(11/30/2016) The Relationships With GOD?

Today, a reply is shared on requirements for continuing satisfying relationships with divinity.  For regular communication, exchange, and interaction with immortal, incorruptible divinity, created beings and living creatures must contain measures of the same inseparable spirit content that resides within the GODhead.  Included are faith, holiness, unselfish love, presence, purpose, righteousness, truth, and sovereign will replacing self-will.  Close relationships and intimacy with those in the home (parents, siblings, spouse, etc.) involve mutual acceptance and respect that, on the surface, may look to be equality or parity, yet, only occur through discipline and the lawful exercise of authority (e.g., allowances, concessions, forbearance, permission, restraint).  Family relationships are very different from those of couples sharing courtship, development, and exploration leading to marriage as well as different from relationships that are merely for sexual exploitation.  It is by the sovereign authority of GOD that the living receive divine forgiveness that expresses lovingkindness, and that also proclaims there is mercy in judgment.  Adoption of the Spirit, covenant, rebirth, redemption, and salvation are a few of the lawful mechanisms provided by GOD to establish created beings and living creatures as eternal companions with divinity.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! 7 Answers (Australia)” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

If having a relationship with God is a choice, just like having a boyfriend or girlfriend is, what makes it so different with God?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.  The LORD is good to all:  and his tender mercies are over all his works.  All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee.  (Psalms 145:  8-10, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  A Different Spirit Content? (11/29/2016); Choice, Duty, and Obligation? (11/17/2016); Eternal Life From GOD (10/24/2016); His Children Are Sanctified (10/12/2016); The GOD Who Loves? (10/02/2016);  Spirit Content From GOD? (09/26/2016); The Seed of the Wicked (10/27/2015)

“Anonymous”, you seem to be lacking sacred knowledge and some very important basic ideas about divinity.  GOD is a spirit who has put forth material existence, diverse created beings and living creatures, multiple life processes (e.g., birth, aging, learning, maturity, death) as well as the sacred law and divine order that continues as our universe.  The Creator is the origin, owner, and sole sovereign authority over the makeup, purpose, and substance of all that exists.  Just as being connected in relationship with their own parents is not a matter of the child’s choice, or by the allowance and permission of the child as their seed, being in relationship with GOD is not on the basis of desires, likes and dislikes, or personal preferences.  Being in a full and satisfying relationship with Deity requires “adjustments” in how we behave, think about divinity, think about ourselves, think about others, think about time and space, understand what it is that establishes “quality” in a person’s life, etc., etc., etc.  Believers will contain and display spirit substance from the makeup of GOD such as faith, holiness, longsuffering, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  There will be regular communication (e.g., confession, praise, prayer, thanksgiving, worship), exchange, and interaction that focuses consciousness of GOD, and directs self-will to conformity with the revealed will of GOD.  Many young people today express disrespect and rejection of parental authority while still living in the home of their parents.  Even so, the law continues to acknowledge a clear relationship, and requires accountability and restraint from both the adults and the child.  Similarly, many deny GOD, yet, continue under the provisions of divine law, forbearance, forgiveness, redemption and salvation.  There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, those who deny GOD gradually lose everything that makes them acceptable and pleasing to GOD.  Eventually, those rejecting divine love become abominations and rubbish that are to be utterly destroyed in the second death.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(09/12/2014) Quality Time Together?

Today, more points are shared on dating, the treatment of children in a church setting, and worship.


THE BATTLE AXE:  Dating and Worship? (09/11/2014)—(5.)  Adults may not claim to be justified by Christ every time they claim authority over, and presume upon young people.  Children may appear at ease with smoking and other violations in the worship setting (e.g., gum chewing, inappropriate clothing, incorrect use of hats and head coverings), and may make no complaint.  However, children too are able to spiritually recognize when their ability to discern the holy presence is being interfered with, and that their sense of proper order is being violated by the carelessness of others.  What children possess that is so commendable before GOD is their willingness to accept correction, to acknowledge their mistakes, and make renewed efforts to learn and perform at a high level.  In their special harmony with Christ, children are able to disregard differences that adults use to make arbitrary distinctions (e.g., age, gender, income, size).  Children often dismiss the behavior of others as if what others may do is neutral (i.e., neither right nor wrong), does not matter, and has no consequences for themselves, either good or ill.  For some children and many adults responding to the conduct of others is a matter of their own ignorance and lack of experience.  They have not yet accepted, and begun to practice the duties for judgment and warning that are shared among all believers.  For many others, however, reviewing the attitudes and behavior displayed around them will be a matter of their self-discipline (we say, home-training), innocence or purity as well as a matter of their victory over, and godly wisdom regarding the flesh.

(6.)  The purpose of dating is judgment, rather than praise, thanksgiving, and worship.  Where two Christians are being careful to examine each other in different situations with an eye to their “fit” as life companions through marriage, in addition to agreement on such elements as one another’s disposition, opinions on current issues, sense of humor, and handling of money, they also must determine their fit as prayer partners, and as those who will share their private devotions, sacred practices and studies of the Scriptures.  During dating, just as a couple must discover whether they can continue to meet the challenges, obstacles and problems in life experience together, they must conclude whether they can help each other serve effectively in the projects and spiritual works of a mature believer.  Putting aside the purpose of “fun”, a couple must have quality time together that allows the pattern of their shared beliefs and values to clearly emerge.  See Psalms 121:  1-2, Proverbs 19:  14, Malachi 2:  12-14, Matthew 22:  1-17, Titus 1:  15-16, Galatians 3:  27-29 and Ephesians 5: 1-33, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Death and life are in the power of the tongue:  and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.  Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.  (Proverbs 18:  21-23, KJV)


There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (7.)  In holy matrimony, the two become one flesh by more than mere sexual joining.  The two become one partner in perpetual relationship, and GOD is the other.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(09/11/2014) Dating and Worship?

Today, points are shared on courtship and dating within church settings, smoking and tobacco use, and worship among minors and youth.  Also, there is more on freedom of foul speech.  A “Yahoo! Answers” fighter using the ID “Paul” (Level 1 with 24 points, a member since September 05, 2014) posted the following:


A weird situation at open air youth worship? 

Last weekend me and my girlfriend attended an open air youth worship service. We stood towards the back and she lit a cigarette a little way into the service. She asked the two or three young people standing next to us if they minded her smoking and they were OK about it. They were probably 12-15 year olds maybe? - one good thing was they had excellent singing voices.


THE BATTLE AXE:  Freedom of Foul Speech (09/10/2014)—(5.)  In order to introduce change, cleansing, healing, hope and a new quality of life, Jesus Christ addressed many of the life experiences and struggles for mankind that generate and continue bitterness, despair, fear, pain, and wretchedness.  Included are sexual appetite, divorce, duty, fornication, indebtedness, marriage, parenting, prostitution, and same sex relationships.  Believers understand that their choices for their own verbal behavior, and what they say out of their mouths, should agree with and show others their willingness to acknowledge the presence of Christ in their lives.  Being mature and having authority over himself, Jesus may have dealt with many who used cursing and swearing on a daily basis (e.g., the Scriptures report that Peter denied Jesus with foul language before he received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, who anointed him to preach that day).  However, there is no indication that Jesus allowed the infirmity and weakness of other men to contaminate or corrupt his ministry to mankind, his prayers, or his usual day-to-day behavior and speech.  In respect to Jesus, believers all follow the rule that ones speech is offered in sacrifice to GOD, and should be “seasoned with salt” (i.e., healing intent, humility, innocence, respect, purity).  See again Leviticus 2:  13, Mark 9:  50, Matthew 5:  10-11, Matthew 18:  5-7, 1st Corinthians 10:  23 and Colossians 4:  5-6, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.  Let your women keep silence in the churches:  for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law.  And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home:  for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.  What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?  If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.  But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.  Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.  Let all things be done decently and in order.  (1st Corinthians 14:  33-40, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  When Children Embrace Church? (08/18/2014); Condemned by the Church? (08/19/2014); Why the Gospel for Our Children (05/13/2014); Changing Times and Laws? (05/14/2014); Resisting Sin (12/21/2013); When People Covet (12/22/2013); Weed and Godly Wisdom (09/15/2013); The Limit to Believing? (09/16/2013); Issues for Children’s Church (04/06/2013); Outgrowing Childhood Prayers? (04/07/2013); A Spirit Church? (04/04/2013); My Brother’s Keeper (04/05/2013); Attending Church? (11/12/2012); A Holy Kiss? (11/13/2012)


“Paul”, here are a few points important to Christian believers that may help you fit in more correctly and not feel weird again when you next are with those who gather to worship Christ as redeemer and savior:

(1.)  Dating is an aspect of courtship wherein two persons develop, and examine themselves and one another through a relationship that may result in marriage.  They may share in various social settings that allow quiet exchange, laughter, expression of their goals, hopes and visions of the future, displaying their present commitments as well as promoting aspects of their deepest beliefs.  Correctly understood, a date to share religious experiences, and introduce ones companions to their own faith community is also an invitation that they continue in Christ.  Even where the dating or friendship eventually may be broken off, the relationship with Christ can be eternal.

