envy, fear of exposure of ones weaknesses, lack of respect that results from issues of self-esteem, rebellion, rejection of divine law, and denial that divine authority may be exercised through or invested within others.
(6.) Through Jesus Christ many accept an identity and inheritance as spiritual Jews. It is a common error that Catholicism and Judaism are only for whites, just as many believe that Islam is only for people of color, and for blacks. Because of bias, ignorance and prejudice many are unaware of African bishops, nuns, cardinals and congregations among Catholics as well as Spain and Portugal-based (Hispanic or Sephardic) Jews, Chinese, and Ethiopian Jews. There also are records of the Marranos and black Moorish Jews (Maghrib, Sudan and Iberian Pennisula). The Black Hebrew Israelites and similar organizations promoting Black Judaism have existed mainly in the United States among African Americans as early as 1886. Since 1969, Black Hebrews have migrated to Israel, however, they did not attain legal status until 1990. To many of us, this is curious and a sign of racism, for historically, Gentile converts and proselytes have appeared among the Jews from the time that Moses as a prophet to the Hebrews left Egypt followed by a “mixed multitude” who also entered into covenant with the GOD of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. In many cases, the “high visibility” absence of ethnic and racial diversity within neighborhood churches and assemblies have been the result of separation and survival mechanisms required for those experiencing migration from the rural South to cities, and immigration to America from Europe. Often, the effect of culture shock, disappointments and limitations for housing, income, and job opportunities have amplified distrust, fear, and the sense that cultural heritage is threatened with destruction. As concern for maintaining the original customs, practices and traditions within communities becomes heightened, there are repeated efforts to restate and preserve fundamental principles, and to refresh (we say, revive) the elements of worship. In addition to government policies of discrimination and segregation, there have been unseen patterns for inclusion within communities that have a controlling influence upon church attendance along with the social and spiritual growth of believers. Included have been continuing to support extended families, problems from using dialects and language acquisition, maintaining small businesses and property ownership as well as the peculiar challenges to youth and to the aged. Consider again Galatians 3: 27-29, Psalm 75: 5-7, Luke 13: 28-30, Colossians 3: 1-17 and Revelation 7: 9-10, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. (James 5: 13-18, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: What GOD Demands (05/10/2014); The Body of Moses (05/11/2014); “Prayer Death”? (02/21/2014); The 2nd Prayer Death (02/22/2014); Why Christians Pray for Others (01/12/2014); GOD is Jesus? (01/13/2014); Naaman the Leper (12/21/2012); Did Jesus Know? (12/22/2012); When Prayer Works (10/11/2012); Double Standard? (10/12/2012)
“A B”, here are a few points to consider that are useful to the followers of Jesus Christ:
(1.) Start with this: GOD does not know you in an intimate sense, just as you do not know GOD until a peculiar level of communication and shared experience are in effect. Without change, cleansing, growth, you are another material object among millions, who lack godly quality, or divine substance that would fit you to be an eternal companion to the Most High.
(2.) By the grace and divine prerogative demonstrated through Jesus Christ, you are being “called” and welcomed into new aspects of reality (they have been there all the time) where permanent changes are being made to your spirit content, how you function, and your ways of operating. On the basis of intercessions by Christ as well as divine intent and eternal purposes, spiritual gifts and benefits are being provided to you from GOD.
(3.) In part, GOD maintains distance and separation from created beings and living creatures in order to limit distractions and interruption of sacred operations, and to establish clear and inarguable authority. Also, the infirmity of the living requires distance from the awesome presence of GOD. In the same way divine law is provided to identify sin, and reveal the righteousness of GOD, law (we may say, rules, divine order, discipline) is a form of protection that is essential to right relationship.
Of course, there is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Life experience for mankind has been established by GOD as a “mechanical process” having fixed cycles, patterns and sequences. However, disease and illness regularly appear through operations of finite human will, and as a consequence of men rejecting the divine frameworks, willfully violating the laws for health. As surely as many deny the social order, men then seek to reverse the natural order. The transformation of mankind to live as immortal and incorruptible requires multiple sacred processes. Included are birth, death, atonement, forgiveness, resurrection, sacrifice, and sanctification. While evil (calamity, catastrophe, upheaval) is a divine tool to reveal the active presence of GOD, many refuse to come to GOD for healing because they know they will have to fulfill their duty to GOD as their Creator. Healing comes by relationship, not cures, elixirs, and medicines.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Church attendance, cultural practices, and racial differences among congregations are the topics, today. A “Yahoo! Answers” fighter using the ID “Keith” (Level 7 with 25,811 points, a member since September 16, 2013) posted the following:
Christians: Why attend Black church or white church:?
Segregation on a Sunday morning?
WWJD and does it matter?
Update : The reason I asked, is based on a comment recently, by a so-called Christian, that the black churches are loud and different to the quieter churches, found it offensive personally. Since we should not criticize others based on what we do not understand or based on bias--viewed as being un-Christlike!
THE GOLDEN ARROW: There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. (Ephesians 4: 4-7, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Sin of Pride? (08/13/2014); Choosing a Church? (05/31/2014); Church is Good? (06/15/2013); Feeling Loved By GOD? (06/16/2013); A Spirit Church? (04/04/2013); My Brother’s Keeper (04/05/2013); Issues for Children’s Church? (04/06/2013); Attending Church? (11/12/2012); A Holy Kiss? (11/13/2012); Escape from Racism (10/24/2012); Christians Who Ignore GOD’s Laws (10/25/2012)
“Keith”, here are a few points important to spiritual growth and participation in communities of faith that may be useful:
(1.) Christian believers are called to become “new creatures” on the basis of their fellowship with other believers, their daily lifestyle, their intimate communication with GOD (we say, prayer life), their sacred knowledge, and their content of divinity received by baptism (i.e, death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth containing spirit substance from the makeup of GOD). For that reason, many embrace openness and racial integration as a “no brainer.” Ethnic lines and barriers are erased through communion and sharing.
(2.) Church attendance is a sacred practice (some say, sacrament) that permit’s the acknowledgment, increase, and nourishment of a believers spirit content. Church attendance is at once a duty, and a privilege. Believers are further cleansed, corrected and supplied for service to GOD.
(3.) The church founded by Jesus Christ is not intended to answer all the carnal, emotional, material, and social features of life in the earth, so much as to establish a spiritual foundation that generates inner awareness, control and discipline for the ongoing management of ones life. Although believers are born again, they must all “grow up” again, and endure the same “growing pains” that challenge everyone who lives in the earth. On the surface, experiencing faith through our families, with peers, and in our living communities seems to be only a matter of convenience, cultural arrogance, remaining within ones “comfort zone,” errors of ethnic pride, and self-promotion. However, removing the many obstacles to trust toward GOD are an essential feature for endurance, growth, shared communication, and effective service to GOD.
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Spiritual redemption, perfection, salvation, and sanctification are not a result of social exchange and interaction. Divine process must be continued by the Spirit of GOD that alters and permanently transforms the believer, who must be made immortal and incorruptible to have place as an eternal companion to divinity. Properly discerned (i.e., recognized and responded to in terms of ones own spirit content), the differences in expression among congregations pertain to their needs and provisions. A long-standing imbalance for economic, educational, political, and other opportunities has been in place between blacks and whites around the world for thousands of years. Thus, the existing damage imposed by finite beings upon one another through the operations of self-will, sin and ungodliness will likely be eliminated only through the coming of Christ to govern the earth as Messiah—the Second Coming.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
As the 2014 observance of Rosh Hashonah, the new year festival, begins at sunset among Jewish believers, there are many conflicts of opinion and understanding among men in the earth about the nature and purpose of death, divinity, and eternal life. A brief Scripture study is shared, today, further presenting the divine revelation whereby GOD “speaks for himself” to created beings and living creatures upon the earth. While GOD has proclaimed that there will be change and progression in accordance with divine intent, men are to understand there will be no undoing of his sacred word, his righteous will, or his works of judgment and salvation performed through the ministry of Jesus Christ.
SOME THOUGHTS ON
10 Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.
11 I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.
12 I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God.
13 Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it? (Isaiah 43: 10-13, KJV)
Exodus 3: 13-15 (KJV) 13 And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? 14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. 15 And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, the LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.
Exodus 34: 6-7 (KJV) 6 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, 7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.
Isaiah 44: 6-11 (KJV) 6 Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. 7 And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them. 8 Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any. 9 They that make a graven image are all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they are their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed. 10 Who hath formed a god, or molten a graven image that is profitable for nothing? 11 Behold, all his fellows shall be ashamed: and the workmen, they are of men: let them all be gathered together, let them stand up; yet they shall fear, and they shall be ashamed together.
Isaiah 44: 24-27 (KJV) 24 Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the Lord that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself; 25 That frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish; 26 That confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers; that saith to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be inhabited; and to the cities of Judah, Ye shall be built, and I will raise up the decayed places thereof: 27 That saith to the deep, Be dry, and I will dry up thy rivers:
Leviticus 26: 14-20 (KJV) 14 But if ye will not hearken unto me, and will not do all these commandments; 15 And if ye shall despise my statutes, or if your soul abhor my judgments, so that ye will not do all my commandments, but that ye break my covenant: 16 I also will do this unto you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption, and the burning ague, that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart: and ye shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it. 17 And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be slain before your enemies: they that hate you shall reign over you; and ye shall flee when none pursueth you. 18 And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins. 19 And I will break the pride of your power; and I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass: 20 And your strength shall be spent in vain: for your land shall not yield her increase, neither shall the trees of the land yield their fruits. 21 And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me; I will bring seven times more plagues upon you according to your sins.
Isaiah 45: 5-10 (KJV) 5 I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: 6 That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else. 7 I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things. 8 Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it. 9 Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands? 10 Woe unto him that saith unto his father, What begettest thou? or to the woman, What hast thou brought forth?
Jeremiah 9: 6-8 (KJV) 6 Thine habitation is in the midst of deceit; through deceit they refuse to know me, saith the LORD. 7 Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, I will melt them, and try them; for how shall I do for the daughter of my people? 8 Their tongue is as an arrow shot out; it speaketh deceit: one speaketh peaceably to his neighbour with his mouth, but in heart he layeth his wait.
Isaiah 30: 15 (KJV) 15 For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.
Jeremiah 9: 23-24 (KJV) 23 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: 24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.
Isaiah 43: 1 (KJV) 1 But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
Isaiah 49: 24-26 (KJV) 24 Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? 25 But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children. 26 And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.
Isaiah 43: 15-19 (KJV) 15 I am the LORD, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King. 16 Thus saith the LORD, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters; 17 Which bringeth forth the chariot and horse, the army and the power; they shall lie down together, they shall not rise: they are extinct, they are quenched as tow. 18 Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 65: 12-17 (KJV) 12 Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose that wherein I delighted not. 13 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed: 14 Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit. 15 And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen: for the Lord GOD shall slay thee, and call his servants by another name: 16 That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes. 17 For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.
Jeremiah 31: 31-35 (KJV) 31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: 32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: 33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. 35 Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is his name:
There is far more to be said, properly shared, and spiritually understood. The GOD whose purpose is to put forth and maintain life must be known through Creation, covenant, judgment, praise, proclamation, promise, redemption, salvation, and sanctification. Those who worship the false gods and idols of hate, lies, self-destruction, and violence, neither hear nor know the true and living GOD. Readers are asked to add an appropriate verse or passage from the Bible in the comments area (see below). Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith. Grow in grace.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Today, the separation among spiritual beliefs, holiday celebrations, practices and customs for children, and racism are in view. A “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Goku” (Level 4 with 3,583 points, a member since June 23, 2014) posted the following:
Christians you believe in god and satan?
Then why not Santa and Easter bunny they are also related to your festivals isn't this racism
THE GOLDEN ARROW: As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. (Colossians 2: 6-12, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why the Gospel for Our Children (05/13/2014); Changing Times and Laws? (05/14/2014); Are Holidays Bad? (11/16/2013); Denying GOD by Eating Shrimp? (11/17/2013); Escape from Racism (10/24/2012); Christians Who Ignore GOD’s Laws (10/25/2012); Holiday Displays? (12/07/2012); An Attack Upon Creation? (12/08/2012); And This Was Good News (12/01/2012)
“Goku”, here are a few points on Christian belief that have released many from error, ignorance and spiritual confusion:
(1.) The emotional, intellectual, psychological and spiritual makeup of mankind allows for multiple levels of communication, exchange, interaction, and understanding. The idea that opposing elements and features may exist within a single, closed system has been described using many ideas you may be familiar with (e.g., cartoons, chi, dragon ball, yin and yang).
(2.) For Christians, receiving sacred knowledge is an ongoing process of examination and judgment, learning and growth. Ideas and information are compared and contrasted against fixed standards to determine their agreement and fit with the things of ones own spirit content. Believers are to “prove” (test) all things, and hold fast to what is good.
(3.) Those outside of Christ mistakenly think that divine judgment is all about criticism, damnation, hell and sin. However, to judge is to assign value, resolve conflicts, and settle disputes by applying the law. Cultural traditions, customs, and the things useful to develop and encourage minor children are not intended to counterfeit or replace the revealed things from GOD. When correctly used for amusement, entertainment, and recreation, such things do not automatically damage, destroy, or impose the confusion and imbalance of racism. Only when maliciously, repeatedly and systematically misapplied do they take on destroying value.
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) As those born again, Christians must “grow up” and mature again. Continuing to have contact with a secular world, believers are to endure the same challenges and “growing pains” as all others upon the earth. However, believers are endowed with spirit content from the makeup of GOD that provides a broad and enriched perspective.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
More points are shared on delusion and genuine revelation as tools of divinity.
THE BATTLE AXE: About Deluding Yourself? (09/22/2014)—(4.) Commitment, conviction, faith and trust toward GOD are responses to hearing the Gospel, because the word of GOD that a hearer receives is divine substance from the full makeup of divinity. Seeds for the various inseparable aspects of sacred being are added to the existing spirit makeup of the hearer. Included are forbearance, forgiveness, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, meekness, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. While many forms of delusion are generated by exaggeration and unhealthy focus upon oneself (e.g., depression, despair, self-criticism, self-justification, self-promotion), there is no revelation from GOD to created beings and living creations that is produced by human self-awareness and self-will. The divine process of revelation is intended as a benefit to all the living throughout the universe of GOD, and does not confuse, damage, distort, or pervert the existence of sentient beings.
(5.) There is a prophecy in the Scriptures where GOD declares that delusion, fear and lies will be a divine tool used in judgment against idolatry, false worship, presumption, and pride (Isaiah 66: 4, KJV). In addition, there are statements revealing divine intent, the mystery of iniquity, and events just before the coming of Jesus. Assurances are given to the church, the Antichrist is described, and the wicked are sealed in eternal condemnation through delusion and believing lies (see 2nd Thessalonians 2: 1-15). In other passages, delusion is described as blindness and madness, yet, is shown to be a tool for divine admonition, correction, destruction, punishment, and warning that serves to further the fulfillment of divine operations. Consider also Deuteronomy 28: 28-29, Deuteronomy 29: 29, 2nd Kings 6: 18, Ecclesiastes 9: 3, Zechariah 12: 2-6, Luke 6: 1-11, John 9: 1-5 and 39-41, Romans 11: 24-26, Ephesians 4: 14-25 and 2nd Peter 2: 9-19, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, (Romans 1: 16-22, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Focus of Believers? (06/17/2014); Discernment (06/18/2014); Certainty by Faith or by Tradition? (06/19/2014); Night Cometh (06/11/2013); Personality? (04/27/2014); Anointed? (04/28/2014)
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (6.) Christian believers understand that delusions may appear as fantasies regarding wealth and power. It is often missed and overlooked that delusions also appear as claims of innocence and purity; avarice and covetousness; desire for grandeur; fantasies of closeness and intimacy within relationships marked by separation; presumption and unrealistic notions of personal power.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Today, delusion, divine revelation, and human mental and spiritual health come into view. Also, there is more on knowing the name of GOD. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using “Murderous Puppy” as an ID (Level 1 with 196 points, a member since March 02, 2013) posted the following:
If I have to delude myself into believing God exists before he will reveal himself to me...?
then how do I know his revelation isn't just a delusion?
THE BATTLE AXE: About Knowing the Name of GOD (09/21/2014)—(4.) The living do not need to know the hidden and secret names of GOD; and the dead “praise not GOD.” The living are to grasp divine operations, sacred process, and eternal purpose, for GOD is to be known as active presence. While many names and titles have been used to speak of GOD during the various stages of development for covenant and salvation upon the earth, the name to be used by those having the closest, most intimate relationship with GOD (we say, the exclusive, personal, singular name of GOD) is exalted, set apart (sanctified), and not for ordinary use. Certainly, this does not mean that the personal name of GOD does not exist. How divinity is known and spoken of (we say, the name of GOD) changes in accordance with necessary tasks performed by GOD through different appearances of divinity on behalf of created beings and living creatures. It is an aspect of the sacred process and substance of existence that mankind calls to GOD, and seeks the highest levels of spiritual knowledge and truth. Yet, just as Creation has been accomplished without GOD being given criticism, direction, and instruction from the created, redemption, salvation and eternal life are not through the input of those having presence as the quick and the dead. In place of the personal name of GOD, there are now many devices used to indicate where the divine name would appear within ones prayers, public teaching, or written presentations. Included are Adonai, G-d, GOD Almighty (El Shaddai), Elohim, Hashem, Jehovah, Lord, and YHWH.
(5.) While men repeatedly seek to compare and rank the names of GOD, such efforts are in line with the pursuits of idolatry and vainglory. To argue that “I AM” is more correct or has greater power than “the Lord of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims,” “Jealous”, “the Lord that formed me from the womb,” “the fear of Isaac,” “the mighty God of Jacob,” “the strength of Isaac,” or “The Holy One of Israel” is foolishness. Imparting and possessing the same aspects of divine operation, presence, purpose and value, the collection of divine names are to be understood as diverse utterances that establish a single, unchanging, unified word. See Genesis 4: 25-26, Genesis 31: 42, Judges 17: 5-6, 1st Samuel 3: 1-10, Job 37: 5-24, Exodus 6: 2-4 and Hebrews 1: 1-4, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: (2nd Timothy 1: 7-10, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Bible is All About GOD? (07/27/2014); No Mystery in Lawful Judgment (07/28/2014); Divine Law for Mankind? (07/29/2014); On Weakness? (07/03/2014); The Fear of GOD (10/30/2012); Saved in Childbearing? (10/31/2012); The Spirit is Willing (10/20/2012); Spirit Matter (10/21/2012)
“Murderous Puppy”, here are a few points that have lent much emotional, psychological, and spiritual strength to Christian believers:
(1.) GOD is an eternal spirit whose purposes and values center in the establishment of life, not upon abusing, antagonizing, dominating and oppressing finite created beings and living creatures. Misery, sin and wretchedness are not by divine creation; they are the result of exchanges and interactions among the living. Using things that are material and visible, GOD reveals or makes divinity known and understandable. Included are intense emotional, intellectual and visceral experiences that communicate spirit content (e.g., faith, forbearance, forgiveness, holiness, joy, love, wisdom, wrath against sin).
(2.) Mankind may operate within multiple spheres of life process for body, mind and spirit. Data and information bombard ones awareness from external and internal, seen and unseen sources, the flesh and the mind. Included are appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, sexual cravings), sensation (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching), and emotion/mental functions (e.g., anger, desire, fantasy, fear, recall). Only when anchored and “grounded” by the core substances that establish being can the living escape the various delusions generated by covetousness, ignorance, lust, pride, unhealthy relationships, and sin.
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (3.) Many adults can not read or write. It is not that they did not learn to recite the ABCs. They did not learn to carry out the more complex tasks of creating combinations and permutations (i.e., arranging and re-arranging as set patterns) the same letters to make the full range of words. Similarly, it is not that GOD did not impart a necessary foundation of spirit matter to mankind at Creation; or that GOD is inactive and silent. Men must develop and practice discernment (use their own spirit content to recognize and respond to spirit matter that resides within events, objects, other persons, divine purposes, etc.). The extremes of mental illness are more the consequence of carnal, cultural, political and social elements (the focus of ones mind) than the result from things given in the revelation from GOD (the focus of ones spirit).) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
The importance of using correct names and titles for GOD are in view, today, along with more on GOD and the human framework of time. The “Yahoo! Answers” fighter using the ID “romans” (Level 6 with 23,029 points, a member since November 11, 2009) posted the following:
What is the significances about knowing God's name?
THE BATTLE AXE: GOD and The Framework of Time (09/20/2014)—(5.) Time pertains to the accurate and complete revelation of eternal divinity to mankind as the movement to acquire sacred knowledge, and to move through all the phases and stages of spiritual perfection. Time is not so much an expression of divinity and hallowed substance as it is a structure that allows expression by created beings and living creatures. Time appears through processes of comparison and contrast that are generated as recognition of conditions, and measurable dimensions for continued existence that include darkness and light, the power of the air appearing as climate and weather as well as fixed patterns (we say, cycles) of movement by celestial objects (i.e., the sun, moon, and stars). Because many define time as beginning at birth and ending with death, time is mistakenly spoken of as an artifact (by product, outcome, or result) of mortality. Time is not a creation of human intellect, logic, mathematics, reason, and science. Christian believers are given a new, more godly understanding of time through such doctrines as the resurrection for divine judgment; the transformation of believers in Christ to become immortal and incorruptible; the second death that eliminates sinners and wickedness in the Lake of Fire; and through the teachings of a future eternal life that begins before ones physical death through baptism (death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth having a fresh endowment from the makeup of GOD). The Adversary (Satan) and those distracted through the power of the air embrace a false notion of eternal life. In their understanding, being and consciousness are generated and maintained through self will; and may exist without the frameworks of time, space, and purpose that are generated by divinity. As in the Garden of Eden, the serpent still does not acknowledge the place of GOD as sovereign over all existence and Creation, and continues to counsel mankind using various philosophies and belief systems, that man may be as GOD without being in submission to the dispensations and operations controlled by divinity. Consider again the Scriptures: Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8, 2nd Timothy 3: 1-9, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right. (Proverbs 20: 11, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Point of Knowledge? (07/06/2014); The Name(?) of GOD (04/09/2014); The “Miniature War”? (04/10/2014); A Personal Relationship? (04/03/2014); GOD Everywhere? (04/04/2014); Sprinkled, Immersed, Named? (02/01/2014); Alpha and Omega (12/29/2013)
“romans”, here are a few points important to Christian belief that those who want to understand will find helpful:
(1.) Titles and names for GOD are important as aspects of communication, fellowship with believers, and prayer. What you will say, and how you will be responded to will turn upon your use of the divine name. The name is also part of the sacred knowledge and full revelation of divinity that created beings and living creatures must have to experience the active presence of GOD in continuing relationship. Were a man to marry a woman, never speak her name, require she clean, cook, share her body, the closeness and intimacy of their marriage would be affected. Without communication, gentleness, kindness, respect, and tenderness their union would be threatened and weakened.
(2.) Salvation through Jesus Christ is not merely a mechanical process whereby GOD in heaven further claims, owns, and possesses all created beings and living creatures as abstract objects, and material things. Because of the endowment at Creation, mankind is capable of displaying an animal, a human, or a divine nature. At some point, any one, or combination of these possible expressions may appear. The operations of sin that influence awareness and self-will in the living, also corrupt (we say, decay, rot) the spirit content needed to exist as companions to an eternal GOD.
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (3.) GOD is a spirit who is an active presence invisible to human eyes, that must be known by operating upon various features within the human environment. Included are the attitudes and behavior of individuals, exchanges and interactions within groups, and such forces of nature as darkness, light, water, and wind. GOD has established that knowing divinity in a personal way begins with awareness of the things GOD has done. GOD is to be known and spoken of on the basis of divine actions (e.g., Law Giver, Redeemer, Savior), exalted position and sacred content (e.g., holiness, Holy One, exclusiveness, Jealous, sovereignty, Most High), and sacred deeds (e.g., Deliverer, Healer, Judge).) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
The nature of divinity, Sabbath, and time are topics, today. Also, there is more on why believers say, the Bible makes sense. The “Yahoo! Answers” fighter using the ID “Sherry” (Level 1 with 1 point, a member since July 19, 2007) posted the following:
Questions to those who say God is "outside of time" or in the "eternal now"?
There are some who use Psalm 90:4 and II Peter 3:8 to "show" that God is outside of time. I see problems with this view/interpretation:
1. If this were true, God would not have known when someone violated the Sabbath
2. He would not know if the Jews showed up at Jerusalem at the three appointed Feasts each year
3. He would not know if the Jews cultivated the land six years and let it rest the seventh year
4. He would not know if some one delayed obedience or not. Some say "delayed obedience is disobedience" but this would be impossible
5. There would be no difference in age between a 1914 Model-T and a 2014 Soul Kia
6. How would He know whether or not a sacrifice being offered in the Old Testament was the correct age?
All of these example and more show that God is aware of human time.
THE BATTLE AXE: Why The Bible Makes Sense (09/19/2014)—(5.) The Bible has been crafted and shaped by GOD to meet specific spiritual needs of mankind. While the content and substance of the Bible is often spoken of as doctrine, precepts, principles and values, the holy writings are ordered and structured as though an historical narrative presenting events that are chronological and linear in sequence. Multiple episodes and examples are provided that impart spirit content, encourages vicarious learning, and permits application of human developmental tools such as anticipation, discovery, trial and error, exploration, insight, and intuition. Thus, for example, the appearance of Moses, Aaron, and their sister Miriam as sacred servants to GOD is read with the knowledge of their origins in the “friendship” of Abraham and GOD, the history of conflict between Abraham’s offspring (Ishmael and Isaac; Jacob and Esau) as well as the prophesies and visions granted to Jacob and Joseph. At the very onset of ones introduction to the things that document the operations of GOD among created beings and living creatures, all believers are taught the correct focus, proper application, and purpose of the Scriptures. It is through such experience and having such light that healthy minded readers accomplish clear appreciation of the divine record intended for mankind.
(6.) The GOD described by the Bible is in agreement with ones fundamental awareness that they now exist within an environment that was created and developed apart from their own appetite, consciousness, and self will. Along with human intelligence, logic and reason, even common sense requires that GOD be described as “almighty” (we say, all powerful, omnipotent), boundless, faithful, immortal, incorruptible, invisible, pure, righteous, separate, sovereign, trustworthy, unchanging, and wise. No full or accurate declaration of GOD can omit such distinct aspects of divinity as forgiveness, glory, holiness, joy, longsuffering (often confused with patience), majesty, and wrath against sin. GOD may not be correctly conceived of as one who does not love, or as one who governs through hatred, oppression, and violence. Having ability and authority to direct and orchestrate events and occurrences within all the spheres of existence, including the material and physical realm (we say, the forces of nature, the natural world), GOD also has control over conception, fertility, birth, aging, death, decay, growth, maturation, and resurrection. On the one hand, GOD must be understood as assigning value to all that exists through orderly processes (we say, grace, divine judgment, divine prerogative). On the other hand, the eternal value of created beings and living creatures is only determined by the divine content (we say, the image of GOD) displayed by the living. GOD is the only source for the full revelation of deity and GODhead, the divine order that joins and relates the many discreet aspects of the universe, the godliness and integrity of Creation, specific spiritual truths, and the imparted Spirit that must indwell the living. GOD must be described within human awareness as one who is awesome (greater than death, flesh, life, time, all things in expectation as well as the unknown). GOD is complete, comprehensive, cannot be manipulated, and is to be acknowledged, honored and respected by all having potential to know or to be known—even fetuses and unborn offspring, babies, infants, and persons hospitalized in coma.
(7.) Ultimately, the Bible makes sense because GOD transforms human consciousness by providing believers with fresh endowments of spirit content from the makeup of divinity. In the same way persons who immerse themselves in reading or some task may not be aware how much time has passed, yet, when asked whether it is day or night (without looking out of their windows, that is, not by sight) might correctly answer on the basis of their understanding of time as a cycle and process of recurring change, believers correctly answer questions about the meaning of Bible messages, verses and passages (without looking to human history and ongoing social events, that is not by human and secular truth) on the basis of their understanding of fixed elements (e.g., divine covenants, sacred operations, promises, prophecies, eternal purposes) and recurring changes within the full presentation of the holy writings. See 1 Corinthians 1: 17-29, 1st Timothy 3: 16 and 6: 3-12, 2nd Timothy 2: 7-16 and 3: 16-17, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him. That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past. And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there. I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work. (Ecclesiastes 3: 14-17, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Salvation Before Christ? (06/24/2014); All Sins Are Equal? (06/25/2014); Changing Times and Laws? (05/14/2014); Should Men Take Their Hats Off? (05/15/2014); To Keep It Holy (02/23/2014); “Godly” Sins? (02/24/2014); Must We Really Die? (05/13/2013); Can GOD Die? (05/14/2013); Time Before the Sun? (04/14/2013); The Obedience of Jesus? (04/15/2013)
“Sherry”, here are a few points that have been helpful among those choosing to exalt GOD in their understanding:
(1.) GOD is an eternal spirit who has put forth the initial form, nature and process for all that exists. Included are carnal, material and immaterial objects (e.g., clouds, darkness, planets, sunlight, trees); the body, characteristics and form for all created beings and living creatures (e.g., animals, angels, insects, men, sacred beasts); the conditions for their duration; the spheres wherein finite creatures may operate (e.g., earth, heaven, the universe); and the awareness and self-will that establish the image (we say, likeness, manifestation) of GOD.
(2.) The frameworks of time and space that structure human consciousness further allow divine order, direct the living to acknowledge the Creator, and permit behavior in harmony with the fullness of life throughout the universe. Mind in the living embraces huge amounts, and multiple levels of data and information. In addition to appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, sexual cravings), sense (hearing, seeing, tasting, touching), and emotions/mental functions (e.g., anger, desire, fear, imagination, recall), the mind also must make response to the revelation of divinity.
(3.) Secular knowledge and “human events” can not completely and correctly establish right knowing of GOD. Therefore, divinity operates through Incarnation, sacred events (we say, miracles), and an imparted Spirit whereby the active presence of GOD is made known or visible.
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Sabbath is not a period of time (e.g., day, hour, month) established by the movement of the moon, stars and sun. The Sabbath is bound to the awareness, identity, and person of GOD, who is immortal, immutable and unchanging. Thus, Sabbath is an aspect of continuing relationship with divinity that itself does not age or alter. As with all the divine covenants and acknowledgments of GOD, human observances and practices regarding the Sabbath have shifted from age to age, culture to culture, and people to people. This is in keeping with divine operations for continuity through inheritance, diversity, rebirth, and new growth.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
