Today, some points are shared on divine order within the household of faith, and why sacred knowledge would be withheld from non-clergy. Even now, in many parts of the world, the church endures life and death persecution. Secrecy may be necessary for survival, and is not for accomplishing criminal behavior and malicious works. Members must be careful how they affiliate themselves to those outside the fellowship; and must be alert and prayerful as they exchange and interact with others. The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Catherine Tanya Geer” (Level 2 with 299 points, a member since November 14, 2014) posted the following:
Do you think Ministers and Rabbi's have the true religious secrets and CHOOSE not to reveal them?
Would it be due to fear or selfishness?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matthew 18: 15-20, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: To Drink Holy Blood? (02/16/2015); On Saying the Truth? (12/18/2014); What is Truth? (12/19/2014); Harden Not Your Hearts? (09/08/2014); Why Believers Fear (09/09/2014); A Pillar and Ground? (04/13/2014); Palm Sunday (04/14/2014); A Guide to Salvation? (04/10/2013); Faith, Language and “Mystery” (04/11/2013); Why "Mysterious" (11/11/2012); Attending Church? (11/12/2012)
“Catherine Tanya Geer”, here are a few points shared among Christian believers to maintain correct order within the church. Many are called, few are chosen. The cautions made against false prophets also applies to counterfeit believers. The sacred community prospers by holding to peculiar disciplines, practices and principles that have been tried and tested over centuries:
(1.) Matthew 7: 6, KJV: 6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
(2.) 1st John 4: 1-3, KJV: Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 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.
(3.) James 1: 16-17, KJV: 16 Do not err, my beloved brethren. 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.
(4.) Matthew 7: 13-17, KJV: 13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
(5.) 1st Timothy 5: 18-20, KJV: 18 For the scripture saith, thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. 19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. 20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
(6.) 1st Peter 4: 9-11, KJV: 9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging. 10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
As usual, there is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (7.) Because they serve as spokespersons for divinity, clergy all are held to strict accountability. Consider again: Matthew 12: 36-37, KJV: 36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith and spiritual maturity.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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