(08/05/2019) Present With The Lord

Today, reply is on conflicts that regularly appear within the course of Christian ministry, language from the Scriptures, and personal thoughts from the Apostle Paul. In sharing reports of his present condition and the challenges he was facing as a servant of Jesus Christ, Paul confessed that he now was experiencing the holy boldness both to face a martyr’s death, and to appear in tribunal before the judgment seat of Christ. A writer in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “jane” (Level 1 with 1 point, a member since May 15, 2019) posted the following:

What the Bible meaning Absent from the body and to be present with the Lord ?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. (Romans 12: 1-3, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Prophets After Jesus Christ? (06/04/2019); Why Paul Observed Tradition (07/10/2018); A Threat Against Judaism (07/17/2017); A True Apostle? (09/20/2015); Saul of Tarsus (03/26/2014); The Nature of Scripture (03/27/2014); Suddenly Absent, Suddenly Present (03/31/2013); A Family Affair? (04/01/2013)

“jane”, many Christian believers understand the language “present with the Lord” is describing when a believer is received by the Lord through death and final judgment to continue dwelling and servicing divinity within the celestial precincts, courts, and mansions of heaven. Those fully present with the Lord are believed in the same relationship with GOD, the same new flesh, and the same new life through resurrection as the Lord Jesus. To be “absent from the body” is understood as no longer being alive in flesh on the earth; and also means to no longer be available to minister to the body of Christ (i.e., the church; the community of believers) through devices that are carnal, material, physical, and social. In two of his epistles, the Apostle Paul expresses a sense of conflict and uncertainty about continuing his own service to the church that has included multiple confrontations with mobs, imprisonment, scourging, and suffering. On the one hand, Paul does not desire death; he is preferring to be with Jesus in the direct presence of GOD the Father, and desires to perform higher, holier works guided by Jesus, the divine High Priest. On the other hand, Paul understands the peculiar needs of the church demand that he and others continue at the various works they have been given through the Holy Ghost; and the Apostle continues to exhort the brethren to commitment, determination, and zeal. There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, Philippians 1: 20-30, King James Version (KJV): 20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. 23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: 24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; 26 That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again. 27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. 29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; 30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC