Topics today include access to GOD by his imparted Spirit, and the proper center for prayer and worship. I share a Scripture study having a Christian perspective that was sparked by an Internet project to raise funds for a third consecrated house to be established upon the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Many who accept that Yeshua Bar-Joseph appeared in the earth as the spiritual heir of David, as a prophet, as the Messiah promised in the holy writings, and as an appearance of GOD incarnate (i.e., in flesh, and having material form), now pray daily for the peace and prosperity of Israel as GOD’s Covenant Nation, and a peculiar people of divine promise. Through Christ all the many covenants and peoples of GOD are revealed as joined and united within the true kingdom of GOD, for every believer is to stand as a house for his holy name.
SOME THOUGHTS ON
1 Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?
2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.
3 He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog’s neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine’s blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.
4 I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.
5 Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name’s sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed. (Isaiah 66: 1-5, KJV)
Exodus 20: 23-25 (KJV) 23 Ye shall not make with me gods of silver, neither shall ye make unto you gods of gold. 24 An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee. 25 And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it.
Leviticus 22: 31-33 (KJV) 31 Therefore shall ye keep my commandments, and do them: I am the LORD. 32 Neither shall ye profane my holy name; but I will be hallowed among the children of Israel: I am the LORD which hallow you, 33 That brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am the LORD.
1st Kings 8: 16-18 (KJV) 16 Since the day that I brought forth my people Israel out of Egypt, I chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel to build an house, that my name might be therein; but I chose David to be over my people Israel. 17 And it was in the heart of David my father to build an house for the name of the LORD God of Israel. 18 And the LORD said unto David my father, Whereas it was in thine heart to build an house unto my name, thou didst well that it was in thine heart.
1st Kings 9: 1-9 (KJV) And it came to pass, when Solomon had finished the building of the house of the LORD, and the king’s house, and all Solomon’s desire which he was pleased to do, 2 That the LORD appeared to Solomon the second time, as he had appeared unto him at Gibeon. 3 And the LORD said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually. 4 And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and my judgments: 5 Then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever, as I promised to David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man upon the throne of Israel. 6 But if ye shall at all turn from following me, ye or your children, and will not keep my commandments and my statutes which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods, and worship them: 7 Then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of my sight; and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all people: 8 And at this house, which is high, every one that passeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss; and they shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and to this house? 9 And they shall answer, Because they forsook the LORD their God, who brought forth their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and have taken hold upon other gods, and have worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath the LORD brought upon them all this evil.
1st Kings 11: 4-8 (KJV) 4 For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father. 5 For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 6 And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father. 7 Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon. 8 And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods.
Nehemiah 1: 8-10 (KJV) 8 Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant Moses, saying, If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations: 9 But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there. 10 Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand.
Isaiah 52: 5-7 (KJV) 5 Now therefore, what have I here, saith the LORD, that my people is taken away for nought? they that rule over them make them to howl, saith the LORD; and my name continually every day is blasphemed. 6 Therefore my people shall know my name: therefore they shall know in that day that I am he that doth speak: behold, it is I. 7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!
Jeremiah 7: 3-11 (KJV) 3 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place. 4 Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, are these. 5 For if ye throughly amend your ways and your doings; if ye throughly execute judgment between a man and his neighbour; 6 If ye oppress not the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, and shed not innocent blood in this place, neither walk after other gods to your hurt: 7 Then will I cause you to dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers, for ever and ever. 8 Behold, ye trust in lying words, that cannot profit. 9 Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not; 10 And come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations? 11 Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen it, saith the LORD.
Ezekiel 43: 5-11 (KJV) 5 So the spirit took me up, and brought me into the inner court; and, behold, the glory of the LORD filled the house. 6 And I heard him speaking unto me out of the house; and the man stood by me. 7 And he said unto me, Son of man, the place of my throne, and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel for ever, and my holy name, shall the house of Israel no more defile, neither they, nor their kings, by their whoredom, nor by the carcases of their kings in their high places. 8 In their setting of their threshold by my thresholds, and their post by my posts, and the wall between me and them, they have even defiled my holy name by their abominations that they have committed: wherefore I have consumed them in mine anger. 9 Now let them put away their whoredom, and the carcases of their kings, far from me, and I will dwell in the midst of them for ever. 10 Thou son of man, shew the house to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities: and let them measure the pattern. 11 And if they be ashamed of all that they have done, shew them the form of the house, and the fashion thereof, and the goings out thereof, and the comings in thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the laws thereof: and write it in their sight, that they may keep the whole form thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and do them.
Ezekiel 9: 1-6 (KJV) He cried also in mine ears with a loud voice, saying, Cause them that have charge over the city to draw near, even every man with his destroying weapon in his hand. 2 And, behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate, which lieth toward the north, and every man a slaughter weapon in his hand; and one man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer’s inkhorn by his side: and they went in, and stood beside the brasen altar. 3 And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon he was, to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer’s inkhorn by his side; 4 And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. 5 And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: 6 Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house.
Revelation 2: 16-17 (KJV) 16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
2nd Chronicles 7: 14 (KJV) 14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
2nd Corinthians 6: 14-18 (KJV) 14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
1st Corinthians 6: 19-20 (KJV) 19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
Matthew 18: 19-20 (KJV) 19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Luke 17: 20-21 (KJV) 20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: 21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
Revelation 21: 22-27 (KJV) 22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. 23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. 24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. 25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. 26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. 27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
1st Peter 2: 5-10 (KJV) 5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. 7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. 9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; 10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
Ephesians 2: 10-22 (KJV) 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
There is far more to be said, properly shared, and spiritually understood. Christians believers are a building material for a Temple now being erected by GOD as a spiritual condition within the lives of those who are sanctified. Thus, the peace and salvation Christians humbly request are supplied by an imparted, indwelling Spirit from GOD (we say, the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy) that was contained within Moses, and displayed throughout the ministry of Jesus as one operating after the pattern of a divine person from heaven—not merely the presence of a sacred tabernacle, a tent, a house, or material dwelling made after the pattern of things in heaven. Again, my readers are asked to add those verses or passages from Scripture that they would like to share in the comments area (below). Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to the workings of divinity that resides within you. Grow in grace.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Today, more points are shared on idolatry, murder, human relationships, and the Ten Commandments.
THE BATTLE AXE: Divine Law for Mankind? (07/29/2014)—(5.) The widely held idea that the Ten Commandments and all divine law pertains only to attitudes, behavior and conduct derives from operations of the flesh (e.g., appetite, sensation, and emotional/mental functions). More correctly understood, the law describes spiritual conditions, and aspects of life substance. With this in view, such offenses as idolatry and murder may be spoken of as appearances and products of defiled, impure, and unclean spirits. Because such conditions lack awareness and self-will, sins and violations of divine law are not themselves entities or spirit beings. We may say, the law given to mankind to establish divine order further reveals Almighty GOD by describing events that exist and occur apart from, and outside of divine will—conditions and events apart from, and outside of divinity.
(6.) GOD is a boundless and eternal spirit who has put forth all created beings and living creatures. The first principles and rules for communication and correct relationship with GOD serve as boundaries and terms to establish clarity, consistency, honor, integrity, and righteousness within all exchange and interaction that may occur. No other gods are to exist within the closed, exclusive, and privileged relationship with the Almighty.
(7.) Violators of etiquette, good manners, and conventions for social propriety are called coarse, impolite, rude, unpolished, or uncivilized. A greater condemnation is pronounced against those who violate the Ten Commandments. The greatest danger for created beings and living creatures regarding judgment is not that their own disobedience and naughty conduct will be exposed and punished by GOD. It is that, using finite, imperfect tools such as emotion, intellect, and sensation (hearing, seeing, touching, etc.), the living may presume to accuse and indict others around them, themselves, and Almighty GOD, or even seek to usurp and replace GOD as the supreme judge over Creation. Thus, it may be thought of as a safeguard and protective shield that the balanced, necessary and righteous assignment of value for all things in Creation (we say, judgment) called for may only go forward through operations of the full GODhead being in one accord: No renegade may pardon those condemned to destruction by their own makeup and substance; nor may any beloved be wrongfully destroyed from bias, envy, malice, neglect, oversight, or spite. Those who attack and despise the image and spirit of GOD in mankind, also deny and oppose the divinity of the Creator. Their self-destruction is made irreversible, for in effect they work against everything that allows and nourishes existence.
(8.) It is not far-fetched or foolish for believers to carefully consider the multiple complementary applications, and various intended benefits of The Ten Commandments. Nor is it correct to read the law as a literal statement to restrain only specific or discrete actions and behavior where, in fact, a broad range of attitudes, inclinations, and patterns in ones conduct, thought, and verbal behavior also must be suppressed as contributing to, precipitating, and supporting named actions that are forbidden. Thus, mature Christian believers understand the following verses as having the same authority, intent, and power as the verses of the Decalogue, and are due the same allegiance, obedience, respect, and reverence: 11 Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another (Leviticus 19: 11, KJV); 4 If thou meet thine enemy’s ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again. 5 If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him. (Exodus 23: 4-5, KJV); 8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: (Colossians 3: 8-10, KJV); 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: (Philippians 2: 3-5, KJV); 6 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. 3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. (Galatians 6: 1-3, KJV); 16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5: 16, KJV); and 25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. 26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27 Neither give place to the devil. (Ephesians 4: 25-27, KJV). For those having discernment, all these are restatements of “Thou shalt not kill.”
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem. And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault. For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables. Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death: But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free. And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother; Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye. And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand: There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man. If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable. And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him; Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats? And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man. (Mark 7: 1-23, KJV)
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Divine law and murder come into view, again, along with more on mystery and judgment. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Breakthrough” (Level 5 with 7,422 points, a member since June 29, 2013) posted the following:
How do you understand the ten commandments?
How do you understand the commandment no other gods?
no idols?
or do not murder?
for example - I think that being rude to somebody is a mild form of murder
Also disrespecting somebody or looking down on somebody - not taking somebody's feelings into consideration is also a type of murder
THE BATTLE AXE: No Mystery in Lawful Judgment (07/28/2014)— (5.) The nature and person of divinity revealed through revelation is balanced, free of contradiction, immortal, immutable, stable, and unchanging. Consequently, the revealed intent and operations of GOD may be understood as fixed, flawless, irreplaceable, perfected, and permanent. There is no question that divine law is direct, focused and specific; nor should there be any issue that divine judgment applying sacred law is impartial, simple, and straight forward. At first, approaching the things of GOD in the ignorance and limitations appropriate to beings who are anchored in the operations of their own flesh (i.e., appetite, sensation, emotion/mental functioning), all believers regard the things from GOD as dark, intimidating, shrouded in mystery, and uncertain. Through baptism (death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth having the same divine content that is the makeup of GOD) believers are endowed with such aspects of divinity as faith, forbearance, forgiveness, holiness, joy, longsuffering, wisdom, and wrath against sin. What once was baffling, inexplicable, perplexing and unfathomable is shown to be the very divine gifts that will end all suffering, eliminate corruption, and maintain eternal life. See Deuteronomy 29: 29, Malachi 3: 1-18 and Ephesians 3: 1-12, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, I am the LORD your God. After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, shall ye not do: neither shall ye walk in their ordinances. Ye shall do my judgments, and keep mine ordinances, to walk therein: I am the LORD your God. Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the LORD. (Leviticus 18: 1-5, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: On Christians Executing Judgment (06/06/2014); Stoning in the OT? (06/07/2014); Suffering Circumcision? (06/08/2014); Beyond Punishment (03/21/2014); A Guarantee of Heaven? (03/22/2014); The Bible is Unchanging? (03/23/2014); Deferring Judgment? (03/07/2014); To Live As a Sacrifice (03/08/2014); Bible Justice? (01/26/2014); GOD Inhabits Praise (01/27/2014); Lawful Revenge? (01/02/2014); As GOD Loves Us? (01/03/2014)
“Breakthrough”, here are a few points based on teachings in Scripture that should nourish our Spirit as we continue to learn and grow:
(1.) The Decalogue is different “by letter,” however, its function and purpose is the same (we say, by spirit) as the prohibition declared to the first male and female (Adam). What was spoken by GOD (later written), described specific conditions for the continued existence of their kind within correct relationship to GOD, and to one another. More than simply a restraint upon appetite, sensation, and emotion/mental functioning, the law was to uphold awareness of divine presence, intimate relationship, respect, and trust.
(2.) Because the Decalogue was intended to transform the nomadic tribes of Jacob into a priestly nation serving and worshiping the true GOD, the law appears to center upon human actions, behaviors, conduct, and works. However, the sacred law was also a device for the revelation of divinity. Through the law, mankind was further equipped to operate having discernment—the ability whereby created beings and living creatures apply their own spirit content to recognize and respond to spirit matter encountered in their life experiences such as events, messages, objects, other persons, prophecy, purposes, and the holy writings.
(3.) Because the law makes visible what we often call clean and unclean, good and bad, life and death, right from wrong, true and false, the law also comes into view as the protective hedge, and shield we call “divine love.” In addition to Deuteronomy 6, the epistle 1st John are two of the best sources displaying the unity of law and love as well as the commandment that believers love one another.
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) The law also has been given as a tool to detect and resist sin. All sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, of the Law Giver, and of the divine order for the universe established through divine law. However, the limitations upon divine law (we say, the curse of the law) include that law does not eliminate or remove sin. Death may punish and get rid of a sinner, however, the consequences of their sin may continue indefinitely and long after the sinner is gone. Thus, the law must be buttressed and reinforced with a broad range of sacred operations such as atonement, baptism (death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth having divine content), confession, forgiveness, Incarnation, repentance, resurrection, and sanctification.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
The completeness, integrity, and justice of divine and lawful human judgment are topics, today. Also, there is more on Americans applying the Bible to themselves, and the Bible being all about GOD. The “Yahoo! Answers fighter using ID “Maurog IV” (Level 7 with 84,564 points, a member since May 24, 2011) posted the following:
When a murderer claims God told them to kill, how do the police verify if they are crazy or genuine?
God moves in mysterious ways, after all...
THE BATTLE AXE: The Bible is All About GOD? (07/27/2014)—(5.) Not all Americans are anchored in Christian belief. Not all Americans are industrious. Nor are all Americans what we might call “good” people. Yet, every empire named in world history that successfully endured after conquering and consuming multiple kingdoms and nations prospered upon the earth by applying and copying the best strategies and techniques for life that were practiced among its many diverse peoples and cultures. Similarly, Americans and all others seeking the best strategies and techniques to amplify and enhance the power of their inborn spirit have found so great an advantage by acknowledging Jesus Christ, that we say, they are born again, and exist as a new creation of GOD. Power from divinity that is directed to healing, continued existence, and eternal life is received by believers that releases human awareness and self-will from domination by sin, and gradually establishes ones firm control over all their own action, awareness, behavior, desire, emotion, intent, and mental functioning. Because a countless multitude of Americans have carefully studied, and yielded to the word of GOD conveyed by the holy writings, there has been indisputable achievement across the spectrum of human concerns including agriculture, fine arts, business, communications, education, medicine, popular culture, transportation as well as military defense and warfare. Even more important than America’s record of material blessings for its people through those committed in Christ, America also boasts a record of emotional, psychological and spiritual endurance. Not only has America been able to bear up, overcome, and recover when challenged by epidemic disease, fire, flood, storms, suffering, terrorism, and war; America has also reached out to comfort and help its many neighbors throughout the world. The Bible is not a tool “made in America,” intended only for Americans, or designed to promote and “merchandise” America to the world. Divine operations, sacred promises, and eternal purposes are revealed. The Bible is intended to bind and seal all men of goodwill in right relationship to GOD, and to one another wherever they may be. All are supplied with the same sacred knowledge, discernment, guidance, and proper expectations to permit overcoming adversity, conflict, distance, and separation.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. (Romans 13: 1-4, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Doing GOD’s Plan (02/20/2014); “Prayer Death”? (02/21/2014); The 2nd Prayer Death (02/22/2014); Moses Killed? (09/23/2013); Salted with Fire? (09/24/2013); A Guide to Salvation? (04/10/2013); Faith, Language and Mystery” (04/11/2013); GOD Knows Tomorrow? (04/12/2013); Why Mysterious” (11/11/2012); Attending Church? (11/12/2012); Justice Comes by Love? (10/01/2012); A Daily Revelation? (10/02/2012)
“Maurog IV”, please consider the following points. For born again Christians who mature over time, there is no mystery regarding the operation and presence of GOD in the earth. The holy writings document the fixed pattern whereby GOD has appeared and operated among mankind using thousands of lives over the course of thousands of years (a divine perspective):
(1.) The “mystery” is being revealed and shared with those who receive a fresh endowment of spirit content through baptism (death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth having divine substance from the makeup of GOD) that enables spiritual discernment (recognition of divine content in life experiences such as events, messages, other persons, purposes). Believers are to contain all the inseparable aspects of divinity such as dutifulness, faith, holiness, righteousness, truthfulness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.
(2.) Among enlightened nations, law enforcement officers may be charged to examine criminal intent and the motives of those committing offenses; however, the determinations in human judgment remain finite, and focus most heavily upon the series of alleged actions carried out along with material evidence that may include DNA, eye witness reports, fabrics, findings from ballistic tests, and fingerprints. Psychological observation and testing may be carried out to determine the fitness of an accused person to participate in their own defense in a public trial; however, this may be very different than the medical examinations used to establish evidence for an “insanity” plea. Even so, the spiritual content and the legality of the beliefs and worship of those accused are rarely at issue. With this in view, the punishment for offenses is not dismissed, eliminated, or made less severe.
(3.) There are specific procedures and rules to identify sacred events (we say, miracles). Believers in Christ experience no visions or voices that can not be authenticated among those entrusted as leaders within the church, who are experienced in the things of prophecy. For Christian believers, every genuine experience of divine revelation proclaims the operation of GOD through communion, incarnation (appearance in flesh as Jesus Christ), law, life, openness, and truth. Conspiracy, deceit, misdirection, murder, slander, and subtlety (barely visible differences; hidden alterations and shifts) are tools used by agents of the devil.
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Government (we say, the powers that be) with its institutions for maintenance of order and security are endorsed within the Scriptures as appointed by GOD, and the primary mechanism for believers to achieve the outworking of divine law and judgment as they center upon human attitudes, behavior, and conduct. It is only the final judgment of GOD, and the things that pertain to the Second Coming of Jesus, that center upon the content of ones spirit matter imparted from divinity, and, therefore embrace things visible and invisible.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
That American believers apply the Bible to themselves is the topic, today. Also, there is more on “good intentions.” A “Yahoo! Answers” fighter using the ID “judy” (Level 4 with 2,755 points, a member since June 12, 2014) posted the following:
Why do American christians think the bible is all about them?
when it is so obviously about people 2000 years ago in what is now palestine and israel. are they really that clueless or are they just that arrogant to think everything is all about them
THE BATTLE AXE: Good Intentions? (07/26/2014)—(5.) Christian believers are to put aside human methods in favor of those that are divine. For example: Many hold that the judgment of GOD is against their enemy; yet, they fail to grasp, that because the law is impartial, they themselves also are condemned. Thus, it is written: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (Matthew 5: 44, KJV). Many take this to mean that believers are commanded to pray for those who abuse, exploit, and mistreat them. However, the “natural technique” many rely upon to avoid bitterness against enemies, and maintain peace, is to separate from them, and not think of their enemies at all. Hatred of others is contrary to the endowment of sacred spirit, and the divine nature deposited within us. Many accept and are comfortable expressing hatred, because hatred does not conflict with ones own animal nature that continues to have influence until believers are perfected. Desire, good intentions, and private opinions all pertain to self-affirmation, self-expression, and self-promotion that derive from ones animal nature, and the flesh (appetite, sensation, emotional/mental activity). While the life, death, obedience, and resurrection of Jesus Christ establish atonement and reconciliation for divinity to flesh, there is not yet any sacred work that totally eliminates sin, or that justifies the various actions, attitudes, and behaviors conceived, and carried out by all created beings and living creatures. The dispensation of Jesus as redeemer and savior is limited in its application, and pertains to those who accept and acknowledge his ministry and service to GOD. More than this, endorsement by Christ is only for sacred duties and lawful works rendered in submission to GOD such as cleansing, confession, government (that would include national defense and law enforcement), healing, praise, prayer, preaching, proclamation, promise, and prophecy. See Leviticus 20: 6, Psalms 143: 1-2, Proverbs 3: 19-23, Proverbs 14: 11-12, James 1: 16-25, Matthew 16: 24-27, 2nd Timothy 3: 1-5, Galatians 2: 16-17, Galatians 3: 22, Ephesians 2: 13-22, John 7: 16-18 and John 16: 1-3, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. (Colossians 3: 9-17, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Separation of Church and State (07/04/2014); The Point of Wisdom? (07/05/2014); Finding Peace Through the Bible? (06/02/2014); Disliking Other Christians? (06/03/2014); A Personal Relationship? (04/03/2014); GOD Everywhere? (04/04/2014); The Nature of Scripture (03/27/2014); Divine Sleep (03/28/2014); God Bless America? (09/12/2013); Law, Slavery and Redemption (09/13/2013)
“judy”, here are a few thoughts you may have overlooked regarding Christian belief:
(1.) While in the Scriptures thousands of lives are depicted over the course of thousands of years (a divine point of view), the Bible is all about divinity. On the one hand, all Christians are to understand that the holy writings document the appearance and workings of GOD among mankind upon the earth, and among the living beings of heaven. On the other hand, the things recorded are supplied as an incarnation of GOD that not only reveals and establishes the active presence of GOD, it is to provide comfort, correction, guidance, and instruction whereby created beings and living creatures may have ongoing fellowship, and be in intimate relationship with GOD.