(2.)  Your friend’s use of tobacco was unfortunate, because smoking is a behavior that to many signifies boldness, defiance, lack of self-control and self-discipline, lack of sound knowledge regarding health, nastiness, pride, rebellion, and selfishness.  (There is a danger from second-hand smoke:  where you can not keep the smoke from your own lungs, you can not keep it from defiling and soiling others either.)

(3.)  It is not wrong to attend church when you have questions that may only be answered there.  Many attend services in the same spirit as Moses, who only turned aside for the burning bush from curiosity, not because he wanted a prayer or worship break.  Only those who are sincerely seeking instruction and sacred knowledge will experience the spiritual benefit and growth provided by GOD through the Holy Spirit.  They will have prepared themselves to display peculiar attitudes and behavior such as cooperation, courtesy, giving, humility, respect and self-denial.

As we observe another anniversary of an attack upon America by those pursuing a faith that exalts death and destruction for the unsuspecting, there is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  The situation you described was not simple.  Even in a crowd, where one may be anonymous and unknown, mature and young adults will be held accountable, and are expected to set an example for minors and teens.  Asking their permission is inappropriate, for often children are unaware of dangers involved with adult behavior.  Bullied, immature, intimidated, and unprepared, children can not always effectively rebuke the behavior of those who should know better.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(08/29/2014) Family and Beliefs of Children?

Topics today include how children acquire beliefs in GOD by being raised as part of a family.  Also, there is more on love at first sight.  The “Yahoo! Answers” fighter using the ID “martin.percy1” (Level 1 with 139 points, a member since January 11, 2007) posted the following:


Does being bought up in a christian family lead some people to believe in God? Why?


THE BATTLE AXE:  Love at First Sight? (08/28/2014)—(4.)  The initial encounter of two persons joined by an agreement for arranged marriage may, or may not, include the experience of bonding we call “love at first sight.”  However, it absolutely must include a foundation of child-parent love, dutifulness, respect, and trust.  Infatuation and what we call “puppy love” describe experiences of young people marked by efforts to establish and prolong temporary emotional excitement, exaggerated romantic attraction, and (occasionally) sexual arousal that alters, confuses, and disrupts their usual patterns of behavior, discipline, home life, and thought.  By contrast genuine experiences of love introduce growth, self assessment, planning, and reflection.  Efforts are focused upon continuity, discovery, increased intimacy, sharing, and stability.  Just as a single seed contains the full life and every stage of a plant’s future development, a blind date or casual encounter also may provide the complete potential for mature love.  Where the seed a couple contain is one for life companionship, their courtship and dating begins a relationship that should naturally result with the two firmly established as life companions.  Where men and women, instead, are rooted only in the animal aspects of their humanity obstacles to genuine love must repeatedly appear such as conceit, fear, materialism, possessiveness, pride and sexual appetite that hinder the gradual unfolding of love.   See again Genesis 2:  18, Proverbs 28:  4, Song of Solomon 8:  6-7 and Malachi 2:  13-15, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.  (Proverbs 22:  15, New International Version, NIV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  When Children Embrace Church? (08/18/2014); Condemned by the Church? (08/19/2014); Why the Gospel for Our Children (05/13/2014); Changing Times and Laws? (05/14/2014); Kicked Out By Parents? (11/27/2013); Before Getting Baptized? (11/28/2013); Therefore There Was Trust (01/07/2013); When Does Gossip Become Sin? (01/08/2013)


“martin.percy1”, here are a few thoughts on family and Christian belief that you may find helpful:

(1.)  Families are more than simply groups having a physical bond through sexual reproduction, or legal contracts of adoption and marriage.  Families also are identified as groups practicing and sharing specific beliefs as well as clear patterns displaying emotional, intellectual, political, psychological, and spiritual values.

(2.)  Minor children must depend upon stable families for nourishment and protection throughout their early development.  By regularly repeating peculiar exchanges and interactions, children are instructed and prepared to operate independently having their own integrity as mature persons.  Family relationships are the first setting wherein children develop and use both nonverbal and oral communication.  Later, preschool, kindergarten, and day care become the areas where their social character is further molded.

(3.)  Either deliberately or unintentionally—formally or informally— all children eventually are introduced to every belief system of their parents, and carried forward into every relationship of their parents that existed before they were born.  Where parents are not grounded in sacred knowledge and spiritual belief systems, usually their children may not pursue such interests without emotional conflict, and various levels of separation.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example (4.)  Parents may share only surface aspects of their own spiritual experiences with their children; and each child must determine how they will benefit best from what they have been given.  Just as parents are not cruel monsters who force their children to learn the ABC’s, parents are not tyrants for allowing their children a place in their church attendance, Bible study, and prayers.  Only with the ABC’s may our children someday read and write; and only with basic sacred knowledge and practice with others will children someday prosper as adult believers.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/13/2012) Family and Romance

      Ones duty concerning the romantic relationships of family members are the topic, today, along with more on whether Christians live by a “double standard.” The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “justwondering” (Level 2 with 806 points, a member since July 12, 2010) posted the following:


Should I show interest in the romantic life of family members?

