(12/09/2015) Growing Up Again?

Today, reply is made to a teen requesting guidance for further growth as a Christian.  Like others, followers of the Lord do not always get to have their own way.  There is no formula, “magic words,” or single catchword for developing believers; and, for many, insight and understanding only will come as they endure regular life challenges and hardships.  The life of a Christian does not center in enjoying oneself and pursuing various pleasures.  Every believer is called (we may say, recruited) to participate in the work of spreading the Gospel, and preparing a harvest for the Lord.  Consider again the following from the Bible and the recommendation that appears below:  Hebrews 5:  7-10, King James Version (KJV):  7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;  8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;  9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;  10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.  Also, 1st John 2:  15-17, KJV:  15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.  17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof:  but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.  1st John 4:  1-3, KJV:  1 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.  The young writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “XX” (Level 1 with 90 points, a member since December 08, 2015) posted the following:


How to be more Christlike ( how to be a better man)?

Hello I'm 15 and experienced a calling from the lord yesterday, I found him, I'm sure of it. I can't explain it but I was in tears, of joy. I have been raised as a Christian but up until yesterday I haven't truly found him. Im not sure I worded that properly but that's the only way I can explain in words. I want to follow the teachings of god and desire to become the best man I can. My question now is how can I become a better mam, more Christ like. I know its not that simple but what can I do in my everyday life to become a better person? I also want other advice for a young man that I should hear


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.  But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;  That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven:  for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.  For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?  And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?  Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.  (Matthew 5:  43-48, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Ongoing and Unfinished? (11/22/2015); Temptations, Tests and Trials? (05/12/2015); How To Renew The Mind (11/22/2013); Prayer not Enough? (07/12/2013); A Tree Falls To The South (07/13/2013)


“XX”, every Christian believer must undergo a process of learning and growth to become “ripe”.  Following water baptism (death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak), the disciples of Jesus gradually experience changes within their character and substance.  All are being prepared and made ready to be taken from the earth at the return of Jesus Christ (called Advent, the harvest, the Rapture, and the Second Coming).  Born again, believers must “grow up again” and become mature facing the same “growing pains” and life challenges as all others alive upon the earth.  To be mature is to be balanced, complete, focused, and stable.  More than this, believers must become perfected.  Because our efforts to accomplish self-improvement are finite, and only continue our focus upon the flesh and the world (e.g., ambition, prestige, status, success), to be made perfect believers submit to operations of the Holy Spirit that are eternal.  Believers must participate in and submit to operations that are completed by divinity.  Included are confession, communion, praise, repentance, and sanctification.  The believer should engage in such actions as fellowship with more experienced believers, continuing study of the holy writings, service to GOD, and unselfish giving.  We acquire and apply sacred knowledge in our routine activity and daily living that then serves as our own inner preferences, principles and standards.  With this in view, reading the entire Bible is a goal for many believers, and the teachings from the Book of Proverbs have been very useful.  Even so, consider the following points out of the Scriptures:

(1.)  2nd Timothy 3:  16-17, King James Version (KJV):  16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

(2.)  Galatians 6:  8-10, KJV:  8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.  9 And let us not be weary in well doing:  for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.  10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

(3.)  1st Peter 4:  12-14, KJV:  12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:  13 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.  14 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.

There are many other verses that should be carefully considered, correctly understood, and made a part of ones spiritual arsenal.  (For example, (4.)  1st Peter 5:  6-11, KJV:  6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:  7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.  8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:  9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.  10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.  11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC