Creation, heaven, and reconciliation are topics, today. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “The Bearded One” (Level 3 with 1,386 points, a member since July 24, 2012) posted the following:
Why didn’t god just create everybody on heaven?
If he was that powerful and loving, he would have the ability to do so.
THE BATTLE AXE: The “Jesus Way”? (05/17/2013)—(5.) Reconciliation may be understood as part of a larger sacred process that includes incarnation, judgment and salvation whereby divine person is revealed (i.e., made known; made visible) to all Creation. To be known by created beings and living creatures as more than an abstract idea, or passing thought in their minds, divinity must also exist as a concrete and tangible presence. Similarly, for mankind to continue in divine awareness as more than a mere object within the eternal expanse of divine mind, divinity must also appear and operate as unique person. The work of reconciliation transforms created beings and living creatures from remote objects under the gaze of eternal spirit to recognizable events and expressions that themselves constitute the existence of GOD. By abiding as what we are, while also continuing to be as divinity, GOD may relate to mankind as persons that communicate, exchange, and realize relationship. The person of Jesus is that aspect of full divine being that endures within the many finite frameworks for existence provided to created beings and living creatures. As Christ, GOD experiences both human and sacred events. Included are advent, bereavement, change, growth, humiliation, increase, loss, pain, progression, suffering, and three-fold glory. See Matthew 4: 1-11, James 1: 1-14 and Hebrews 4: 14-16, KJV. (6.) The divine work that has been performed on behalf of Creation through Jesus Christ cannot be altered, copied, counterfeited, repeated, or replaced. For this reason, many say, Jesus is the only way. The reconciliation of GOD to the created goes beyond allowing and embracing their otherwise unacceptable behavior and misconduct through sin. Incompatible levels of being and existence that result in conflict, corruption, and contradiction must be brought into harmony, and union through the direct action of GOD. Thus, all created beings and living creatures are to accept Christ as a “one of a kind” act of GOD. See John 14: 1-6, John 11: 21-27, 1st Corinthians 3: 11, Hebrews 9: 27-28, Hebrews 10: 4-14, 1st Peter 3: 18 and 2nd John 1: 9, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD’s thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is. (Deuteronomy 10: 14, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why Blood? (04/13/2013); Time Before the Sun? (04/14/2013); Before Abraham Was… (03/14/2013); On Titles and Respect (03/15/2013); The Need to Purify Heaven (01/17/2013)
The Bearded One, here are some points to consider that agree with teachings from the Holy Bible:
(1.) Through its own internal devices, the finite, limited mind that is bound within frames of time and space can not conceive of a living universe, or the eternal, uninterrupted self-emanation of GOD. Only by actions and events that make visible the presence of divinity, and the directed will of GOD, are humans able to have correct knowledge of the love, possibilities, and power from the true and living GOD. See 1st Corinthians 2: 9-10, KJV.
(2.) The separation from celestial presence established through the creation of both heaven and earth permits change, diversity, growth and progression within a full sphere of divine aspect that itself is only enduring, fixed, immortal, immutable, incorruptible, permanent, and stable. Distance must be maintained between the Creator and the created that will continue ongoing sacred operations as balanced, complete, impartial, righteous, and sound.
(3.) Given that sin was first found to be present among the holy angels, the earth and its inhabitants may be understood as a sacred device to demonstrate and establish the sovereign will of GOD. Sin has not been created by GOD, and has no divine origin. Sin is not a material thing or spirit creation; yet, sin may dominate the self-will of created beings and living creatures. Sin opposes the existence of divine law, sacred person, and the universe of divine creation. Sin cannot be detected or resisted simply by applications of imagination, intelligence, and finite mind.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Breaking-off the spread of sin in the place of celestial presence, and repair of the damage to all demands divine operations that may only be accomplished through the incarnation of GOD as Jesus Christ. There must be atonement, purification and sanctification that will permanently eliminate all sin.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Friday, May 17, 2013
(05/17/2013) The “Jesus Way”?
Divine reconciliation is the topic, today; and there are additional points for How Do I Repent? (05/16/2013). A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Pheby” (Level 4 with 4,555 points, a member since July 9, 2012) posted the following:
Why do some Christians say everything must be in Jesus’ way?
How do they define the Jesus’ way?
THE BATTLE AXE: How Do I Repent? (05/16/2013)—(5.) To ask, “how do I repent” is the same as saying, “how do I exist.” The same reply is given to both questions: only by the action of Almighty GOD through the ministry of Jesus Christ, and operations of the Holy Spirit. Just as form determines aspects of content, and existence for created beings and living creatures (e.g., duration, flexibility, strength), the deliberate exercise of will, and ones endowment of spirit content from GOD determines behavior and conduct, and also influence the full reality of what we are known, or perceived to be. As a mark of divine presence within the life, repentance is a peculiar display of divine glory that signals a changed spirit, continuous focus upon divinity, and rebirth from divine DNA through Jesus Christ. See Micah 6: 8, Zechariah 8: 16-17, Romans 6: 3-5, 1st Corinthians 13: 11 and Ephesians 4: 1-32, KJV. (6.) Repentance is one of the most difficult ideas in Christian living because it speaks to obedience (i.e., setting aside ones own desires, goals, and self-will to carryout the will of another), and insists upon “acting on principle.” Personal freedom appears under threat; and many fear becoming emotionless, mechanical, predictable, ritualistic, or unthinking. Believers are to perform certain behaviors and continue peculiar practices without further consideration of choices, feelings, rewards and pleasures. Saying this another way, believers only are to do what is correct according to their own faith, and what is right “according to the doctrines, teachings, and shared understandings within the community of believers.” In this sense, repentance serves as offering, sacrifice and self-denial. See Romans 12: 15-17, Hebrews 10: 22-25 and Philippians 3: 7-16, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2nd Corinthians 5: 17-21, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Death Has Been Transformed (05/09/2013); Loving the Enemy? (05/10/2013); Why Jesus Must Be A Jew (03/18/2013); The Benefit of Grace (03/19/2013); Our Need for a Son (03/04/2013); Unless You Repent (03/05/2013); How Was GOD Known Before Jesus (10/06/2012); Jesus, King of Earth (10/07/2012); Girdle 43: Of The Common Salvation (12/30/2011); Girdle 41: A Living Sacrifice (12/28/2011); Binder 4: Getting To Know The Scriptures (10/01/2011)
Pheby, here are some points to consider that agree with Christian doctrines and teachings contained in the Bible:
(1.) There are fixed, permanent, and unchanging differences between GOD and all others that are aspects of divine existence, and that cannot be eliminated, or removed. As a result, mankind must accept that there is a great separation between GOD and the created beings and living creatures that exist upon the earth as well as within the place of celestial presence.
(2.) In addition to the existence of GOD as divinity, sin separates mankind from GOD. Sin is no material, physical, or spirit substance; has not been created by GOD, angels, demons, or mankind; and is “made up” only of direction, effect, and presence. Even so, sin may dominate the awareness and self-will of created beings and living creatures. The will of GOD does not respond to sin; and wrath against sin is always present as an aspect of divine person (along with such other sacred content as faith, holiness, righteousness, truth, and wisdom).
(3.) Sin opposes the existence of all divine law, divine person, and the full Creation of GOD. Without peculiar devices provided by GOD, created beings and living creatures cannot immediately detect, or resist sin. Included are divine law, conscience, sacred role models (e.g., anointed parents, patriarchs, prophets, judges, kings, apostles), and the holy writings. Surprisingly, death does not separate the Creator from those who are created until the time of final judgment (the second death).
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) In the person of Jesus Christ, GOD has appeared in flesh to establish “reconciliation” whereby every departure or digression of Creation from divine order may be evaluated, recognized, corrected or properly eliminated (we say, judged, assigned value, transformed, or damned). Through the “extreme” device of Incarnation, GOD completes multiple divine operations, fulfills sacred promises, demonstrates sovereign authority, accomplishes hallowed purposes, and proclaims eternal truth that otherwise could not exist. Included are atonement, forgiveness, redemption, rebirth, resurrection, revelation, and eternal life. Death and mortality are to be ended; and mankind is to continue immortal and incorruptible.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Why do some Christians say everything must be in Jesus’ way?
How do they define the Jesus’ way?
THE BATTLE AXE: How Do I Repent? (05/16/2013)—(5.) To ask, “how do I repent” is the same as saying, “how do I exist.” The same reply is given to both questions: only by the action of Almighty GOD through the ministry of Jesus Christ, and operations of the Holy Spirit. Just as form determines aspects of content, and existence for created beings and living creatures (e.g., duration, flexibility, strength), the deliberate exercise of will, and ones endowment of spirit content from GOD determines behavior and conduct, and also influence the full reality of what we are known, or perceived to be. As a mark of divine presence within the life, repentance is a peculiar display of divine glory that signals a changed spirit, continuous focus upon divinity, and rebirth from divine DNA through Jesus Christ. See Micah 6: 8, Zechariah 8: 16-17, Romans 6: 3-5, 1st Corinthians 13: 11 and Ephesians 4: 1-32, KJV. (6.) Repentance is one of the most difficult ideas in Christian living because it speaks to obedience (i.e., setting aside ones own desires, goals, and self-will to carryout the will of another), and insists upon “acting on principle.” Personal freedom appears under threat; and many fear becoming emotionless, mechanical, predictable, ritualistic, or unthinking. Believers are to perform certain behaviors and continue peculiar practices without further consideration of choices, feelings, rewards and pleasures. Saying this another way, believers only are to do what is correct according to their own faith, and what is right “according to the doctrines, teachings, and shared understandings within the community of believers.” In this sense, repentance serves as offering, sacrifice and self-denial. See Romans 12: 15-17, Hebrews 10: 22-25 and Philippians 3: 7-16, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2nd Corinthians 5: 17-21, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Death Has Been Transformed (05/09/2013); Loving the Enemy? (05/10/2013); Why Jesus Must Be A Jew (03/18/2013); The Benefit of Grace (03/19/2013); Our Need for a Son (03/04/2013); Unless You Repent (03/05/2013); How Was GOD Known Before Jesus (10/06/2012); Jesus, King of Earth (10/07/2012); Girdle 43: Of The Common Salvation (12/30/2011); Girdle 41: A Living Sacrifice (12/28/2011); Binder 4: Getting To Know The Scriptures (10/01/2011)
Pheby, here are some points to consider that agree with Christian doctrines and teachings contained in the Bible:
(1.) There are fixed, permanent, and unchanging differences between GOD and all others that are aspects of divine existence, and that cannot be eliminated, or removed. As a result, mankind must accept that there is a great separation between GOD and the created beings and living creatures that exist upon the earth as well as within the place of celestial presence.
(2.) In addition to the existence of GOD as divinity, sin separates mankind from GOD. Sin is no material, physical, or spirit substance; has not been created by GOD, angels, demons, or mankind; and is “made up” only of direction, effect, and presence. Even so, sin may dominate the awareness and self-will of created beings and living creatures. The will of GOD does not respond to sin; and wrath against sin is always present as an aspect of divine person (along with such other sacred content as faith, holiness, righteousness, truth, and wisdom).
(3.) Sin opposes the existence of all divine law, divine person, and the full Creation of GOD. Without peculiar devices provided by GOD, created beings and living creatures cannot immediately detect, or resist sin. Included are divine law, conscience, sacred role models (e.g., anointed parents, patriarchs, prophets, judges, kings, apostles), and the holy writings. Surprisingly, death does not separate the Creator from those who are created until the time of final judgment (the second death).
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) In the person of Jesus Christ, GOD has appeared in flesh to establish “reconciliation” whereby every departure or digression of Creation from divine order may be evaluated, recognized, corrected or properly eliminated (we say, judged, assigned value, transformed, or damned). Through the “extreme” device of Incarnation, GOD completes multiple divine operations, fulfills sacred promises, demonstrates sovereign authority, accomplishes hallowed purposes, and proclaims eternal truth that otherwise could not exist. Included are atonement, forgiveness, redemption, rebirth, resurrection, revelation, and eternal life. Death and mortality are to be ended; and mankind is to continue immortal and incorruptible.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Thursday, May 16, 2013
(05/16/2013) How Do I Repent?
Actions, feelings, and repentance are topics, today. Also, there is more on the church as “a bride,” and the “same sex” nature of Christian commitment. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Fly” (Level 1 with 120 points, a member since January 12, 2013) posted the following:
Christians please help?
How do I repent?
I know I have to feel sorry for my sins. I am very confused about my feelings, but I dont think I am truly sorry for my sins. I want to be sorry, and I want to truly repent for it. How do I do it? Since being sorry is a feeling, is it even possible to control my feelings?
But there’s one thing for sure – I am willing to change my ways and stop sinning (try my best), and obey God’s commandments. I just want to be real sorry (Godly sorrow). I really want to repent and receive forgiveness for my sins.
Please help me!
THE BATTLE AXE: The Church as a Bride? (05/15/2013)—(5.) Both ones awareness of GOD, and ones self-awareness must change for there to be acceptance of ones own existence as created by GOD, and to embrace the possibilities for relationship with the Creator established through the ministry of Jesus Christ. The complex changes that must occur include a person acquiring new knowledge (we say, learning), and eliminating earlier knowledge (we say, un-learning) at the same time. The believer must come to know the “person” of GOD as expressed in covenants, judgments, sacred operations, praises, promises, and eternal purposes. See Exodus 19: 4-6, Deuteronomy 14: 1-2 and 1st Peter 2: 1-10, KJV. (6.) The truths that center upon carnal being, the conflicts between flesh and spirit, and the management of human sexual appetite are not canceled and denied by the ministry of Jesus Christ as redeemer, savior, and Risen Lord. All who come to Christ must submit to change whereby all belief, conduct and relationships become visible in the light of divine person, and sacred purpose. It is not that believers feel no desire for adultery, casual sex, premarital sex, same sex experience, sexual fantasies, or other emotional, physical and psychological adventures. It is because, in our humanity, we do; and we humble ourselves to GOD for balance, change, correction, growth, insight, maturity, rebirth and sanctification. (7.) New Jerusalem is the gathering place where all believers will abide; and is called “the Holy City” and “the Bride of Christ.” Correctly understood, this is not a reference to some physical location that may be identified on the earth or in the heavens by using the frameworks of time and space so much as to the continuity, permanence and spirit-being of all who will continue to exist within the eternal sphere of divine person. See Exodus 23: 20, John 14: 1-3, Matthew 25: 31-46 and Isaiah 57: 15, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Titus 2: 11-14, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Repentance Must Come Before Resurrection (04/27/2013); Destroyed in Noah’s Flood? (04/28/2013); When Jesus Comes Back? (04/19/2013); How to Love GOD? (03/24/2013); His Burden is Light (12/10/2012); How to Have Conviction (11/24/2012); A Text for Lives Today? (11/25/2012); Knowing Who Your Real Friends Are (12/11/2012); The Gender of Angels? (10/09/2012); Sin Unknown? (10/10/2012); The Spirit by Measure? (09/22/2012); A Man in Heaven? (09/23/2012); Aliens? (09/24/2012); Wrong to Love? (08/17/2012); The Young Less Religious? (08/18/2012)
Fly, please, consider the following. There are many points of truth that Christian believers must accept, and regularly apply in continuous practice before they gain certainty, personal insight, and full understanding. The examples below agree with Bible teachings, and the life experience of those who are born again:
(1.) Like forgiveness, love and genuine wrath against sin, repentance is an operation of the imparted, indwelling Spirit of Christ. These sacred operations are not merely outcomes of human emotions, and feelings. A person’s self-will must be transformed, and their process for selecting actions must be re-patterned to express being, change, and desired conditions while being anchored in a peculiar awareness of GOD, all at the same time.
(2.) Repentance is not an aspect of divine person or sacred content such as faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, righteousness, and wisdom. As with many sacred operations and eternal truths, repentance is operationally defined (i.e., known by actions taken; known through obedience); and created beings and living creatures must know repentance.
(3.) In the same way the Holy Spirit must complete the sacred operations begun in a human choice to be baptized (i.e., spirit death, burial, resurrection, and new birth), the Spirit also completes the process of repentance.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Repentance is not what you feel; it’s what you do. Begin or step-up the discipline and practice of sacraments in your daily routines. Fast. Expand your prayer life. Enrich your study. Show greater respect to Christ, and all others in your life. Change every behavior that promotes gossip, inattentiveness, lying, malice, possessiveness, pride, or selfishness. That’s what GOD and others should be able to recognize as your repentance, and divinity working in you also.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Christians please help?
How do I repent?
I know I have to feel sorry for my sins. I am very confused about my feelings, but I dont think I am truly sorry for my sins. I want to be sorry, and I want to truly repent for it. How do I do it? Since being sorry is a feeling, is it even possible to control my feelings?
But there’s one thing for sure – I am willing to change my ways and stop sinning (try my best), and obey God’s commandments. I just want to be real sorry (Godly sorrow). I really want to repent and receive forgiveness for my sins.
Please help me!
THE BATTLE AXE: The Church as a Bride? (05/15/2013)—(5.) Both ones awareness of GOD, and ones self-awareness must change for there to be acceptance of ones own existence as created by GOD, and to embrace the possibilities for relationship with the Creator established through the ministry of Jesus Christ. The complex changes that must occur include a person acquiring new knowledge (we say, learning), and eliminating earlier knowledge (we say, un-learning) at the same time. The believer must come to know the “person” of GOD as expressed in covenants, judgments, sacred operations, praises, promises, and eternal purposes. See Exodus 19: 4-6, Deuteronomy 14: 1-2 and 1st Peter 2: 1-10, KJV. (6.) The truths that center upon carnal being, the conflicts between flesh and spirit, and the management of human sexual appetite are not canceled and denied by the ministry of Jesus Christ as redeemer, savior, and Risen Lord. All who come to Christ must submit to change whereby all belief, conduct and relationships become visible in the light of divine person, and sacred purpose. It is not that believers feel no desire for adultery, casual sex, premarital sex, same sex experience, sexual fantasies, or other emotional, physical and psychological adventures. It is because, in our humanity, we do; and we humble ourselves to GOD for balance, change, correction, growth, insight, maturity, rebirth and sanctification. (7.) New Jerusalem is the gathering place where all believers will abide; and is called “the Holy City” and “the Bride of Christ.” Correctly understood, this is not a reference to some physical location that may be identified on the earth or in the heavens by using the frameworks of time and space so much as to the continuity, permanence and spirit-being of all who will continue to exist within the eternal sphere of divine person. See Exodus 23: 20, John 14: 1-3, Matthew 25: 31-46 and Isaiah 57: 15, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Titus 2: 11-14, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Repentance Must Come Before Resurrection (04/27/2013); Destroyed in Noah’s Flood? (04/28/2013); When Jesus Comes Back? (04/19/2013); How to Love GOD? (03/24/2013); His Burden is Light (12/10/2012); How to Have Conviction (11/24/2012); A Text for Lives Today? (11/25/2012); Knowing Who Your Real Friends Are (12/11/2012); The Gender of Angels? (10/09/2012); Sin Unknown? (10/10/2012); The Spirit by Measure? (09/22/2012); A Man in Heaven? (09/23/2012); Aliens? (09/24/2012); Wrong to Love? (08/17/2012); The Young Less Religious? (08/18/2012)
Fly, please, consider the following. There are many points of truth that Christian believers must accept, and regularly apply in continuous practice before they gain certainty, personal insight, and full understanding. The examples below agree with Bible teachings, and the life experience of those who are born again:
(1.) Like forgiveness, love and genuine wrath against sin, repentance is an operation of the imparted, indwelling Spirit of Christ. These sacred operations are not merely outcomes of human emotions, and feelings. A person’s self-will must be transformed, and their process for selecting actions must be re-patterned to express being, change, and desired conditions while being anchored in a peculiar awareness of GOD, all at the same time.
(2.) Repentance is not an aspect of divine person or sacred content such as faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, righteousness, and wisdom. As with many sacred operations and eternal truths, repentance is operationally defined (i.e., known by actions taken; known through obedience); and created beings and living creatures must know repentance.
(3.) In the same way the Holy Spirit must complete the sacred operations begun in a human choice to be baptized (i.e., spirit death, burial, resurrection, and new birth), the Spirit also completes the process of repentance.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Repentance is not what you feel; it’s what you do. Begin or step-up the discipline and practice of sacraments in your daily routines. Fast. Expand your prayer life. Enrich your study. Show greater respect to Christ, and all others in your life. Change every behavior that promotes gossip, inattentiveness, lying, malice, possessiveness, pride, or selfishness. That’s what GOD and others should be able to recognize as your repentance, and divinity working in you also.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
(05/15/2013) The Church as a Bride?
Focus, today, is upon the church as the “bride of Christ” and whether that title applies to the practice of homosexuality as an aspect of Christian belief. Also, there is more on TV portrayals of GOD that raise questions about divine immortality. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “flutter” (Level 6 with 12,680 points, a member since June 6, 2006) posted the following:
If the church is supposed to be considered the bride of Christ does that mean?
that christian men are gay
THE BATTLE AXE: Can GOD Die? (05/14/2013)—(6.) Television programs that offer ghost stories, horror tales, and supernatural thrillers cannot be trusted as sources for divine truth, sacred doctrine, and genuine spiritual insight. While many Christians regard TV fare as harmless and useful for sharpening the mind like brainteasers and crossword puzzles, others realize many dangerous presentations are broadcast that contain corruption, distraction from performing ones duties, encouragement of complaining and violence, half-truth, hidden messages, lies, poison, and open thrusts against sound belief. Their danger to young and developing minds is that they also introduce assumptions and false truths relied upon for emotional, psychological and spiritual strength that can not be removed without severe disruption and damage. New believers and those recently “born again” are encouraged to carefully reexamine their amusements, break some favorite habits for entertainment, or even completely avoid their old pleasures. As with science fiction, viewers must employ the mental device common to most story-telling called “a willing suspension of unbelief.” Such programs present the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the principles for righteousness given by GOD using errors, exaggerations, and unbalanced extremes. The various shared purposes among the actors, film crew, writers and others often center in arousing the sexual appetite of viewers, exploitation of human weaknesses, generating fear as a device to ensure excitement, self-promotion, and dispersing “the leaven of the Pharisees.” See Psalm 1: 1, 1st Peter 2: 1-3, Colossians 2: 18-29, 1st Corinthians 13: 1-13 and Luke 12: 1-5, King James Version. (7.) According to the standards for Christian believers, angels, the divine tool of death, demons and devils actually do exist. However, the fictional accounts that portray death as a man, a heroic figure, or a god are little different from the stories and tales that advance the Devil and other unclean spirits as exercising divine authority, and power. In fantasies, spirit beings may be used to display a mix of animal and human behavior at the same time, and so are repeatedly depicted as monsters. Characters that exhibit only blasphemy, defiance, rebellion and spiritual confusion properly are seen as abnormal, deformed, imperfect, powerless, ungodly, unnatural, and weak. No created being or living creature will ever have sufficient authority, content, knowledge, or power to end divine being and the existence of GOD. See Deuteronomy 32: 39-43, James 2: 19 and 1st John 4: 1-3, King James Version.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Judah hath dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah hath profaned the holiness of the LORD which he loved, and hath married the daughter of a strange god. The LORD will cut off the man that doeth this, the master and the scholar, out of the tabernacles of Jacob, and him that offereth an offering unto the LORD of hosts. And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand. Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant. And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. (Malachi 2: 11-15, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: When Jesus Comes Back? (04/19/2013); What’s The Way Out? (04/20/2013); Girdle 5: Of Trust (11/20/2011); Binder 43: The Holy City (11/09/2011); Binder 41: Access to GOD (11/07/2011); Written Above? (02/18/2011); GOD’s Favorite? (02/19/2011)
“flutter”, here are some points acknowledged by many mature Christian believers who are continuing to carefully examine the claims made by GOD upon mankind through Jesus Christ:
(1.) A bride is to be a life companion within a human relationship founded in choice, courtship and dating, divine/mature guidance, respect, shared purpose, and trust. Arbitrary and erratic features of human experience are dampened and removed through commitment, faithfulness, stability, and truth.
(2.) As the bride of Christ, the church serves as a confidant, an intimate partner, and a “sounding board” to sacred goals, divine operations, and eternal truths. The church is a beloved and primary co-worker with Christ in various roles of ministry to the earth. Included are apostle, comforter, family, healer, herald, judge, leader, model (i.e., example), pastor, prophet, spokesperson, and teacher.
(3.) While sexual behavior has great power to determine content, duration, fertility, prosperity, quality of life, and success for many human relationships, the salvation of GOD through Jesus Christ cannot be acquired or maintained on the basis of desires, lusts, and sexual practices. All believers upon the earth are privileged to share in the duties of a divine priesthood from the heavens. For maximum effectiveness, believers hold to strong discipline, giving, focused practice, prayer, study, and watchfulness. Together these remove spiritual confusion generated by the world as well as such obstacles to faith as self-contradiction, error, folly, inconsistency, irreverence, and pride.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Ones bride is also their partner for claiming their own inheritance, for lawfully bringing forth offspring, for endowing and equipping ones offspring to receive, preserve and continue the shared heritage, and for overcoming the challenges and limits of mortality such as corruption, fear, isolation, pain, poverty, and sickness.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
If the church is supposed to be considered the bride of Christ does that mean?
that christian men are gay
THE BATTLE AXE: Can GOD Die? (05/14/2013)—(6.) Television programs that offer ghost stories, horror tales, and supernatural thrillers cannot be trusted as sources for divine truth, sacred doctrine, and genuine spiritual insight. While many Christians regard TV fare as harmless and useful for sharpening the mind like brainteasers and crossword puzzles, others realize many dangerous presentations are broadcast that contain corruption, distraction from performing ones duties, encouragement of complaining and violence, half-truth, hidden messages, lies, poison, and open thrusts against sound belief. Their danger to young and developing minds is that they also introduce assumptions and false truths relied upon for emotional, psychological and spiritual strength that can not be removed without severe disruption and damage. New believers and those recently “born again” are encouraged to carefully reexamine their amusements, break some favorite habits for entertainment, or even completely avoid their old pleasures. As with science fiction, viewers must employ the mental device common to most story-telling called “a willing suspension of unbelief.” Such programs present the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the principles for righteousness given by GOD using errors, exaggerations, and unbalanced extremes. The various shared purposes among the actors, film crew, writers and others often center in arousing the sexual appetite of viewers, exploitation of human weaknesses, generating fear as a device to ensure excitement, self-promotion, and dispersing “the leaven of the Pharisees.” See Psalm 1: 1, 1st Peter 2: 1-3, Colossians 2: 18-29, 1st Corinthians 13: 1-13 and Luke 12: 1-5, King James Version. (7.) According to the standards for Christian believers, angels, the divine tool of death, demons and devils actually do exist. However, the fictional accounts that portray death as a man, a heroic figure, or a god are little different from the stories and tales that advance the Devil and other unclean spirits as exercising divine authority, and power. In fantasies, spirit beings may be used to display a mix of animal and human behavior at the same time, and so are repeatedly depicted as monsters. Characters that exhibit only blasphemy, defiance, rebellion and spiritual confusion properly are seen as abnormal, deformed, imperfect, powerless, ungodly, unnatural, and weak. No created being or living creature will ever have sufficient authority, content, knowledge, or power to end divine being and the existence of GOD. See Deuteronomy 32: 39-43, James 2: 19 and 1st John 4: 1-3, King James Version.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Judah hath dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah hath profaned the holiness of the LORD which he loved, and hath married the daughter of a strange god. The LORD will cut off the man that doeth this, the master and the scholar, out of the tabernacles of Jacob, and him that offereth an offering unto the LORD of hosts. And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand. Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant. And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. (Malachi 2: 11-15, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: When Jesus Comes Back? (04/19/2013); What’s The Way Out? (04/20/2013); Girdle 5: Of Trust (11/20/2011); Binder 43: The Holy City (11/09/2011); Binder 41: Access to GOD (11/07/2011); Written Above? (02/18/2011); GOD’s Favorite? (02/19/2011)
“flutter”, here are some points acknowledged by many mature Christian believers who are continuing to carefully examine the claims made by GOD upon mankind through Jesus Christ:
(1.) A bride is to be a life companion within a human relationship founded in choice, courtship and dating, divine/mature guidance, respect, shared purpose, and trust. Arbitrary and erratic features of human experience are dampened and removed through commitment, faithfulness, stability, and truth.
(2.) As the bride of Christ, the church serves as a confidant, an intimate partner, and a “sounding board” to sacred goals, divine operations, and eternal truths. The church is a beloved and primary co-worker with Christ in various roles of ministry to the earth. Included are apostle, comforter, family, healer, herald, judge, leader, model (i.e., example), pastor, prophet, spokesperson, and teacher.
(3.) While sexual behavior has great power to determine content, duration, fertility, prosperity, quality of life, and success for many human relationships, the salvation of GOD through Jesus Christ cannot be acquired or maintained on the basis of desires, lusts, and sexual practices. All believers upon the earth are privileged to share in the duties of a divine priesthood from the heavens. For maximum effectiveness, believers hold to strong discipline, giving, focused practice, prayer, study, and watchfulness. Together these remove spiritual confusion generated by the world as well as such obstacles to faith as self-contradiction, error, folly, inconsistency, irreverence, and pride.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Ones bride is also their partner for claiming their own inheritance, for lawfully bringing forth offspring, for endowing and equipping ones offspring to receive, preserve and continue the shared heritage, and for overcoming the challenges and limits of mortality such as corruption, fear, isolation, pain, poverty, and sickness.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
(05/14/2013) Can GOD Die?
Focus, today, is upon a question generated by a television program that regularly uses fictional accounts, and portrays supernatural creatures and events. A viewer asks whether or not GOD can be overcome by death. Also, there is more on whether humans must really die. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “GOOGLE” (Level 1 with 95 points, a member since September 22, 2011) posted the following:
Christians: Can God die?
I was just watching Supernatural, in one of the episodes, it said, that Death (the 4th horseman) can reap God when it’s his time. Also, the episode started that Death and God are about the same age, maybe Death being a little bit older. Since that show bases of the bible (80% accurate), I was wondering if God can die?
Additional Details
If god wanted to die, could he die? I mean I don’t see why not. A new God could always take over…
Jesus is not god. He is a prohit of the lord. In otherwords, he is god’s son. Even the bible states that Jesus is a prophit not god. Has much as I like Jesus, he is not god. Just a prophit.
THE BATTLE AXE: Must We Really Die? (05/13/2013)—Using the impersonal and mechanical frameworks of time and space, mortality describes life as a temporal event having both a beginning and an ending; where immortality describes the operation of life process as continuous, everlasting, permanent, perpetual, and unbounded by time. Mortality is a life process only among created beings and living creatures designed to remain upon the earth. Such spirit beings as angels, demons, and sacred beasts living in heaven or operating upon the earth are neither mortal, nor immortal. Their duration is generated through divine grace, sacred purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. For Christian believers, the equation is not correct that declares death (to sleep) is the same as damnation (perdition; the second death; to be deprived of all existence, and completely terminated). Those who sleep are said to “rest,” and continue to have being and existence, however, without also having the forms of body, and mind. When Christ comes to harvest those who are his from the earth, the ones then asleep in death will be awakened, and those who are awake will be taken from the earth without experiencing the sleep of death. As carnal beings in bodies of flesh, mankind absolutely must respond to the frames of time and space as well as many truths of material and physical being. Included are external and internal demands for adaptation, aging, change, decay, growth, learning, pain, pressure, reproduction, and survival. Once the frameworks that presently direct, limit, and order human experience are removed, being and existence will continue structured by accord, divinity, incorruption, immortality, and unity.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. (1st Timothy 6: 10-16, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A GOD of War? (03/12/2013); “Authorized Personnel Only”? (03/13/2013); Double Standard? (10/12/2012); Life and Death (09/26/2012); Before Creation? (02/02/2012); The One Unseen (02/03/2012); (08/30/2011) Dispatch 20: The Ally (Able to Stand); Normal? (02/22/2011); TV Shows (02/02/2011)
GOOGLE, here are some points to consider that are important among many Christian believers as truth that agrees with the holy Scriptures:
(1.) GOD is a divine person who exists without the aspects of form that describe angels, mankind, and other created beings and living creatures. For want of a better word, we say, GOD is a “spirit“. By this we also seek to say, GOD is not a material being, object, or thing such as clouds, fog, mist and smoke.
(2.) The substance of GOD is understood as spirit matter. Included are faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, mercy, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.
(3.) GOD may appear (i.e., be present in awareness, become known and manifest) within the emotional, intellectual, psychological and spiritual consciousness of the living.
(4.) Among Christian believers, death is understood as a peculiar life process (not a sacred or supernatural person) whereby the condition of mortality is completed and finished. All created beings and living creatures are not mortal as mankind; and only GOD (not angels, devils, or the process of death) is eternal and immortal.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) As an aspect of revelation, the divine process wherein GOD makes divinity known and visible to mankind, the Almighty has appeared incarnate in the person of Jesus Christ. This device allows eternal and sacred operations that otherwise would be impossible. Atonement, birth, life, suffering, death, obedience, resurrection, and ascension to the celestial presence were all demonstrated through Christ.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Christians: Can God die?
I was just watching Supernatural, in one of the episodes, it said, that Death (the 4th horseman) can reap God when it’s his time. Also, the episode started that Death and God are about the same age, maybe Death being a little bit older. Since that show bases of the bible (80% accurate), I was wondering if God can die?
Additional Details
If god wanted to die, could he die? I mean I don’t see why not. A new God could always take over…
Jesus is not god. He is a prohit of the lord. In otherwords, he is god’s son. Even the bible states that Jesus is a prophit not god. Has much as I like Jesus, he is not god. Just a prophit.
THE BATTLE AXE: Must We Really Die? (05/13/2013)—Using the impersonal and mechanical frameworks of time and space, mortality describes life as a temporal event having both a beginning and an ending; where immortality describes the operation of life process as continuous, everlasting, permanent, perpetual, and unbounded by time. Mortality is a life process only among created beings and living creatures designed to remain upon the earth. Such spirit beings as angels, demons, and sacred beasts living in heaven or operating upon the earth are neither mortal, nor immortal. Their duration is generated through divine grace, sacred purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. For Christian believers, the equation is not correct that declares death (to sleep) is the same as damnation (perdition; the second death; to be deprived of all existence, and completely terminated). Those who sleep are said to “rest,” and continue to have being and existence, however, without also having the forms of body, and mind. When Christ comes to harvest those who are his from the earth, the ones then asleep in death will be awakened, and those who are awake will be taken from the earth without experiencing the sleep of death. As carnal beings in bodies of flesh, mankind absolutely must respond to the frames of time and space as well as many truths of material and physical being. Included are external and internal demands for adaptation, aging, change, decay, growth, learning, pain, pressure, reproduction, and survival. Once the frameworks that presently direct, limit, and order human experience are removed, being and existence will continue structured by accord, divinity, incorruption, immortality, and unity.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. (1st Timothy 6: 10-16, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A GOD of War? (03/12/2013); “Authorized Personnel Only”? (03/13/2013); Double Standard? (10/12/2012); Life and Death (09/26/2012); Before Creation? (02/02/2012); The One Unseen (02/03/2012); (08/30/2011) Dispatch 20: The Ally (Able to Stand); Normal? (02/22/2011); TV Shows (02/02/2011)
GOOGLE, here are some points to consider that are important among many Christian believers as truth that agrees with the holy Scriptures:
(1.) GOD is a divine person who exists without the aspects of form that describe angels, mankind, and other created beings and living creatures. For want of a better word, we say, GOD is a “spirit“. By this we also seek to say, GOD is not a material being, object, or thing such as clouds, fog, mist and smoke.
(2.) The substance of GOD is understood as spirit matter. Included are faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, mercy, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.
(3.) GOD may appear (i.e., be present in awareness, become known and manifest) within the emotional, intellectual, psychological and spiritual consciousness of the living.
(4.) Among Christian believers, death is understood as a peculiar life process (not a sacred or supernatural person) whereby the condition of mortality is completed and finished. All created beings and living creatures are not mortal as mankind; and only GOD (not angels, devils, or the process of death) is eternal and immortal.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) As an aspect of revelation, the divine process wherein GOD makes divinity known and visible to mankind, the Almighty has appeared incarnate in the person of Jesus Christ. This device allows eternal and sacred operations that otherwise would be impossible. Atonement, birth, life, suffering, death, obedience, resurrection, and ascension to the celestial presence were all demonstrated through Christ.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Monday, May 13, 2013
(05/13/2013) Must We Really Die?
Whether or not death is inevitable and unavoidable is the topic, today. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Stephen” (Level 1 with 132 points, a member since April 20, 2013) posted the following:
Do we really have to die?
Do you ever think about death? Do you ever fear falling asleep that you won’t wake up? Why? Why do we go about worrying about our short 80-some years of life? Why if we were only meant for some 80 years would we think of living forever? Why is there so much to do but so little time? Why is eternity on our hearts? Could it be that there is something else beyond death? If so how do we know how we can get eternal life? Why is our conscience always telling us right from wrong? How does it know? How does it know lying, stealing, torture of others, unequal rights, hitting people,etc. Is wrong? Could it possibly be getting it’s info from somewhere like a Devine being? I know I disobeyed this law embeded inside of me so eternal life probobly isn’t an option. Who will save me? What Devine being can save me from not making it into eternal life? Was there already one that came? Tell me!
THE GOLDEN ARROW: All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. (1st Corinthians 15: 39-49, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Death Has Been Transformed (05/09/2013); Loving the Enemy? (05/10/2013); What’s The Way Out? (04/20/2013); Kindness to Mary? (04/21/2013); Suddenly Absent, Suddenly Present? (03/31/2013); A Family Affair? (04/01/2013)
Yes, Stephen, in the same way we have to get wet when splashed by water. Here are some points you might find helpful that agree with Christian belief, and are in line with doctrines and teachings contained within the Bible:
(1.) Mortality as a material and physical condition in the natural world for the continued being of humankind is completed and finished only through the second death (called, being cast into the lake of fire), translation (called walking with GOD, and being lifted up) or transformation described as change that takes place during the divine harvesting of the earth (called the putting on of immortality and incorruption).
(2.) The fact of death does not have to be emotionally and psychologically overwhelming. Christians trust that they are receiving divine comfort, edification (i.e., being built up, strengthened) as well as preparation by and for bereavement through the death of their loved ones now along with multiple sacred promises and proclamations (we say prophecy) that reveal divine intent.
(3.) The possibility of eternal life is established as an aspect of divine revelation whereby GOD makes divinity known, visible, and understandable to created beings and living creatures. Existence within the universe of GOD is shown to embrace more than simply life and death. (Many things exist that do not have life.) Many dimensions of being must come into view including capacity for affiliation, consciousness, duration, and purpose.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Restoration of life to those once dead occurs as revival (raising the dead, reanimation) and resurrection. The holy writings describe resurrection as a device to further establish the righteousness of divine judgment. See again 1st Corinthians 15: 50-57 and 1st Thessalonians 4: 13-18, KJV.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Do we really have to die?
Do you ever think about death? Do you ever fear falling asleep that you won’t wake up? Why? Why do we go about worrying about our short 80-some years of life? Why if we were only meant for some 80 years would we think of living forever? Why is there so much to do but so little time? Why is eternity on our hearts? Could it be that there is something else beyond death? If so how do we know how we can get eternal life? Why is our conscience always telling us right from wrong? How does it know? How does it know lying, stealing, torture of others, unequal rights, hitting people,etc. Is wrong? Could it possibly be getting it’s info from somewhere like a Devine being? I know I disobeyed this law embeded inside of me so eternal life probobly isn’t an option. Who will save me? What Devine being can save me from not making it into eternal life? Was there already one that came? Tell me!
THE GOLDEN ARROW: All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. (1st Corinthians 15: 39-49, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Death Has Been Transformed (05/09/2013); Loving the Enemy? (05/10/2013); What’s The Way Out? (04/20/2013); Kindness to Mary? (04/21/2013); Suddenly Absent, Suddenly Present? (03/31/2013); A Family Affair? (04/01/2013)
Yes, Stephen, in the same way we have to get wet when splashed by water. Here are some points you might find helpful that agree with Christian belief, and are in line with doctrines and teachings contained within the Bible:
(1.) Mortality as a material and physical condition in the natural world for the continued being of humankind is completed and finished only through the second death (called, being cast into the lake of fire), translation (called walking with GOD, and being lifted up) or transformation described as change that takes place during the divine harvesting of the earth (called the putting on of immortality and incorruption).
(2.) The fact of death does not have to be emotionally and psychologically overwhelming. Christians trust that they are receiving divine comfort, edification (i.e., being built up, strengthened) as well as preparation by and for bereavement through the death of their loved ones now along with multiple sacred promises and proclamations (we say prophecy) that reveal divine intent.
(3.) The possibility of eternal life is established as an aspect of divine revelation whereby GOD makes divinity known, visible, and understandable to created beings and living creatures. Existence within the universe of GOD is shown to embrace more than simply life and death. (Many things exist that do not have life.) Many dimensions of being must come into view including capacity for affiliation, consciousness, duration, and purpose.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Restoration of life to those once dead occurs as revival (raising the dead, reanimation) and resurrection. The holy writings describe resurrection as a device to further establish the righteousness of divine judgment. See again 1st Corinthians 15: 50-57 and 1st Thessalonians 4: 13-18, KJV.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Sunday, May 12, 2013
(05/12/2013) Through Much Tribulation
Today’s presentation is brief, and consists in a BATTLE AXE and GOLDEN ARROW to accompany Struggling?
THE BATTLE AXE: Struggling? (05/11/2013)—(5.) Born again, the Christian believer must acquire the habit and routine of acting on principle, and doing only those things in agreement with their own divine nature, sacred knowledge, and eternal purpose. It is in this sense, believers are guided as though they were sheep, and do not lean upon their own understanding. The authority of doctrine and truth are to be acknowledged at all times, and does not depend upon any other believer’s expertise, office, rankings and titles as clergy. The same truth has been established and made available to all. When there are issues and questions that generate uncertainty, the believer must rely upon the full pattern of truth they have received. Saying this another way, they must place their trust in GOD, having knowledge of the divine commitment, the consecrated goals, and the things that are pleasing to GOD. See Proverbs 3: 5, 1st Thessalonians 4: 3-8, John 3: 16-21, Titus 2: 11-14, and 1st Peter 2: 1-17, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. (Acts 14: 19-22, KJV)
I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
THE BATTLE AXE: Struggling? (05/11/2013)—(5.) Born again, the Christian believer must acquire the habit and routine of acting on principle, and doing only those things in agreement with their own divine nature, sacred knowledge, and eternal purpose. It is in this sense, believers are guided as though they were sheep, and do not lean upon their own understanding. The authority of doctrine and truth are to be acknowledged at all times, and does not depend upon any other believer’s expertise, office, rankings and titles as clergy. The same truth has been established and made available to all. When there are issues and questions that generate uncertainty, the believer must rely upon the full pattern of truth they have received. Saying this another way, they must place their trust in GOD, having knowledge of the divine commitment, the consecrated goals, and the things that are pleasing to GOD. See Proverbs 3: 5, 1st Thessalonians 4: 3-8, John 3: 16-21, Titus 2: 11-14, and 1st Peter 2: 1-17, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. (Acts 14: 19-22, KJV)
I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Saturday, May 11, 2013
(05/11/2013) Struggling?
Belief, forgiveness, and spiritual growth are topics, today. Also, there is more on loving ones enemy. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Jack” (Level 1 with 98 points, a member since June 24, 2012) posted the following:
Struggling with christianity helpp!?
Well a week or so I was seriously contemplating making a deal with the opposite of God (I don’t want to say his name) and I decided not to since then I have been very dedicated toi christianity and saying prayers. Do you think God will forgive me and is there any chance that I made a deal with the man in my sleep accidently if so is there anyway I can undo it. Really worried please help!
THE BATTLE AXE: Loving the Enemy (05/10/2013)—(5.) The concept of “enemy” contained within Mosaic law establishing Israel as a sovereign state is not the same as that for those who were to be utterly removed from the Promised Land, even to the slaying of women, children, and livestock. (See Deuteronomy 23: 19-20, Leviticus 25: 17-18 and 39-46, Exodus 23: 3-5, KJV). The ministry of Jesus acknowledges the promises of GOD regarding the Gentiles, and in accordance with sacred purpose, Jesus introduced broader understandings for the terms “brother,” “enemy” “family” and “neighbor.” (See Mark 3: 31-35, Luke 10: 24-34 and Ephesians 2: 11-22, King James Version.) (6.) In the same way GOD did not create sin, and sin is not a substance made from spirit, GOD created no adversary or enemy at Creation. Even so, there are those who oppose the law and rule of GOD. Such are properly called “children of disobedience,” “sinners”, “transgressors”, the unjust,” “the wicked,” and “antichrists”. The language that speaks of enemies derives from military and political thinking; and is replaced by language that speaks to spiritual judgment and salvation. See 1st John 4: 1-21 and Revelation 22: 1-21, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. (1st Peter 4: 12-19, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Life Given By Knowledge? (04/03/2013); A Spirit Church? (04/04/2013); GOD Does Exist? (03/20/2012); The “Original” Bible (03/21/2012); Binder 34: Take My Yoke (10/31/2011); Dispatch 25: Comparing Spiritual Things (09/04/2011); Dispatch 26: The Shield (09/05/2011)
Jack, here are some points that mean a lot to many mature Christian believers:
(1.) Everyone struggles with Christianity; believers rarely go from first hearing the Gospel to standing in full conviction at the speed of thought. A person becomes engaged in multiple sacred processes including death, re-birth, redemption, repentance, salvation, judgment, and sanctification.
(2.) The human process of approaching GOD, and maintaining a relationship through Jesus Christ is rooted in carnal, emotional, material, psychological, and social challenges. Every sacred concept and divine truth repeatedly appears in ones experience, and the believer must increasingly recognize and re-affirm their spiritual belief without also “breaking faith,” embracing contradiction, or violating conscience.
(3.) Other believers only may share their knowledge of the formal doctrines and teachings, or declare their own belief and conviction. Each one who comes to Christ must practice a discipline wherein they put aside ideas from their own experience and imagination, and completely rely upon what is in their understanding as having come from Christ—his life experience, his ministry, the record of his appearance upon the earth, his belief, and his imparted, holy Spirit. (See Psalm 2: 10-12 and Philippians 2: 12, KJV.)
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) The choice IS yours. What do you choose to believe? Believe it now, act upon it now. There’s no reason to ask for forgiveness where you are absolutely certain it won’t be given. Where you truly believe you no longer have the salvation that comes from GOD, you also must truly accept, there is nothing anyone anywhere can do to change that. Go on with your life, and, like everyone else, do the best you can to keep from being miserable.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Friday, May 10, 2013
(05/10/2013) Loving the Enemy?
Focus today is on the divine command to love, and more on whether all Christian believers must die on the cross. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Harold” (Level 3 with 1,511 points, a member since June 24, 2009) posted the following:
Jesus said to love your enemies; how come no one follow his commandment?
THE BATTLE AXE: Death Has Been Transformed (05/09/2013)—(6.) The life and work of Christ also has established knowledge of death as a divine tool used in support of holiness, law, faith, eternal life, immortality, incorruption, and righteousness. Rather than the end of ones being, death through baptism signifies the beginning of new life. While the ministry on earth of Jesus Christ did include his raising the dead, Jesus did not alter the effect and physical process of death. Where life process (e.g., circulation, elimination, respiration) that must go on as continuous and cyclic is interrupted or shut down, damage to organs and tissue may become irreversible, and poisons may accumulate that block further functioning, recovery and regeneration. Once emotional, mental and spiritual function all cease, ones mortality is completed. Jesus has demonstrated resurrection, and clarified the divine processes and sacred purposes of judgment, including the second death. See 2nd Timothy 1: 7-10 and Romans 6: 1-23, King James Version. (7.) The death of Jesus upon the cross was to portray sacred operations that included atonement, obedience, offering, purification, and redemption. Jesus served as a living sacrifice that was holy, sinless, and filled with the divine instrument of blood that conveyed the substance of human life and spirit. Because the need of mankind has been met by a single, eternal act of GOD, there is no need that all believers die upon the cross. However, every believer is to identify with Jesus, and understand his life, ministry, death, resurrection, purpose, and Second Coming. See Romans 6: 10-12, Galatians 2: 16-21, 2nd Timothy 2: 11-13 and 2nd Timothy 4: 1-5, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5: 38-48, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A GOD of Love? (05/07/2013); Commanding the Storm? (05/08/2013); Evidence of the Unseen Spirit? (04/09/2013); A Guide to Salvation (04/10/2013); My Brother’s Keeper? (04/05/2013); Issues for Children’s Church? (04/06/2013); The Love of GOD (03/03/2013); Our Need for a Son (03/04/2013)
Harold, here are some thoughts you might find useful as you complete your understanding of how created beings and living creatures may experience and show divine love:
(1.) As an aspect of divinity, love consists in more than affection, attraction, and carnal feelings. Sacred content from the person of GOD (such as faith, humility, love, joy, wisdom and wrath against sin) is invisible to those who lack the imparted, indwelling Spirit of Christ. For many our human concepts of love center upon association, exchange and various material, sexual and social themes. Christian believers are not required to lust after, or have sex with their every enemy, nor are believers always required to behave as if brain dead whenever they are insulted or attacked with violence. (To respond as a martyr, and quietly surrender ones spouse and children to bears or lions in the arena is only one of many possibilities for Christians.)
(2.) There are many obedient to Christ, however, we are not to wear a flashing neon sign to draw attention to ourselves. Self-justification, self-promotion, and showing-off are rarely useful when sharing the Gospel. Every believer should experience GOD’s revelation of himself by discovery, discernment and direct recognition (we say, without being told) because human affirmation of the truth is by realization of what is inarguable and self-evident.
(3.) In the same way a person knows the unseen force of wind is present by its action upon the tree tops, a kite, a piece of trash, a cloud, divine substance must be realized through operations of the Holy Spirit upon the lives and understanding of created beings and living creatures as well as upon material and physical objects. Where you can see the effects and results of spirit presence (like my writing this response to a stranger), you can begin to know the love of GOD in the terms of a fellow believer.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Among Christians destroying enemies may be called “killing them with kindness” or purification (i.e., heaping hot coals upon their heads). Enemies are to be eliminated by converting them into friends through courtesy, forgiveness, generosity, godliness, humble service, and respect. See Proverbs 25: 21-22 and Romans 12: 19-21, KJV.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Jesus said to love your enemies; how come no one follow his commandment?
THE BATTLE AXE: Death Has Been Transformed (05/09/2013)—(6.) The life and work of Christ also has established knowledge of death as a divine tool used in support of holiness, law, faith, eternal life, immortality, incorruption, and righteousness. Rather than the end of ones being, death through baptism signifies the beginning of new life. While the ministry on earth of Jesus Christ did include his raising the dead, Jesus did not alter the effect and physical process of death. Where life process (e.g., circulation, elimination, respiration) that must go on as continuous and cyclic is interrupted or shut down, damage to organs and tissue may become irreversible, and poisons may accumulate that block further functioning, recovery and regeneration. Once emotional, mental and spiritual function all cease, ones mortality is completed. Jesus has demonstrated resurrection, and clarified the divine processes and sacred purposes of judgment, including the second death. See 2nd Timothy 1: 7-10 and Romans 6: 1-23, King James Version. (7.) The death of Jesus upon the cross was to portray sacred operations that included atonement, obedience, offering, purification, and redemption. Jesus served as a living sacrifice that was holy, sinless, and filled with the divine instrument of blood that conveyed the substance of human life and spirit. Because the need of mankind has been met by a single, eternal act of GOD, there is no need that all believers die upon the cross. However, every believer is to identify with Jesus, and understand his life, ministry, death, resurrection, purpose, and Second Coming. See Romans 6: 10-12, Galatians 2: 16-21, 2nd Timothy 2: 11-13 and 2nd Timothy 4: 1-5, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5: 38-48, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A GOD of Love? (05/07/2013); Commanding the Storm? (05/08/2013); Evidence of the Unseen Spirit? (04/09/2013); A Guide to Salvation (04/10/2013); My Brother’s Keeper? (04/05/2013); Issues for Children’s Church? (04/06/2013); The Love of GOD (03/03/2013); Our Need for a Son (03/04/2013)
Harold, here are some thoughts you might find useful as you complete your understanding of how created beings and living creatures may experience and show divine love:
(1.) As an aspect of divinity, love consists in more than affection, attraction, and carnal feelings. Sacred content from the person of GOD (such as faith, humility, love, joy, wisdom and wrath against sin) is invisible to those who lack the imparted, indwelling Spirit of Christ. For many our human concepts of love center upon association, exchange and various material, sexual and social themes. Christian believers are not required to lust after, or have sex with their every enemy, nor are believers always required to behave as if brain dead whenever they are insulted or attacked with violence. (To respond as a martyr, and quietly surrender ones spouse and children to bears or lions in the arena is only one of many possibilities for Christians.)
(2.) There are many obedient to Christ, however, we are not to wear a flashing neon sign to draw attention to ourselves. Self-justification, self-promotion, and showing-off are rarely useful when sharing the Gospel. Every believer should experience GOD’s revelation of himself by discovery, discernment and direct recognition (we say, without being told) because human affirmation of the truth is by realization of what is inarguable and self-evident.
(3.) In the same way a person knows the unseen force of wind is present by its action upon the tree tops, a kite, a piece of trash, a cloud, divine substance must be realized through operations of the Holy Spirit upon the lives and understanding of created beings and living creatures as well as upon material and physical objects. Where you can see the effects and results of spirit presence (like my writing this response to a stranger), you can begin to know the love of GOD in the terms of a fellow believer.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Among Christians destroying enemies may be called “killing them with kindness” or purification (i.e., heaping hot coals upon their heads). Enemies are to be eliminated by converting them into friends through courtesy, forgiveness, generosity, godliness, humble service, and respect. See Proverbs 25: 21-22 and Romans 12: 19-21, KJV.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Thursday, May 9, 2013
(05/09/2013) Death Has Been Transformed
Whether or not believers are required to die on the cross is the topic, today. Also, there is more on Jesus rebuking the storm. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Ken” (Level 1 with 182 points, a member since May 1, 2013) posted the following:
Why does Jesus require all of us die on the cross?
That’s what my pastor says. If I gotta, I gotta.
THE BATTLE AXE: Commanding the Storm? (05/08/2013)—(5.) In order to fulfill prophecy and further implement the promises of GOD, Jesus reproduced, improved upon, and portrayed many actions and events from the lives of earlier patriarchs, prophets and kings. Included were acts of covenant, deliverance, exorcism, fasting, healing, power over aspects of the natural world, prayer, submission, and spiritual surrender. The Savior’s rebuke of storms compares to Moses, Joshua, Elijah, and Elisha opening the Red Sea, and going over the Jordan River on dry ground (see Exodus 14: 21 and 2nd Kings 2: 1-15, KJV). In the same way Moses demonstrated authority from GOD calling water from a rock, and instructing them regarding the gift of manna as a food for the covenant people, Jesus fed thousands to clarify his authority to forgive sins, raise the dead, and to establish eternal life through priesthood and judgment (see John 4: 46-54, Luke 5: 18-26, Hebrews 7: 24-26 and John 6: 1-71, KJV).
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1st Corinthians 15: 50-57, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Magical Resurrection? (03/20/2013); Eat His Body, Drink His Blood (03/21/2013); Foolish For Not Believing? (03/22/2013); Life and Death (09/26/2012); Mob Rule and Violence (09/27/2012); The Divine Tool of Death (08/11/2012)
Ken, I trust you will agree, there are many things that must fit together for us to understand all that GOD is accomplishing through the Incarnation, the death, the resurrection, and eternal ministry of Jesus Christ as Risen Lord. Please consider the following points:
(1.) In the same way our existence within a natural order continues to require that people get wet when standing in the rain, all mankind and believers in salvation from GOD through Christ also continue to meet natural demands for change that include aging, decay, forgetting, sickness, and decease.
(2.) The existence of mankind within the divine order that generates created beings and living creatures has been altered by the process of sin. Sin first appeared among the holy angels, who are spirit beings. In their creation, the angels were made finished (we say, perfect) in terms of their capabilities, living process, and sacred content. The angels and sacred beasts of heaven were not made subject to death, and the fear of termination. Even so, in the heaven, only GOD is immortal.
(3.) Death was introduced as a divine tool to make visible the direction, effect, and presence of sin. The existence of mankind was made temporal (i.e., of limited duration); and the completion of our condition as mortal is called “death.” Sin has not been created by GOD, and contains no spirit substance as do all things made by GOD, including mankind. Sin may dominate self-will in created beings and living creatures; however, sin cannot influence the will of GOD.