I have two older relative (a mother and aunt) who are terrible at staying in a relationship. So every year it’s like they have a new man. I don’t know how to respond. I REALLY don’t care and don’t want to know details, but I don’t want to seem cold, so I usually ask for details about who they are dating and such. But it always feels so uncomfortable. How do you think they want me to respond. Just mind my own business or act interested in their personal life?

Additional Details

I also have a gay brother. I especially am not interested in the details of his life. But I know that creates a wall between us.


THE BATTLE AXE: Double Standard? (10/12/2012)—The Christian believer is to be “in the world,” and not “of the world.” This means, believers acknowledge common needs, interdependence and shared conditions with those who are not believers. Yet, believers stand out as spiritual persons and not products of the circumstances, environment, influences and pressures that exist around, and outside of themselves. The believer is not self-centered, self-serving or unfeeling toward others. A re-born believer holds to and applies doctrine and teachings provided by GOD through the holy writings. As a result, their behavior and conduct often is characterized as strange and unfriendly to those who do not know Christ. It remains, while in the world, believers serve Jesus who is in heaven by faith, practice, sacraments, service and studies that make the Divine Person known, and present through living deeds. As instruments of sacred purpose and vessels with the imparted, indwelling Spirit from GOD, Christian believers further cleanse and preserve mankind, and function as the “salt of the earth” (see Matthew 5: 10-16, KJV).


THE GOLDEN ARROW: My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck. (Proverbs 1: 8-9, King James Version)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Wrong To Love? (08/17/2012); The Young Less Religious? (08/18/2012); Birth Control and Sexism? (03/16/2012); Binder 23: We Cry, Abba (10/20/2011); Monogamy? (11/29/2010); Appetite (10/14/2010)

    
     Be encouraged. Here are some thoughts that have been shared with Christian believers that may help:

      As family members, we have various levels of duty to one another that include expanding and extending the family as a unit through the relationships we may enter as individuals. Included here are adoption, marriage, and participation in fraternity and sorority commitments. Outside of the blood whereby they are bound in relationship, two structures of divine law (adoption and marriage) are the primary permanent and “unbreakable” relationships from GOD intended to provide continuous life companionship. Inheritance is made secure through blood and law. Both marriage and divorce serve as “badges” and emblems of divine authority (the two are one flesh; what GOD has joined together, let no man put asunder…). Where family members are immature, selfish or deny and are unaware of their duties, the Christian believer must be prepared to teach through example, distance, and in silence that will reduce conflict and dysfunction.

      Rightly carried out, the family itself is an endowment and wealth that serves as foundation for a child’s growth and life accomplishment. Children are all accounted as being in poverty because they control no goods, income, real property or savings. With the nourishment, protection and support of ones family shared resources are available to all minor and adult members as well that should include dignity, faith, honor, loyalty, reputation, respect, and unity. Christian believers are made sons and daughters of GOD through operations of the Holy Spirit spoken of as “adoption.” The continuing ministry of Jesus Christ as Risen Lord is the believer’s embrace into the family of GOD.

      Many having reached an age of accountability for emotional, sexual and spiritual choices do not acknowledge the authority of parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, or the authority of older siblings as when younger. Correction of problems in attitude, behavior and conduct cannot be accomplished by simply angry displays, avoidance, commanding change, threatening punishment, or withholding affection. Even so, counsel may be shared as expression of genuine concerns, ones own needs in relationship, and personal truth. A believer may make frequent prayer requests for balance, clarity, and self-control to continue in family relationships without bias, condemnation and prejudice. However, commitment to Christ demands one be prepared to accept that, where family members insist upon opposing their faith, salvation and sacred service to GOD, there also must be a conditional separation from those who do not believe.
    
     There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, unlike the goals for courtship that leads to marriage, the goals for romantic relationships often center upon fantasy and the answering of ones sexual appetite. As with hunger and thirst, sexual appetite cannot be reduced and removed completely through imagination, logic, reason and other operations of the mind. Even in marriage, where ones spirit is joined to a single spirit, a conflict for inner control occurs. By fornication, the joining of ones spirit through sexual activity (as simple as holding hands, or a kiss on the cheek) one puts at risk their capacity to maintain their own identity and independence in all their relationships, including those within the family structure.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC