More points are presented today on the tongue, prophecy, slander, and sacred utterance.
THE BATTLE AXE: A Slip of the Tongue (09/17/2014)—(5.) Those who appear declaring the word from GOD are called heralds, messengers, prophets, spokespersons, and those who are sent. Those who slander others are called accusers of the brethren, agents of the devil, and those sent by the Adversary (Satan). The divine provision granted the Jewish people was one of balance through impartial, unchanging holy writings, called the law, and living agents sent from GOD in the flesh. Together these were the law and the prophets. By the time Jesus was born, multiple customs and traditions were in place that exalted the truth of law from GOD through a divine covenant, yet, promoted a broad range of human interpretations for application of the law and recorded prophecy that did not correctly reveal divine intent, ongoing sacred operations, and the eternal purposes of GOD. So to speak, the active presence of GOD was being hidden and overshadowed by human overlays upon both prophecy and sacred law. Because prophecy included criticism of, and opposition to the princes among the people (e.g., elders, priests, kings, and prophets) many of those sent were persecuted and destroyed as traitors, enemies of the covenants, and corrupters of both the existing government and religious practice. Jesus was executed upon the cross after being charged with blasphemy; and while this continued a peculiar tradition among the Jews, it rejected truths that were at the foundation of their system for belief. Included were the existence of GOD as pure spirit, the appearance of GOD using flesh (we say, incarnation), proclamations by GOD through actions without words (we say, prophetic demonstrations), and the authentication of divine word through signs (we say, sacred events, miracles, or wonders).
(6.) Many continue to spread errors and misrepresent the doctrines and teachings of Jesus on the basis of ignorance, rather than malice. Blasphemy and slander against Christ have increased as never before. Those who lack correct knowledge of sacred truth often attack and oppose the Gospel. Failing to grasp that there must be sacred law for divine order to exist throughout the universe, many think all law ended at the cross. The covenant of Moses (called, the law), was modified, and new terms of continuing relationship with divinity were introduced by Jesus. There has been no cancellation of divine law; there has been no elimination of sin identified through the device of law; there has been no end of hierarchy discounting all differences for clergy and other believers, making all equal without regard to their experience, knowledge or works; and there has been no suspension of accountability, duty, obligation, and responsibility among believers. For those born again through baptism (death of ones inborn spirit nature, rebirth having the Holy Spirit), fellowship and study are vital to avoid recurring errors; and there absolutely must be clear, direct, plain, and respectful communication among those within the body of believers.
(7.) While divine administration relies upon commandment, public demonstrations, and official proclamations, the Gospel is to be spread primarily through intimate and personal exchange. Thus, important sacred tools for revealing the active presence of GOD are seen to be confession, faith, forbearance, forgiveness, humility, joy, longsuffering, praise, prayer, and prophecy (i.e., comfort, edification, exhortation). Because, faith comes by hearing, face-to-face encounter, sharing in the home, working together in practical tasks, and fellowship within a community of faith are often more fruitful than solitary, scholarly study of the Holy Scriptures. Experiences of shared awareness, personal and interpersonal growth as well as commitment, stability and trust are vital to the realization of ones salvation and new life in Christ. See again Matthew 5: 16-18, 1st Corinthians 11: 24-26, 2nd Corinthians 3: 1-18, Romans 10: 1-21 and Ephesians 5: 1-21, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: 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. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1st Corinthians 2: 12-14, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Revealed As If Unto Babes? (09/04/2014); Chosen To Serve As Prophets (01/01/2014); Lawful Revenge? (01/02/2014); Should I Speak? (12/13/2013); Life Choices (12/14/2013); Why Jesus Used Parables (11/03/2013); Denying Baptism to Others (11/04/2013); Jesus and the Pharisees (07/14/2013); How Could Angels Fall? (07/15/2013)
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (8.) Christians are in service to divinity only where they speak in the name of Jesus; where they make Jesus visible as an appearance or incarnation of the Lord; where they proclaim the doctrine from the Father; where they cleanse, nourish and protect the flock of GOD; and where they are in submission on the Savior’s behalf. Anything else is cheap talk, foolishness, ones personal opinions, self-promotion, the ramblings of an hireling, and vanity (i.e., expressions that are empty, lacking Spirit from GOD, unfruitful, unproductive). Born again, believers must “grow up” again, and mature as spirit-filled persons. Believers are disciplined and trained by the Holy Spirit to regularly give and recognize sacred utterance.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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