The first public miracle of Jesus (changing water to wine) is in focus, today. Also, there is more on being brothers to Christ, yet, not being equal to Christ. A “Yahoo Answers” fighter using the ID “Felix” (Level 1 with 87 points, a member since November 29, 2010) posted the following:
Is helping people to get sozzled a worthy miracle?
Jesus.
He goes to a wedding party, they run out of wine, he turns water into wine so they can party further.
If true Jesus is one party dude.
THE BATTLE AXE: Brothers, Not Equals(04/06/2014)—(6.) In the same way, the authority, influence, and power of older brothers and sisters is not the same as that of the youngest sibling, there are no liars, thieves, and unbelievers who are the same (we say, equals) as those having status as joint heirs with Christ, and who are the sons and daughters to GOD through the Holy Spirit imparted in water baptism. Just as believers are set apart by covenant agreement, believers are further set apart (we say, sanctified) by the added divine gifts from the indwelling Spirit bestowed upon believers that serves as power in their work of spreading the Gospel by their lifestyle, preaching, and unselfish service. GOD carefully examines the makeup, and the fruit of (we say, the effects, what is produced by) all his handiwork of Creation (we say, GOD will judge). While righteous judgment must go forth upon all with attention to detail, balance, and impartiality, the outcome is always that those who satisfy the divine standard, and please GOD, are not treated as those who fail to do so. There is a difference, however, one based on divine love, sacred law, fairness, and justice. See again Genesis 18: 24-26, Leviticus 26: 13-35, Deuteronomy 28: 1-3, Matthew 10: 32-33, 2nd Corinthians 5: 10, and Revelation 3: 14-22, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. (John 14: 8-17, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Miracles Are From GOD (03/14/2014); Giving Forgiveness? (03/15/2014); Miracles and Visitations? (03/03/2014); All Lying Forbidden? (03/04/2014); Miracles are Sacred Events (12/20/2013); Resisting Sin (12/21/2013); All Things Possible? (09/17/2013); Can One Escape? (09/18/2013); Both Born Holy? (04/29/2013); Scripture at Funerals? (04/30/2013)
“Felix”, here are a few points a person should consider before “closing the book” on the first miracle of the Lord’s prophetic ministry:
(1.) After his public anointing with the help of John the Baptist, Jesus was isolated and “tested” by Satan. Just as the devil is not all-knowing and can not predict the future, Satan does not have the same gift of spiritual discernment that has been given to mankind through the Holy Spirit. The Adversary could not recognize in Christ what the Son of the Highest had displayed when before the host of heaven. Satan wanted to ask “are you the Son of GOD?” without displaying his ignorance and weakness. Satan challenged Christ on the basis of the humanity of Jesus, and appealed to appetite, fear, greed, ignorance of the Scriptures, and pride.
(2.) Miracles are “prophetic demonstrations” and “sacred events” that describe divine processes (e.g., forgiveness, rebirth, repentance), express eternal purpose (we say, conditions that will fulfill divine intent), and present utterance (breath, spirit, word) from GOD through action, physical objects, and persons (we say, the flesh). Miracles may result through the operations of faith, however, faith does not always result from miracles. Many times the outcomes have been increased confusion, doubt, fear, and skepticism. Even so, miracles may establish an “appetite” for spiritual truth, and may serve as stimulants of curiosity that draw men to GOD as Moses was drawn by the “burning bush.”
(3.) Jesus revealed that the process of GOD for mankind would entail a union of flesh and Spirit. The need of all created beings and living creatures had become so great only a comprehensive transformation could be effective. Thus, men must be “born again” having divine DNA (so to speak); and all the aspects of divine order for the entire universe are now being reconfigured. Included are birth, death, growth, law, love, perfection (we say, maturity), relationship (e.g., as heirs, as servants, as sons, as spouses), and sanctification (we say, cleansing, being set apart to serve GOD).
There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Jesus first displayed his divinity by helping those who were disabled, injured, and sick—that is, by addressing the flesh. Yet, the healings and exorcisms (casting out demons) performed by Jesus are not accounted as miracles. In the process of GOD for mankind, the rule is “first, that which is natural, then, that which is spiritual.” The foundations of belief, reverence and worship were to shift away from ceremony, customs, institution, law, ritual, and tradition. Relationship with GOD is to be grounded in ones own endowment of the Spirit of Prophecy (we say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth). Through Jesus Christ, mankind receives spirit matter from the makeup of GOD that will enable new awareness and self-will.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to the measure of divine faith that resides in you.
Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. (Isaiah 55: 1-3, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
No comments:
Post a Comment