Today, apostleship is considered as a unique role within the church that joins flesh and Spirit in focus upon development and promotion of doctrine as well as both institutional and spiritual works. Also, there is more on why judgment means GOD is “no more Mr. Nice Guy.” The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using an ID “ajith t” (Level 3 with 1,062 points, a member since May 09, 2007) posted the following:
What is the exact count of Apostles? 13?
After removing Judas the disciples selected Matthias. Then Paul is also mentioned as Apostle. So the final twelve disciples are Apostles for the twelve tribes of Israel and Paul the Apostle for Gentiles. That means 13 Apostles?
THE BATTLE AXE: No More “Mr. Nice Guy”? (04/28/2014)—(5.) Divine judgment may be delayed, postponed, and rescheduled; however, judgment may not be called off, canceled, or left undone. The demands and procedures for divine judgment are often appear as extreme to finite created beings and living creatures. This seems particularly so where they lack awareness of various cosmic consequences, and damage to divine order that would result without judgment. Through the Holy Spirit, many are granted the breadth of vision, sense of accountability, and mature grasp regarding the importance of righteous judgment. The threats against divinity and eternal order for the universe may not be ignored, and can not be completely and correctly eliminated, or removed without multiple divine operations. Included are atonement (by blood), cleansing (by water), death, judgment, purging (by fire), sanctification and separation. Spiritual operations generated by the wrath of GOD continue in balance with those of divine love, and so, where there is judgment, there is also correction, forbearance, guidance, instruction, mercy, and repentance.
(6.) When the tribes that had left Egypt approached Canaan, the Promised Land was already defiled and polluted by blood from the crimes of blasphemers, from repeated violation of covenant, from unlawful warfare, from animal and human sacrifices to graven images and the worship of idols and false gods. The divine operations and justice needed to bring the land back to a condition that would allow its use for divine purposes—for GOD to restore the land—required that the blood of those who had made victims of others, and who had shed the blood of others, also be poured out upon the land.
(7.) To this very hour there are those who maliciously attack, insult, and provoke GOD as violators of covenant, enemies to the cross of Christ, and those who despise right relationship with divinity. After a point, such persons are no longer as infants, who unintentionally soil their own mother. All are to operate with levels of maturity, reason, and understanding. For those who operate only in terms of actions that are physical and visceral, and may not be appealed to with words, harsh punishments must be used to turn them away from utter destruction. See Numbers 35: 33-34, Jeremiah 22: 16-17, Ecclesiastes 8: 11, Psalms 1: 1-6, Isaiah 59: 1-21 and Revelation 20: 11-13, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing. Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. (2nd Corinthians 12: 10-12, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Spring-training? (04/11/2014); Saul of Tarsus (03/26/2014); The Nature of Scripture (03/27/2014); Recognizing Divine Wrath? (02/26/2014); In Earthen Vessels (02/27/2014); (02/05/2014) Succession (02/05/2014); On Youth Doing Enough (02/06/2014); And This Was Good News (12/01/2012); A Need to Fear? (12/02/2012); The Slave to Law and Sin Made Free (11/16/2012); Lawful Divorce (11/17/2012)
“ajith t”, here are a few points of information that may be helpful to those in fellowship through the church of Jesus Christ:
(1.) There are two meanings or standards that describe the role of an apostle for the church. On the one hand, an apostle is anyone who manifests divine gifts and prophecy, and goes about within a region (we used to say, rides circuit) to establish new assemblies and congregations within the church body. Along with Peter and James, Paul, Barnabas, Luke, Mark, Silas, and Timothy functioned as apostles for the early church. Today, many clergy serving various denominations use the title of Apostle, in addition to those of Evangelist and Bishop. The title of Pope was not used in the early church, and is accounted as legitimate only within the Catholic hierarchy.
(2.) The apostles chosen by Jesus were all selected, prepared, and granted a personal testimony (we say, eye witness experience) to serve as witnesses to the death and resurrection of Jesus. It is what is termed “the testimony of Jesus” that distinguishes the new testament apostles from all those who had seen the Lord in vision, the Patriarchs and earlier prophets as well as those who would prophesy today using gifts to the church from the Holy Spirit.
There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (3.) Many hold that, as a spiritual role like “Messiah”, the presence of an apostle must be discerned and recognized through the spirit matter that he displays, and other operations of faith within believers. Because the offices, practices, presbytery, formal roles, and titles of the institutional church often copy management from worldly organizations (such as corporations, fraternal groups, gangs, universities), congregations often fail to acknowledge the continuing presence and work of modern day apostles.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your standing as a genuine believer.
Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord. (1st Corinthians 9: 1-2, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
(04/29/2014) No More “Mr. Nice Guy”?
Covenant, judgment, and the armies of ancient Israel are topics, today. Also, there is more on anointing for sacred service. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Elvis” (Level 7 with 73,529 points, a member since August 29, 2013) posted the following:
Why did God order Joshua to smite (kill) everyone in Al?
JS 8:22-25 "With the Lord's approval, Joshua utterly smites the people of Ai, killing 12,000 men and women, so that there were none who escaped".
God don't seem very nice to me.
THE BATTLE AXE: Anointed? (04/28/2014)—(5.) The formula for compounding a holy anointing oil is recorded within the Scriptures. However, those who would create supplies of the sacred oil for secular use, or selfish pleasure were to be excommunicated, and put out of the congregation of Israel. Like the prescription for incense to be burned within the tabernacle (later the temple), the formula for anointing oil included a number of spices mixed together in specific proportions by weight. Along with blood (the device used to distribute life essence—we say, breath, spirit, word—throughout flesh), holy ointment was applied to the ark of the testimony, the altars, the utensils, vessels, and those who would minister as priests. Moses received a peculiar anointing as prophet by abiding within the presence of GOD for forty days and nights in Mount Sinai. When he returned among the people, his face appeared to shine, and continued to emit glory from GOD. When Jesus completed a similar act abiding in the mountains for forty days and nights, the Savior was challenged and tested by Satan; and did not return among mankind displaying glory. It was at his transfiguration, when Moses and Elijah appeared with him, that he was first seen and witnessed manifesting divine glory. At his appearing to harvest the earth, and remove all those who will continue as joint-heirs having eternal life, Jesus will appear in three-fold glory: his own, the Father’s, and that of the holy angels. See Exodus 30: 22-38, Exodus 34: 27-35, Matthew 17: 1-9, Mark 9: 2-10 and Luke 9: 26, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood. Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away. (Hosea 4: 1-3, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Sacrificial Relationships? (10/23/2013); Of War and Judgment (10/08/2013); Heart, Brain or Spirit? (10/09/2013); Jericho Justified? (07/02/2013); Theoretical Forgiveness? (07/03/2013); Why Did The Judges Fight? (10/19/2012); The Spirit is Willing (10/20/2012)
“Elvis”, here are a few points you have missed that are necessary for correct understanding of the accounts of Joshua, and the armies of GOD:
(1.) The primary purpose for “invasion” of the Promised Land was not conquest and a “land grab.” The tribes of Jacob were herders and a people who used land for grazing and pastoral living. GOD is to be acknowledged as the creator of the armies of Israel, for the Holy One counseled their generals (first Moses, then Joshua); determined who would serve; equipped all those who would go to combat; and provided strategy and tactics.
(2.) The people of Canaan had prospered for many years, because they were nations in sacred covenant with GOD. However, they gradually embraced idolatry and the worship of false gods, and repeatedly violated their sacred contracts. All the details of their betrayal of GOD and sin against divinity are not recorded. However, we may use “common sense” and a “child’s imagination” to figure out exactly what they might have done enough to upset GOD to the point of demanding their extinction.
(3.) The armies of Israel were to be an instrument of divine judgment that would utterly destroy the arrogance, pride, and wickedness of the false covenant partners. Sin is not very nice, and opposes the continued existence of divine law, of the divine Law Giver, of divine order established for the universe through divine law, and of men and women like me and you.
There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) GOD is being revealed to created beings and living creatures as a God of Judgment. The wrath of GOD against sin is a permanent aspect of divinity (like faith, forgiveness, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, righteousness, and wisdom). Divine love and wrath are in balance with all the other features of sprit matter within the makeup of GOD, and is not simply emotions or feelings that come and go.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your standing as a genuine believer.
For thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even deal with thee as thou hast done, which hast despised the oath in breaking the covenant. Nevertheless I will remember my covenant with thee in the days of thy youth, and I will establish unto thee an everlasting covenant. (Ezekiel 16: 59-60, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Why did God order Joshua to smite (kill) everyone in Al?
JS 8:22-25 "With the Lord's approval, Joshua utterly smites the people of Ai, killing 12,000 men and women, so that there were none who escaped".
God don't seem very nice to me.
THE BATTLE AXE: Anointed? (04/28/2014)—(5.) The formula for compounding a holy anointing oil is recorded within the Scriptures. However, those who would create supplies of the sacred oil for secular use, or selfish pleasure were to be excommunicated, and put out of the congregation of Israel. Like the prescription for incense to be burned within the tabernacle (later the temple), the formula for anointing oil included a number of spices mixed together in specific proportions by weight. Along with blood (the device used to distribute life essence—we say, breath, spirit, word—throughout flesh), holy ointment was applied to the ark of the testimony, the altars, the utensils, vessels, and those who would minister as priests. Moses received a peculiar anointing as prophet by abiding within the presence of GOD for forty days and nights in Mount Sinai. When he returned among the people, his face appeared to shine, and continued to emit glory from GOD. When Jesus completed a similar act abiding in the mountains for forty days and nights, the Savior was challenged and tested by Satan; and did not return among mankind displaying glory. It was at his transfiguration, when Moses and Elijah appeared with him, that he was first seen and witnessed manifesting divine glory. At his appearing to harvest the earth, and remove all those who will continue as joint-heirs having eternal life, Jesus will appear in three-fold glory: his own, the Father’s, and that of the holy angels. See Exodus 30: 22-38, Exodus 34: 27-35, Matthew 17: 1-9, Mark 9: 2-10 and Luke 9: 26, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood. Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away. (Hosea 4: 1-3, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Sacrificial Relationships? (10/23/2013); Of War and Judgment (10/08/2013); Heart, Brain or Spirit? (10/09/2013); Jericho Justified? (07/02/2013); Theoretical Forgiveness? (07/03/2013); Why Did The Judges Fight? (10/19/2012); The Spirit is Willing (10/20/2012)
“Elvis”, here are a few points you have missed that are necessary for correct understanding of the accounts of Joshua, and the armies of GOD:
(1.) The primary purpose for “invasion” of the Promised Land was not conquest and a “land grab.” The tribes of Jacob were herders and a people who used land for grazing and pastoral living. GOD is to be acknowledged as the creator of the armies of Israel, for the Holy One counseled their generals (first Moses, then Joshua); determined who would serve; equipped all those who would go to combat; and provided strategy and tactics.
(2.) The people of Canaan had prospered for many years, because they were nations in sacred covenant with GOD. However, they gradually embraced idolatry and the worship of false gods, and repeatedly violated their sacred contracts. All the details of their betrayal of GOD and sin against divinity are not recorded. However, we may use “common sense” and a “child’s imagination” to figure out exactly what they might have done enough to upset GOD to the point of demanding their extinction.
(3.) The armies of Israel were to be an instrument of divine judgment that would utterly destroy the arrogance, pride, and wickedness of the false covenant partners. Sin is not very nice, and opposes the continued existence of divine law, of the divine Law Giver, of divine order established for the universe through divine law, and of men and women like me and you.
There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) GOD is being revealed to created beings and living creatures as a God of Judgment. The wrath of GOD against sin is a permanent aspect of divinity (like faith, forgiveness, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, righteousness, and wisdom). Divine love and wrath are in balance with all the other features of sprit matter within the makeup of GOD, and is not simply emotions or feelings that come and go.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your standing as a genuine believer.
For thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even deal with thee as thou hast done, which hast despised the oath in breaking the covenant. Nevertheless I will remember my covenant with thee in the days of thy youth, and I will establish unto thee an everlasting covenant. (Ezekiel 16: 59-60, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Monday, April 28, 2014
(04/28/2014) Anointed?
The meaning of “anointed” is considered, today. Also, there is more on ascribing personality to divinity. A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Shay” (Level 1 with 4 points, a member since December 29, 2013) posted the following:
What does anointed mean?
blessed?
THE BATTLE AXE: Personality? (04/27/2014)—(5.) Like “character”, “charm”, “integrity”, and “cool”, the word “personality” is used to describe patterns displayed as a person’s attitude, behavior, and disposition, that regularly and repeatedly appear through ongoing relationships and social interactions, and that reveal their emotional and psychological makeup. While descriptive of ones outward conduct and inner condition, personality is not a spirit substance from the makeup of GOD, and so is subject to change, embraces conflict, and may display subtleties (barely visible differences, hidden shifts in focus or value). There are many who mistakenly use language that says, GOD the Father is cruel, harsh, mean, stern, strict, unloving, and unmerciful, yet say, that the Son is approachable, kind, forbearing, forgiving, gracious, loving, merciful, and understanding. Such believers, in effect, deny the balance, fullness, oneness, righteousness, and thoroughness of the GODhead. Delicate and necessary works of divine judgment (e.g., condemnation, correction, punishment, separation) are dismissed to favor such works as atonement, creation, deliverance, healing, government, rebirth, reconciliation, resurrection, and salvation. See Luke 8: 24-25, Luke 9: 51-56, Romans 6: 1-18, Ephesians 4: 17-32, 1st Corinthians 16: 13-14, Colossians 3: 1-17, 1st Thessalonians 1: 5-6 and 1st John 3: 1-3, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. (Hebrews 1: 6-12, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Benefit of Law? (11/15/2013); Origin of Baptism? (06/22/2013); Money-changers in The Temple? (06/23/2013); Jesus, A Party Animal? (05/03/2013); Jesus Lives! (05/04/2013); The Golden Age? (01/10/2013); Translation, Please… (01/11/2013); The Priesthood of Kings (10/17/2012); Childlike Faith (10/18/2012)
“Shay”, here are some points to consider that should help build up your understanding of anointing within Christian belief:
(1.) In the holy writings, to be anointed is to be made fragrant, and distinctive in ones appearance by pouring perfumed oil upon their hands, upon their face, upon their head. A person’s aroma then lingers and continues after their contact with others.
(2.) The oil for anointing represents divinity (we say, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of GOD). Figures in Scripture receive anointing for divine service as part of consecration and sanctification (being cleansed and set apart as devoted to GOD) as well as an aspect of installation to high office. Included are monarchs (kings, queens, emperors), priests (those authorized to offer sacred sacrifice), and prophets (spokespersons sent from GOD).
(3.) Once anointed with oil, a person’s appearance is brightened (we say, they shine). Thus, one uses oil when fasting to maintain their appearance, and continue generating a mood that is uplifting, rather than one of misery and wretchedness. Also, perfumed oils were used as medicines to heal, as preservatives to prepare bodies for burial (to retard decay), as salves to treat wounds, and as mood altering scents.
There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Just as Saul and David were anointed by the prophet Samuel to serve as father (we say, patriarch), king, judge, praise-leader, priest, and prophet, during his baptism under John the Baptist, Jesus of Nazareth was witnessed to be anointed by GOD and the Holy Spirit. However, it is not oil poured out upon the Savior; rather, it is virtue. The title “Christ” is Greek, and may be translated as “The Anointed One.”) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your anointing.
These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. (1st John 2: 26-28, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
What does anointed mean?
blessed?
THE BATTLE AXE: Personality? (04/27/2014)—(5.) Like “character”, “charm”, “integrity”, and “cool”, the word “personality” is used to describe patterns displayed as a person’s attitude, behavior, and disposition, that regularly and repeatedly appear through ongoing relationships and social interactions, and that reveal their emotional and psychological makeup. While descriptive of ones outward conduct and inner condition, personality is not a spirit substance from the makeup of GOD, and so is subject to change, embraces conflict, and may display subtleties (barely visible differences, hidden shifts in focus or value). There are many who mistakenly use language that says, GOD the Father is cruel, harsh, mean, stern, strict, unloving, and unmerciful, yet say, that the Son is approachable, kind, forbearing, forgiving, gracious, loving, merciful, and understanding. Such believers, in effect, deny the balance, fullness, oneness, righteousness, and thoroughness of the GODhead. Delicate and necessary works of divine judgment (e.g., condemnation, correction, punishment, separation) are dismissed to favor such works as atonement, creation, deliverance, healing, government, rebirth, reconciliation, resurrection, and salvation. See Luke 8: 24-25, Luke 9: 51-56, Romans 6: 1-18, Ephesians 4: 17-32, 1st Corinthians 16: 13-14, Colossians 3: 1-17, 1st Thessalonians 1: 5-6 and 1st John 3: 1-3, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. (Hebrews 1: 6-12, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Benefit of Law? (11/15/2013); Origin of Baptism? (06/22/2013); Money-changers in The Temple? (06/23/2013); Jesus, A Party Animal? (05/03/2013); Jesus Lives! (05/04/2013); The Golden Age? (01/10/2013); Translation, Please… (01/11/2013); The Priesthood of Kings (10/17/2012); Childlike Faith (10/18/2012)
“Shay”, here are some points to consider that should help build up your understanding of anointing within Christian belief:
(1.) In the holy writings, to be anointed is to be made fragrant, and distinctive in ones appearance by pouring perfumed oil upon their hands, upon their face, upon their head. A person’s aroma then lingers and continues after their contact with others.
(2.) The oil for anointing represents divinity (we say, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of GOD). Figures in Scripture receive anointing for divine service as part of consecration and sanctification (being cleansed and set apart as devoted to GOD) as well as an aspect of installation to high office. Included are monarchs (kings, queens, emperors), priests (those authorized to offer sacred sacrifice), and prophets (spokespersons sent from GOD).
(3.) Once anointed with oil, a person’s appearance is brightened (we say, they shine). Thus, one uses oil when fasting to maintain their appearance, and continue generating a mood that is uplifting, rather than one of misery and wretchedness. Also, perfumed oils were used as medicines to heal, as preservatives to prepare bodies for burial (to retard decay), as salves to treat wounds, and as mood altering scents.
There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Just as Saul and David were anointed by the prophet Samuel to serve as father (we say, patriarch), king, judge, praise-leader, priest, and prophet, during his baptism under John the Baptist, Jesus of Nazareth was witnessed to be anointed by GOD and the Holy Spirit. However, it is not oil poured out upon the Savior; rather, it is virtue. The title “Christ” is Greek, and may be translated as “The Anointed One.”) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your anointing.
These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. (1st John 2: 26-28, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Sunday, April 27, 2014
(04/27/2014) Personality?
Using the idea of “personality” to describe divinity is the topic, today. Also, there is more on Bible and Spirit. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using an ID “Zero” (Level 1 with 11 points, a member since January 25, 2013) posted the following:
Does Jesus and God has different personality?
When I said God I'm still talking about Jesus but not his human self. And since when do Jesus know that he is a God who created this world?
THE BATTLE AXE: Bible and Spirit (04/26/2014)—(4.) The holy writings provide spiritual content, focus, and structure for human awareness while imparted spirit matter from GOD (we say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth) determines direction, boundaries, interaction, and process for self-will as well as among the many aspects of divinity residing within created beings and living creatures. Because the Spirit and the word always agree, the Scriptures serve as a standard to authenticate spiritual events, experiences, knowledge, prophetic messages, and eternal purposes. As a product of the Spirit, the Bible provides correction regarding divine law, errors in doctrine, and accuracy of sacred practice (we say, sacraments). Not only are believers given a shared language for exchange, they receive a peculiar vocabulary of experiences within their spirit aspect. As a visible incarnation of Christ, the Scriptures ensure balance, clarity, completeness, and unity. Consider Psalms 119: 1-6, 89-91 and 97-105, Proverbs 3: 5-6, and 1st John 2: 3-7, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. (Luke 2: 26-52, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Personal Relationship? (04/03/2014); GOD Everywhere? (04/04/2014); Jesus in GODhead (04/01/2014); Jesus Is GOD’s Word (12/28/2013); Why Was A Son Sent? (11/10/2013); Promise of A Spirit? (11/11/2013); How Was GOD Known Before Jesus? (10/06/2012); Jesus, King of Earth? (10/07/2012)
“Zero”, here are a few points you may find useful to having a correct and full knowledge as a Christian:
(1.) GOD is a spirit, and should not be described and made to sound like a finite human being, or a simple material object that we experience with our senses (hearing, seeing, tasting, etc.), because it results in our spiritual confusion, and errors in understanding.
(2.) The same way you and I have had to “discover” our abilities and talents as family members, students, and workers through learning and growth, Christ had to “discover” the meaning of his anointing, and his own identity as a fulfillment of prophecy and eternal purpose.
(3.) Every Christian believer also must discover the presence and operation of their own fresh endowment of spirit matter from the makeup of GOD. Through baptism (death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth having divine DNA, so to speak), believers acquire inseparable aspects of divinity such as faith, holiness, joy, love, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Born again, all must “grow up” again, achieve balance, and come into full perfection meeting the challenges of life upon the earth.
There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended that takes years of service to GOD, and continuous study. (For example, (4.) Knowing within ones spirit is not an operation of intellect and mental exercise that can be influenced by appetite (such as hunger, thirst, cravings for sex), sense data, and emotion. One must acquire discernment whereby awareness becomes attuned to the spirit content of events, objects, and other persons. Where you will continue to grow as a believer, you will also increasingly realize the many godly mechanisms involved in having a right relationship with GOD through Jesus Christ.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to the measure of divine faith that resides in you.
Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. (Proverbs 3: 3-4, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Does Jesus and God has different personality?
When I said God I'm still talking about Jesus but not his human self. And since when do Jesus know that he is a God who created this world?
THE BATTLE AXE: Bible and Spirit (04/26/2014)—(4.) The holy writings provide spiritual content, focus, and structure for human awareness while imparted spirit matter from GOD (we say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth) determines direction, boundaries, interaction, and process for self-will as well as among the many aspects of divinity residing within created beings and living creatures. Because the Spirit and the word always agree, the Scriptures serve as a standard to authenticate spiritual events, experiences, knowledge, prophetic messages, and eternal purposes. As a product of the Spirit, the Bible provides correction regarding divine law, errors in doctrine, and accuracy of sacred practice (we say, sacraments). Not only are believers given a shared language for exchange, they receive a peculiar vocabulary of experiences within their spirit aspect. As a visible incarnation of Christ, the Scriptures ensure balance, clarity, completeness, and unity. Consider Psalms 119: 1-6, 89-91 and 97-105, Proverbs 3: 5-6, and 1st John 2: 3-7, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. (Luke 2: 26-52, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Personal Relationship? (04/03/2014); GOD Everywhere? (04/04/2014); Jesus in GODhead (04/01/2014); Jesus Is GOD’s Word (12/28/2013); Why Was A Son Sent? (11/10/2013); Promise of A Spirit? (11/11/2013); How Was GOD Known Before Jesus? (10/06/2012); Jesus, King of Earth? (10/07/2012)
“Zero”, here are a few points you may find useful to having a correct and full knowledge as a Christian:
(1.) GOD is a spirit, and should not be described and made to sound like a finite human being, or a simple material object that we experience with our senses (hearing, seeing, tasting, etc.), because it results in our spiritual confusion, and errors in understanding.
(2.) The same way you and I have had to “discover” our abilities and talents as family members, students, and workers through learning and growth, Christ had to “discover” the meaning of his anointing, and his own identity as a fulfillment of prophecy and eternal purpose.
(3.) Every Christian believer also must discover the presence and operation of their own fresh endowment of spirit matter from the makeup of GOD. Through baptism (death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth having divine DNA, so to speak), believers acquire inseparable aspects of divinity such as faith, holiness, joy, love, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Born again, all must “grow up” again, achieve balance, and come into full perfection meeting the challenges of life upon the earth.
There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended that takes years of service to GOD, and continuous study. (For example, (4.) Knowing within ones spirit is not an operation of intellect and mental exercise that can be influenced by appetite (such as hunger, thirst, cravings for sex), sense data, and emotion. One must acquire discernment whereby awareness becomes attuned to the spirit content of events, objects, and other persons. Where you will continue to grow as a believer, you will also increasingly realize the many godly mechanisms involved in having a right relationship with GOD through Jesus Christ.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to the measure of divine faith that resides in you.
Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. (Proverbs 3: 3-4, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Saturday, April 26, 2014
(04/26/2014) Bible and Spirit
Material and visible forms used by divinity, and incarnation are topics, today, along with more on what faith makes possible. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “ChristianAgapeo” (Level 1 with 111 points, a member since April 06, 2014) posted the following:
Christians, what do you believe is the relatioship bettween the Spirit and the Scripture?
I mean, I think both are important. We need the Spirit to demonstrate the power of God, and to understand the Bible . There are so many atheist in part because many people who call themselves Christians trust the Bible, but not the Spirit, and therefore their faith is most of the time powerless, and they have a powerless life (they don't even live a life that shows Christ, because they don't have the power -or the desire- to).
On the other hand, people who acknowledge the Spirit but don't root themselves on the Bible risk to go into error and extremes, and that is also too bad as a testimony and to live a victorious Christian life.
So, Bible and Spirit, be should pursue both of them, in order to have a good balance.
What do you think?
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Tim 3:16,17
"Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life" 2 Cor. 3:6
THE BATTLE AXE: What Faith Makes Possible (04/25/2014)—(5.) Faith, an aspect of ones makeup and full spiritual nature, is often confused with products of ones intellect such as believing and certainty. The operations of faith accomplish what divine law could not achieve for mankind; and men are justified by faith, rather than the keeping of covenants, ordinances, statutes, and judgments. For Christian believers, faith pertains to hope (i.e., continuing spiritual focus upon specific conditions and events generated by GOD that are to be awaited and expected because they have already been announced, proclaimed, promised and prophesied, yet, are not complete or finished). Faith makes possible ones acceptance, awareness, comprehension, and obedience to divine commandments, precepts, and principles for action that continue and maintain relationship with divinity. Through faith all created beings and living creatures may experience their own awareness, inward nature, and self-will as directed, enduring, permanent and unbounded. Unending duration and permanence (we say, eternity) are not established through the frameworks of time and space, and appear only by the active presence of divinity. Consider again Matthew 17: 14-21, Mark 10: 23-28, Romans 5: 1-2, Romans 9: 30-33, Galatians 3: 10-12 with Hebrews 11: 1-3 and 6, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God. (Romans 9: 21-26, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: GOD Inhabits Praise (01/27/2014); Face to Face Like Moses? (01/28/2014); To Live As a Sacrifice (03/08/2014); A Perfected Body (03/09/2014); All Lying Forbidden? (03/04/2014); Wrong Not to Forgive? (03/05/2014); Scriptures and Sayings? (06/09/2013); The End of Pain? (06/10/2013); Words Spoken By GOD? (06/05/2013); Teachings on Judgment (06/06/2013)
“ChristianAgapeo”, here are a few points you may find helpful:
(1.) GOD is a spirit who has put forth all created beings and living creatures, all material substance, all the conditions and operations describing their contact, duration, and interaction as well as all the spheres wherein they may appear. As one whose makeup is entirely of spirit matter, GOD does not exhibit or maintain form. Thus, we say, GOD is not like a cloud, fog, mist, smoke, steam, vapor, or any thing consisting of particles.
(2.) GOD has used many different forms to register as present (we say, reveal divinity, make the divine appear) within the awareness of created beings and living creatures. Divine spirit is also known as utterance—we say, breath, fire, life essence, light, and word. The appearance of GOD in flesh and temporal form as Jesus Christ (called, incarnation) was earlier depicted by the law written in stone. The holy writings continue as a physical form, and sacred vessel to contain divine life essence.
There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (3.) Through baptism (death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak), every born again believer receives a fresh endowment of spirit matter from the makeup of GOD. All are to serve as incarnations of GOD, to carry out sacred operations, establish the active presence of GOD in the earth, and further accomplish all eternal purposes. Also, along with divine love and sacred law, all believers are to contain the holy writings as a primary focus of consciousness, knowledge, motive, and principle. Thus, inseparable (where one appears, all are present) aspects of divinity are imparted to believers that are vital to relationship as children of GOD, such as faith, holiness, longsuffering, love, forbearance, humility, joy, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to the measure of divine faith that resides in you.
And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. (Acts 20: 32, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Christians, what do you believe is the relatioship bettween the Spirit and the Scripture?
I mean, I think both are important. We need the Spirit to demonstrate the power of God, and to understand the Bible . There are so many atheist in part because many people who call themselves Christians trust the Bible, but not the Spirit, and therefore their faith is most of the time powerless, and they have a powerless life (they don't even live a life that shows Christ, because they don't have the power -or the desire- to).
On the other hand, people who acknowledge the Spirit but don't root themselves on the Bible risk to go into error and extremes, and that is also too bad as a testimony and to live a victorious Christian life.
So, Bible and Spirit, be should pursue both of them, in order to have a good balance.
What do you think?
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Tim 3:16,17
"Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life" 2 Cor. 3:6
THE BATTLE AXE: What Faith Makes Possible (04/25/2014)—(5.) Faith, an aspect of ones makeup and full spiritual nature, is often confused with products of ones intellect such as believing and certainty. The operations of faith accomplish what divine law could not achieve for mankind; and men are justified by faith, rather than the keeping of covenants, ordinances, statutes, and judgments. For Christian believers, faith pertains to hope (i.e., continuing spiritual focus upon specific conditions and events generated by GOD that are to be awaited and expected because they have already been announced, proclaimed, promised and prophesied, yet, are not complete or finished). Faith makes possible ones acceptance, awareness, comprehension, and obedience to divine commandments, precepts, and principles for action that continue and maintain relationship with divinity. Through faith all created beings and living creatures may experience their own awareness, inward nature, and self-will as directed, enduring, permanent and unbounded. Unending duration and permanence (we say, eternity) are not established through the frameworks of time and space, and appear only by the active presence of divinity. Consider again Matthew 17: 14-21, Mark 10: 23-28, Romans 5: 1-2, Romans 9: 30-33, Galatians 3: 10-12 with Hebrews 11: 1-3 and 6, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God. (Romans 9: 21-26, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: GOD Inhabits Praise (01/27/2014); Face to Face Like Moses? (01/28/2014); To Live As a Sacrifice (03/08/2014); A Perfected Body (03/09/2014); All Lying Forbidden? (03/04/2014); Wrong Not to Forgive? (03/05/2014); Scriptures and Sayings? (06/09/2013); The End of Pain? (06/10/2013); Words Spoken By GOD? (06/05/2013); Teachings on Judgment (06/06/2013)
“ChristianAgapeo”, here are a few points you may find helpful:
(1.) GOD is a spirit who has put forth all created beings and living creatures, all material substance, all the conditions and operations describing their contact, duration, and interaction as well as all the spheres wherein they may appear. As one whose makeup is entirely of spirit matter, GOD does not exhibit or maintain form. Thus, we say, GOD is not like a cloud, fog, mist, smoke, steam, vapor, or any thing consisting of particles.
(2.) GOD has used many different forms to register as present (we say, reveal divinity, make the divine appear) within the awareness of created beings and living creatures. Divine spirit is also known as utterance—we say, breath, fire, life essence, light, and word. The appearance of GOD in flesh and temporal form as Jesus Christ (called, incarnation) was earlier depicted by the law written in stone. The holy writings continue as a physical form, and sacred vessel to contain divine life essence.
There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (3.) Through baptism (death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak), every born again believer receives a fresh endowment of spirit matter from the makeup of GOD. All are to serve as incarnations of GOD, to carry out sacred operations, establish the active presence of GOD in the earth, and further accomplish all eternal purposes. Also, along with divine love and sacred law, all believers are to contain the holy writings as a primary focus of consciousness, knowledge, motive, and principle. Thus, inseparable (where one appears, all are present) aspects of divinity are imparted to believers that are vital to relationship as children of GOD, such as faith, holiness, longsuffering, love, forbearance, humility, joy, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to the measure of divine faith that resides in you.
And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. (Acts 20: 32, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Friday, April 25, 2014
(04/25/2014) What Faith Makes Possible
Faith, miracles, and possibilities are topics, today, along with more on why sharing Christian belief is not a matter of opinion. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Oloo” (Level 1 with 25 points, a member since January 04, 2013) posted the following:
What does ot means that faith makes all things possible?
if I sit there and pray or affirm with faith then will it fulfil my wish
THE BATTLE AXE: Not A Matter Of Opinion? (04/24/2014)—(5.) Those who are self-promoting have no place as the agents of Christ. The sacred message of the church is maintained as unchanging through its disciplined application of the holy writings as well as its focus upon and continuous practice of well-defined sacraments. Believers are to proclaim, “It is written,” and speak the mind of Christ, rather than their own feelings, and speculations. In the same way, a professional baseball player is aware of basketball, football and hockey as competing sports, yet, does not answer to or concern himself with their regulations, rules, and player statistics, those in Christ do not encumber themselves with the thoughts of atheists, doubters, and those committed to other systems of belief. The high standards for divine judgment are woven through every aspect of new life in Christ. Thus, mature believers consistently display attention to detail, circumspection, dutifulness, faithfulness, humility, impartiality, meekness, righteousness, truthfulness, and vigilance. (6.) Ministry through Jesus Christ is the work of all believers, and becomes the life of every believer. As a result, there are no “days off,” or “vacations”. Ones duty and service to GOD continues, all day, every day (we say, 24-7), awake and sleeping, even in the Sabbath. While opportunity and privilege for intimate personal relationship is extended whereby all may experience divine love as children of GOD, employment as a joint-heir with Christ is not for those whose lives are crowded with activity, and other relationships that compete with and interrupt divine service. Many are called, however, few are chosen as fit for the position without also having extended experiences of challenge that result in spiritual growth. Every activity and relationship outside of Christ is confronted, scrutinized, and, often, removed. The commitment for service to GOD through Christ may become all-consuming, demanding, and exhausting; yet, the active believer never becomes overwhelmed by change and loss as though bereaved, bored, or “burned out.” See Isaiah 55: 7-11, Isaiah 58: 13-14, Jeremiah 23: 21-22, Luke 9: 26, Romans 9: 1, Romans 16: 17-18, 2nd Corinthians 2: 17, Philippians 3: 7-14, 1st Timothy 6: 3-4 and 2nd John 1: 7-11, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions. Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. (Hebrews 11: 32-40, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Faith Given By GOD (03/13/2014); Miracles Are From GOD (03/14/2014); Mustard Seed Faith? (01/16/2014); The Judges Who Condemned Jesus? (01/17/2014); Childlike Faith (10/18/2012); Why Did The Judges Fight? (10/19/2012)
“Oloo”, many important points must be shared to completely and correctly answer your question. Even so, here are a few you may find helpful:
(1.) Faith is divine matter, and is different from the products of emotion and intellect (e.g., fear, imagination, thoughts) that are generated by interactions within human flesh (appetite, metabolism and sensation).
(2.) As an aspect within the makeup of divinity, faith is inseparable from other sacred content such as forgiveness, gratitude, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, wisdom, and wrath against sin.
(3.) Where faith is imparted as a special endowment from the ministry of Jesus Christ, faith furthers the accomplishment of divine operations, sacred tasks, and eternal purposes. While mankind is capable of destruction and evil (i.e., arbitrary or sudden and widespread change; catastrophe; upheaval), corruption and ruin are not accomplished through faith, for faith also works to continue and uphold divine order throughout the universe.
There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Faith can move mountains, and cause sacred events (we say, miracles), however, only as an expression of divine will, not of selfish desire. Miracles do not always build up faith in GOD, for without being anchored in the Spirit, many who experience a miracle are only made confused, frightened, and skeptical. It remains that, what is possible for believers through faith are all the things proclaimed, promised, and prophesied for the people of GOD.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to the measure of divine faith that resides in you.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8: 28, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
What does ot means that faith makes all things possible?
if I sit there and pray or affirm with faith then will it fulfil my wish
THE BATTLE AXE: Not A Matter Of Opinion? (04/24/2014)—(5.) Those who are self-promoting have no place as the agents of Christ. The sacred message of the church is maintained as unchanging through its disciplined application of the holy writings as well as its focus upon and continuous practice of well-defined sacraments. Believers are to proclaim, “It is written,” and speak the mind of Christ, rather than their own feelings, and speculations. In the same way, a professional baseball player is aware of basketball, football and hockey as competing sports, yet, does not answer to or concern himself with their regulations, rules, and player statistics, those in Christ do not encumber themselves with the thoughts of atheists, doubters, and those committed to other systems of belief. The high standards for divine judgment are woven through every aspect of new life in Christ. Thus, mature believers consistently display attention to detail, circumspection, dutifulness, faithfulness, humility, impartiality, meekness, righteousness, truthfulness, and vigilance. (6.) Ministry through Jesus Christ is the work of all believers, and becomes the life of every believer. As a result, there are no “days off,” or “vacations”. Ones duty and service to GOD continues, all day, every day (we say, 24-7), awake and sleeping, even in the Sabbath. While opportunity and privilege for intimate personal relationship is extended whereby all may experience divine love as children of GOD, employment as a joint-heir with Christ is not for those whose lives are crowded with activity, and other relationships that compete with and interrupt divine service. Many are called, however, few are chosen as fit for the position without also having extended experiences of challenge that result in spiritual growth. Every activity and relationship outside of Christ is confronted, scrutinized, and, often, removed. The commitment for service to GOD through Christ may become all-consuming, demanding, and exhausting; yet, the active believer never becomes overwhelmed by change and loss as though bereaved, bored, or “burned out.” See Isaiah 55: 7-11, Isaiah 58: 13-14, Jeremiah 23: 21-22, Luke 9: 26, Romans 9: 1, Romans 16: 17-18, 2nd Corinthians 2: 17, Philippians 3: 7-14, 1st Timothy 6: 3-4 and 2nd John 1: 7-11, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions. Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. (Hebrews 11: 32-40, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Faith Given By GOD (03/13/2014); Miracles Are From GOD (03/14/2014); Mustard Seed Faith? (01/16/2014); The Judges Who Condemned Jesus? (01/17/2014); Childlike Faith (10/18/2012); Why Did The Judges Fight? (10/19/2012)
“Oloo”, many important points must be shared to completely and correctly answer your question. Even so, here are a few you may find helpful:
(1.) Faith is divine matter, and is different from the products of emotion and intellect (e.g., fear, imagination, thoughts) that are generated by interactions within human flesh (appetite, metabolism and sensation).
(2.) As an aspect within the makeup of divinity, faith is inseparable from other sacred content such as forgiveness, gratitude, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, wisdom, and wrath against sin.
(3.) Where faith is imparted as a special endowment from the ministry of Jesus Christ, faith furthers the accomplishment of divine operations, sacred tasks, and eternal purposes. While mankind is capable of destruction and evil (i.e., arbitrary or sudden and widespread change; catastrophe; upheaval), corruption and ruin are not accomplished through faith, for faith also works to continue and uphold divine order throughout the universe.
There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Faith can move mountains, and cause sacred events (we say, miracles), however, only as an expression of divine will, not of selfish desire. Miracles do not always build up faith in GOD, for without being anchored in the Spirit, many who experience a miracle are only made confused, frightened, and skeptical. It remains that, what is possible for believers through faith are all the things proclaimed, promised, and prophesied for the people of GOD.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to the measure of divine faith that resides in you.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8: 28, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Thursday, April 24, 2014
(04/24/2014) Not A Matter Of Opinion?
What appears as the arrogant language and “holier-than-thou” manner of Christian believers when declaring the will of GOD is considered, today. Also, there is more on resurrection from the dead. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Robby” (Level 3 with 1,993 points, a member since March 24 , 2014) posted the following:
Everyone's view of God is different, so why does each person speak as if their own opinion of god's will is correct?
Why don't they say ''this is what I think god wants'' rather than ''this is what god wants''?
THE BATTLE AXE: Resurrection from the Dead? (04/23/2014)—The person who says that there are things impossible for GOD operates with limited ideas and concepts (we say, ignorance, lack of spiritual knowledge) determined by human experiences of appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, cravings for sexual activity), sensation (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting), and emotional/mental functions (e.g., desire, fear, imagination, recall). Those having no understanding of GOD as one who exercises sovereign authority over all existence have not yet “discovered” the aspect of human makeup spoken of as the “inner spirit.” More than this, they fail to grasp the possibilities for communication and relationship with GOD wherein GOD may demonstrate and reveal divinity. For those lacking spiritual awareness and discernment (i.e., ability to use ones own spiritual content given from GOD to recognize spiritual events, objects and persons), their highest levels of consciousness are experienced as a form of perception (a process of observation and interpretation of ones environment). Thus, for example, beauty is no concrete, material, or physical thing that exists, and that all men describe and speak of in the same way. One person’s perception of a painting by El Greco, by Salvador Dali, or by Van Gogh may be one of balance, beauty, and depth. Another person’s perception may be of darkness, distortion, pain, and ugliness. Yet, there is sufficient agreement that every viewer experiences shared meaning, and participates in proposing the standards to clarify the aesthetics and principles for assigning value. To be thorough, our human standards for speaking of GOD must embrace all that pertains to birth, continuity, creation, death, life, love, and reproduction along with correction, government, judgment, and sanctification. Consider Deuteronomy 29: 1-4, 1st Samuel 12: 16-18, 2nd Kings 4: 8-10, Job 33: 12-17, Isaiah 64: 4-5, 1st Corinthians 2: 12-14, Matthew 22: 30-32, 1st Peter 1: 3-9, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. (2nd Corinthians 4: 1-10, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: All Lying Forbidden? (03/04/2014); Wrong Not to Forgive? (03/05/2014); Continuously Tested (12/31/2013); (Chosen To Serve As Prophets (01/01/2014); Lawful Revenge? (01/02/2014); “Authorized Personnel Only” (03/13/2013); Before Abraham Was… (03/14/2013); Why A “Spokesperson”? (01/14/2013); No Contradictions? (01/15/2013)
“Robby”, here are a few points on Christian belief you may not have seen before:
(1.) Those who acknowledge salvation through the ministry and work of Jesus Christ have all been recruited to display and share the “good news” (we say, the Gospel) through their own attitudes and lives upon the earth. Believers are permanently changed through baptism (death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak). It is spirit matter from the makeup of GOD (e.g., faith, holiness, love, wisdom, and wrath against sin) that equips believers to perform their duty as spokespersons and witnesses for Christ and GOD (we say, as apostles, disciples, prophets, priests and kings).
(2.) The “authority” and “force of truth” (some say, power) a believer displays does not emerge from their own creativity, imagination, intellect, logic, and mental abilities. Eternal goals and divine purposes are to be established by what a believer will say and do. Therefore, it is not a matter of personal opinion. What believers utter (e.g., comfort, praise, promise, prophecy) must make a connect at the level of spirit, rather than the levels of emotion and mind.
(3.) Personal testimony is often used by believers as a device to edify others (i.e., build up the spirit content of those to whom they minister). Because testimony appears as ones own eye-witness report, hearers often miss the fact that testimony is a formal statement submitted in the process of judgment, and its force, validity and value resides in its being “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.”
There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) The divine process among mankind is a work of both flesh and Spirit. For that reason, many things must go forward paced according to the finite limits of men, rather than by all the boundless possibilities of GOD. Those born again must gradually “grow up” again meeting the same life challenges as others in the earth until they become mature (we say, perfected, ripe for harvest). Despite being “chosen,” where they mistakenly speak from self-will, believers can not accomplish the divine purpose as models of what to become, what to do. Instead, they serve as examples of what not to be and what not to do. Their hearers are being granted an experience to develop discernment.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to the measure of divine faith that resides in you.
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (1st Peter 5: 6-7, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Everyone's view of God is different, so why does each person speak as if their own opinion of god's will is correct?
Why don't they say ''this is what I think god wants'' rather than ''this is what god wants''?
THE BATTLE AXE: Resurrection from the Dead? (04/23/2014)—The person who says that there are things impossible for GOD operates with limited ideas and concepts (we say, ignorance, lack of spiritual knowledge) determined by human experiences of appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, cravings for sexual activity), sensation (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting), and emotional/mental functions (e.g., desire, fear, imagination, recall). Those having no understanding of GOD as one who exercises sovereign authority over all existence have not yet “discovered” the aspect of human makeup spoken of as the “inner spirit.” More than this, they fail to grasp the possibilities for communication and relationship with GOD wherein GOD may demonstrate and reveal divinity. For those lacking spiritual awareness and discernment (i.e., ability to use ones own spiritual content given from GOD to recognize spiritual events, objects and persons), their highest levels of consciousness are experienced as a form of perception (a process of observation and interpretation of ones environment). Thus, for example, beauty is no concrete, material, or physical thing that exists, and that all men describe and speak of in the same way. One person’s perception of a painting by El Greco, by Salvador Dali, or by Van Gogh may be one of balance, beauty, and depth. Another person’s perception may be of darkness, distortion, pain, and ugliness. Yet, there is sufficient agreement that every viewer experiences shared meaning, and participates in proposing the standards to clarify the aesthetics and principles for assigning value. To be thorough, our human standards for speaking of GOD must embrace all that pertains to birth, continuity, creation, death, life, love, and reproduction along with correction, government, judgment, and sanctification. Consider Deuteronomy 29: 1-4, 1st Samuel 12: 16-18, 2nd Kings 4: 8-10, Job 33: 12-17, Isaiah 64: 4-5, 1st Corinthians 2: 12-14, Matthew 22: 30-32, 1st Peter 1: 3-9, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. (2nd Corinthians 4: 1-10, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: All Lying Forbidden? (03/04/2014); Wrong Not to Forgive? (03/05/2014); Continuously Tested (12/31/2013); (Chosen To Serve As Prophets (01/01/2014); Lawful Revenge? (01/02/2014); “Authorized Personnel Only” (03/13/2013); Before Abraham Was… (03/14/2013); Why A “Spokesperson”? (01/14/2013); No Contradictions? (01/15/2013)
“Robby”, here are a few points on Christian belief you may not have seen before:
(1.) Those who acknowledge salvation through the ministry and work of Jesus Christ have all been recruited to display and share the “good news” (we say, the Gospel) through their own attitudes and lives upon the earth. Believers are permanently changed through baptism (death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak). It is spirit matter from the makeup of GOD (e.g., faith, holiness, love, wisdom, and wrath against sin) that equips believers to perform their duty as spokespersons and witnesses for Christ and GOD (we say, as apostles, disciples, prophets, priests and kings).
(2.) The “authority” and “force of truth” (some say, power) a believer displays does not emerge from their own creativity, imagination, intellect, logic, and mental abilities. Eternal goals and divine purposes are to be established by what a believer will say and do. Therefore, it is not a matter of personal opinion. What believers utter (e.g., comfort, praise, promise, prophecy) must make a connect at the level of spirit, rather than the levels of emotion and mind.
(3.) Personal testimony is often used by believers as a device to edify others (i.e., build up the spirit content of those to whom they minister). Because testimony appears as ones own eye-witness report, hearers often miss the fact that testimony is a formal statement submitted in the process of judgment, and its force, validity and value resides in its being “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.”
There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) The divine process among mankind is a work of both flesh and Spirit. For that reason, many things must go forward paced according to the finite limits of men, rather than by all the boundless possibilities of GOD. Those born again must gradually “grow up” again meeting the same life challenges as others in the earth until they become mature (we say, perfected, ripe for harvest). Despite being “chosen,” where they mistakenly speak from self-will, believers can not accomplish the divine purpose as models of what to become, what to do. Instead, they serve as examples of what not to be and what not to do. Their hearers are being granted an experience to develop discernment.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to the measure of divine faith that resides in you.
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (1st Peter 5: 6-7, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
(04/23/2014) Resurrection from the Dead?
Assumptions about GOD, resurrection, and sin are in view, today. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “g” (Level 1 with 17 points, a member since March 08, 2014) posted the following:
Resurrection of dead?
do you think there will be a future resurrection of the dead and in what form when someone dies the body dies the brain dies what is left do we really have a spirit i have read in bible we come back in flesh and bone but how this seems impossible
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. (1st Corinthians 15: 12-22, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Perfected Body (03/09/2014); Immutable GODhead (03/10/2014); Mankind Destroyed? (01/24/2014); What Salvation Is (01/25/2014); Jesus Arose Bodily (12/24/2013); Thanking and Blaming GOD (12/25/2013); Jesus Rose? (11/08/2013); Must We Really Die? (05/13/2013); Can GOD Die? (05/14/2013); Death Has Been Transformed (05/09/2013); Loving the Enemy? (05/10/2013)
“g”, consider the following: Christian beliefs on resurrection should be prayerfully studied from the Bible. The teachings are simple, yet, they are profound (we say, deep, far reaching in their application and effect). Many hidden assumptions (unstated ideas we agree upon as we start a discussion, that often go unnoticed, and that we do not question or demand evidence for) must come into view that a person makes about GOD; and one must be alert to the many subtle shifts in meaning (we say, barely visible differences) among ideas that seem to make the same points, yet, are completely different in their substance and impact (e.g., re-animation, regeneration, and reincarnation).
GOD is a nonmaterial spirit who has put forth all created beings and living creatures, diverse forms and objects as well as the conditions and frameworks for their interaction within various spheres of existence. GOD is not made up of particles as are clouds, fog, mist, smoke, steam and vapor. The “content” or substance of GOD are the inseparable aspects of divinity such as faith, holiness, life, person, presence, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin.
We use language that says mankind is “made in the image” of GOD to acknowledge the similarities that exist because all humans contain some measure of divine matter. GOD is eternal, immortal, immutable, and unchanging (i.e., can not be influenced, manipulated, or operated upon as an object). Mankind is mortal, and experiences life with a continuous focus upon mechanical operations of the physical body as cycles, patterns, phases and stages.
In various ways, GOD has expressed an intent that mankind should permanently exist as a companion to divinity. Therefore, mankind is now in a continual process of assessment, cleansing, preparation (we say, judgment, salvation, sanctification), and permanent change. Mankind is to become immortal and incorruptible. Life is GOD’s intent, and death is GOD’s tool.
There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, by appearing incarnate (in flesh) as Jesus Christ, GOD has demonstrated and “explained” that flesh and Spirit must cooperate for humanity to be totally separated from sin. Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, of GOD, and of all Creation that responds to GOD in obedience. Nothing is impossible for GOD; yet, the elimination of sin is a profound challenge. Sin is no thing created by GOD; contains no life or spirit matter; yet, has direction, effect, and presence. Sin may dominate awareness and self-will in created beings and living creatures despite their emotions, intellect, logic, and science.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to the measure of divinity that resides in you.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2: 8-9, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Resurrection of dead?
do you think there will be a future resurrection of the dead and in what form when someone dies the body dies the brain dies what is left do we really have a spirit i have read in bible we come back in flesh and bone but how this seems impossible
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. (1st Corinthians 15: 12-22, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Perfected Body (03/09/2014); Immutable GODhead (03/10/2014); Mankind Destroyed? (01/24/2014); What Salvation Is (01/25/2014); Jesus Arose Bodily (12/24/2013); Thanking and Blaming GOD (12/25/2013); Jesus Rose? (11/08/2013); Must We Really Die? (05/13/2013); Can GOD Die? (05/14/2013); Death Has Been Transformed (05/09/2013); Loving the Enemy? (05/10/2013)
“g”, consider the following: Christian beliefs on resurrection should be prayerfully studied from the Bible. The teachings are simple, yet, they are profound (we say, deep, far reaching in their application and effect). Many hidden assumptions (unstated ideas we agree upon as we start a discussion, that often go unnoticed, and that we do not question or demand evidence for) must come into view that a person makes about GOD; and one must be alert to the many subtle shifts in meaning (we say, barely visible differences) among ideas that seem to make the same points, yet, are completely different in their substance and impact (e.g., re-animation, regeneration, and reincarnation).
GOD is a nonmaterial spirit who has put forth all created beings and living creatures, diverse forms and objects as well as the conditions and frameworks for their interaction within various spheres of existence. GOD is not made up of particles as are clouds, fog, mist, smoke, steam and vapor. The “content” or substance of GOD are the inseparable aspects of divinity such as faith, holiness, life, person, presence, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin.
We use language that says mankind is “made in the image” of GOD to acknowledge the similarities that exist because all humans contain some measure of divine matter. GOD is eternal, immortal, immutable, and unchanging (i.e., can not be influenced, manipulated, or operated upon as an object). Mankind is mortal, and experiences life with a continuous focus upon mechanical operations of the physical body as cycles, patterns, phases and stages.
In various ways, GOD has expressed an intent that mankind should permanently exist as a companion to divinity. Therefore, mankind is now in a continual process of assessment, cleansing, preparation (we say, judgment, salvation, sanctification), and permanent change. Mankind is to become immortal and incorruptible. Life is GOD’s intent, and death is GOD’s tool.
There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, by appearing incarnate (in flesh) as Jesus Christ, GOD has demonstrated and “explained” that flesh and Spirit must cooperate for humanity to be totally separated from sin. Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, of GOD, and of all Creation that responds to GOD in obedience. Nothing is impossible for GOD; yet, the elimination of sin is a profound challenge. Sin is no thing created by GOD; contains no life or spirit matter; yet, has direction, effect, and presence. Sin may dominate awareness and self-will in created beings and living creatures despite their emotions, intellect, logic, and science.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to the measure of divinity that resides in you.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2: 8-9, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Sunday, April 20, 2014
(04/19/2014) Resurrection Sunday
Today, I share a brief Bible study with a chart (see below) on the death, burial and reappearance of Jesus Christ. Many will celebrate Resurrection Sunday, the name increasingly used among Christian believers to repel spiritual confusion, and silence those insisting that Easter should be remembered as an ancient pagan festival to worship a goddess, or a change in the seasons. Where the ministry of Jesus is seen put forth in three and one half weeks to fulfill prophecy, it may also be understood as three and one half years along with Sunday through Wednesday afternoon, three and one half days. Given that among the Jews days were measured from sundown to sundown, the nights come before the morning and other daylight hours.
Where the ministry of Jesus is seen put forth in three and one half weeks to fulfill prophecy, it may also be understood as three and one half years along with Sunday through Wednesday afternoon, three and one half days. Given that among the Jews days were measured from sundown to sundown, the nights come before the morning and other daylight hours. Jesus and his disciples ate their “Last Supper” of the old covenant on Wednesday evening. Jesus was arrested and tried during the Thursday night that began after sundown Wednesday. The crucifixion was completed during the daylight hours of Thursday. Joseph of Arimathea requested the body of Jesus on Thursday, and hastily placed the body within his private tomb with the intent of later providing the full ceremony to anoint, mourn, and preserve the Lord’s body.
Consider the following and the chart (above): The Lord was entombed Thursday during daylight (day 1) and before evening hours (the day of preparation for Sabbath); Friday evening, during Sabbath (night 1), followed by daylight hours (day 2); Saturday evening followed by dark (night 2) with morning and sunlit hours (day 3); concluded by Sunday evening then dark (night 3) without the morning and daylight hours.
Where the ministry of Jesus is seen put forth in three and one half weeks to fulfill prophecy, it may also be understood as three and one half years along with Sunday through Wednesday afternoon, three and one half days. Given that among the Jews days were measured from sundown to sundown, the nights come before the morning and other daylight hours. Jesus and his disciples ate their “Last Supper” of the old covenant on Wednesday evening. Jesus was arrested and tried during the Thursday night that began after sundown Wednesday. The crucifixion was completed during the daylight hours of Thursday. Joseph of Arimathea requested the body of Jesus on Thursday, and hastily placed the body within his private tomb with the intent of later providing the full ceremony to anoint, mourn, and preserve the Lord’s body.
Consider the following and the chart (above): The Lord was entombed Thursday during daylight (day 1) and before evening hours (the day of preparation for Sabbath); Friday evening, during Sabbath (night 1), followed by daylight hours (day 2); Saturday evening followed by dark (night 2) with morning and sunlit hours (day 3); concluded by Sunday evening then dark (night 3) without the morning and daylight hours.
SOME THOUGHTS ON
38 Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.
39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:
40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
Daniel 9: 25-27 (KJV) 25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. 26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. 27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
Matthew 27: 1-2 (KJV) 1 When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: 2 And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.
Matthew 27: 31-37 (KJV) 31 And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him. 32 And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross. 33 And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, 34 They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. 35 And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. 36 And sitting down they watched him there; 37 And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
Matthew 28: 1-9 (KJV) 1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. 2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. 5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. 8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. 9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
John 20: 18-20 (KJV) 18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her. 19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.
Mark 15: 42-47 (KJV) 42 And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, 43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus. 44 And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead. 45 And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph. 46 And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre. 47 And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.
John 19: 31 (KJV) 31 The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.
Mark 16: 9-15 (KJV) 9 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. 10 And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. 11 And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not. 12 After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country. 13 And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them. 14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
John 20: 26-31 (KJV) 26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. 30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: 31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
Acts 1: 1-10 (KJV) 1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: 3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: 4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. 6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? 7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. 8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. 9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
There is far more to be said, properly shared, and spiritually understood. Readers are encouraged to add the Bible verse or passage you feel would add to understanding in the comments area (see below). Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to the workings of the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth, and the Testimony of Jesus in you. Grow in grace.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? (2nd Corinthians 13: 5)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Friday, April 18, 2014
(04/18/2014) To Accomplish A Sacred Goal
Many are celebrating Good Friday, today, by observing sacraments of humiliation such as foot washing; others are observing the third day for the Feast of Unleavened Bread that celebrates the exodus and liberation for the tribes of Jacob (who are not yet in covenant) from Egyptian bondage. A BATTLE AXE and a GOLDEN ARROW are presented sharing more on asking philosophical questions. May we all prosper in this season for remembering and acknowledging GOD.
THE BATTLE AXE: Philosophical Questions? (04/17/2014)—(5.) Many are in the midst of the church who have not yet joined the church. For followers of Christ, spiritual discernment is used to make sound choices and decision about when, and what to speak during gatherings for such purposes as cleansing, nourishment, refreshing, study, and worship. Given the diverse levels of spiritual growth, and the broad range of emotional, financial, material, psychological, and other challenges that come against members of an assembly, every personal testimony or point of biblical information may not be acceptable, and appropriate to correctly address the most pressing needs. Just as one should not expose ones spouse to censure and condemnation by sharing accounts of intimacy within ones home, or revealing private matters (we say, confidences, secrets), there are many times one should refrain from sharing details of their intimacy with GOD through Christ within their prayer closet, or from their times of contemplation (including dreams). The objective of every gathering is the expression of divine love, and the building of trust. However, sacred goals are not accomplished through argument, debate, interrogating others, pseudo-intellectual posturing, wordplay, or popular psychology and analysis (we say, mind games and “getting into another person’s head”). Believers are to prophesy, and witness the appearance of Jesus among them in Spirit. See Isaiah 5: 20-21, Matthew 7: 6, 1st Corinthians 1: 18-20, 1st Corinthians 14: 1-12, Colossians 2: 6-12, 1st Timothy 6: 20-21 and Jude 1: 14-21, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:) But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire. (Hebrews 12: 18-29, KJV)
There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, those who were heirs of a relationship with GOD through Abraham because of their standing as offspring of Jacob may be seen as coming forth from a bondage of death and the grave into covenant and new life as a nation. Similarly, those who are heirs of a relationship with GOD through Jesus Christ by their standing as believers in promise and prophecy may be seen coming forth from bondage to spiritual ignorance and ungodliness, and the living grave of worldliness into the kingdom ruled by the Messiah, now to continue in eternal life.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to the measure of divinity that resides in you.
Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. (1st Corinthians 5: 6-8, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
THE BATTLE AXE: Philosophical Questions? (04/17/2014)—(5.) Many are in the midst of the church who have not yet joined the church. For followers of Christ, spiritual discernment is used to make sound choices and decision about when, and what to speak during gatherings for such purposes as cleansing, nourishment, refreshing, study, and worship. Given the diverse levels of spiritual growth, and the broad range of emotional, financial, material, psychological, and other challenges that come against members of an assembly, every personal testimony or point of biblical information may not be acceptable, and appropriate to correctly address the most pressing needs. Just as one should not expose ones spouse to censure and condemnation by sharing accounts of intimacy within ones home, or revealing private matters (we say, confidences, secrets), there are many times one should refrain from sharing details of their intimacy with GOD through Christ within their prayer closet, or from their times of contemplation (including dreams). The objective of every gathering is the expression of divine love, and the building of trust. However, sacred goals are not accomplished through argument, debate, interrogating others, pseudo-intellectual posturing, wordplay, or popular psychology and analysis (we say, mind games and “getting into another person’s head”). Believers are to prophesy, and witness the appearance of Jesus among them in Spirit. See Isaiah 5: 20-21, Matthew 7: 6, 1st Corinthians 1: 18-20, 1st Corinthians 14: 1-12, Colossians 2: 6-12, 1st Timothy 6: 20-21 and Jude 1: 14-21, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:) But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire. (Hebrews 12: 18-29, KJV)
There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, those who were heirs of a relationship with GOD through Abraham because of their standing as offspring of Jacob may be seen as coming forth from a bondage of death and the grave into covenant and new life as a nation. Similarly, those who are heirs of a relationship with GOD through Jesus Christ by their standing as believers in promise and prophecy may be seen coming forth from bondage to spiritual ignorance and ungodliness, and the living grave of worldliness into the kingdom ruled by the Messiah, now to continue in eternal life.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to the measure of divinity that resides in you.
Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. (1st Corinthians 5: 6-8, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Thursday, April 17, 2014
(04/17/2014) Philosophical Questions?
Sharing spiritual knowledge, and philosophical inquiry among Christian believers are topics, today. Also, there is more on GOD having a conflict of interest due to the divine roles in judgment. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “The Green Machine” (Level 5 with 5,152 points, a member since November 9, 2013) posted the following:
Why do Christians not like it when you challenge or question the Bible?
The Bible study group doesn't like it when I ask questions like "Why did God an extra dimensional entity choose a small tribe on a small planet?" " If God is all knowing then he knew what Satan would do when he created him thus allowed the fall to happen?" " Why did the Garden have such terrible security from Satan?" " Isnt it selfish for God to punish those who don't believe for all eternity?" or even " Why does God who you say is spirit experience so many Human emotions?" They get tense and then say we will scrape that for now and come back to it later. Why would they do this/ I thought Christians encourage free thinking and questions. I mean they ask me biblical questions but cant answer my very simple ones.
Update : They just say my questions are philosophical.
Update 2: My questions are genuine, they are to criticize anyone. But they got deeply offended that I wanted to dig deeper into the truth.
THE BATTLE AXE: A Conflict of Interest (04/16/2014)—(6.) The holy writings record numerous instances where created beings and living creatures requiring GOD to judge divinity, or to submit to ones personal judgment. Those who commit the errors appearing in the account of Job usually lack spiritual discernment (ability to use the spiritual things given by GOD to correctly recognize other spiritual events, objects, persons, and aspects of sacred process). As a result, when they accuse GOD, most are unaware their presumption (assuming authority without lawful delegation or permission; taking to oneself authority that belongs to another; stealing) violates divine law. While a person may commit offenses against GOD unintentionally and through ignorance of divine law, they are no less accountable for their own attitude, behavior, and conduct as well as for consequences and outcomes for what they do. The divine operations of atonement and repentance must be fulfilled, and can only be completed once sins committed in ignorance are perceived and realized.
(7.) Divine justice is not always accomplished through punishment. Many are now guilty and tainted by sin; however, where Jesus Christ is acknowledged as ones Advocate, these may become certified as having their charges dismissed, or “time served.” The ministry of Christ is held to be complete and thorough as a “settlement out of court” because through the Son of GOD full salvation is provided. Included are such benefits as atonement, baptism (death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth from divine content), correction, forgiveness, repentance, sacraments that continue ones new spirit, and sanctification. More than this, divine judgment is held to be righteous because the Son of Man has been appointed to preside in all divine tribunals. In addition to balance that comes by both his experience within, and distance from the earth, there are benefits that further ensure justice such as compassion, empathy, impartiality, incorruptibility, insight, love, mercy, patience, wisdom, and wrath against sin.
(8.) Within the totality of divine process, GOD is “indivisible”, yet, may not exist as an outside focus, an independent object distanced from divinity, or a unrelated divine entity. Even so, for Christian believers, the appearance of GOD in flesh (we say, incarnate) as Jesus Christ to fulfill various eternal purposes does not violate the integrity of the full manifestation for divinity as GODhead, the sovereign majesty of Almighty GOD who is spirit, or the essential unity of divinity. In the form of a man, divinity becomes an object to aspects of the full GODhead without conflict, damage or loss among the functions, persons, and roles of GODhead. Divine consciousness and presence may be continued while using finite form, and such frameworks for created beings and living creatures as desire, feeling, sacrifice, self-awareness, self-will, space, and time. The full expanse of possibilities for purposeful action by GOD in divine fullness are in no way contradicted, diminished, hindered, or narrowed. See Job 40: 6-14, Deuteronomy 25: 1, Jeremiah 25: 31, Hosea 4: 1-3, Micah 6: 1-3, 1st Timothy 2: 5-6 and 3: 16, 1st John 5: 3 and 7-12, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (2nd Timothy 3: 1-7, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Philosophy of Free Will? (04/08/2014); The Name(?) of GOD (04/09/2014); Arguing Against the Bible in Church? (02/18/2014); Snake Handling? (02/19/2014); Was Jesus Literate? (10/04/2013); Everything a Lie? (10/05/2013); The Bible and Genealogy (09/10/2013); Need for A New Holy Spirit (06/03/2013); Faith for Facing Tragedy? (06/04/2013); Illusion? (04/25/2013); Not of Legal Age? (04/26/2013)
“The Green Machine”, here are a few points important to Christian belief that may help you serve your congregation more effectively:
(1.) The process of spiritual inquiry within the church body is not the same as that for academic research, secular data gathering, and philosophical discourse. Every baptized believer accepts a duty to share spirit matter through utterance (we say, breath, life essence, speech, spirit, or word). Many things that we find challenging and interesting (March Madness, marriage equality, the Superbowl) are absolutely useless in our mission to spread the new life in Christ that comes by the Gospel; and we are taught to say, all things are lawful, yet all things do not edify.
(2.) Knowledge of the holy comes by interactions and operations of ones own sacred content in response to divinity as opposed to the activity of ones emotional, intellectual, and psychological content. Inseparable (where one appears, all may be found in some measure) spirit content may be exchanged and shared by “hearing” holy utterance. Also, divinity may bestow and impart spirit matter.
(3.) Through baptism (death of ones inborn nature, rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak), believers acquire the same substance that is understood as the permanent “makeup” of GOD. Included are such spirit matter as faith, forgiveness, gratitude, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Born again, a believer must gradually grow up again and mature while facing the same life challenges as all others upon the earth.
There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) It is natural for developing believers to be on guard against betrayal, deception, and false doctrine as well as those elements that draw them away from Christ, back to what they have escaped. Where someone within the congregation repeatedly displays arrogance, divisiveness, indifference, lack of preparation, pride, and selfishness, that person’s purpose must be determined by careful examination. Agents of the devil are willing to operate within church groups to generate dissatisfaction, misinformation, and spiritual confusion.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to the measure of divine faith that resides in you.
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. (Hosea 4: 6, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Why do Christians not like it when you challenge or question the Bible?
The Bible study group doesn't like it when I ask questions like "Why did God an extra dimensional entity choose a small tribe on a small planet?" " If God is all knowing then he knew what Satan would do when he created him thus allowed the fall to happen?" " Why did the Garden have such terrible security from Satan?" " Isnt it selfish for God to punish those who don't believe for all eternity?" or even " Why does God who you say is spirit experience so many Human emotions?" They get tense and then say we will scrape that for now and come back to it later. Why would they do this/ I thought Christians encourage free thinking and questions. I mean they ask me biblical questions but cant answer my very simple ones.
Update : They just say my questions are philosophical.
Update 2: My questions are genuine, they are to criticize anyone. But they got deeply offended that I wanted to dig deeper into the truth.
THE BATTLE AXE: A Conflict of Interest (04/16/2014)—(6.) The holy writings record numerous instances where created beings and living creatures requiring GOD to judge divinity, or to submit to ones personal judgment. Those who commit the errors appearing in the account of Job usually lack spiritual discernment (ability to use the spiritual things given by GOD to correctly recognize other spiritual events, objects, persons, and aspects of sacred process). As a result, when they accuse GOD, most are unaware their presumption (assuming authority without lawful delegation or permission; taking to oneself authority that belongs to another; stealing) violates divine law. While a person may commit offenses against GOD unintentionally and through ignorance of divine law, they are no less accountable for their own attitude, behavior, and conduct as well as for consequences and outcomes for what they do. The divine operations of atonement and repentance must be fulfilled, and can only be completed once sins committed in ignorance are perceived and realized.
(7.) Divine justice is not always accomplished through punishment. Many are now guilty and tainted by sin; however, where Jesus Christ is acknowledged as ones Advocate, these may become certified as having their charges dismissed, or “time served.” The ministry of Christ is held to be complete and thorough as a “settlement out of court” because through the Son of GOD full salvation is provided. Included are such benefits as atonement, baptism (death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth from divine content), correction, forgiveness, repentance, sacraments that continue ones new spirit, and sanctification. More than this, divine judgment is held to be righteous because the Son of Man has been appointed to preside in all divine tribunals. In addition to balance that comes by both his experience within, and distance from the earth, there are benefits that further ensure justice such as compassion, empathy, impartiality, incorruptibility, insight, love, mercy, patience, wisdom, and wrath against sin.
(8.) Within the totality of divine process, GOD is “indivisible”, yet, may not exist as an outside focus, an independent object distanced from divinity, or a unrelated divine entity. Even so, for Christian believers, the appearance of GOD in flesh (we say, incarnate) as Jesus Christ to fulfill various eternal purposes does not violate the integrity of the full manifestation for divinity as GODhead, the sovereign majesty of Almighty GOD who is spirit, or the essential unity of divinity. In the form of a man, divinity becomes an object to aspects of the full GODhead without conflict, damage or loss among the functions, persons, and roles of GODhead. Divine consciousness and presence may be continued while using finite form, and such frameworks for created beings and living creatures as desire, feeling, sacrifice, self-awareness, self-will, space, and time. The full expanse of possibilities for purposeful action by GOD in divine fullness are in no way contradicted, diminished, hindered, or narrowed. See Job 40: 6-14, Deuteronomy 25: 1, Jeremiah 25: 31, Hosea 4: 1-3, Micah 6: 1-3, 1st Timothy 2: 5-6 and 3: 16, 1st John 5: 3 and 7-12, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (2nd Timothy 3: 1-7, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Philosophy of Free Will? (04/08/2014); The Name(?) of GOD (04/09/2014); Arguing Against the Bible in Church? (02/18/2014); Snake Handling? (02/19/2014); Was Jesus Literate? (10/04/2013); Everything a Lie? (10/05/2013); The Bible and Genealogy (09/10/2013); Need for A New Holy Spirit (06/03/2013); Faith for Facing Tragedy? (06/04/2013); Illusion? (04/25/2013); Not of Legal Age? (04/26/2013)
“The Green Machine”, here are a few points important to Christian belief that may help you serve your congregation more effectively:
(1.) The process of spiritual inquiry within the church body is not the same as that for academic research, secular data gathering, and philosophical discourse. Every baptized believer accepts a duty to share spirit matter through utterance (we say, breath, life essence, speech, spirit, or word). Many things that we find challenging and interesting (March Madness, marriage equality, the Superbowl) are absolutely useless in our mission to spread the new life in Christ that comes by the Gospel; and we are taught to say, all things are lawful, yet all things do not edify.
(2.) Knowledge of the holy comes by interactions and operations of ones own sacred content in response to divinity as opposed to the activity of ones emotional, intellectual, and psychological content. Inseparable (where one appears, all may be found in some measure) spirit content may be exchanged and shared by “hearing” holy utterance. Also, divinity may bestow and impart spirit matter.
(3.) Through baptism (death of ones inborn nature, rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak), believers acquire the same substance that is understood as the permanent “makeup” of GOD. Included are such spirit matter as faith, forgiveness, gratitude, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Born again, a believer must gradually grow up again and mature while facing the same life challenges as all others upon the earth.
There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) It is natural for developing believers to be on guard against betrayal, deception, and false doctrine as well as those elements that draw them away from Christ, back to what they have escaped. Where someone within the congregation repeatedly displays arrogance, divisiveness, indifference, lack of preparation, pride, and selfishness, that person’s purpose must be determined by careful examination. Agents of the devil are willing to operate within church groups to generate dissatisfaction, misinformation, and spiritual confusion.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to the measure of divine faith that resides in you.
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. (Hosea 4: 6, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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