(11/14/2012) Mockers in the Last Days

     Use by some of mockery rather than love is the topic, today. Also, there is more on unexpected expressions of affection, service to widows, and a holy kiss. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Sept” (Level 1 with 149 points, a member since September 18, 2012) posted the following:



Why do people against faith in God often employ hate, prejudice, mockery, favorism, and scorn, more than love?

It is kind of sad that they are quick to use these foolish things and slow to love. Doesn't it make you want to turn to God more, who is quick to love, quick to forgive, and slow to anger?



THE BATTLE AXE: A Holy Kiss? (11/13/2012)—Through Jesus all believers inherit a duty to serve the fatherless and widows (James 1: 16-27, KJV). Just as a lifeguard at poolside must be vigilant and ready to deliver mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to save a swimmer who is drowning, and a firefighter must be prepared to rush into a building that is aflame in order for lives to be saved, those who serve in Jesus Christ must grow to a level of trust, unselfishness, and willingness to martyr or sacrifice themselves in order to recover souls. Mature believers do not question their own, or the motives of those clearly in need, and may not “second-guess” themselves. In the course of ministry, all that is said and done are taken on “face value,” and understood as lawful and legitimate expressions of the imparted, indwelling spirit of Christ. The work of the Spirit always conveys divine authority, confidence in GOD, faith, holy boldness, innocence, love, righteousness, truth and wisdom (see Philippians 4: 4-7, KJV). As with the casting of pur and the lot, the believer relies upon GOD for all that follows. This includes cleansing, healing for every injury or wound, the completeness and correctness for outcomes of interventions and responses as well as replenishment of all spiritual supplies (see 1st Peter 2: 15-16, KJV). Because sexual joining is an emotional, physical, psychological and spiritual expression, casual sex always results in a reduction of spirit power and purity; and should be regarded as fornication, a joining of ones spirit to other unknown and unseen persons. The perils to those who minister the gospel are not so much that they will be accused, sexually harassed, seduced and then punished as was Joseph. It is that they may fail to maintain the simplicity in Christ repeatedly displaying instead indifference, lack of balance, overconfidence, over familiarity, and presumption. Pastoral counseling and many other interventions are best performed by those having suitable training and experience in the things of GOD. It is very difficult for the novice to avoid inappropriate assumptions, premature and unauthorized judgment (i.e., condemnation) of others, and self-promotion (see 1st Timothy 3: 1-10, KJV).



THE GOLDEN ARROW: But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. (Jude 7-23, KJV)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Since You Asked (02/10/2012); Expect Healing (02/11/2012); Girdle 28: Grounded In Love (12/13/2011); Why Disobey? (03/18/2011); In The Rain? (03/07/2011); Q and A? (10/09/2010); A Demon Leader? (10/10/2010)



     Many choosing to use derision and scorn seek to disguise their ill-will against others (see Proverbs 26: 25-27 and Proverbs 27: 4-6, KJV). Because they fear exposure and punishment they “sugar-coat” their malice and venom, presenting the attack as humor, a joke, a casual remark, or even a heart-to-heart confidence that should bond and seal a friendship. Often, such persons are immature, presumptuous, and proud. They continue to repeat statements expressing contempt, disdain and disrespect against authority, family, law and sacred wisdom as though they truly were doing others a favor, or revealing hidden dangers, snares and pitfalls. Yet, what they speak emerges from anger, bitterness, and distrust rather than from godly insight, the sacred content of their own being, or genuine spiritual understanding.

     As an aspect of divine person and a dimension of existence, love is not a human device that can be applied, directed or manipulated in accordance with carnal, material and social concerns. Divine love is inseparable from other sacred substance, such as faith, holiness, hope, humility, longsuffering, righteousness, truth and wrath against sin. (So to speak, one cannot separate the wet from the water.) Through the indwelling spirit of GOD, mature created beings and living creatures experience love as an unselfish goal and godly motives that add value (edify), continue being, and ensure benefit to others.

     There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, many who mock and scorn when presented with the things given for salvation from GOD express anxiety, disbelief, embarrassment, and fear as very early indications that their development as a believer has begun. In the same way Moses was merely curious and unsuspecting when he turned aside to see the bush that burned without giving off smoke or turning into ashes, scoffers also are engaged with divinity where otherwise they are denied and rejected. Apart from their self-awareness and self-will, the Holy Spirit that brings created beings and living creatures into repentance may be introduced within their consciousness, prompt responses from their inborn spirit substance, and begin to dispel their spiritual confusion.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC