Hearing
the voice of GOD, and the absence of direct communication between Deity
and mankind are topics, today. The disciples of Jesus are not taught
to “listen” for an audible voice. Rather, we are taught to discern and recognize sacred truth that expresses the character, nature, active presence,
eternal purposes, and sublime will of divinity when it appears through
such devices as warnings, events, guidance, instruction, divine law,
prayer, sacred objects, and other persons. Consider the following Bible
verses, and the presentation below:
2nd Corinthians 5: 17-21, King James Version (KJV): 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are
of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath
given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in
Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their
trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of
reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though
God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s
stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21 For he hath made him to be sin for
us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in
him.
2nd Corinthians 5: 11, KJV:
11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we
are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your
consciences.
2nd Corinthians 5: 13-15, KJV: 13 For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is
for your cause. 14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we
thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15 And that
he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto
themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
Ephesians 2: 19-21, KJV:
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but
fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are
built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ
himself being the chief corner stone; 21 In whom all the
building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God
through the Spirit.
The
fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “《☆ThE C00L B0Y★》” (Level 6
with 10,873 points, a member since May 03, 2013) posted the following:
Why won't God talk to us like he used to talk to people in the ancient times?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: These words the LORD
spake unto all your assembly in the mount out of the midst of the fire,
of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice: and he
added no more. And he wrote them in two tables of stone, and delivered
them unto me. And it came to pass, when ye heard the voice out of the
midst of the darkness, (for the mountain did burn with fire,) that ye
came near unto me, even all the heads of your tribes, and your elders; And ye said, Behold, the LORD
our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard
his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God
doth talk with man, and he liveth. Now therefore why should we die? for
this great fire will consume us: if we hear the voice of the LORD our God any more, then we shall die. For who is there of all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived? Go thou near, and hear all that the LORD our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that the LORD our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear it, and do it. And the LORD heard the voice of your words, when ye spake unto me; and the LORD
said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which
they have spoken unto thee: they have well said all that they have
spoken. O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear
me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with
them, and with their children for ever! (Deuteronomy 5: 22-29, KJV)
THE
DOUBLE DAGGER: ...Ears That Hear Not? (01/18/2016); To Study the Book
of Judges (09/09/2015); The Apocryphal Books? (08/07/2015); Malachi
(01/02/2015); Jesus and the Pharisees (07/14/2013); How Could Angels
Fall? (07/15/2014); Why A “Spokesperson”? (01/14/2013); No
Contradictions? (01/15/2013)
“《☆ThE
C00L B0Y★》”, GOD does speak to us now, and is about to speak to you
through me; however, you have to be willing to acknowledge that what is
here is for you from divinity. According to the Bible accounts, the
“silence of GOD” should be understood on the basis of the most needed
messages and sacred revelation to mankind having been completed in the
appearance of GOD upon the earth in human form using flesh and “person”
as Jesus Christ. Other aspects of divine process also explain the
present dispensation of anointing, endowments, gifts, and tools provided
to mankind. For example, a covenant agreement has been made
where divine spokespersons (e.g., apostles, evangelists, priest,
prophets) are to be used in place of direct proclamation by divinity
that was found to be awesome, overwhelming, and terrifying. Similarly
sacred events (we say, miracles) that suspend natural law and
material order often generate doubt, fear, questions, and uncertainty
instead of conviction, faith, peace of mind, and stability. Wrath
against sin is a continuing and permanent aspect of divine makeup. (So
to speak, it is a crucial part of what makes GOD eternal and sovereign.
Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Law Giver, and
the universe generated through sacred law). Wrath has been softened and
tempered through many mechanisms that include incarnation, judgment,
mercy, the withdrawal of approval, communication and sacred gifts as
well as requiring men to grow, learn, and wait. For more than 400 years
following Malachi, no prophet serving as Moses did was sent until John
the Baptist. Consider the following Bible verses that have given light
to many Christian believers:
(1.) Genesis 3: 7-9, King James Version (KJV): 7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. 8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. 9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?
(2.) Deuteronomy 18: 15-17, KJV: 15 The LORD
thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of
thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken; 16 According to
all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not. 17 And the LORD said unto me, They have well spoken that
which they have spoken. 18 I will raise them up a Prophet from among
their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and
he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. 19 And it shall
come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.
(3.)
1st Corinthians 12: 27-28, KJV: 27 Now ye are the body of Christ,
and members in particular. 28 And God hath set some in the church,
first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that
miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of
tongues.
There
is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For
example, (4.) Ephesians 4: 11-15, KJV: 11 And he gave some, apostles;
and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and
teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the
ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come
in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a
perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and
cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But
speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is
the head, even Christ:). Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Scripture
points are shared on the accomplishment of salvation through Jesus
Christ as the appearing of sacred purpose, substance, and consecrated
will within the living. What they are (disciples, joint-heirs, the
redeemed) determines the portion and reward those saved will receive. Every
believer must become permanently changed through divine procedures that
will make them mature, perfected, and ripe for harvest at the
coming of Christ. Operations of the Holy Spirit are carried out whereby
the finite character and inborn makeup of mankind is reconfigured to
produce a “new creation.” Those who will spend eternity as life
companions to Deity first will have been set apart (we say, sanctified)
through no process of the flesh, the mind, or self-will. The active presence
of imparted Spirit must guide and realign the believer to be in
continuous contact with the Creator. Believing, hopes, and
understandings that are simple in composition and form may appear during
the full unfolding of ones rebirth and renewal. Even so, there are
unseen events upon a cosmic level that completely make salvation an
authoritative assertion of divine grace. Consider again the following
truth, and the presentation below:
John 3: 6-8, King James Version (KJV):
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of
the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be
born again. 8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the
sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it
goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
Ephesians 6: 6-8, KJV:
6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ,
doing the will of God from the heart; 7 With good will doing service,
as to the Lord, and not to men: 8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing
any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
John 1: 11-14, KJV:
11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many
as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even
to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood,
nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his
glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace
and truth.
1st John 2: 16-18, KJV: 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. 18 Little children, it is the last time: and as
ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many
antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
One of the many fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:
Is there a catch to getting into Heaven, or can you really go by just believing?
I was told when I
was a bit younger than I am now that if you accept Christ, believe he
died for your sins, and ask for forgiveness, you will definitely be
going to Heaven. But now that I’m older I’ve read things that have told
it takes much more than just believing. Things like – you must try your
best to avoid sin, you must go and tell others about God, you must go to
church, you must read the Bible, or you must devote your life to
Christ. I understand that when you are saved some of these things you
will want to do, but do you have to do them to be with God? Is it really
as easy as just believing or are there things I must do?
THE
GOLDEN ARROW: And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and
some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting
of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the
body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the
knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the
stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and
cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking
the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the
head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined
together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to
the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of
the body unto the edifying of itself in love. (Ephesians 4: 11-16,
KJV)
THE
DOUBLE DAGGER: By More Than Believing (12/04/2015); Ongoing and
Unfinished? (11/22/2015); Becoming Ripe for Harvest? (07/03/2015);
Relating to GOD? (11/05/2013); Does Satan Know? (11/06/2013); Foolish
For Not Believing? (03/22/2013); Science and the Laws of Nature?
(03/23/2013)
“Anonymous”, often
the problem is not that we are not granted full pardon and salvation,
it is that we lack full understanding. The living do not become eternal
life companions to divinity through finite appetite, deeds, desire, and
operations of self-will. Christian believers are to continue in an
experience of life that becomes increasingly expressed as the substance and process
of divinity. The believer is to be an incarnation or vessel having
sacred content from the makeup of Deity. (We say, an anointing; the
imparted, indwelling Spirit; the Holy Ghost; the Spirit of Prophecy; the
Spirit of Truth.) As those who are “born again,” Christians are to act
upon, carryout, obey, and perform eternal purposes proclaimed through
divine law, official covenants, sacred promises, and divine utterance
(we also say, the word of GOD, praise and prophecy). Using the
necessary frameworks for order such as space and time, believers
gradually acquire a consciousness and sacred knowledge that are
focused, spirit-filled, stable, and unchanging. The revelation of GOD
unfolds continuously among and within the living, and develops or
progresses for an individual according to such features as their own
abilities, intent, maturity, meekness (i.e., being teachable), opportunities, and preparation. With this in view, consider again the following Bible verses:
(1.) Ephesians 2: 8-9, King James Version (KJV): 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
(2.) Hebrews 10:
35-37, KJV: 35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath
great recompence of reward. 36 For ye have need of patience, that,
after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 37
For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not
tarry.
(3.) 1st
Corinthians 13: 9-12, KJV: 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in
part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in
part shall be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I
understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I
put away childish things. 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly;
but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even
as also I am known.
There are many
other points that should be carefully considered, correctly understood,
and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Titus 3: 3-7, KJV: 3
For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived,
serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and
hating one another, 4 But after that the kindness and love of God our
Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we
have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of
regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us
abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by
his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal
life.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you
according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Topics,
today, include emotions, language, law, love and the makeup of Deity.
Mature Christian believers do not speak of “love” as merely an intricate
mix of human affection, emotion, feelings, and thoughts. While some
hold that love is a principle establishing and maintaining relationship
with Deity, love is also understood as an eternal purpose that
establishes the quality and value for actions, attitudes, and continued
existence. Readers are invited to consider the following Bible verses,
and the presentation below:
Deuteronomy 7: 9-10, King James Version (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; 10 And
repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not
be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face.
1st John 4: 15-19, KJV:
15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth
in him, and he in God. 16 And we have known and believed the love that
God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in
God, and God in him. 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may
have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in
this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out
fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not perfect in
love. 19 We love him, because he first loved us.
Mark 12: 29-31, KJV: 29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is,
Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: 30 And thou shalt love
the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all
thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
Romans 13: 8-10, KJV:
8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth
another hath fulfilled the law. 9 For this, Thou shalt not commit
adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear
false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other
commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou
shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his
neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
One
of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” who regularly uses the ID
“Anonymous” (no profile information shown) posted the following:
Is God anything more than just an emotion inside your body? Christians keep comparing God to the emotion called love…?
Which is an odd thing to do if God is more than an emotion.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even
the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent
in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but
that the world through him might be saved. 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. And
this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men
loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For
every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light,
lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to
the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in
God. (John 3: 12-21, KJV)
THE
DOUBLE DAGGER: Punishment To Show Love? (11/29/2015); Divine Jealousy?
(09/11/2015); Awe? (08/09/2015); Divine Love Seen As Hate?
(01/29/2015); Love in Knowledge and Judgment? (09/30/2014); Loving
Someone Unseen? (05/03/2014); Lot and the Angels (05/04/2014)
“Anonymous”, once a
person genuinely endorses their own awareness that GOD is a “life
essence” or spirit (we also say, breath, word) divine operations,
eternal purposes, and sacred processes must all be understood on the
basis of exchange and interaction among multiple spirit substances that
together appear (i.e., are made known, are revealed) as Deity. Included
are inseparable aspects of divinity such as faith, holiness, innocence,
purity, righteousness, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin. When
addressing things from GOD (e.g., divine Creation, judgment, repentance,
resurrection, and salvation), the believer should no longer depend
upon, or employ the system of definitions and understandings appropriate
for responses to express our shared carnal, material, and social
being. Saying this another way, You must be born again. We must
suspend using language ordinarily used to complete and describe human
experience or objects that are abstract, immaterial, and unseen (e.g.,
conscience, ego, justice, intellect, psyche, mind, soul,
will). The preeminent and sovereign Spirit must continually be
acknowledged as the center and core for focus, meaning, and value. With
this in view, divine love is not an emotion, a feeling, or a
static object. Love is an “outcome” of immutable and unchanging
processes that we may speak of as being and emanation. Divine law
then, is an appearance of GOD (we also say, device and mechanism) that
serves as a fixed, knowable and “visible” object (target) for the
expression of love by the living. Thus, “love” describes the permanent
relationship between the Creator and all created beings and living
creatures by going beyond affection to include awe (we
also say, fear of the Lord, reverence), commitment, dedication,
exclusivity, inclusion, incorruption, sacrifice, selflessness, trust,
and unity. GOD himself is existence and the origin of all that exists
as well as the single source of life for all. We speak of GOD as a
“person”, however, divinity is more correctly known as an organic,
“active and directed presence.” To have affinity with GOD, one must
contain divine spirit. Consider again the Scriptures:
(1.) John 4:
23-24, King James Version (KJV): 23 But the hour cometh, and now is,
when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in
truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
(2.) 1st John 5:
2-4, KJV: 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we
love God, and keep his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God,
that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 4
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the
victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
(3.) 1st John 3:
22-24, KJV: 22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we
keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his
sight. 23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the
name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us
commandment. 24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him,
and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit
which he hath given us.
There are many
other points that should be carefully considered, correctly understood,
and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) 1st John 4: 7-9,
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.) Even so, I trust this fragment
will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Today,
focus is upon the eternal purpose seen in the death of Jesus upon the
cross, salvation, and sin. The enormity of the need, and the multiple
divine operations that would have to be carried out, required that the
“bridge” to heaven, and eternity upon the earth would have to be a
divine person from the full GODhead. See the following Bible verses,
and the presentation below:
Psalms 68: 17-20, King James Version (KJV): 17 The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place. 18 Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them. 19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. 20 He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto God the Lord belong the issues from death
Isaiah 65: 17-21, KJV:
17 For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former
shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. 18 But be ye glad and
rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create
Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. 19 And I will rejoice in
Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no
more heard in her, nor the voice of crying. 20 There shall be no more
thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days:
for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed. 21 And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them.
Revelation 21: 1-4, KJV:
1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the
first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John
saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven,
prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great
voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be
their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and
there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall
there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
A writer using the ID “Nicola” (Level 1 with 62 points, a member since January 26, 2016) posted the following:
Why The Cross Of Jesus is The Bridge To Heaven?
THE
GOLDEN ARROW: For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God
by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved
by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord
Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. Wherefore, as
by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death
passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (For until the law sin
was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had
not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the
figure of him that was to come. But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is
by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. And not as it was
by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to
condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.
For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which
receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign
in life by one, Jesus Christ.) Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came
upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man’s
disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall
many be made righteous. Moreover the law entered, that the offence
might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That
as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through
righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 12:
10-21, KJV)
THE
DOUBLE DAGGER: Salvation Only Through Christ? (01/07/2016); Repentance
and New Life? (12/30/2015); Our Beginnings Were Perfect? (12/14/2015);
The Scale of Salvation? (12/13/2015); Life Is In Blood (12/08/2015);
Awe? (08/09/2015)
“Nicola”, many
Christian believers would agree that the crucifixion of a man as the
figure representing all Creation has been a singular sacred event to
re-establish the possibility for a personal and intimate relationship
between divinity and all created beings and living creatures. Where we
acknowledge the operations of human error and sin among us, the language
describing a “great gulf” between mankind and GOD is neither
exaggerated, nor inappropriate. Strong terms must be used to indicate
the many extremes that come into view.
