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
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