Today, focus is on teens, and whether or not there are sacred events occurring in a secular world. A sinner becoming a Christian is a developmental process (i.e., an extended series of events that yield gradual growth and learning), and occurs as a transformation completed by GOD. Baptism, confirmation, and other events to acknowledge increased accountability, independence, and legitimacy for ones full membership within the church should not be taken as authority and license to pass judgment on and separate from the congregation. Because of their impatience, presumption, and relying upon academic knowledge, secular reports and modern technology, many children and young adults in the church will become blinded, and robbed of their inheritance won through Jesus Christ. Deceived, these will “drop out” and quit the church before they have been anointed and supplied with the tools for adult faith, and godly service. The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data provided) posted the following:
Why is it that nothing spiritual or religious happens these days?
I mean there are no religious people doing miracles or anything. We don't hear stories of spirits or anything really. It almost seems like religion is becoming obsolete. This is probably why teens like me are moving away from religion more and more. The advancements in science and technology are very appealing and probably boosting this situation.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. (Hebrews 4: 2, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: What Young People Need? (06/26/2017); Growth Is Through Edification (06/20/2017); On Expecting Quick Results (11/07/2016); Discipline and The Cross (06/16/2016); Waiting For His Appearing (02/09/2016); Growing Up Again? (12/09/2015); Wanting To Know When? (10/18/2015)
“Anonymous”, it is not that “nothing is going on,” or that what’s going on is “top secret” so much as that it’s classified as “for___eyes only.” GOD is a spirit who regularly uses materials and processes that are invisible and unseen to flesh. Christian believers are given several gifts and tools to “keep up with” the ongoing spiritual changes, sacred events (we say, miracles), and proclamations of divine fulfillment for recorded promises and prophecies. Every sinner who turns to GOD through Jesus Christ is to become endowed with spirit content from the makeup of divinity through baptism and rebirth. Included are faith, forbearance, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Selected believers will serve having a “double portion” (so to speak) of such spiritual gifts as discernment, faith, insight, and meekness that are crucial to edifying the full church.
In the same way, one must turn their head to direct their eyes when using the gift of sight, one must concentrate their focus on the things from GOD when using spiritual gifts, rather than focus on things from the world, the flesh, or the occult. The active presence and revelation of GOD can not be apprehended without using the primary tools for acquiring sacred knowledge and performing sacred practices (we say, observing sacraments): there must be focus, discernment and meekness. Discernment is the ability to use ones own spirit content from the makeup of GOD as a standard to recognize and respond to the spirit substance residing within events, other persons, the holy writings, etc. Meekness (often called, humility) is the willingness to be led by and express divine guidance and instruction as well as to undergo multiple permanent changes carried out by the Holy Spirit.
Many of the divine works necessary for sacred operations (such as atonement, resurrection, salvation and sanctification) have already been completed. There is still “unfinished business” such as the conclusion of judgment using the second death, and the allotment of homes upon the new earth as well as within the New Jerusalem. Even so, the divine processes for believers now center in displaying and maintaining revealed truth. Foremost in Christian lives should be elements indicating maturity and sobriety (e.g., balance, consistency, faith, respect, reverence, stability, trust). Believers have been told “what to expect next” (we say, hope for) by a sovereign whose nature, will and word are immutable, incorruptible, and unchanging. There are not likely to be any “surprises”. Consider again the following:
(1.) Psalms 25: 8-10, King James Version (KJV): 8 Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way. 9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. 10 All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.
(2.) Psalms 25: 12-14, KJV: 12 What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose. 13 His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth. 14 The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.
(3.) 1st Corinthians 2: 12-14, KJV: 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) 1st Thessalonians 4: 15-18, KJV: 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.) 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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