(2.) Through the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, political franchise, local laws, and provision for human rights, America has been a safe haven for those committed to Christian belief, and others seeking opportunities for spiritual growth and religious liberty.
(3.) For all believers, everywhere (Great Britain, France, Spain, etc.), the same Bible serves in the process of GOD to make forces and influences recognizable that are otherwise invisible. Rather than finite tools of algebra, intellect, logic, mathematics, philosophy, reason, and science, the living must use discernment (i.e., apply their own spirit content as a standard that allows one to recognize and respond to spirit content in life experiences such as events, messages, objects, and other persons).
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) While the living have limited authority and control within the divine operations of atonement, forgiveness, judgment, redemption, salvation, and sanctification, believers are endowed and reinforced through sacred gifts that include the Bible, divine law, the body (congregation) of believers, sacred practices (we say, sacraments), and the imparted Spirit. For both flesh and spirit to continue throughout eternity, they must cooperate now on the basis of such elements as divine love, faith, trust, and understanding.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Divine judgment, self-justification, and sin are topics, today. Also, there is more on being asked to carry the cross (i.e., that believers willingly respond to duty, law, and service). A “Yahoo! Answers” fighter using the ID “Evol” (Level 1 with 11 points, a member since June 12, 2014) posted the following:
If you sin with good intentions doesn't that beat the whole idea of the unholiness of sin?
If you kill with the intention to save more lives. Or just to experience a spiritual special event; or to stop some greater evil to happen. Would that still be unholy? The intention is good so it's all good.
THE BATTLE AXE: Asked to Carry the Cross? (07/25/2014)—(5.) Rightly understood, new life for the Christian believer is one of accepting permanent change and transformation that come by sacred operations of GOD. The same Spirit that worked to establish the heaven and earth as spheres of life, also is active in baptism (death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak), divine forbearance, forgiveness, repentance, resurrection, and sanctification. Acknowledging that nothing is impossible for GOD (Luke 1: 37, KJV), the believer gradually acquires the understanding, I can do all things—the things approved and commanded by GOD; the things giving glory, gratitude, honor, humility, love and respect toward GOD; and the things in line with redemption and salvation—through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4: 13, KJV). While there is no “pat on the back,” payday or immediate divine reward to believers for their obedience to the example of Jesus, as they continue in fellowship with seasoned workers, expand their sacred knowledge by regular study of the holy writings, humble themselves sincerely in prayer, or unselfishly share of themselves with those in need, believers are made bold, certain, confident, and sure of their acceptance in judgment through Jesus Christ. Simply put, the more one gives to the people and purposes of GOD, the more one is given. See Luke 6: 26-38 and 1st Peter 4: 9-19, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. (Hebrews 4: 12-13, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Immortality (02/08/2014); The Male, the Female, and GOD (02/09/2014); Sin in Mind not Deed? (01/06/2014); Resisting Sin (12/21/2013); When People Covet (12/22/2013); We Are Still Sinning? (11/30/2013); Like a Thief? (12/01/2013)
“Evol”, here are a few points to consider:
(1.) The full process of divine judgment examines attitudes, actions, conduct, lasting effects (we say, consequences), and motives as appearances and indications of the spirit makeup from GOD that resides within created beings and living creatures. Also, there are requirements and standards for balance as well as for completeness and stability.
(2.) Sin itself is not a living thing, an emotional/mental process like fear, imagination and thought, an object having measurable dimensions (as do energy, matter and particles), or a spirit put forth by GOD. Yet, sin may dominate awareness and self-will in created beings and living creatures. Sin opposes the continued existence of divine authority, of sacred law as well as of order and the Creation established through law.
(3.) “Good intentions” are often appealed to within the human process of self-justification. However, as with other finite tools such as intellect, logic, mathematics, philosophy, and science, the operation of intent is not enough to correctly detect, eliminate, or resist sin.
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) By simple obedience to divine law, mankind would have escaped the damage that comes by sin. However, sin always operates as if a legitimate aspect of ones own being. The law must be internalized for it to reveal that sin is contrary to ones own nature, and opposes ones continued existence as something foreign, strange, and from outside ones true self. Given that the will of GOD is not subject to sin; by receiving a fresh endowment of Spirit from GOD, mankind is more well equipped to discern and respond to the challenges of sin.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Duty, love, unselfish service to GOD, and the “Gethsemane point” are in view, today. (No BATTLE AXE appears.) The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Andrew” (Level 4 with 2,636 points, a member since January 09, 2011) posted the following:
Asked to be a godparent but don't want to be?
The baptism is for my niece and nephew . At the time i felt obliged to say yes, but now i realize i dont even want to go to the baptism let alone be a godparent. The baptism is this Sunday, i dont know what to do now. I am not even a religious person in fact i cant stand it ( no offence intended ) Most of my family are religious though. I dont think it be right either for me being none believer to be a godparent, and i think it be unfair on my niece and nephew.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you. But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. (Luke 17: 5-10, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: What GOD Demands (05/10/2014); The Body of Moses (05/11/2014); The Obedience of Jesus? (04/15/2013); Why Would GOD Worry About Us? (04/16/2013); The Passion at Gethsemane (03/28/2013); Separated and Sealed? (03/29/2013)
“Andrew”, even reading and responding to questions here at “Yahoo! Answers” is a dangerous and difficult task that many only respond to willingly because they accept it as their duty from GOD. Here are a few points I hope you will find helpful that may make a positive difference for your life as a Christian:
(1.) When Jesus and his apostles had completed their last Passover meal together with the initiation of the Lord’s Supper and the ordinance of foot washing, the Savior became overwhelmed with the thought of his ministry on earth being ended by the cross. When they went to the place where they were to be encamped for the night, Jesus approached the Father in prayer to ask that his death be delayed. Jesus had reached and would have to endure an emotional, psychological, and spiritual agony that we now refer to as a “Gethsemane point.” Is that where you are?
(2.) Duty and service to GOD are not a matter of ones ability apart from GOD, ambition, experience, personal pleasure, self-promotion, skill, or talent. There are things a believer must do—like it, don’t like it—that absolutely must be carried out. While completing our sacred duty may provide special benefit to family, friends and loved ones, the simple tasks we are challenged to carry out often pertain to maintaining divine order for earth, heaven, and the entire universe as well as the continuum of eternity.
(3.) Born again, all believers must “grow up” again by meeting life challenges upon the earth. Believers are encouraged, instructed, and supplied to answer one another with love (we say, unselfish surrender), and respond to GOD with total commitment. Examples from Isaac quietly waiting upon an altar to be struck by his father Abraham to that of Jesus at Calvary demonstrate the maturity we are to acquire wherein we obey and discharge duty no matter the cost (we say, the sacrifice, the suffering).
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Asked to be accountable, asked to be responsible, asked to be shown up by the many other people whom you account more worthy than yourself, asked to take the risk of being more than just a bystander, pride makes most of us hesitate. The “hero” in a crisis is a person who was committed to doing their best before the emergency, or need for special assistance appeared. Where believers refuse to participate or share in any given role of ministry, it always should be only because it would damage or interrupt their other ongoing commitments to GOD.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Response is made to complaints that condemnation, negative criticism, and unkindness always appear as aspects when Christians share their beliefs or understandings of the holy Scriptures. Also, there is more on grace not against law. The “Yahoo! Answers” fighter using ID “Grace” (Level 2 with 309 points, a member since July 15, 2014) posted the following:
Do Xians understand how cruel and offensive it is to say that?
1) Many are called, few are chosen. (thus I am chosen for heaven and you for hell)
2) God doesn't send people to hell. People send themselves to hell (because we weren't chosen and because God refused to give us brains capable of comprehending your story line.
3) You DO believe in God, but you are in denial because of your iniquity. (Why is god too powerless to reach through the alleged denial?
THE BATTLE AXE: Grace is Not Against Law (07/23/2014)—(5.) Teaching in favor of grace, rather than the Decalogue or Jewish law as identified through the Scriptures, is being provided through a sacred priesthood, and a new testament in the blood of Jesus Christ. Grace is preferred to law as an explanatory principle for the highest relationship with GOD. Neither divine love nor sin were completely and correctly communicated to the living by the law; and so the curse (i.e., condemnation, prohibitions, and punitive sanctions) were introduced. The operations of sin have demanded that grace be further clarified and revealed so that created beings and living creatures might escape the peculiar limitations imposed by the original system of sacred laws that assumed Adam and his descendants all would be in personal relationship to divinity on the basis of direct contact, and active presence. While the law does correctly identify sin and its consequences, divine law does not eliminate, erase, or remove sin as a continuing aspect of awareness and self-will within the living. Only death and new life from GOD establish permanent release from sin; and mankind must be endowed with divine content that will prepare flesh both for resurrection from death, and for eternal existence as immortal and incorruptible. Because of sin, there now must be atonement, purification, redemption, resurrection, salvation, sanctification and many other divine operations simply spoken of as “rebirth”. See Deuteronomy 27: 26, John 3: 6-8, Galatians 3: 10-14, Titus 3: 3-7, James 2: 10-20 and 1st Peter 1: 13-23, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. (Matthew 25: 24-33, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: On Christians Being Inclusive? (07/16/2014); War and Peace? (07/17/2014); Denying Oneself (05/17/2014); From Such Turn Away (05/18/2014); Not A Matter Of Opinion? (04/24/2014); What Faith Makes Possible (04/25/2014); Spring-training? (04/11/2014); Kill the Blog Writer! (04/12/2014); Scriptures and Judging Others (03/12/2014); Faith Given By GOD (03/13/2014)
“Grace”, here are a few points to consider that can not be avoided for any belief system acknowledging GOD as righteous and holy:
(1.) The exalted status of GOD is not merely based upon the idea that the Almighty Father has supreme authority, and governs all created beings and living creatures with power to condemn, destroy, kill, resurrect, and even to grant eternal life. For ones sacred knowledge to be comprehensive and sound, divinity would also have to be described and recognized in terms of those operations having cosmic proportion that may only be carried out and performed by GOD, the full range of eternal purposes expressed through divine revelation, and a detailed description for the various aspects that make up divine person.
(2.) For the sake of their integrity as genuine persons, created beings and living creatures are established having awareness, independence, and self-will. However, given their fragility, infirmity, impurity, and vulnerability, there must be a “protective” distance from the Almighty for finite created beings and living creatures to continue in existence before GOD. Intimate relationship, and access to GOD are controlled through such divine operations as atonement, baptism (death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak), communion, judgment, penance, prayer, repentance, sanctification, and worship. All living things are not the same; only certain ones are the children of GOD in terms of functions, preparation, readiness, strength, and divine substance.
(3.) Through the provisions of GOD, who is spirit, appearing in human form (we say, incarnate) as Jesus Christ, mankind may receive various inseparable aspects of sacred substance from the content and makeup of GOD. Included are boldness (some say, confidence, courage), faith, holiness, humility, joy, longsuffering, love, truthfulness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. The work of the imparted, indwelling Spirit is to establish union with GOD through the life of his Son.
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Many attack the righteousness of GOD as being “cruel and offensive” on the basis of their ignorance, their immaturity, their lack of understanding, and their separation from GOD. Like small children, they whine and cry because they may not have their own way. Creation, judgment, redemption, salvation, and the various unknown operations of GOD are, in fact, absolutely non-negotiable. For those lacking the divine endowment, sacred knowledge and divine will must always be incorrectly seen as in conflict with human desire, fantasy, intellect, lust, passion, and pride. Through such devices as duty (things that must be done, like it, don’t like it), mankind is being mercifully instructed and prepared to complete the ongoing transformation wherein mortality will be ended, and changes now being introduced into life experience of believers will become final and permanent.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Covenant, faith, grace, divine law, and mercy are topics, today. Also, there is more on an eternity of worship. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “craig” (Level 1 with 115 points, a member since July 07, 2014) posted the following:
Whats up with these so called Christians who preach against the ten commandments and jewish law in favor of grace?
THE BATTLE AXE: An Eternity of Worshipping? (07/22/2014)—(5.) Believers are confidant that their commitment to Christ will bear fruit as contentment, happiness, and satisfaction, because they are granted a foretaste of the life to come. The believer’s faith is built up on the basis of actual experience, not by fantasy, imagination, make believe, and speculation. Ones eternal life begins now, before their physical death and resurrection, through fellowship within the church, through awareness of the details in the holy writings that document miracles and sacred events, and through their own daily, human experiences of spirit growth, triumph, and victory.
(6.) All worship by believers is an expression of their spirit content; and many simple activities and behaviors may be used in the course of worship (e.g., bowing, breathing, folding ones hands). Only behavior directed toward acknowledgment of divinity qualifies as worship. While worship for an assembly or congregation of believers is usually achieved by using fixed patterns and set programs of activity (we say, customs, liturgy, rites, rituals), the acknowledgement of GOD that is worship also goes forward as commitment to unselfish service, personal devotion, and the whole-hearted offering of oneself as an individual. Corporate worship (i.e., as a body, as a group) requires agreement, collective understanding, and shared vision. Thus, symbolic acts and pre-set routines are relied upon that provide the beauty of holiness—we say, balance, diversity, symmetry, clarity, concentration, continuity, energy, focus, and richness along with purity and simplicity. Individual worship tends to emphasize humility, self-denial, and submission. Many believers practice asceticism; shun material comforts; prefer private (we say, secret, and unspoken) prayers; pursue intense studies of the holy writings; and avoid social gatherings as features of their worship. There are also believers who seek extra-biblical experiences of spirit knowledge and power as mystics. See 1st Chronicles 16: 28-30, Matthew 6: 5-6, 2nd Corinthians 5: 5-10 and 17, Romans 8: 22-25, Hebrews 11: 1, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them. But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. (Acts 15: 4-11, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: GOD Does The Divine Part (01/05/2014); Sin in Mind not Deed? (01/06/2014); The Benefit of Law? (11/15/2013); Are Holidays Bad? (11/16/2013); Law in Christian Belief? (09/03/2013); A Need to Know? (09/04/2013); The Benefit of Grace (03/19/2013); Magical Resurrection? (03/20/2013); By Grace (09/04/2012); Yet If I Judge (09/05/2012)
“craig”, here are a few points that should help build your understanding of Christian belief:
(1.) Divine grace does not cancel or negate divine law (the expressed will of GOD)—or divine utterance such as commandment, proclamation, promise, and prophecy. Grace is to be seen as one of the aspects of divinity whereby covenant relationship, once established through law to be eternal and permanent, yet, may be altered, clarified, and otherwise maintained.
(2.) The Pharisees and Sadducees of Jesus’ day repeatedly attacked the Savior’s teachings as being in defiance of time-tested customs and traditions that have been provided by GOD through the covenant of Moses. (As is often the case among clergy today, their actual focus was continuing and justifying their own authority.) Jesus demonstrated that, in fact, his behavior and the doctrine were in agreement with, and carried out, the eternal purposes and workings of the law. Believers all are to discern and respond to the spirit content and substance of the law that has always existed, yet, has continuously been ignored, improperly taught, misapplied, and neglected.
(3.) Grace pertains to the sovereign will of GOD, and may be understood as a divine aspect within the full makeup of the Almighty. Where the law may be regarded as a tool used for relationship with GOD that is external, formal and impersonal, grace should be understood as intimate, organic, and privileged. Therefore, believers often say, grace is “divine prerogative.” Grace interacts in balance and proportion with other inseparable aspects of divinity such as awareness, faith, holiness, longsuffering, love, righteousness, truthfulness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Through grace, created beings and living creatures obtain comfort from GOD that, in humility, many label as “unmerited favor.” However, grace is an imperative within the GODhead, and may not be appealed to, exploited as a weakness, influenced, or manipulated. Grace is an ever present aspect of the active presence of GOD, like mercy within the process of divine judgment. Mercy does not cancel or negate the demands of the law; mercy ensures that judgment will be balanced, thorough, righteous and unbiased.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Duty, family, human nature, and worship in heaven come into view, today. A “Yahoo! Answers” fighter using the ID “The Green Machine” (Level 5 with 6,162 points, a member since November 09, 2013) posted the following:
How would Christians like to spend eternity worshipping God?
Because that's what heaven is like. Its not a place where you meet your family and friends and be free. Its a place of worship.
THE BATTLE AXE: Why Were We Sent Here? (07/20/2014)—(5.) Mankind was not “sent” to earth as an accident or an experiment; and the earth was not created to serve as a battlefield, a hospital, a practice area, a “proving ground,” a test lab, or a form of punishment by separation from GOD (such as was brought against those who lost their first estate in heaven). The earth was specifically created as the sphere of life having conditions that would support the continued existence of mankind. Because many conceive their existence as independent both from GOD and from the earth, the world has been created by mankind to maintain communication, exchange, and survival. The world system provides beliefs, meanings and values for the living, and deals with the earth as a disposable object, not as ones origin, ones home, or any organic aspect of oneself. Through the operations of sin, mankind now abuses and misapplies the devices and mechanisms that were intended by divinity as benefit. Included are authority, divine law, dominion, hierarchy, judgment, the Tree of Life, and truth. Apart from GOD, created beings and living creatures must be deprived of various blessings, gifts, possibilities, and tools. As a result, mankind is often challenged, confused, destroyed, and frustrated. The many sacred purposes of salvation include preparing mankind to be immortal and incorruptible, and to live forever upon the earth. See Isaiah 45: 18, Jude 1: 6, 1st Timothy 2: 13-15, Galatians 6: 7-8, Psalms 37: 8-10, Jeremiah 27: 4-5 and Isaiah 65: 17-23, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever. (Revelation 5: 13-14, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Meaning of Worship? (07/09/2014); To Serve GOD Acceptably (07/10/2014); Attending Church? (11/12/2012); Unwelcome Gifts? (09/17/2012); Does Believing Make It Happen? (09/18/2012); What is Worship? (10/18/2010); No Free Will (10/19/2010)
“The Green Machine”, here are a few points to consider that you may have overlooked:
(1.) Worship and operating in accordance with ones own spirit content from GOD are contrary to dependence upon ones animal nature and regularly operating after the flesh. Human awareness and self-will may be dominated and driven by such aspects as appetite (e.g., hunger, sexual cravings, thirst), sensation (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching), emotional/mental functioning (e.g., anxiety, desire, fear, imagination, recall) as well as by contact, exchange and social process.
(2.) Sin does not appear as contrary and foreign to ones own spirit content. Yet, sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, of GOD as Law Giver, and of all Creation that operates on the basis of divine order. Sin may control and generate attitudes, behavior and conduct. Lacking the various provisions of GOD, created beings and living creatures do not detect, recognize or correctly resist the action and presence of sin within their consciousness, and upon their self-will.
(3.) Those who will worship in heaven first will have undergone a transformation that fits and suits them for an environment of spiritual purity. They will have been born again, and will have received an endowment of divinity that includes such inseparable features as faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, peace, wisdom, and wrath against sin. They will have been nourished upon the earth through fellowship with other believers, sacred knowledge by study of the holy writings, and discipline through practice of holy sacraments.
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) At the appearing of Jesus Christ, the transformation that has already begun, and is continuing to happen right now, whereby believers become immortal and incorruptible will be completed. Such beggarly elements as ambition, contradiction, dullness, human error, idleness, indecision, misery, monotony, and mortality will all become a “thing of the past” that will never exist again.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
