THE BATTLE AXE: A Halo Upon Jesus? (09/25/2013)—While the Bible is written in plain language and describes sacred events using visual images common in human experience, believers are to understand that profound aspects of divinity are being portrayed. Thus, one of the holiest sacred events, the transfiguration of Jesus, is depicted through change in his clothing and outward appearance, and an audible voice speaking from heaven. The glistening and whiteness of his garment expresses acknowledgment of his purity, a change in his awareness, and a further endowment to the content of his inner spirit. See 2nd Corinthians 4: 6, Hebrews 2: 9, John 1: 14 and Matthew 17: 1-9, King James Version.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. (2nd Corinthians 8: 7-12, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Salvation for Atheists? (06/14/2013); Church is Good? (06/15/2013); On Titles and Respect (03/15/2013); On Producing Atheists (03/16/2013); My Sheep Hear My Voice (03/08/2013); Wanting To Have Our Way (03/09/2013)
As those who make visible the ministry of Jesus Christ, obedient believers are not permitted to gainsay Pope Francis I, or other prominent clergy. Believers may not add to what the Pontiff speaks, stand in judgment of his public prayers, his praise and service, or seek to “have the last word” after the Pontiff has made a public statement. To “gainsay” is to challenge, foster schism, and promote believers being opinionated within the body of Christ in the place of uttering prophecy with service as spokespersons of GOD and his Christ. Even though I publish a sacred writings blog, this means I must “speak” like every other believer throughout the kingdom of GOD. With such a rule in effect, I am not allowed to “second guess” the secular head of the Church of England, those who are Messianic and Jewish believers, or leaders for the many denominations that include the A. M. E. (African Methodist Episcopal), the Amish, the Baptist, the Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Latter Day Saints, the Seventh Day Adventists, or The United House of Prayer for All People. Rightly understood, however, I absolutely must declare my own faith. (See 1st Corinthians 1: 21 and 24, Titus 1: 7-9, Acts 10: 25-29, Jude 10-13, KJV).
Attackers who seek occasion against, provoke, and repeatedly make malicious thrusts against the Pope may not be spoken of as true servants of the Lord, or agents and defenders of the church of Jesus Christ. Questionable journalists in the media want to catch the Pope in an unguarded moment. Like the paparazzi, they go about to embarrass, entangle and entrap leaders of the church within their own statements, and words. Casual remarks and personal responses are made to appear as official declarations of policy, and the overturning of scriptural truth. The critical speakers and writers distort true dialog, should be understood as dangerous disrupters, and are a serious distraction from the genuine focus for the true work of the church. Believers today should all agree that, as surely as Jesus cast out devils, fed the hungry, forgave sin, and healed the sick, Christ cautioned the money-changers, the Pharisees, Rome (through Pontius Pilate), the Sadducees, and others. Many hoped to condemn the Savior using his own public statements against him. Even so, fulfillment of the Gospel was always the primary focus of his ministry upon the earth, including the sacred events of his death, burial, and resurrection.
More disturbing than the misguided media is the fact that, while representatives of our institutional churches share messages that exhort personal commitment, dialog, and encounter, in many instances those who seek the Lord only experience being challenged to respond to a “brand”. Typically, there is a prominent person (like the Pope), who captures the hearts and minds of believers, whom believers will never have opportunity to share personal relationship with in this lifetime. At best, believers are approached and encouraged by an apparatus calling itself/themselves “partners”, “the laity,” “the faithful,” “the team,” “assistant pastor,” “junior pastor,” “pastor’s wife,” “pastor’s staff,” “pastor’s dog,” “pastor’s cat,” etc. It is very likely that the widespread apostasy, disenchantment, and disengagement we see in the church today is a direct result of the faith being advertised, media hyped, merchandised, and promoted like just another brand. There is an overall air of dishonesty, rather than the fragrance of Jesus.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood. These ideas are at best a beginning. 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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