Today,
teaching and godly wisdom on marriage are shared. Many young adults
are offended by the priceless lessons on defilement, fornication, and
life companionship. The young count it as maturity to frown upon
arranged marriage and early or teenage marriage with the same contempt
they show sexual abstinence. Prostitution is regarded as “adult”,
natural, and necessary. Yet, sexual activity is dangerous for those who
are immature and inexperienced because the outcome is always
unpredictable: Intercourse is never the same twice (even with the same
partner, at the same hour, in the same location); one may become
infected with disease; or there may be unwanted pregnancy. For mature
Christian believers, holy matrimony is a joining of spirits that removes
some of the threat, for two become one flesh, and GOD is the other.
Just as for Adam, the 2 wives of Abraham, or the 4 wives of Jacob—even
the 700 wives and 300 concubines of Solomon—successfully managing the
spirits that are engaged during sexual contact become possible only by
operations of GOD. Because sexual activity is always a compound event
occurring on multiple levels (emotional, physical, psychological, and
spiritual) all at the same time, even activity as simple as holding
hands, or a kiss on the cheek (oral sex) may have great energy and
enduring power, due to the exchange and interaction of spirit content.
The fruit of sexual sharing in relationships of willing surrender,
trust, and unselfishness can be greater certainty, confidence, and
self-command. Nonetheless, unintended bonds begun through casual sex
may only be removed by divinity. For those who have had multiple
sexual partners, their own inborn spirit may come under attack by
spirits within themselves from persons previously joined to the present
sex partner. For example, a fellow who joins to one woman, internalizes
aspects of her character and nature, and must continue to manage two
separate spirits within himself until they are blended as one. Where he
has had intercourse with 12 women, he brings more than 13 spirits to
his marriage bed. Every spirit acquired by the 12 through their other
sexual behavior also will appear. Thus, where the 12 women had 10 men
each who had 10 women each (do the math…) more than 1,200 spirits are
involved, and spiritual confusion is very likely to result
within the marriage. The spirits may be in conflict with one another,
form alliances (30 against 90; 50 against 70), may increase the strength
of the one fellow’s own spirit, or oppose and crush his inborn spirit.
As with symptoms for disease or drug use, neither benefits nor
conflicts from the fusion of spirits will appear—at first; and others
will see changes in him (like seeing his chin, his face, or the back of
his head) before he himself realizes that serious problems have
developed. Later, inappropriate behavior, uncharacteristic attitudes or
beliefs, and unexplained emotions may be seen such as anxiety,
depression, distress, and perplexity. Early marriage where faithfulness
and fidelity are maintained is a primary divine solution for avoiding
the many woes that come by fornication. Consider again the
following from Scripture, and the commentary below: Proverbs 19: 14,
King James Version (KJV): 14 House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.
Also, Proverbs 5: 15-20, KJV: 15 Drink waters out of thine own
cistern, and running waters out of thine own well. 16 Let thy fountains
be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets. 17
Let them be only thine own, and not strangers’ with thee. 18 Let thy
fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. 19 Let her be
as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at
all times; and be thou ravished always with her love. 20 And why wilt
thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of
a stranger? 1st Corinthians 6: 15-20, KJV: 15 Know ye not that your
bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of
Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. 16
What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for
two, saith he, shall be one flesh. 17 But he that is joined unto the
Lord is one spirit. 18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is
without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his
own body. 19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the
Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are
not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God
in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. 1st Peter 3: 7,
KJV: 7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to
knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and
as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not
hindered. Pandita Njoh Eta, who participates with me in THE BIBLE STUDY
GROUP (a Public Group on Facebook presently having 21,918 members),
invited discussion by posing the following question at 10:36pm, December
9, 2015:
.
Why is scripture particular about the wife of your youth and what do you understand by it.?
THE
GOLDEN ARROW: Two are better than one; because they have a good reward
for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow:
but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?
And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a
threefold cord is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12, KJV)
THE
DOUBLE DAGGER: The Mistakes In Youth? (08/24/2015); Sermons About Good
Sex? (08/25/2014); About Good Sermons? (08/26/2014); GOD and Adultery?
(06/11/2014); A Hardened Spirit? (06/12/2014); Traditional Marriage?
(12/18/2013); GOD Enjoys Judgment? (12/19/2013)
Pandita Njoh Eta,
because ones spouse is to be a lifelong companion who also serves as an
agent of GOD in the divine processes of salvation, it can be important
that a pair begin their marriage union while both are still young, and
their emotional, psychological, sexual, and spiritual development is
still ongoing. Many young people despise and reject the wisdom that
addresses issues of arranged and early marriage. In most nations,
today, children are classed among the poor: They do not have income
from employment; they have no savings; they do not own luxuries (e.g.,
boats, gems, jewelry, paintings, stocks) and property that may be turned
into cash. Unless the parents provide an inheritance or portion for
the young, they will continue as unfit for the financial obligations and
responsibilities of marriage until such time as they accomplish their
own business, career, or savings goals. The excellent model wherein the
female serves as homemaker not only relieves the male, and adds power
to all his efforts to meet the life challenges within the workplace, it
permits her full expression of creativity, ingenuity, originality, and
resourcefulness.