Sin has not been
created by GOD; and is no material or tangible thing that exists. Sin
has no fixed form having measurable dimensions (e.g., breadth, depth,
height, length, weight, width), yet, sin has direction, effect, and
“presence”; and may dominate awareness and self-will in the living. Sin
opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Law Giver, and the
ordered universe established through sacred law.
Sin can not be
eliminated or removed using the finite tools of mankind such as
intellect, logic, philosophy, and science; and, while divine law makes
sin known and visible, law alone does not terminate sin. This being
said, death as a penalty through the law may terminate a sinner;
however, the consequences and outcomes of their sin will continue
indefinitely. Consider again the Scriptures that serve as a connecting
span to mature spiritual understanding:
(1.) Ephesians
6: 12-13, King James Version (KJV): 12 For we wrestle not against
flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the
rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in
high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of
God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done
all, to stand.
(2.) 1st
Corinthians 1: 18-24, 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.
There are many
other points that should be carefully considered, correctly understood,
and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (3.) 1st Corinthians 15:
20-23, KJV: 20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came
also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so
in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order:
Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.)
Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according
to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Points
are shared, today, on achieving full acceptance and membership as part
of a Christian congregation. Believers are not wrong to expect
assistance, correction, encouragement and support from one another.
Yet, becoming part of a community of faith involves overcoming the same
obstacles one will face when joining any other group having a diverse
membership. While a believer may have to adjust to modesty, reticence,
and self-discipline appearing in others, gossip and slander are not the
tools from GOD for nourishing their change, and new life. Those who are
“born again” also must endure “growing pains.” Even so, attacks by the
Adversary (the devil) seeking to reclaim one over whom he may have
exercised influence for a long period increasingly become fewer, and
weaker. The new believer will gradually become familiar to others,
develop confidence, and put away their lingering uncertainty.
Communication, exchange, and interaction with others in flesh and bone
are so important for our developing correct relationship to GOD who is a
spirit, that deity has appeared upon the earth as Jesus Christ. Even
so, to be in the new relationship with divinity that now is possible, a
person must focus upon gaining and sharing aspects from the makeup of
GOD. Included are such inseparable sacred content as faith, holiness,
humility, joy, longsuffering, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Those
humbly approaching the church as an opportunity to comfort, minister to,
and unselfishly serve others also will be those through whom the divine
gifts and tools of the Gospel repeatedly will be seen. The more of
oneself a believer puts into the church, the more of Christ and the
divine nature the believer and others will get out of the church.
Success, and a person’s rate of growth and increase are to be measured
in terms of personal sacrifice, praise, prayer, thanksgiving and worship
more than by such features as their regular attendance, donations,
popularity, and tithing. Where its true, God helps those who help
themselves, GOD helps those more who help others. Consider again these
verses, and the presentation that follows below:
Matthew 20: 25-28, King James Version (KJV): 25 But Jesus called them unto him,
and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion
over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. 26 But
it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you,
let him be your minister; 27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let
him be your servant: 28 Even as the Son of man came not to be
ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for
many.
Titus 2: 11-14, KJV:
11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all
men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we
should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great
God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he
might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar
people, zealous of good works.
Romans 8: 5-9, KJV:
5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh;
but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to
be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is
enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither
indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the
Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of
Christ, he is none of his.
2nd Peter 1: 2-4, KJV:
2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God,
and of Jesus our Lord, 3 According as his divine power hath given unto
us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the
knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby
are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these
ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the
corruption that is in the world through lust.
Revelation 21: 6-8, KJV:
6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning
and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the
water of life freely. 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things;
and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8 But the fearful, and
unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and
sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the
lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Matthew 13: 12, KJV:
12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more
abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even
that he hath.
2nd Peter 1: 5-11, KJV:
5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and
to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance
patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly
kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8 For if these things be
in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be
barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But
he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and
hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 10 Wherefore the
rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election
sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 11 For so an
entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting
kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
One of the many fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile shared) posted the following:
I been
saved for a year & 2 mths now and I have been a fool of the church,
telling people things about me and how I feel & they spread it.?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?
Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us:
and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.
For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were
appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to
angels, and to men. We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are
honourable, but we are despised. Even unto this present hour we both
hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain
dwellingplace; And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled,
we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: Being defamed, we intreat:
we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day. I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. For though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. (1st Corinthians 4: 7-15, KJV)
THE
DOUBLE DAGGER: Repentance and New Life? (12/30/2015); Offspring of
GOD? (12/23/2015); Answer a Fool? (06/04/2015); What To Say To A Friend?
(03/29/2015); Silent Wisdom? (12/02/2015); The Needs of the Many?
(03/08/2015); When Does Gossip Become Sin? (01/08/2013); Understanding
Hell (01/09/2013)
“Anonymous”, many
believers mistakenly look to the church for emotional support and social
acceptance. Because their focus is not upon the revelation of Jesus
Christ as Redeemer and Savior, they will continue to be disappointed and
frustrated, for it is more correct to embrace the church as an
environment, and setting where one may concentrate upon acquiring and
applying sacred knowledge and spirit substance from Christ as
Head of the Church. Yes, the church is a social center and hub for
activity among believers, however giving and receiving spiritual benefit
must be recognizable as the shared goal and purpose for all. Many who
attend church may be there “for all the wrong reasons.” Often the
church is expected to serve as a place to “meet and greet” (i.e.,
develop new relationships based upon shared secular interests); offer
diverse support groups (e.g., alcohol and drug addiction, bereavement,
single-parenting); provide family-friendly activities, amusements, and
entertainment; or even, be a place to merchandise, pursue networking for
business and employment opportunities as well as develop and explore
marriage prospects. While the sacred process of the church does include
prayer in ones own “secret chamber” and silent, unspoken prayer, as
genuine disciples to Christ, every member of the church will come under
scrutiny (we also say, judgment), and aspects of their private life will
be examined and exposed in detail. Included may be ambition,
covetousness, envy, bad habits, lusts, phobias, cherished or hidden sin,
shortcomings, and sin not visible to themselves yet visible to others
as committed in ignorance. The believer must expect challenges,
criticism, mockery, and direct opposition to their new life in Christ by
those scorning religious beliefs and godly living—who also may be found
within their congregation. The deposit of divine spirit a believer
receives through baptism (death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth
having DNA from GOD, so to speak) makes possible their continued faith,
hope, joy, optimism, and perseverance. For many, growth as one who is
set apart and belonging to Christ (we say, sanctification)
heightens their sense of alienation, conflict, and the sense of no
longer belonging to the world. This is part of the full pattern for
those who are born again. Consider the following verses from the Bible:
(1.) Psalms 69:
4-9, King James Version (KJV): 4 They that hate me without a cause are
more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that
which I took not away. 5 O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my
sins are not hid from thee. 6 Let not them that wait on thee, O Lord GOD
of hosts, be ashamed for my sake: let not those that seek thee be
confounded for my sake, O God of Israel. 7 Because for thy sake I have
borne reproach; shame hath covered my face. 8 I am become a stranger
unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother’s children. 9 For the
zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that
reproached thee are fallen upon me.
(2.) Ecclesiastes
5: 1-2, KJV: 1 Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and
be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they
consider not that they do evil. 2 Be not rash with thy mouth, and let
not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.
(3.) Ecclesiastes
7: 16-18, KJV: 16 Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself
over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself ? 17 Be not over much
wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy
time? 18 It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this;
yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God
shall come forth of them all.
There are many
other verses that should be carefully considered, correctly understood,
and made a part of ones spiritual treasure. (For example, (4.) 1st
Corinthians 3: 17-19, KJV: 17 If any man defile the temple of God, him
shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple
ye are. 18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to
be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. 19
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written,
He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.) Even so, I trust this
fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
The
“curse” against those committed to GOD in covenant is the focus,
today. Atonement and propitiation for sin have come by grace and
through Incarnation of the law, and of the GODhead. Just as possessing sacred knowledge
and performing “good works” that have a temporal effect do not
establish a person in permanent salvation apart from the ministry of
Jesus Christ, merely operating in hope and obedience to sacred law does
not “save”. A writer (Moondoggy, Level 7 with 48,377 points; a member
since March 17, 2008) at “Yahoo! Answers” pointed out that Christ took
the “legal guilt of the law” upon himself, and became cursed in our
place. I was prompted to share the following:
Be encouraged!
The law was confessed to be holy, and just and good. The law allowed
sin to be identified and resisted. Yet, the law did not eliminate and
remove sin. Thus, the law was “cursed” in the sense of being inadequate.
There
is ongoing confusion for some believers regarding “the curse of the
law,” because in addition to the understanding that (1) a better covenant
was granted in harmony with the eternal covenant of Moses, there also
are other teachings that (2) “the law” was nailed to the cross, and (3)
Christ “became sin” upon the cross. Properly understood, these are not
identical, or interchangeable. Thus, stating them another way: There
are the curse from the law, the curse upon the law, and the curse
through the law. Readers are encouraged to consider these verses from
the Bible, and the presentation below:
Deuteronomy 11: 26-28, King James Version (KJV):
26 Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; 27 A
blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I
command you this day: 28 And a curse, if ye will not obey the
commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known.
Nehemiah 10: 29, KJV:
29 They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a
curse, and into an oath, to walk in God’s law, which was given by Moses
the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes;
Daniel 9: 11, KJV:
11 Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that
they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us,
and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him.
John 7: 15-18, KJV:
15 And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having
never learned? 16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not
mine, but his that sent me. 17 If any man will do his will, he shall
know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak
of myself. 18 He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but
he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no
unrighteousness is in him.
Galatians 3: 9-11, KJV:
9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. 10
For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it
is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all
things which are written in the book of the law to do them. 11 But that
no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
Galatians 3: 12-14, KJV:
12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live
in them. 13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being
made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one
that hangeth on a tree: 14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on
the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of
the Spirit through faith.
Romans 8: 1-4, KJV:
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ
Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the
law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law
of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak
through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful
flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the
righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after
the flesh, but after the Spirit.
The
fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “M S” (Level 7 with 57,281
points, a member since June 19, 2007) posted the following:
Please believing Christians, will you?
give me an honest detailed answer?
Galatians 3:13:
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us,
for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”
while Jesus said:
Mark 10: 17-19:
17As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees
before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit
eternal life?”
18“Why do you
call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. 19 You
know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit
adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you
shall not defraud, honour your father and mother.”
====
a 1/2 an hour dream gives Paul the right to trump God and Jesus Christ?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: In the last day, that great day
of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him
come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture
hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But
this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should
receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that
Jesus was not yet glorified.) Many of the people therefore, when they
heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet. Others said,
This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee?
Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David,
and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was? So there was a
division among the people because of him. And some of them would have
taken him; but no man laid hands on him. Then came the officers to the
chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not
brought him? The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.
Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived? Have any of the
rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him? But this people who
knoweth not the law are cursed. (John 7: 37-49, KJV)
THE
DOUBLE DAGGER: A GOD of Judgment (12/01/2015); Jesus Under Judgment?
(12/16/2015); A Curse Removed (12/26/2013); Intercession
(12/27/2013); The Barren Tree? (12/06/2013); Fruits From a Barren Tree?
(12/07/2013); Law in Christian Belief? (09/03/2013); A Need to Know?
(09/04/2013)
“M S”, the only
correct responses to your concern will be those made by mature Christian
believers; and on your part their prophetic and sanctified replies also
will require that you exercise mature belief, faith, respect, and
genuine trust. Consider the following points:
(1.) Many aspects
of the appearance of divinity as Jesus Christ among mankind (we say,
incarnate; as flesh and bone) were designed and started by the Father
through the Word and with the Holy Spirit, first, in heaven to be
completed upon the earth. To emphasize the eternal and exalted status
of his message and the attendant sacred events, the Savior repeatedly
directed believers to glorify the Father, not himself. Jesus cautioned
challengers to acknowledge the Father and the Spirit as the source of
the many miracles; and stated, the doctrine is not mine, it is that of
the Father.
(2.) Divine law
is eternal, and has existed within the fullness of the Holy One as an
appearance of consecrated will, and supernal being. Therefore, we say
“the law” is “the expressed will of GOD.”
(3.) Where the
Scriptures describe the covenant (also called, the law) through promises
and intimate relationships with divinity (e.g., with Abraham, Isaac,
Jacob, Moses, David), the divine law becomes visible as finite, focused,
and only partially proclaimed. To accomplish the eternal benefits and
goals intended by the law, believers must operate in terms of its
“spirit” (we say, life essence, breath, nature), rather than the exact
letter of the law, or its precise utterance as commandment. The
requirements of the law must be seen as also embedded within ones
lifestyle complemented and expanded through principles and godly
expression that includes balance, impartiality, mercy, righteousness as
well as wisdom and wrath against sin.
There are many
other points that should be carefully considered, correctly understood,
and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) All disciples and
followers of Jesus Christ must apply discernment (i.e., ability to uses ones own sacred knowledge
and spirit content imparted from GOD) to authenticate and recognize
divine spirit existing in events, messages, other persons, etc. This
includes the holy writings, apostles, prophets, evangelists, and persons
like me who answer you here. It is written: 1st Corinthians 12: 3,
Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit
of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is
the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.) Even so, I trust this fragment will
be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Further
points are shared, today, as a BATTLE AXE on divine authority,
hierarchy, and sovereignty. All believers in Christ have the same need
for an Advocate in judgment as well as divinely provided atonement,
forgiveness, and propitiation for sin. Through Jesus, every man may
experience divinity as though being in a one-on-one relationship with
GOD. Those looking to be given line authority, to escape isolation, and
to be in league with some “great man” or “the World” unknowingly
operate in the errors of their own presumption upon divinity, and
pride. Under the sovereignty of GOD, the living are to exercise
discipline and self-government directing their own consciousness and
will. None are to be manipulated as chattel, lepers, pawns, or anything
less than a divine creation. With this in view, the genuine Christian
believer is a person who acknowledges that they have their highest
intrinsic value only from the Creator. Leadership is to mean
influence, yet, not as seen through operations of sin that impose
domination, oppression, and counterfeit ownership of another’s awareness
and self-will. The differences that exist among believers in Christ
include varying levels of spiritual commitment, devotion, dutifulness,
faithfulness, sacred knowledge, and maturity as well as what will be
their rewards in judgment resulting from their own choices and conduct.
Believers are to encourage, honor and respect one another in the many
ways that build and promote agreement, communication, praise, prayer,
security, thanksgiving, and shared understanding. This includes obeying
civil law, acknowledging ones own parents, assisting those who need
healing, complementing ones own children, responding to ones spouse with
kindness as well as supporting those who are bereaved (e.g., orphans,
the elders, widows and widowers). The abuse of position, privilege and
trust may occur among believers, however, not without eternal
consequences. Consider again the following truth, and the presentation
below:
Psalms 139: 13-15, King James Version (KJV): 13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. 15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Isaiah 30: 1-3, KJV: 1 Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD,
that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but
not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin: 2 That walk to go down
into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in
the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt! 3
Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in
the shadow of Egypt your confusion.
1st Peter 4: 14-16, KJV: 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. 15 But let none of
you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. 16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
Luke 12: 40-48, KJV:
40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour
when ye think not. 41 Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou
this parable unto us, or even to all? 42 And the Lord said, Who then is
that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? 43 Blessed is
that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 44 Of a
truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he
hath. 45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his
coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat
and drink, and to be drunken; 46 The lord of that servant will come in
a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is
not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion
with the unbelievers. 47 And that servant, which knew his lord’s will,
and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes.
For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and
to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
1st Peter 5: 2-4, KJV: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God’s
heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4 And when the chief
Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not
away.
1st Corinthians 3: 11-13, KJV:
11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is
Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold,
silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man’s work shall
be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be
revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort
it is.
THE
BATTLE AXE: Hierarchy Among Christians (01/22/2016)—It is a serious
thing for a man to say, like Pharaoh, I am accountable for the life and
death of others; I am a god. Even so, as with the military, in our
places of employment and work, authority is granted on the basis of being and holding others accountable for the completion of specific operations and tasks. The division of labor
requires persons to coordinate effort; continue energy, enthusiasm, and
zeal; distribute equipment, resources and tools; maintain quality
control; make sound decisions as necessary; and certify that all has
been properly completed (job well done). Such features in the workplace
as confidence, cooperation, courtesy, flexibility, friendliness,
obedience, respect and “team spirit” may vary in how regularly they
appear on the basis of employee job satisfaction as well as arbitrary
individual differences in character, personality, and skill among the
workers.
While
many approach the spiritual work of spreading the Gospel of Jesus
Christ with the same understanding they have for secular efforts,
believers are alerted and cautioned that an extraordinary or
supernatural work must be done; There are non-negotiable demands for
atonement, purification, rebirth, and continuous repentance. As
spiritual persons, and the new creation of Christ (who is called, King of the Angels, Regis Angelorum),
believers do not participate in an hierarchy intended for angels.
Similarly, none belonging to Christ have part as Captains under
Beelzebub, a prince among devils. The order established for mankind
centers in humanity having a shared endowment that should manifest as oneness and unity without sameness.
The kingdom of GOD for mankind neither generates, nor is nourished by
conflict among finite differences in ability, goals, knowledge, or
temporal performance. Ones faith and spirit content are the primary
focus of final judgment; and such elements as attitudes, behavior, deeds
and works are merely indicators that the divine nature is active and
present.
While
believers are called to exercise their shared faith as one body in one
place, each person must rely entirely upon their own spirit content for
right relationship to Christ, and may not depend upon the faith of
others (e.g., clergy, offspring, parents, and spouses) for their
acceptance and permanent place as a life companion to Christ. With this
in view, no one else may demand that you express, or suppress your
Spirit from GOD using formulas and practices that pertain more to
something abstract, impersonal, and lifeless (e.g., academic methods,
history, regimen, tradition), rather than to the living and rich
creation that you are.
Serving
as apostles, prophets and teachers, believers may comfort, edify, and
exhort one another in godliness, or appeal to one another as ambassadors
and spokespersons from the Kingdom of GOD. Authority to command and
direct others may be established, exercised, and maintained only in
mutual agreement, promise (we also say, pledge), and sacred covenant.
These
are times wherein, and the preparation of mankind is such that,
believers in Christ may receive only an earnest of the Spirit and power
divinity intends to bestow as resurrection and eternal life. Already,
Jesus Christ has been endowed with all power in heaven and earth,
however, sin still continues upon the earth, and for now the divine
mechanisms for deliverance, reconciliation, and salvation also must
continue to be in place.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: 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. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your
flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all
trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against
us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to
his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he
made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Let no man
therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday,
or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow
of things to come; but the body is of Christ. Let no man beguile you
of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels,
intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by
his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head, from which all the body by
joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together,
increaseth with the increase of God. Wherefore if ye be dead with
Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the
world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle
not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments
and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will
worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour
to the satisfying of the flesh. (Colossians 2: 12-23, KJV)
THE
DOUBLE DAGGER: Hierarchy Among Christians (01/22/2016); Divine
Discipline? (12/24/2015); Called To Be Servants? (11/25/2015); Thoughts
On The Kingdom? (11/18/2015); Religious Liberty Not Authority?
