Today, reply is made to the error that Christian belief primarily is intended for those who are simple-minded. The good news of salvation is to be proclaimed even to those who are despised and poor; however, in no way are we to dilute the message or “dumb-it-down.” The greater growth will be seen among those having faith and humility above those having title and secular knowledge. Rather than on the basis of academic achievement, scholasticism, and intellectual sophistication, salvation in Christ is granted on the basis of divine grace, the desperate need of created beings and living creatures to be in a new relationship with divinity, and the willingness of sinners to respond to the Incarnate ministry of GOD. Direct, plain and unadorned speech are most correct for delivering and marking instruction as godly and sanctified, and as derived from a consecrated Spirit instead of from the flesh (i.e., appetite, sensation, emotion, imagination). The divine message may be simple because its power to change the makeup, nature and substance within the living is profound. One of the fighters at “Yahoo! 7 Answers (Australia)” who uses the ID “Anonymous” and refuses to share profile information, posted the following:
CHRISTIANS - Jesus hated intellectualism, saying that His message could only be received by the simple-minded. Is this because of the flaws?
Update: http://strangenotions.com/top-10-tips-when-atheists-for-engaging-christians/
THE GOLDEN ARROW: But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him. (Matthew 21: 28-32, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: On Being Too Smart (04/30/2017); Genuine Spiritual Discernment? (03/27/2017); Knowing What’s In Man (03/15/2017); Abstractions, Atheism and I.Q. (08/18/2016); The Cross and Critical Thinking? (04/13/2016); Academic Language? (12/10/2015); Knowing? (05/24/2015)
“Anonymous”, Christianity is one of the most challenging systems of belief and thought that has ever existed. Many who disbelieve, and count themselves as “atheist” or “scientific” do so thinking they have higher intelligence, and that Christian belief is anti-intellectual. More correctly understood, Christianity does not condemn exploration, growth, and learning. Rather, Christian belief opposes death, hypocrisy, ignorance, pretension, presumption, exaggerated pride, and pseudo-intellectualism. Along with the idolatry that appears when secular knowledge is exalted as equal or superior to sacred knowledge, many who follow human error will display self-promotion that denies the authority and ongoing operations of divinity. They do not grasp the simple truth that sin does not exist as a material or physical thing, yet, sin has direction, effect, and presence. The operations of sin may dominate awareness and self-will in living creatures and created beings. By promoting annihilation and non-existence, sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the divine Law Giver, and the divine order that exists as the universe. The notion that GOD prefers those who are emotional, ignorant or submissive is promoted only by those lacking discernment and their own integrity as born-again believers. Consider the following from the holy writings:
(1.) 1st Samuel 2: 2-4, King James Version (KJV): 2 There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God. 3 Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. 4 The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.
(2.) Matthew 23: 13, KJV: 13 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.
(3.) 2nd Timothy 2: 12-16, KJV: 12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: 13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. 14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
(4.) 1st Timothy 6: 17-21, KJV: 17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: 21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) Ecclesiastes 12: 12-13, KJV: 12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. 13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.) 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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