All young people
hunger for affection, affirmation, endorsement, and respect as feeling
and thinking persons. While they want acceptance, many are unwilling to
make lasting commitments; discharge unpleasant, yet, necessary duties;
or maintain strict self-discipline regarding their own body, mind and
spirit. Many covet adulthood, independence, maturity, and romantic love
without understanding that the benefits and strengths of these features
are developed gradually by continuing exchange in stable relationship.
The young often have fantasies about being loved, and imagine a future
life. However, they tend to think in terms of their own satisfaction,
rather than obedience (i.e., putting aside ones own desires and feelings
to carry out the desire of another); sacrifice (i.e., giving over and
enduring loss to please another); and unselfish support to another.
There are many
other points that should be carefully considered, correctly understood,
and spiritually apprehended. (For example, because many young people
are convinced that the way to find a marriage partner is by dating, and
having sexual relations with everyone to whom they are attracted, many
have become victims of fornication (i.e., the joining of
spirits through sexual activity), HIV and other sexually transmitted
diseases (STD’s), and unwanted pregnancies. Marriage does not eliminate
sexual appetite, and may only provide healthy experiences for a pair
where they are mature enough to exercise perseverance and restraint as
well as commitment to vision.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be
useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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
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
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
Focus, today, is upon expressions of love for “unseen” divinity. Also, there is more on parables about the kingdom. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Prowess” (Level 2 with 352 points, a member since March 19, 2013) posted the following:
Why do people say they love god?
I mean, they've never met God. How could you truly love someone you've never even seen or talked to?
THE BATTLE AXE: Parables About the Kingdom? (05/02/2014)—(4.) While we understand that parables serve as verbal illustrations and object lessons, many miss that parables are also to be understood as statements of prophecy. Many were based upon common experiences in daily life; some were taken from historical events, and familiar Scriptures. The intent of using parables was not so much to provide full explanations and complete knowledge as to engage hearers, excite curiosity, and establish an appetite for more spiritual matter. (5.) The kingdom Jesus came to demonstrate and increase can not be correctly described and detailed using only the language, material objects, and processes of human experience. There must be a peculiar resonance (aspects of oneness and sameness) between the content of being that resides within a person, and that residing within divinity and GODhead. Jesus himself is a sum and vessel of the kingdom, such that by his Advent and coming, mankind receives divine governance, frameworks for sacred practice (we say, sacraments), and rule without there also having to be a change in eternal law. Consider Deuteronomy 18: 18-19, Psalms 78: 1-8, Proverbs 1: 5-7, Ezekiel 17: 1-10, Isaiah 14: 3-12 and Revelation 12: 10-12, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. (1st Peter 1: 3-10, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Personal Relationship? (04/03/2014); GOD Everywhere? (04/04/2014); A Relationship not Just Knowledge? (06/25/2013); Lost Without GOD? (06/26/2013); Desire for Love? (07/05/2013); A GOD of Love? (05/07/2013); Commanding the Storm? (05/08/2013); How To Love GOD? (03/24/2013); A Second Adam? (03/25/2013)
“Prowess”, here are a few points to consider that may help you have a clearer view of Christian belief:
(1.) For many the process of love to GOD is one of preparation for encounter. We expect to meet GOD at some point during our full life experience, and so we cleanse, study, and otherwise prepare ourselves. Think of this as an exciting process of expectation and hope similar to that of a married couple about to have their first child. Their affection, commitment, and sense of relationship should begin long before the child is actually born. They begin to examine and decide upon possibilities for their little one, as surely as they prepare a little room, a crib, and articles of clothing.
(2.) For many the process of love to GOD is one of endurance until reunion. We are in a painful separation from the Almighty, and so we go about to maintain and strengthen ourselves until we are together again. Such believers have deep-grained “memories” of divine glory, the beauty of holiness, majesty, and sovereignty.
(3.) What believers receive by fellowship and participation in study and worship within a congregation is often spoken of as a “foretaste of glory divine.” Attitudes, behavior, conduct, goals, language and thinking are shared that immerse a believer in experiences of sacred truth. Otherwise hidden and personal thoughts are found to be shared, and to have their common origin in divine operations, eternal purposes, and correct relationship with GOD.
There is a lot more to be said, correctly put into place, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Carnal love relationships begin in a diffuse recognition of our needs for continuing affection and companionship as well as “what we bring to the table,” and want to offer within a relationship. Similarly, our responses to divine love begin in recognizing needs, and wanting to make offering. In the same way we use intellect, logic, and reason to choose what we eat and drink, we should not depend upon the animal aspects of our nature (e.g., appetite, instinct, intuition) to establish and maintain relationships that are healthy, lasting, productive, and satisfying. We may pursue an informal plan that allows us to experience “chemistry” and fit with candidates for relationship (dating), before committing ourselves to friendship or marriage. Similarly, believers explore their possibilities for right relationship with GOD. It is not enough to simply desire to avoid isolation and rejection, or want to escape damnation and hell.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith, and your integrity as a genuine believer.
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. (1st John 3: 1-3, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
