Hero-worship (i.e., idolatry), false religiosity, distraction from the work of the Gospel and misdirection are themes, today. Because just being sorry for sin does not cleanse, excuse or save us, Christian believers are participating in a sacred process of identifying themselves in Christ such that the Savior becomes accountable for their errors and sins, and the righteousness of Christ becomes manifest and present through the life of the believer. Just as Christ is credited for enduring condemnation and suffering, the Lord—not his follower or servant—is to be recognized for the circumspection, courage, discipline, dutifulness, faithfulness, generosity, obedience, reverence, tenderness, truthfulness, sacrifice and sweetness expressed by every believer. Consider again 2nd Timothy 1: 7-10, King James Version (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: The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Solitary Wiccan” (Level 3 with 1,369 points, a member since May 06, 2014) posted the following:
Why is Kim Davis seen as a hero to a lot of Christians?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2: 8-9, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: None Higher Than Christ? (09/04/2015); How To Measure Spiritual Progress? (04/19/2015); Heroes Who Are Atheists? (01/23/2015); Asked to Carry the Cross? (07/25/2014); Good Intentions? (07/26/2014); Wanting to Have Our Way (03/09/2013); Not Even Sorry? (03/10/2013); Hero or Zero? (12/04/2012); The Adversary? (12/05/2012)
“Solitary Wiccan”, throughout human history and the many religious traditions, Jesus is the only champion for mankind’s deliverance (i.e., rescue) and salvation from sin acknowledged upon the earth as provided from GOD. When a person appears having the courage to champion the Bible and its teachings, many are deceived as though GOD is active and present through that individual. Mature believers are slow to endorse celebrities, political figures, and those promoted through popular culture, because we realize that Satan can still appear as though an angel of light, and has been known to use Scriptures as well as carnal, material and social appeals to ensnare the weak. Here are a few points to consider that have helped many Christian believers maintain a balanced, mature and sober understanding of their new relationship with the Creator through Jesus Christ:
(1.) Born again believers are challenged to “grow again”, gradually acquiring sacred knowledge, continuing special practices (we say, sacraments) within a sanctified community, and meeting the routine life challenges (we say, growing pains) for those upon the earth. Because there is a shift at the core and foundation of their full character, person and spirit content, every aspect of a believer’s desires, emotions, motives, psychological makeup, standards, thoughts, and values also are permanently altered.
(2.) Through fresh deposits of the spirit matter received by Adam at Creation, the consciousness within a believer centers upon divinity more continuously, and acknowledges the exalted and unique aspects of Deity as they appear and become manifest. Included are such inseparable aspects of divinity as faith, forbearance, forgiveness, holiness, longsuffering, purity, wisdom, and wrath against sin.
(3.) Relationships among believers are established and maintained primarily upon the basis of fellowship and intimacy as co-workers in spreading the Gospel, prayer-partners, those preparing for the Advent (soon-coming) of Jesus, and those who suffer together as incarnations, spokespersons (we say, prophets) and representatives of Christ. With this in view, spouses, ones parents, their children and other family members, even holy angels have a new standing and status that is lower than that of the Savior. No one other than Jesus can or will endure for mankind and all the earth, and serve as our divine advocate before the universe.
There are many other points that should be carefully considered, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Secularization of the Scriptures is forbidden, as are the vain efforts to use sacred authority in secular offices (e.g., government clerk, Congressman, President). The divine process for salvation does not encourage boasting, self-promotion, showing-off, and vain glory. The holy writings provided to establish health, peace and strength within the body of believers is not a tool for secular conflicts. Modern clergy and evangelists often walk a thin line between the sacred and the profane. Thus, even canonization now looks suspect as a practice in the church as though saints are voting members to a hall of fame, or all-star players roster in baseball.) 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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