(4.) Through the birth, ministry, sufferings, death and resurrection of Jesus, the meaning and power of death for mankind has been reconfigured and transformed. Spiritual reality and truth are clarified and established revealing death as temporal, and a necessary stage for mankind to be made immortal and incorruptible.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) To acquire and experience the benefits intended for mankind, believers must become aware of Christ as the controlling aspect within their own person. In that sense, they become one with the Son, and through him, with the Father. Death is then described as an aspect of spiritual meaning with rebirth from divine content (we say, holy DNA). There then must be further sacred process including repentance and sanctification. Human will becomes armored against sin, where men once were incapable of detecting or resisting sin.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Why does Jesus require all of us die on the cross?
That’s what my pastor says. If I gotta, I gotta.
THE BATTLE AXE: Commanding the Storm? (05/08/2013)—(5.) In order to fulfill prophecy and further implement the promises of GOD, Jesus reproduced, improved upon, and portrayed many actions and events from the lives of earlier patriarchs, prophets and kings. Included were acts of covenant, deliverance, exorcism, fasting, healing, power over aspects of the natural world, prayer, submission, and spiritual surrender. The Savior’s rebuke of storms compares to Moses, Joshua, Elijah, and Elisha opening the Red Sea, and going over the Jordan River on dry ground (see Exodus 14: 21 and 2nd Kings 2: 1-15, KJV). In the same way Moses demonstrated authority from GOD calling water from a rock, and instructing them regarding the gift of manna as a food for the covenant people, Jesus fed thousands to clarify his authority to forgive sins, raise the dead, and to establish eternal life through priesthood and judgment (see John 4: 46-54, Luke 5: 18-26, Hebrews 7: 24-26 and John 6: 1-71, KJV).
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1st Corinthians 15: 50-57, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Magical Resurrection? (03/20/2013); Eat His Body, Drink His Blood (03/21/2013); Foolish For Not Believing? (03/22/2013); Life and Death (09/26/2012); Mob Rule and Violence (09/27/2012); The Divine Tool of Death (08/11/2012)
Ken, I trust you will agree, there are many things that must fit together for us to understand all that GOD is accomplishing through the Incarnation, the death, the resurrection, and eternal ministry of Jesus Christ as Risen Lord. Please consider the following points:
(1.) In the same way our existence within a natural order continues to require that people get wet when standing in the rain, all mankind and believers in salvation from GOD through Christ also continue to meet natural demands for change that include aging, decay, forgetting, sickness, and decease.
(2.) The existence of mankind within the divine order that generates created beings and living creatures has been altered by the process of sin. Sin first appeared among the holy angels, who are spirit beings. In their creation, the angels were made finished (we say, perfect) in terms of their capabilities, living process, and sacred content. The angels and sacred beasts of heaven were not made subject to death, and the fear of termination. Even so, in the heaven, only GOD is immortal.
(3.) Death was introduced as a divine tool to make visible the direction, effect, and presence of sin. The existence of mankind was made temporal (i.e., of limited duration); and the completion of our condition as mortal is called “death.” Sin has not been created by GOD, and contains no spirit substance as do all things made by GOD, including mankind. Sin may dominate self-will in created beings and living creatures; however, sin cannot influence the will of GOD.
(4.) Through the birth, ministry, sufferings, death and resurrection of Jesus, the meaning and power of death for mankind has been reconfigured and transformed. Spiritual reality and truth are clarified and established revealing death as temporal, and a necessary stage for mankind to be made immortal and incorruptible.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) To acquire and experience the benefits intended for mankind, believers must become aware of Christ as the controlling aspect within their own person. In that sense, they become one with the Son, and through him, with the Father. Death is then described as an aspect of spiritual meaning with rebirth from divine content (we say, holy DNA). There then must be further sacred process including repentance and sanctification. Human will becomes armored against sin, where men once were incapable of detecting or resisting sin.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
(05/08/2013) Commanding the Storm?
The account of Jesus rebuking a storm is considered, today, along with more on how one truth (that GOD uses hell to destroy sin and sinners) does not cancel another (that GOD is a God of love). A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Trace” (Level 1 with 89 points, a member since December 10, 2012) posted the following:
What is the main point of Mark 4:35-41 talking about jesus in the storm?
THE BATTLE AXE: A GOD of Love? (05/07/2013)—(5.) For many the highest expression of human love is sexual joining where being is experienced as emotional, physical, psychological and spiritual all at the same time, and where a new life or lives may be begun. For mature Christian believers the highest expressions of love are accounted to be forgiveness, giving, obedience, sacrifice, service and suffering where ones own desire and will are put aside to unselfishly carry out and fulfill the will of another. (6.) Hatred, malice and sin do not change or respond to affection, logic, persuasion, trust, reason, or any operation by the Spirit of Christ. The imparted, indwelling Spirit is the primary divine mechanism that allows created beings and living creatures to recognize, and resist sin that may be present as an unseen influence upon ones self-will. In agreement with the divine purposes of Creation, sin is not to be an eternal presence; and the sacred process that will permanently eliminate sin can not be carnal, material, social, and venal. The necessary divine actions for the final removal of all the vessels of sin, and the bestowing of eternal life upon the vessels of divinity are correctly understood only as duty, judgment, love, righteousness, sanctification, and truth.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done. For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed. And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4: 18-31, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why Jesus Authored No Books (05/01/2013); Recognizing True Prophets (05/02/2013); Jesus, A Party Animal? (05/03/2013); The True Miracle (12/23/2012); About the Star? (12/24/2012); Given the Cloud of Witnesses (11/29/2012); A Golden Ticket? (11/30/2012)
Trace, here are some ideas that many mature Christian believers regularly consider in order to eliminate spiritual confusion:
(1.) We all continue to be physical beings in a natural and temporal world. When our beliefs and thoughts are not grounded and rooted in the Holy Spirit, the demonstration of divinity, god-likeness, sacred person and supreme power must also include visible displays of control and will-power that can alter being and existence, life and death. (See John 4: 46-54, KJV).
(2.) Through the holy writings and prophesies, Jesus was aware his ministry would have to use materials and techniques for immediate and enduring impact. The window of opportunity was brief, being only three and one-half years. While miracles do not automatically produce faith—confusion, doubt and fear may result—faith and hunger for further truth can be aroused and focused by miracles.
(3.) Most correctly understood, faith is an aspect of divine substance, and is inseparable from such other sacred content as holiness, humility, righteousness, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin. The endowment of divine breath and spirit provided to mankind at Creation has been reduced and weakened through sin. The ministry of Jesus Christ now permits renewal of ones divine essence through operations of the Holy Spirit that include baptism (i.e., death, rebirth, repentance, and sanctification).
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Ordinarily, crossing the lake was a simple journey requiring no more than hours. The storm that hindered the disciples and threatened to destroy the ministry of Jesus, was not sent by GOD. Their efforts were all carnal, material and physical, and came down to rowing, and casting water out from the ship. As co-laborers with Christ, the disciples were to realize the true nature of the storm, and correctly apply their own spirit power from the Father. Command, judgment, operating in the lawful authority from GOD, and prayer apparently had been completely overlooked.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
What is the main point of Mark 4:35-41 talking about jesus in the storm?
THE BATTLE AXE: A GOD of Love? (05/07/2013)—(5.) For many the highest expression of human love is sexual joining where being is experienced as emotional, physical, psychological and spiritual all at the same time, and where a new life or lives may be begun. For mature Christian believers the highest expressions of love are accounted to be forgiveness, giving, obedience, sacrifice, service and suffering where ones own desire and will are put aside to unselfishly carry out and fulfill the will of another. (6.) Hatred, malice and sin do not change or respond to affection, logic, persuasion, trust, reason, or any operation by the Spirit of Christ. The imparted, indwelling Spirit is the primary divine mechanism that allows created beings and living creatures to recognize, and resist sin that may be present as an unseen influence upon ones self-will. In agreement with the divine purposes of Creation, sin is not to be an eternal presence; and the sacred process that will permanently eliminate sin can not be carnal, material, social, and venal. The necessary divine actions for the final removal of all the vessels of sin, and the bestowing of eternal life upon the vessels of divinity are correctly understood only as duty, judgment, love, righteousness, sanctification, and truth.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done. For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed. And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4: 18-31, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why Jesus Authored No Books (05/01/2013); Recognizing True Prophets (05/02/2013); Jesus, A Party Animal? (05/03/2013); The True Miracle (12/23/2012); About the Star? (12/24/2012); Given the Cloud of Witnesses (11/29/2012); A Golden Ticket? (11/30/2012)
Trace, here are some ideas that many mature Christian believers regularly consider in order to eliminate spiritual confusion:
(1.) We all continue to be physical beings in a natural and temporal world. When our beliefs and thoughts are not grounded and rooted in the Holy Spirit, the demonstration of divinity, god-likeness, sacred person and supreme power must also include visible displays of control and will-power that can alter being and existence, life and death. (See John 4: 46-54, KJV).
(2.) Through the holy writings and prophesies, Jesus was aware his ministry would have to use materials and techniques for immediate and enduring impact. The window of opportunity was brief, being only three and one-half years. While miracles do not automatically produce faith—confusion, doubt and fear may result—faith and hunger for further truth can be aroused and focused by miracles.
(3.) Most correctly understood, faith is an aspect of divine substance, and is inseparable from such other sacred content as holiness, humility, righteousness, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin. The endowment of divine breath and spirit provided to mankind at Creation has been reduced and weakened through sin. The ministry of Jesus Christ now permits renewal of ones divine essence through operations of the Holy Spirit that include baptism (i.e., death, rebirth, repentance, and sanctification).
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Ordinarily, crossing the lake was a simple journey requiring no more than hours. The storm that hindered the disciples and threatened to destroy the ministry of Jesus, was not sent by GOD. Their efforts were all carnal, material and physical, and came down to rowing, and casting water out from the ship. As co-laborers with Christ, the disciples were to realize the true nature of the storm, and correctly apply their own spirit power from the Father. Command, judgment, operating in the lawful authority from GOD, and prayer apparently had been completely overlooked.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
(05/07/2013) A GOD of Love?
Divine love, justice, and condemnation are topics, today; and there is more on making church attendance mandatory. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Ruan” (Level 1 with 61 points, a member since December 20, 2012) posted the following:
If God is a God of love, why does he send people to hell?
Really been thinking ’bout this!
THE BATTLE AXE: Church Mandatory? (05/06/2013)—(5.) Commitment, conviction and cooperation that are vital to full participation within a faith-based community must be the starting point and not the end goal for acknowledgment, service and worship of GOD. The device of mandatory school attendance for academic instruction and human socialization is usually imposed upon minors only, and those lacking experience and mature perspective for assessment of their life needs. Public schools are seen justified and legitimate in the light of shared personal goals, collective needs, and communal standards that are generated both outside of as well as within a municipality. By contrast, church schools function as instruments of GOD generating direction, form and structure for spirit content from Divine Person. Awareness of the direct operation, presence, and expressed will of GOD are to be increasingly acknowledged, and discerned through discovery and growth. Demands that are carnal, material and social must be made secondary and suppressed, for more than a simple transfer of data and information must occur. The believer must continue to acquire divine content through practice that provides increasing certainty and sacred person.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. (Exodus 20: 1-7, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: How To Love GOD (03/24/2013); A Second Adam? (03/25/2013); The Love of GOD (03/03/2013); Our Need for a Son (03/04/2013); Wanting To Have Our Way (03/09/2013); Not Even Sorry? (03/10/2013); Love in Christ (10/23/2012); Escape from Racism (10/24/2012); Justice Comes by Love? (10/01/2012); A Daily Revelation? (10/02/2012)
Ruan, most mature Christian believers have also thought about how teachings about the love of GOD appear to contradict those about divine condemnation, and the need for righteous judgment. Here are some points that also should come into view:
(1.) In general, human love describes a balanced relationship between two persons having equality and legitimacy as peers, or among a group of persons sharing in unspoken agreement and social consensus (e.g., families, neighbors, tribes). Everyone does not love GOD; and all are not in a relationship of love to the Creator.
(2.) Accountability and duty within relationships for the Divine Person is greater than that demanded for created beings and living creatures. As the senior, eternal, indestructible, stronger and wiser, GOD must complete tasks, generate standards for truth, maintain ongoing process, manage recurring responsibilities, and provide constant guidance.
(3.) Correctly expressed, experienced and understood, love does not encourage, endorse, or multiply wrong-doing. In godly judgment, love appears as admonition, correction, forbearance, forgiveness, law, mercy, and punishment. It is love that the consequences for violation of the law (called “sanctions”) are published before any offense is committed, and choice is extended to all. It is love that punishment (i.e., clear action to establish awareness that relationship and trust are violated) is often meted without a total destruction of relationship.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) It is the amazing grace and love from GOD through Jesus Christ that transform the abstract relationship between the Creator and mankind into working relationships as apostles, priests, prophets, kings and those who spread the Gospel and that also establish adoption and intimate relationship to divinity as children of GOD. The “broken” relationship that describes one as a sinner cannot be restored apart from Christ, and requires repentance provided only through the Holy Spirit. Where the remedies of Christ are refused, there must be the irreversible elimination of the sinner and of all sin in order to preserve and protect those loved by the Creator throughout the universe of GOD.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
If God is a God of love, why does he send people to hell?
Really been thinking ’bout this!
THE BATTLE AXE: Church Mandatory? (05/06/2013)—(5.) Commitment, conviction and cooperation that are vital to full participation within a faith-based community must be the starting point and not the end goal for acknowledgment, service and worship of GOD. The device of mandatory school attendance for academic instruction and human socialization is usually imposed upon minors only, and those lacking experience and mature perspective for assessment of their life needs. Public schools are seen justified and legitimate in the light of shared personal goals, collective needs, and communal standards that are generated both outside of as well as within a municipality. By contrast, church schools function as instruments of GOD generating direction, form and structure for spirit content from Divine Person. Awareness of the direct operation, presence, and expressed will of GOD are to be increasingly acknowledged, and discerned through discovery and growth. Demands that are carnal, material and social must be made secondary and suppressed, for more than a simple transfer of data and information must occur. The believer must continue to acquire divine content through practice that provides increasing certainty and sacred person.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. (Exodus 20: 1-7, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: How To Love GOD (03/24/2013); A Second Adam? (03/25/2013); The Love of GOD (03/03/2013); Our Need for a Son (03/04/2013); Wanting To Have Our Way (03/09/2013); Not Even Sorry? (03/10/2013); Love in Christ (10/23/2012); Escape from Racism (10/24/2012); Justice Comes by Love? (10/01/2012); A Daily Revelation? (10/02/2012)
Ruan, most mature Christian believers have also thought about how teachings about the love of GOD appear to contradict those about divine condemnation, and the need for righteous judgment. Here are some points that also should come into view:
(1.) In general, human love describes a balanced relationship between two persons having equality and legitimacy as peers, or among a group of persons sharing in unspoken agreement and social consensus (e.g., families, neighbors, tribes). Everyone does not love GOD; and all are not in a relationship of love to the Creator.
(2.) Accountability and duty within relationships for the Divine Person is greater than that demanded for created beings and living creatures. As the senior, eternal, indestructible, stronger and wiser, GOD must complete tasks, generate standards for truth, maintain ongoing process, manage recurring responsibilities, and provide constant guidance.
(3.) Correctly expressed, experienced and understood, love does not encourage, endorse, or multiply wrong-doing. In godly judgment, love appears as admonition, correction, forbearance, forgiveness, law, mercy, and punishment. It is love that the consequences for violation of the law (called “sanctions”) are published before any offense is committed, and choice is extended to all. It is love that punishment (i.e., clear action to establish awareness that relationship and trust are violated) is often meted without a total destruction of relationship.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) It is the amazing grace and love from GOD through Jesus Christ that transform the abstract relationship between the Creator and mankind into working relationships as apostles, priests, prophets, kings and those who spread the Gospel and that also establish adoption and intimate relationship to divinity as children of GOD. The “broken” relationship that describes one as a sinner cannot be restored apart from Christ, and requires repentance provided only through the Holy Spirit. Where the remedies of Christ are refused, there must be the irreversible elimination of the sinner and of all sin in order to preserve and protect those loved by the Creator throughout the universe of GOD.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Monday, May 6, 2013
(05/06/2013) Church Mandatory?
The possible benefit from mandatory church attendance is considered, today. Also, there is more on whether experience is acceptable evidence for spiritual truth. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Looking in With Wonder” (Level 2 with 732 points, a member since March 25, 2013) posted the following:
School is mandatory, surely the church should be too. It would mean a lot more respect. thoughts?
THE BATTLE AXE: Experience Is Not Evidence? (05/05/2013)—(5.) Carnal, material and social experience do not serve as the highest evidence of divine truth (see Psalm 19: 1-14 and Romans 1: 16-32, KJV). GOD is a spirit, and must be known and understood as present through spiritual content, eternal purpose and sacred process. While the revelation of GOD to all created beings and living creatures continues to use human actors, awareness, and human events, the power of the sacred process does not depend upon the sum of ones knowledge, information, intelligence, memory, and reason. Belief is driven by the appearance and interaction of divine substance. Included are faith, forbearance, forgiveness, holiness, humility, joy, longsuffering, love, wisdom, and wrath against sin. See Psalm 119: 98-106, Matthew 15: 7-20, John 20: 19-31 and 2nd Corinthians 5: 7, KJV. (6.) GOD does not manipulate human affairs and natural events to supply mankind with “proof” to convince and persuade anyone that He is GOD. GOD is not obligated to argue or debate, and to remove disbelief. The proofs and signs granted to his servants are to acknowledge, affirm and reinforce the divine intent residing within the believer, to further their understanding, and to ignite zeal within believers (see Judges 6: 11-24 and 33-40 and 2nd Kings 13: 14-19, KJV). Spiritual gifts, resources, and tools are shared, however, this is to permit human awareness, recognition, and realization of divine presence as well as sacred operations, and eternal purpose. Spirit content is imparted through the holy writings along with understanding that reveals the divine nature and sacred purpose that frames and underlies all existence.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day? Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the sabbath. And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day. So the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware lodged without Jerusalem once or twice. Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the sabbath. (Nehemiah 13: 17-21, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: GOD in Schools? (12/20/2012); Naaman the Leper (12/21/2012); Holiday Displays? (12/07/2012); An Attack Upon Creation? (12/08/2012); Parental Duty? (10/08/2012); The Gender of Angels? (10/09/2012); Mob Rule and Violence (09/27/2012); Suppose I Am Wrong? (09/28/2012); What Is Reality (a.k.a. Truth)? (09/29/2012); The Content Of Prayer (01/29/2012); Teen Believers? (10/07/2010); Foiled Again (10/08/2010)
Many mature Christian believers would agree that the sacred benefit of church attendance, and participation within assemblies, congregations and communities centered in shared belief can not be provided to all simply by the demands from civil law, or from the “bully” pulpit. Here are some points to consider:
(1.) GOD is a spirit, and must be known and understood through spirit content, eternal process, and sacred operations. Included are atonement, birth, condemnation, death, forgiveness, rebirth, repentance, and salvation. GOD appears to created beings and living creatures by expressions of divine will such as holy law, incarnation, and wrath against sin. (See John 4: 23-24, KJV.)
(2.) The church is a community of elect persons, and is a material and social instrument to present the divine will. Neither all the angels of heaven nor all mankind in the earth are embraced as members of the divine priesthood established by Jesus Christ. Their rule and service as kings goes forward in the form of ministry, works of faith, and continuous worship of GOD.
(3.) As an idea and process within the law, “religious liberty” generally is described as a freedom, as ones choice to be accountable and acknowledge sacred duty as well as a person’s right to maintain and practice in accordance with their own “faith” (usually undefined). Most mature believers understand the church where Jesus Christ is Head is not a democracy or institution built upon human consensus and majority rule. Participation is no longer on the basis of self-will and volition. Membership and support of the church are imperative, and no longer optional once they have surrendered to Christ in baptism (i.e., death and rebirth). Saying this another way: In the same way breathing is what one must do to stay alive, Christ is what one must do to know eternal life.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Social process for respect, sharing and trust often begins in our assuming there is agreement and equality in spite of diversity and individual differences as well as a commitment to ordered change, growth, and learning. For the sacred process of the church, the starting points may be doubts, questions and uncertainty that come under the operation of faith, and the endowments of divine person imparted to believers.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
School is mandatory, surely the church should be too. It would mean a lot more respect. thoughts?
THE BATTLE AXE: Experience Is Not Evidence? (05/05/2013)—(5.) Carnal, material and social experience do not serve as the highest evidence of divine truth (see Psalm 19: 1-14 and Romans 1: 16-32, KJV). GOD is a spirit, and must be known and understood as present through spiritual content, eternal purpose and sacred process. While the revelation of GOD to all created beings and living creatures continues to use human actors, awareness, and human events, the power of the sacred process does not depend upon the sum of ones knowledge, information, intelligence, memory, and reason. Belief is driven by the appearance and interaction of divine substance. Included are faith, forbearance, forgiveness, holiness, humility, joy, longsuffering, love, wisdom, and wrath against sin. See Psalm 119: 98-106, Matthew 15: 7-20, John 20: 19-31 and 2nd Corinthians 5: 7, KJV. (6.) GOD does not manipulate human affairs and natural events to supply mankind with “proof” to convince and persuade anyone that He is GOD. GOD is not obligated to argue or debate, and to remove disbelief. The proofs and signs granted to his servants are to acknowledge, affirm and reinforce the divine intent residing within the believer, to further their understanding, and to ignite zeal within believers (see Judges 6: 11-24 and 33-40 and 2nd Kings 13: 14-19, KJV). Spiritual gifts, resources, and tools are shared, however, this is to permit human awareness, recognition, and realization of divine presence as well as sacred operations, and eternal purpose. Spirit content is imparted through the holy writings along with understanding that reveals the divine nature and sacred purpose that frames and underlies all existence.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day? Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the sabbath. And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day. So the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware lodged without Jerusalem once or twice. Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the sabbath. (Nehemiah 13: 17-21, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: GOD in Schools? (12/20/2012); Naaman the Leper (12/21/2012); Holiday Displays? (12/07/2012); An Attack Upon Creation? (12/08/2012); Parental Duty? (10/08/2012); The Gender of Angels? (10/09/2012); Mob Rule and Violence (09/27/2012); Suppose I Am Wrong? (09/28/2012); What Is Reality (a.k.a. Truth)? (09/29/2012); The Content Of Prayer (01/29/2012); Teen Believers? (10/07/2010); Foiled Again (10/08/2010)
Many mature Christian believers would agree that the sacred benefit of church attendance, and participation within assemblies, congregations and communities centered in shared belief can not be provided to all simply by the demands from civil law, or from the “bully” pulpit. Here are some points to consider:
(1.) GOD is a spirit, and must be known and understood through spirit content, eternal process, and sacred operations. Included are atonement, birth, condemnation, death, forgiveness, rebirth, repentance, and salvation. GOD appears to created beings and living creatures by expressions of divine will such as holy law, incarnation, and wrath against sin. (See John 4: 23-24, KJV.)
(2.) The church is a community of elect persons, and is a material and social instrument to present the divine will. Neither all the angels of heaven nor all mankind in the earth are embraced as members of the divine priesthood established by Jesus Christ. Their rule and service as kings goes forward in the form of ministry, works of faith, and continuous worship of GOD.
(3.) As an idea and process within the law, “religious liberty” generally is described as a freedom, as ones choice to be accountable and acknowledge sacred duty as well as a person’s right to maintain and practice in accordance with their own “faith” (usually undefined). Most mature believers understand the church where Jesus Christ is Head is not a democracy or institution built upon human consensus and majority rule. Participation is no longer on the basis of self-will and volition. Membership and support of the church are imperative, and no longer optional once they have surrendered to Christ in baptism (i.e., death and rebirth). Saying this another way: In the same way breathing is what one must do to stay alive, Christ is what one must do to know eternal life.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Social process for respect, sharing and trust often begins in our assuming there is agreement and equality in spite of diversity and individual differences as well as a commitment to ordered change, growth, and learning. For the sacred process of the church, the starting points may be doubts, questions and uncertainty that come under the operation of faith, and the endowments of divine person imparted to believers.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Sunday, May 5, 2013
(05/05/2013) Experience Is Not Evidence?
Acceptance, evidence, and proof for spiritual beliefs are the topics, today. Also, there is more on why one ought not assume that Jesus is dead, and Christianity as a belief system. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Canadian Duck” (Level 4 with 4,760 points, a member since January 4, 2010) posted the following:
Why cant theists understand that personal experience is not evidence unless they can prove it?
People say that they see Elvis Presley or Jesus all the time, a lot of theists claim to “feel” god, how the f*ck is that evidence? Someone please explain this logic, a christian tried to convert me by saying he saw jesus lmao.
THE BATTLE AXE: Jesus Lives! (05/04/2013) (5.) Christianity endures as a belief system that is balanced, dependable, detailed, lucid, productive, sensible, and sound. Even the youngest believers are easily able to recognize the connections between, and among the multiple elements and levels of sacred truth; and are able to trace clear connections for assumption, process, and understanding that must be acquired and built up. Belief systems must be closed, and may not allow inclusion of contradictions, exaggerations, half-truths, impurities, and lies. Even so, as with Christian belief, statements appear that serve as announcements, approximations, commands, conditional truths, promises, veiled truths, and understatements. As a closed system manifesting GOD, judgment and salvation, Christian belief does not directly address many issues relevant to other belief systems. Included are historical and natural events, philosophies, politics, and human sexuality. In general, those continuing in Christian belief gain a reputation as affectionate, approachable, blameless, committed, compassionate, creative, dutiful, faithful, firm, fearless, friendly, generous, gentle, honest, humble, industrious, intelligent, open, plainspoken, prudent, sensitive, sober, stable, thrifty, unprejudiced, unwavering, and wise. (6.) An assumption is a statement taken to be true without complete documentation and detailed evidence in order to construct or support a necessary awareness, and systematic truth. To “assume,” then, is to propose conditional acceptance of a statement as true so that it may be used temporarily to present a unique argument. Assumptions are used as starting points, while conclusions are understood as end points. Where one begins with assumptions that are accurate and correct, they may add on and fit together various statements of fact to establish a closed and perfect structure comprised entirely of truth. However, where one begins with false assumptions, they may only arrive at false conclusions, and a structure having questionable foundations. Where one assumes that Jesus is dead, they agree to rely upon and use the false notion that Jesus is deceased as though it is a proven and valid fact that determines the truth-value for all other statements about the divinity, eternal life, spirit presence, and continuing work of Jesus. To “presume” is to assume that one may take upon oneself the authority, privilege, property or status of another without their agreement, knowledge, or permission and without that of those having greater rank and position. Where “to assume” is to take thought that may be contrary to truth “to presume” is to take action contrary to truth. Presumption is held to be sin, and is accounted as a form of stealing (i.e., taking the belongings of another without their knowledge and permission; identity theft). Where one promotes truths that contradict, counterfeit, disagrees with, and opposes the truth presented through the holy writings, they are said to presume upon GOD. See Deuteronomy 17: 8-13, Numbers 14: 43-45, Deuteronomy 18: 15-22, John 10: 10, 1st John 2: 21-25, 2nd Peter 2: 9-11 and Psalm 19: 7-14, King James Version.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught. And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned? Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. (John 7: 14-18, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Jesus Lives! (05/04/2013); Illusion? (04/25/2013); Not of Legal Age? (04/26/2013); Why Blood? (04/13/2013); Time Before the Sun? (04/14/2013); To See With New Eyes (11/06/2012); A Life Companion? (11/07/2012); Suppose I Am Wrong? (09/28/2012); What is Reality (a.k.a. Truth)? (09/29/2012) Why Religion, Anyhow? (02/18/2012); On The Messiah (02/19/2012)
Canadian Duck, here are some ideas that have been carefully examined by many mature Christian believers and continue to be useful as guides when considering judgment and spiritual truth:
(1.) Eyewitness experience, personal testimony and reports of spiritual events (e.g., apparitions, dreams, visions, visitations, etc.) are measured and weighed using internal standards generated within a detailed belief system. Outsiders, and those lacking the concentration, knowledge, and skill to apply the belief system’s rules for consistency and clarity, cannot achieve the goals of corroboration.
(2.) Material offered “in evidence” need not be repeated reports that are exactly the same. Differences and diversity do not stifle corroboration, where peculiar facts may reinforce and support spirit truths on many levels otherwise overlooked, and not immediately taken into account. Thus, the weighing of spiritual truth involves more than physical events. Included are such features as duration, effect, nature, purpose, and specific spirit substance—faith, holiness, joy, love, wrath against sin, etc.
(3.) There is no “burden of proof” for spiritual experience. Where you say, This orange juice is cold and sweet!, it is not reasonable to demand you produce “empirical evidence.” The dynamics for mutual acceptance, respect, trust and truth should be sufficient. Even so, to ask for clarification, details and elaboration (that you, say a little more) might not be out of line.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) The convicting evidence from GOD is intended for those who obey the Almighty, who are part of the ministry and work, and is not for unbelievers. The “evidence”, in fact, is an aspect of himself, an imparted, indwelling spirit from GOD (we say, the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth). By internalization, and the ongoing operation of GOD, believers all come to understand.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Why cant theists understand that personal experience is not evidence unless they can prove it?
People say that they see Elvis Presley or Jesus all the time, a lot of theists claim to “feel” god, how the f*ck is that evidence? Someone please explain this logic, a christian tried to convert me by saying he saw jesus lmao.
THE BATTLE AXE: Jesus Lives! (05/04/2013) (5.) Christianity endures as a belief system that is balanced, dependable, detailed, lucid, productive, sensible, and sound. Even the youngest believers are easily able to recognize the connections between, and among the multiple elements and levels of sacred truth; and are able to trace clear connections for assumption, process, and understanding that must be acquired and built up. Belief systems must be closed, and may not allow inclusion of contradictions, exaggerations, half-truths, impurities, and lies. Even so, as with Christian belief, statements appear that serve as announcements, approximations, commands, conditional truths, promises, veiled truths, and understatements. As a closed system manifesting GOD, judgment and salvation, Christian belief does not directly address many issues relevant to other belief systems. Included are historical and natural events, philosophies, politics, and human sexuality. In general, those continuing in Christian belief gain a reputation as affectionate, approachable, blameless, committed, compassionate, creative, dutiful, faithful, firm, fearless, friendly, generous, gentle, honest, humble, industrious, intelligent, open, plainspoken, prudent, sensitive, sober, stable, thrifty, unprejudiced, unwavering, and wise. (6.) An assumption is a statement taken to be true without complete documentation and detailed evidence in order to construct or support a necessary awareness, and systematic truth. To “assume,” then, is to propose conditional acceptance of a statement as true so that it may be used temporarily to present a unique argument. Assumptions are used as starting points, while conclusions are understood as end points. Where one begins with assumptions that are accurate and correct, they may add on and fit together various statements of fact to establish a closed and perfect structure comprised entirely of truth. However, where one begins with false assumptions, they may only arrive at false conclusions, and a structure having questionable foundations. Where one assumes that Jesus is dead, they agree to rely upon and use the false notion that Jesus is deceased as though it is a proven and valid fact that determines the truth-value for all other statements about the divinity, eternal life, spirit presence, and continuing work of Jesus. To “presume” is to assume that one may take upon oneself the authority, privilege, property or status of another without their agreement, knowledge, or permission and without that of those having greater rank and position. Where “to assume” is to take thought that may be contrary to truth “to presume” is to take action contrary to truth. Presumption is held to be sin, and is accounted as a form of stealing (i.e., taking the belongings of another without their knowledge and permission; identity theft). Where one promotes truths that contradict, counterfeit, disagrees with, and opposes the truth presented through the holy writings, they are said to presume upon GOD. See Deuteronomy 17: 8-13, Numbers 14: 43-45, Deuteronomy 18: 15-22, John 10: 10, 1st John 2: 21-25, 2nd Peter 2: 9-11 and Psalm 19: 7-14, King James Version.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught. And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned? Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. (John 7: 14-18, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Jesus Lives! (05/04/2013); Illusion? (04/25/2013); Not of Legal Age? (04/26/2013); Why Blood? (04/13/2013); Time Before the Sun? (04/14/2013); To See With New Eyes (11/06/2012); A Life Companion? (11/07/2012); Suppose I Am Wrong? (09/28/2012); What is Reality (a.k.a. Truth)? (09/29/2012) Why Religion, Anyhow? (02/18/2012); On The Messiah (02/19/2012)
Canadian Duck, here are some ideas that have been carefully examined by many mature Christian believers and continue to be useful as guides when considering judgment and spiritual truth:
(1.) Eyewitness experience, personal testimony and reports of spiritual events (e.g., apparitions, dreams, visions, visitations, etc.) are measured and weighed using internal standards generated within a detailed belief system. Outsiders, and those lacking the concentration, knowledge, and skill to apply the belief system’s rules for consistency and clarity, cannot achieve the goals of corroboration.
(2.) Material offered “in evidence” need not be repeated reports that are exactly the same. Differences and diversity do not stifle corroboration, where peculiar facts may reinforce and support spirit truths on many levels otherwise overlooked, and not immediately taken into account. Thus, the weighing of spiritual truth involves more than physical events. Included are such features as duration, effect, nature, purpose, and specific spirit substance—faith, holiness, joy, love, wrath against sin, etc.
(3.) There is no “burden of proof” for spiritual experience. Where you say, This orange juice is cold and sweet!, it is not reasonable to demand you produce “empirical evidence.” The dynamics for mutual acceptance, respect, trust and truth should be sufficient. Even so, to ask for clarification, details and elaboration (that you, say a little more) might not be out of line.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) The convicting evidence from GOD is intended for those who obey the Almighty, who are part of the ministry and work, and is not for unbelievers. The “evidence”, in fact, is an aspect of himself, an imparted, indwelling spirit from GOD (we say, the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth). By internalization, and the ongoing operation of GOD, believers all come to understand.) 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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