(09/07/2015); Succession (02/05/2014); On Youth Doing Enough
(02/06/2014)
There are many
other points that should be carefully considered, correctly understood,
and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 1st Kings 8: 38-39, KJV:
38 What prayer and supplication soever be made by any man, or
by all thy people Israel, which shall know every man the plague of his
own heart, and spread forth his hands toward this house: 39 Then hear
thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and do, and give to
every man according to his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou, even
thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men;) Even so, I
trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your
faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
The
errors in misunderstanding divine authority, dominion, leadership,
servitude, and sovereignty are in view, today. Those who serve are
anointed and set apart (we say, sanctified), and are lifted in nature
and substance above others. Yet, it is faith as an aspect of our own
spirit that must manage and supervise our attitudes, behavior, and
worship. In their efforts to avoid duty and obligation, non-believers
are losing their place of anointing, favor and privilege with GOD.
Jesus Christ reigns as Savior, Son of the Highest, and Head over a
church that has been created using elements within the natural world
that have been altered and changed through sacred operations. GOD is a
spirit who is immortal, immutable and unchanging; and Jesus Christ is an
appearance (we say, Incarnation) of the full GODhead. Because GOD is
correctly acknowledged and exalted as Supreme, many have sought GOD
because they are covetous, desire power and prestige, lust after
control, and are driven by fantasy, imagination and exaggerated pride.
Diversity among created beings, living creatures, devices, mechanisms,
and objects that are established as Creation generates imbalance,
movement and shifts that may be understood as change, hierarchy, and
progression. Deity does not change, however, what the living experience
as coming forth from GOD does change in their acceptance and
comprehension. Therefore, focus for the church is directed to the
things that are unseen and unchanging while continually embracing growth
to become fully mature, perfect, and sanctified. Consider again the
following from Scripture, and the commentary below:
2nd Corinthians 1: 20-22, King James Version (KJV): 20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; 22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
Romans 1: 16-18, KJV:
16 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. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed
from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness
and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Romans 8: 5-9, KJV:
5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh;
but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to
be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is
enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither
indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the
Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of
Christ, he is none of his.
2nd Corinthians 4: 18, KJV: 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Pandita
Njoh Eta, who participates with me in THE BIBLE STUDY GROUP (a Public
Group on Facebook presently having 22,845 members), invited discussion
by posting the following statement yesterday at 9:45am, January 21,
2016:
Man was NEVER created to dominate another man, but to DOMINATE earth in your area of GIFTING and PURPOSE. So discovering your purpose is discovering your area of LEADERSHIP.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man
your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in
heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even
Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And
whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble
himself shall be exalted. But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees,
hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye
neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. (Matthew 23: 8-13, KJV)
THE
DOUBLE DAGGER: Holy Garments? (09/24/2015); Authority, Dispensation,
and Unity? (08/20/2015); The Fullness of GODhead? (01/09/2014); World
Without End? (01/10/2014); Hierarchy (11/14/2013); The Benefit of Law?
(11/15/2013); According to the Eternal Purpose (11/20/2012); Henceforth,
Of This Fruit (11/21/2012)
Pandita Njoh Eta, I
am sure you will agree, the leadership of Jesus has always been through
example and operations of faith, rather than through law, mandate, and
rankings among believers. As seen when viewing the holy angels, the
tool of hierarchy does have place within the kingdom of GOD. However,
the church as a new creation is to operate in terms of the
imparted, indwelling Spirit of Christ. The church is to be dynamic and
organic functioning as a living body. While the tools used among social
groups that maintain formal affiliation (we say, institutions,
organizations) also are used by the church for communication, exchange,
and interaction, preeminence is always to Christ, who is the Word. For
many, the blessings that were by inheritance and promise, became
confused as being from obedience to covenant law and the fruit of ones
standing within hierarchy. Thus, the following verses should be helpful
for correction:
(1.) Genesis 28:
10-13, King James Version (KJV): 10 And Jacob went out from Beersheba,
and went toward Haran. 11 And he lighted upon a certain place, and
tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the
stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay
down in that place to sleep. 12 And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set
up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the
angels of God ascending and descending on it. 13 And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed;
(2.) Colossians
1: 12-18, KJV: 12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us
meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who
hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even
the forgiveness of sins: 15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the
firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created,
that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible,
whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or
powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is
before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head
of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the
dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
(3.) Ephesians 1: 20-23, KJV: 20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and
every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which
is to come: 22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
(4.) 1st
Corinthians 12: 27-29, KJV: 27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and
members in particular. 28 And God hath set some in the church, first
apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles,
then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
(5.) Romans 12: 6-8, KJV: 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
(6.) Psalms 119: 98-102, KJV: 98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. 99 I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are
my meditation. 100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep
thy precepts. 101 I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I
might keep thy word. 102 I have not departed from thy judgments: for
thou hast taught me.
There are many
other points that should be carefully considered, correctly understood,
and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (7.) 2nd Corinthians 1:
24, KJV: 24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are
helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.) Even so, I trust this
fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
